Writting by Sarah Schloss PA-C

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating. The most common areas involved are the palms, feet, underarms and head. It can interfere with daily activities and even in some cases lead to secondary skin infections from the constant moisture in the area. There are two types-primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary is common and occurs in otherwise healthy individuals. Secondary can be due to a medication or medical condition. There are different treatments for hyperhidrosis which include antiperspirant medications, iontophoresis(electrical stimulation), botox, prescription medications and even surgery

Botox is an FDA approved treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. It works by temporarily blocking a chemical in the body that stimulates sweat glands. Its simple, superficial injections in the bilateral axillary area. They start to work within 2-4 days with the full effect seen at 2 weeks. Results last at least 4-6 months but some studies show up to 14 months duration. In some cases this procedure can be covered by insurance.

The AAD’s website is a good resource for any additional info:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/dry-sweaty-skin/hyperhidrosis#overview

Getting a gel manicure rather than regular polish has become extremely popular. They last up to 14 days and dry almost instantly so you won’t have to worry about smudging the polish once you leave. With that being said, have you ever asked yourself whether these manicures are safe when putting your hands under the UV lamps? Gel manicures are cured under UVA lamps for about 10 minutes each time you get a manicure. This exposure is equivalent to the day-long recommended limit for outdoor workers. (Curtis et. Al. JAAD 2013). UVA rays have be known to cause skin cancer and photoaging. This could be of concern to those that get their nails done regularly. Don’t worry though, there are precautions you can take to help block the UVA rays while getting your manicure. It is recommended that you put broad spectrum sunscreen on your hands 20 minutes prior to going under the UVA lamps. People who have a history of skin cancer in their family or who have a fair complextion may even want to use cotton gloves with the tips cut off for extra protection. Look and feel fabulous while protecting all of your skin, including the hands.

Heliocare Advanced, also known as the “sunscreen pill” is the only dietary supplement on the market that provides protection against photoaging. Heliocare affects the skin over your entire body and won’t be washed away by swimming, sweating and other activities. The active ingredient in Heliocare Advanced is polypodium leucotomas extract which is derived from a tropical fern found in South and Central America. This product is great for anyone who has sun damaged skin or has been diagnosed with any skin cancers. Make this amazing product a part of your daily routine and ask the doctor if Heliocare Advanced is right for you.

So you’ve noticed a suspicious mole on your skin. You think it’s changed in size, shape or color, but you’re not sure. You’re worried but don’t have time during the week to see a dermatologist…

The Woodruff Institute is pleased to offer Saturday Dermatology appointments in their North Naples office.

Dr. Tina Venetos is offering cosmetic and medical dermatology appointments, including full body skin exams, on Saturdays. Dr. Venetos is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in complex medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology. She has been in private practice in the northern Chicago suburbs since 1996.

Hurry and book your Saturday skin check TODAY! Limited availability.

Written by: Bobbi G. Brady, M.D.

What causes them?
Aging, a genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Healthy nails require adequate nutrients and blood flow. Certain diseases, including autoimmune disease, vascular diseases, anemia, and thyroid disease can inhibit healthy nail growth. Additionally, medications can contribute to brittle nails.

Did you know? Nails are absorbent tissues and they are very susceptible to external exposures.

Water exposure
Repetitive wetting and drying (hand washing, cleaning dishes, bathing, going into a pool, etc) creates expansion and contraction of the cells that make up your nail. Over time, this strains the nail and results in brittle nails.

Environmental factors
Changes in humidity and temperature throughout the day also cause weakening of the nails. This can be particularly dramatic in cold winters when going from warm indoor environments to cold outdoor environments.

Chemical exposure
Nail polish remover is very harsh on nails. They often contain acetone, which is a harsh chemical. The non-acetone removers are also damaging as they require more liquid and a longer soak time. Nail polish itself is not generally harmful but remember that picking nail polish off removes the top layer of nail cells and causes damage. Unfortunately, nail hardeners may also contain formaldehyde and formaldehyde related preservatives and releasers which actually makes your nail even more brittle over time. Read the ingredients before purchasing. Hand sanitizers have a high alcohol content and which has a significant drying effect on nails.

Mechanical damage
Buffing and filing the nail can cause tiny openings and cracks in the nail and should be avoided when possible.

What can you do?
To promote healthy growth:

1. Keep nails trimmed. Shorter nails reduce the surface area exposed to water or chemicals.

2. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, hand-washing clothes, or using chemicals.

3. Use moisturizing soaps like Dove, Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Olay. Avoid alcohol based hand sanitizers.

4. Apply a fragrance-free gentle moisturizer to the nails and nail folds twice daily and after each incidence of water exposure throughout the day.

5. Consider applying a humectant to the nails and nail folds. Humectants are moisturizers which draw water into the skin. If the ambient humidity is over 70 percent, as it frequently is in Florida, humectants can draw water vapor from the air into the skin for additional moisturization. Examples of humectants are Eucerin Urea 10% cream and products with ammonium lactate (such as Amlactin).

6. Do not cut your cuticles. Cuticles prevent water, exogenous chemicals and materials, and bacteria from getting into your nail plates and protect the matrix (which makes the nail plate).

7. Take a nail polish holiday for 3 months. Nails grow slowly so this allows them time to recover.

8. When nail filing is necessary, use glass or crystal nail files to prevent small tears.

9. Avoid over-the-counter nail hardeners with formaldehyde related chemicals. There are two FDA approved prescription nail hardeners available (Genadur and Nu-Vail) if you are interested. These should be applied once daily at bedtime. They are not covered by insurance.

10. Consider taking biotin 2500-5000 mcg daily. This is a supplement that has studies to support its benefits in nail health and nail hardening. Due to the slow growth of nails, you should take this supplement for at least 6 months.

11. Follow a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein and drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily. Nails need protein and nutrients to grow strong.

Remember
Nail growth is very slow. Healthy finger nails take an average of 6-9 months to grow out completely, and healthy toenails can take up to 18 months to grow out completely. When nails are not healthy, the process can be even longer. Therefore, be patient. Any changes you make can take several months to start noticing improvement.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career as a dermatologist?
I was inspired to achieve a career as a dermatologist after a dermatology lecture my first year of medical school by the late Dr. Lawrence Solomon. I subsequently, was involved in a dermatology summer research program and after spending the summer in the dermatology clinic, I knew that dermatology was the correct choice for me.

Q. What are your specialties?
The field of Dermatology is very gratifying to me. I enjoy seeing patients of all ages, diagnosing and treating a variety of skin conditions, performing routine skin exams and surgery for the removal of moles and skin cancer as well as noninvasive cosmetic procedures.

Q. What are some of the highlights of your career?
The highlights of my career are all of the grateful patients that I have treated whether for a skin condition or to improve their appearance. I also enjoy giving back to my community through yearly free skin cancer screenings in May which is melanoma awareness month. My clinic in the Chicago northern suburbs also participates in Open Doors for Education through Lake Forest High School so that high school students are exposed to various careers.

Q. What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin?
Healthy lifestyle habits (drinking plenty of water, eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep), using EltaMD sunscreen every morning, and moisturizer daily.

Q. What are the most common procedures you perform? What are the ones you most commonly recommend?
I perform total skin exams and removal of moles and skin cancer on the body. I perform a variety of noninvasive cosmetic procedures like fillers and neorotoxin injections.

Q. What inspires you most in life? What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy golfing, traveling all over the world and especially a yearly trip to Greece, gourmet cooking, and most of all I love spending time with my 3 young adult children whenever possible.

Q. What do you like most about working at TWI?
TWI allows me to continue practicing dermatology, golf and enjoy the great weather of Naples.

Q. What’s one thing that everybody needs to know about you?
Although I am born and raised In the Chicago area, I dislike the cold weather.

Q. What do you do in Naples, Florida for fun?
Golfing as much as possible. I am a foodie so I enjoy the fine restaurants in the Naples area. I enjoy walking the beach.

Q. Is there anything you would like to tackle in 2019?
Improve my golf game in 2019.

The Woodruff Institute would like to introduce our newest dermatologist, Dr. Tina C. Venetos!

Tina C. Venetos, M.D. is a Board-Certified Dermatologist who specializes in complex medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Venetos has been in private practice in the northern Chicago suburbs since 1996. She attended Loyola University of Chicago, graduating with highest honors in 1986. She then attended University of Illinois College of Medicine and graduated in 1990. After completing an Internal Medicine residency at Evanston Hospital, she completed her dermatology residency from the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago.

Dr. Venetos is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Chicago Dermatological Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society and The Dermatology Foundation.

Dr. Venetos practices general and cosmetic dermatology for all ages. With a particular interest in skin cancer prevention and early detection, she has organized multiple educational events and skin cancer screenings for her communities. She emphasizes patient education and a treatment plan suitable for each patient. She offers a medically-based approach to skin care combined with close attention to aesthetics. She is dedicated to help you achieve younger, healthier looking skin. Dr. Venetos’ goal as a dermatologist is to provide her patients with the finest professional medical skin care possible. She also attends various seminars and has a special interest and certification in cosmetic and laser procedures providing breakthrough treatments to revitalize and rejuvenate her patients. In addition to treating various skin conditions, Dr. Venetos offers state of the art procedures and specializes in injectables such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Kybella, Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra and Bellafill. She is also a Bellafill injectable trainer in which she educates other dermatologists.

She brings her expertise to Southwest Florida with Friday and Saturday hours during the winter season. She is currently accepting new patients at our North Naples and Bonita Springs locations. Ask about Saturday dermatology visits!