Dr. Steven Snyder, MD

Typically shingles will occur on one side of the body following a nerve root pattern. The pain and discomfort typically precedes the development of the rash which consists usually of grouped small blisters that may be blood-filled or crusted. Your picture is very blurry, hard to discern. Seeing your dermatologist as soon as possible to be examined and probably treated with the correct dosage of an antiviral medication like Famciclovir or Valcyclovir for 8-10 days will help to arrest the progression of the condition and hasten resolution; furthermore, it can prevent what is a common sequelae of long lasting post-herpetic neuralgia that could be painful for many months or longer. Yes, seek the advice of your dermatologist, and do not delay treatment if warranted.

Applying fresh lemon juice to an active acne pimple might help to dry up the individual lesion, but caution is recommended because some patients will find the lemon juice to be irritating to their skin and lead to aggravating the acne condition. It is always best to seek the advice of your dermatologist, as acne is the number one condition treated by dermatologists.

There are different types of laser facials used, and the actual treatment chosen depends on many variables such as one's skin type and the sun damage incurred as well as the aging facial changes. How often you may need a laser facial depends on your goals for treatment. Are they to prevent or reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve blotchy hyperpigmentation, shrink pores, decrease red blood vessels, eliminate age spots, or to reduce facial scarring? Any combination or all of the above? My patients are very impressed with the results of our contactless Aerolase Neo Elite Laser that offers many benefits for facial rejuvenation without pain, anesthesia, needles or any downtime. Typically there is a treatment regimen of once
every 3-4 weeks for 5 treatments for the best results, although many begin to see results in as little as one treatment. The frequency for having a maintenance treatment will again depend on the extent of sun damage and aging changes you may have and how you are currently protecting your skin. In general, the results from the Aerolase Nep Elite could last from 1-3 years, but depending on how well you protect your skin throughout the year from further sun damage, you might elect to have a maintenance treatment

Taking frequent, cool baths or showers will be soothing to your sunburn. Right after bathing, gently pat your skin dry but leave it slightly damp and then immediately apply a moisturizing cream or lotion that has aloe vera. By trapping the moisture, this will help prevent your skin from becoming too dry. If you are having any discomfort from the sunburn, you may experience relief by taking Aspirin or Ibuprofen. For milder cases, you could apply cool tap water to the affected area followed by over-the-counter 1% Hydrocortisone cream, but if you experience significant burning pain, or blistering, it would be best to schedule to see your dermatologist for an examination and prescription medication.