​Check out these intersting and suprising facts about the skin that you may not have known!

1. The skin is the bodies largest organ.
2. The average person sheds approximately 1.5lbs of dead skin cells each year.
3. An average adult has more than 20 square feet of skin.
4. A square inch of the human body has about 19,000,000 skin cells and up to 300 sweat glands.
5. The eyelids are the thinnest area of skin on the human body.
6. Contrary to some beliefs, dust is not made up mostly of dead skin cells. There are many sources of dust pollutants floating around the air.
7. Your skin sheds 50,000 cells every minute.
8. There are at least five types of receptors in the skin that respond to pain and touch.
9. Globally, dead skin accounts for about a billion tons of dust in the atmosphere.
10. In blind people, the brain’s visual cortex is rewired to respond to stimuli received through touch and hearing, so they literally “see” the world by touch and sound.

Source: http://www.amazingandweird.com/facts/30-interesting-and-fun-facts-about-human-skin/

If you’re reading this you most likely already know what a dermatologist is and what they do. However, it can help you better understand your care and what a dermatologist can do for you. Dermatologists are medical doctors who complete a 4 year residency training in skin, hair and nail diseases. Dermatologists are also experts in skin cancer and surgery of the skin. No other area of medicine is as highly trained in the area of skin and skin cancer. 

The training required for a dermatologist involves advanced education in greater detail than any other area of medicine in the skin, skin diseases, skin cancer diagnosis and management as well as cosmetic dermatology. Many patients seek dermatologic evaluations for routine skin cancer screening examinations as this is the highest trained specialty for this.

In addition, dermatologists are experts in other skin growths, skin cancer, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, acne and warts so many people see dermatologist for these common skin problems. Since skin cancer is the number one cancer diagnosed in America today (affecting up to 1 in 3 people), most people go to see a dermatologist annually for a skin cancer screening examination.

Dr. Roger Moore treats patients with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma from Elkhart, South Bend, Goshen and all of Michiana. The renowned removal technique of Mohs Micrographic surgery is performed routinely by Dr. Moore as well. He is the first to offer this technique in Elkhart County. If you or someone you know has a skin concern or problem call Dr. Roger Moore and his team at DermacenterMD today at (574)522-0265. No referral is necessary and don’t forget, no other area of medicine is as highly trained in the skin.

You may be surprised by the answer to this question-

If you suffer from mild to severe rosacea there are certain lifestyle changes that can be implemented to help decrease flare ups and keep symptoms to a minimum. These aggravating factors may or may not affect your flare ups, but if you find that they do, it may be a good idea to avoid or reduce these activities in the future.

1. Sun exposure-

It is important to protect your skin from the sun using daily sunscreen and wearing a hat to shield your skin. Even a small amount of sun exposure can cause rosacea to flare. 

2. Hot liquids-

Many people with rosacea report having flare ups when they ingest hot liquids such as coffee or teas. Try your coffee or tea iced for a period of time and see if your symptoms improve or subside.

3. Spicy Foods-

Avoiding spicy foods may also improve symptoms of rosacea. Often times, the spike in body temperature induced by spicy foods is thought to cause flare ups.

4. Emotional Upset-

Feelings of stress, anger or embarrassment are thought to make rosacea symptoms worse.

5. Seasonal Changes-

Changes in the weather can also affect flare ups. According to a new National Rosacea Society (NRS) patient survey, nearly 90% of 852 survey respondents said their rosacea is affected by the change in seasons.

6. Alcohol-

Having a glass of wine at the end of a stressful day sounds relaxing, but if you suffer from rosacea it may cause flushing to become worse. The reason for this is unknown, however, alcohol does not cause rosacea despite pervious popular belief.

7. Temperature Extremes-

Extreme hot and cold can cause flare ups of rosacea to be more frequent. If you must be exposed to extreme temperatures, try to stay covered up or stay cool to keep your body temperature as regular as possible.

8. Strenuous exercise-

Exercise has been reported to increase flare ups and cause flushing. Taking it easy can be beneficial to thwart symptoms.

9. Hot baths or saunas-

Once again, avoiding extremes in temperatures such as hot showers or baths can help reduce flushing. Maintaining a regular body temperature can help reduce flare ups.

10. Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications-

Rosacea affects the blood vessels of the face and any drug that dilates blood vessels can increase irritation and flushing.

Making simple lifestyle changes like avoiding certain aggravating factors, such as the ones listed above, can help to reduce your symptoms and flare ups. However, going in to see your doctor can be the best choice. Your dermatologist can evaluate your skin can determine the best course of action for treatment. Many prescription topicals can provide significant improvement.

Source: via http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20040218/link-between-rosacea-alcohol

5 Health Benefits of Biotin

Vitamin H, or biotin, is a part of the complex B vitamins. Biotin is a vitamin that can be very beneficial to your health. Here are 5 health benefits you can garnish from taking biotin:

1.Strengthen hair and nails

Biotin can help to thicken nail cuticles and prevent breakage. While there is little evidence to support the idea that biotin increases hair growth, there is evidence to support that a deficiency can lead to hair loss. Many hair care companies are now including biotin directly into their products.

2.Improve health of your skin

B vitamins play a key role in the function of the nervous system and affect hormone function; therefore biotin can play a significant role in skin health. If skin is not nourished from the inside out, toxicities will form through the nervous system and manifest on the skin’s surface.

3.Aid in weight loss

Biotin supports metabolic function and helps to break down food, especially carbohydrates.

4.Lower cholesterol

When cholesterol levels are too high you are at a greater risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. It is thought that biotin can help to reduce bad cholesterol levels.

5.Regulate blood sugar

Biotin has been associated with helping to prevent and fight off diabetes. A 2005 study conducted by the Biomedical Research Institute found that biotin deficiency has been linked to impaired glucose tolerance and decreased utilization of glucose. Therefore, taking biotin could help your body to properly use and absorb glucose.

It is always best to check with your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet. Biotin is found in many foods and most people already meet their daily requirements if they have a nutrient-rich diet. However, taking it as a supplement can be helpful. Consult your doctor before adding biotin to your diet.

Source:

Webstie: http://www.chatelaine.com/health/wellness/biotin-can-boost-your-health/

Study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15992683

Hello My Friend,

If you have ever felt red faced you are probably not alone.  In fact a high percentage of people have redness on the face which can be intermittent or constant.   The redness can be an early sign of rosacea.

What is Rosacea?  It is a chronic condition often felt to be similar to acne.   Most people with Rosacea have one of the following:  1) red bumps and pus bumps on the face, 2)  redness of the face  which can be worse after some foods or aggravating factors, 3) blood vessels on the nose or face called telangiectasias, 4) eyelid or eye irritation and/or 5) swollen or thick skin.   

One or all of the items listed can be found in people with rosacea.    The problem can be one which is embarrassing and frustrating.   Fortunately the condition is often treatable.   This means if you or someone you care about suspects rosacea, come on in and let us evaluate you.   It is much easier to treat the rosacea than what many people have thought in the past.

I wish you much success, peace and happiness.   As well as great skin!

Enthusiastically,

Roger Moore, MD