When we talk about UV safety, or UV awareness we are referring to the precautions you can take in order to keep your skin healthy and safe. It is important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30; wearing sun-safe clothing, sunglasses, and hats also help to protect your skin. Avoiding direct sun exposure by seeking shade during peak hours 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM when possible is recommended.

SPF stands for sun protection factor which is a measure of how much UV radiation (or solar energy) is required to produce a sunburn on protected skin. When choosing a sunscreen, use the 30/30 rule: find a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 or more, and be sure to apply it 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours at least; and more frequently if you are sweating or in the water. Sunscreen should be used even when it is cloudy and when you are driving! Glass does not block UV rays.

There are two types of sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens take at least 20 minutes to be effective from the time of application and absorb UV rays. Active ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, and octinoxate.

Physical (also known as mineral) sunscreens are effective immediately and reflect the sun’s rays. The active ingredients are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These products are typically the better option for sensitive skin types, and do not typically irritate the eyes. Physical sunscreen may leave a white appearance on the skin, though some are made to appear sheer or tinted. These sunscreens are the best option for children and babies over 6 months of age.

Spray sunscreens may also be effective when applied properly. The nozzle should be held close to the skin and two slow passes may be necessary for coverage. The spray should be rubbed in after application. It is important to avoid inhaling sunscreen, and it should not be used on windy days.  Sprays are typically chemical, not physical sunscreens.

Sun-safe clothing can provide a great barrier against UV damage and is an excellent choice when you’re in the water or if sweating. Sun protective clothing is labeled UPF which stands for ultraviolet protection factor.  The higher the number, the fewer UV rays that can penetrate the clothing. To provide a little perspective, most cotton T–shirts only provide a UPF of 5 and do not protect your skin well – so wearing a T-shirt in the pool may not be doing much! Look for a UPF between 30 – 50, as this will best help to protect your skin.  A hat with a wide brim of at least 3 inches and UV-blocking sunglasses are important protection as well.  Don’t forget to apply your sunscreen to any areas that are uncovered such as ears, neck, and hands.

Integrative medicine is the expansion of the toolkit for a practitioner to not only use the standard teachings of pharmaceutical medicine taught in medical school, but also to encompass the traditional techniques which use many different approaches including nutrition, herbs, supplements, off-label medications, mind-body techniques, and specialized testing if and when appropriate.

I personally became interested in integrative medicine after some of my family members were struggling with various ailments and not getting better with conventional medicine alone. I was introduced to a new world of options and explanations (through learning about integrative medicine) that I was previously unaware of and when it helped, I decided I should offer the same approach to my patients. Not all cases and situations require this approach, but it is nice to be able to incorporate it if warranted.

IDCP is the Integrative Dermatology Certificate Program. It is a 9-month data-driven intensive course through LearnSkin with weekly lessons and tests, and a final project completed in order to become certified. It is designed by dermatologists, and only dermatologists are eligible to become certified. It is currently the only program of its kind that teaches and explores integrative dermatology.

Often times conventional methods work great, but when they don’t, bringing in some traditional options can help make the other things work better. For example, I had a patient with a common inflammatory skin condition on her face that responded well to supplements and dietary changes after doing some specialized testing and finding an underlying trigger. She still needs to use a prescription topical but now it is well-controlled.

Check your skin at home between visits!

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melanoma is characterized as an abnormal uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells.

Melanoma can grow within an existing mole slowly over time, or it can appear suddenly on the skin. The good news is that melanoma is highly treatable when detected early, however, it can be dangerous if left undetected. Advanced melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs.

Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic skin rash that occurs when you touch chemicals you have become allergic to. Most people with allergic contact dermatitis have an itchy rash or eczema. Common causes of this rash include allergens which are found in shampoo, soaps, makeup, aftershave, medicines, jewelry, clothing, and or other common daily objects. You may also react to substances in your workplace including cleaning supplies, disinfectants, paper, ink, construction materials, oils, and rubber gloves.

Patch testing is done in a series of 3 quick and easy appointments.

During an office visit, we will apply patches with common allergens to your back. You will wear these patches for 2 days. During this time, the patches should not be removed, and all vigorous exercise or movement should be avoided while the patches are in place. After 2 days, you will return to our office where we will remove the patches and we will assess the skin. You will return 2 days later; at which time we will conduct a final assessment (4 days after patches were placed). Additional appointments may be necessary depending on our findings. Positive reactions will help guide us to investigate and avoid the substances that your immune system is reacting to.

Bring any personal care products you’re concerned about with you on the day of your appointment. Every case of allergic contact dermatitis is unique. Some of the most common types of allergens used for patch testing include metals, rubber chemicals, and preservatives, which are found in many personal care and cosmetic products; fragrances; and medicinal substances such as topical antibiotics and topical corticosteroids.

We will review your results when the patch test(s) are removed. Positive reactions range from a small skin rash with a little swelling to red, blistered skin.

It is important to note that negative results are possible. Patch testing helps to narrow the potential allergens that are causing your reaction. Thirty-five of the most common allergens cause 66-75% of all allergic contact dermatitis, so there is a strong likelihood of determining your allergens.

Joy Watson is a certified Physician Assistant with 19 years of experience. She sees patients at North Suburban Dermatology Associates.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Augustana College, a private school in Rock Island, IL, before attending Saint Louis University where she earned her Physician Assistant Master of Medical Sciences degree in 2004. From there, Joy went on to work in the surgery department at Medical Associates of Clinton in Iowa, before she began her career in dermatology with Soderstrom Skin Institute out of Davenport and Clinton in Iowa in 2009. Joy has completed the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) diplomat fellowship.

Joy specializes in medical dermatology including full-body skin examinations (skin cancer screenings), acne, Accutane, warts, eczema, rashes, moles, hair loss, rosacea, hyperhidrosis, skin tag removal, patch testing (allergic contact dermatitis), psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and treating additional conditions of the skin ranging from acute to chronic.

Call (847) 662-8201 to schedule an appointment with Joy!