Let’s face it: The best defense is a good offense.  In the case of allergies, that means you’ll need to develop a plan for allergic conditions such as stinging insect allergy, bug bite and mosquito reactions, food allergies, poison ivy and other rashes — especially if you have a history of an allergic reaction. 

Pesky mosquitoes can cause small or large bite reactions. Are you allergic to mosquitoes? Don’t scratch to avoid localized infection.  Topical steroid creams and cool compresses may offer supportive relief.  Don’t smell so nice and avoid scented products and colognes.  Also, prime biting times are generally dusk and dawn. Use insect repellents and wear long sleeves and pants — especially if in the woods or in a heavy mosquito area. 

If you have a history of reacting to stinging insects such as a honey bee, wasp, hornet or yellow jacket, you certainly need an evaluation with an experienced insect allergy specialist.  Frequent testing can reveal whether or not you will need to receive allergy injections to reduce your risk of a future life-threatening reaction, if stung.

Are you allergic to sunscreen and other products you may be using outdoors and at the beach? Skin allergies to the suspect ingredient can be easily diagnosed through office-based skin patch tests to identify the skin allergen that is likely to be causing the reaction or rash.  Sometimes it even is a fragrance or preservative present in the product used. 

Poison ivy reactions are on the rise due to climate change.  Know what these problematic plants look like, especially if you react to them.  You may try various over-the-counter barrier- or lanolin-type creams that are now designed to prevent the oil in the poison ivy/sumac family of plants that cause the horrible itching, rashes and blisters associated with this condition.  Some individuals with severe reactions will need prescription medication for proper treatment. 

Stay tuned for other mid summer strategies to keep you well. 

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

The Fourth of July weekend is here and whether you’re planning a barbecue at a park, the beach or in your own backyard, don’t forget the sunblock. Sunblock is a major factor in protecting you from getting skin cancer from sun exposure.  According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, “more than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure and sunscreens are a key weapon in the arsenal against the disease.” 

So, here are some of the answers to what people want to know about sunblock.
 
What makes the sun harmful?
 
There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that the sun emits.  They are UVA and UVB rays.  UVB rays are the rays that cause sunburn.  UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and cause long-term damage, such as wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other effects of aging.
 
What is the UV Index?
 
The UV Index provides a forecast for the risk of overexposure to the sun.  Knowing the UV Index gives you an idea about the dangers of overexposure to the sun when you are working or playing outside.  It is calculated on a daily basis by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency.  The measurement is based on the clouds and local conditions that will affect the amount of UV rays to hit the ground. 
 
It ranges from zero to 10+.  Zero implies a low risk of overexposure to the UV rays of the sun and 10+ is a very high risk of overexposure.  For the average person, a UV Index of 3 to 5 is a moderate risk of overexposure to the sun
 
How can we protect ourselves from the harmful effects of sun?
 
o Limit your exposure to direct sun, i.e., spend time in the shade.
o Wear protective clothing if you’ll be in the sun for along periods of time, especially, a wide brim hat.
o Whether you’re in the direct sun or in the shade, use sunblock with a SPF of 15 or higher.

What is SPF?
 
SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor.  It is laboratory measurement of a sunscreen’s ability to filter the UVB rays to prevent sunburn.  The higher the SPF, the more protection it provides against the sun.  In other words, if you burn in eight minutes and you use a sunblock with a SPF of 10, it will take you 80 minutes to burn.  If you use SPF 15, it will take 120 minutes for you to burn. 
 
In reality, the protection provided depends on several factors:  The person’s skin type, the amount applied and the frequency of application, activities that are engaged in while the product is on, and amount of sunscreen that is absorbed into the skin.
 
How should you apply sunblock?
 
Frequently and liberally!  Despite the fact that it adds hours on to the time it takes for a person to burn, it is best to apply it at least every two hours.  Apply it more frequently, if you are swimming or sweating.  It should also be applied liberally — one ounce per use.  Therefore, if you buy an 8 ounce bottle, it should only last for 8 uses.
 
Which is the best number to get?
 
Anything above SPF 15 is best.  SPF 15 will filter out 92 percent of the UVB rays, SPF 30 will filter out 97 percent of the rays and SPF 50 will filter out about 98 percent. 
 
Whatever number you get, remember to apply it frequently and liberally!
 
What is the best kind to get? 
 
It does not have to the most expensive one on the shelf to be the most effective.  You should look for ones that filter the UVA and UVB rays.  Look for ones that are waterproof or sweatproof.  Needless to say, take waterproof and sweatproof with a grain of salt.  If you go swimming for more than a quick dip and you’re sweating more than a droplet on your forehead, it’s not enough to apply it once.  If you go swimming, apply it again when you come out of the water.  If you’re sweating, apply it more frequently.
 
Are there clothes that have SPF?
 
A regular white T-shirt has an SPF of 3.  There are clothes that are made with zinc oxide and can provide an SPF of 30.  Tighter knit clothing also provides some protection.  Always try to wear a wide-brim hat to give more protection too. 
 
Am I protected from the UV rays in the shade?
 
The shade does provide some protection but the UV rays of the sun can reflect off the water, sand, concrete, and snow (not usually a problem in the summer!) and then penetrate the skin.  So sitting in the shade does provide good protection, but you still need to apply sunscreen.
 
And remember, whether you’re walking on the beach or just sitting on the porch reading a book, it’s always a good idea to have a bottle of sunblock close by. It’s a key factor in reducing your risk of developing skin cancer.

If you have questions about protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun or skin cancer – email Dr. Manny at Drmanny@foxnews.com.

Dr. Cynara Coomer is an assistant professor of surgery specializing in breast health and breast cancer surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. She is a FOX News Health contributor providing medical expertise on a variety of topics in cancer research with a focus on women’s health, breast diseases and tips for healthy breasts at any age.

Many of my patients have a variety of questions regarding their skin care, especially those with sensitive skin.  I recently sat down with my colleague Dr. Bobby Buka, section chief of the department of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and discussed various steps you can take to improve your skin’s health AND appearance if you have sensitive skin. 

Don’t over do it!
Dr. Buka feels a balance of skin care products is the key and not to “overdo it” with too many different lotions and facial care treatments — especially if you have sensitive skin.  “Too many of my patients end up with ‘itchy red bump syndrome,’ a condition that results from putting too much stuff on your face,” says Dr. Buka.  He further explained how the skin’s delicate balance can be upset by well-intentioned patients who apply more than 3 products to the face at the same time. His rule of thumb is to use no more than 3 items per application.  Your skin can’t possibly absorb more than 3 products anyway, so Dr. Bukka says chill out, 2-3 targeted items to the skin’s surface are plenty.

Some patients who also have seasonal or year-round allergies, as well as sinus problems, may also experience below eyelid puffiness or “shiners” that can wreak havoc with your appearance. When those affected are actually tested, many individuals have allergies as well as possible contact or skin allergy to products used in the eyelid and facial areas. Covering up these dark circles with facial cosmetics (foundation, etc.) won’t fix the problem.  Dr. Buka and I often collaborate to develop a long-term solutions patients with sensative skin-related issues.  

Drink up!
Finally, stay hydrated — this means what may seem like a massive amount of water each day — 8 glasses! So drink up, your skin and (your internal organs) will thank you for it.  But sensitive skin or not, protection against UV rays remains the single most important thing you can do to protect your skin and delay the signs of aging! Dr. Buka and I recommend SPF 30 or higher for patients — not only when planning to spend the day outside, but also as part of their daily skin regimen.  So get out there and take charge of your sensitive skin care for optimal health, and look better!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Winter is in full swing across the country, with temperatures hovering below freezing.   Many people experience dry, irritated, cracked and chapped skin due to the combination of cold air coupled with extreme temperatures from indoor heating and outdoor sports.  This time of year can be especially challenging for patients with eczema (a common condition where the patient experiences skin dryness and recurring skin rashes.)

The best way to prevent dry, irritated and chapped, cracked skin is to keep it fully moisturized.  The first and simplest step that I recommend to my patients is using a humidifier indoors.  Humidifiers add moisture to the air which can help you feel better and avoid getting sick.  The additional moisture can eliminate or minimize a dry nose, prevent dry, itchy or cracked skin along with helping many avoid allergy and asthma problems.  Most patients notice a difference in the skin severity immediately after the humidifier is in place. 

The second step to reducing the symptoms of winter skin is to use a moisturizer with a higher oil content.  These moisturizers form a layer of protection that literally locks in moisture. Ointments are also another good choice. An ointment is basically a water and oil emulsion that can contain as much as 70 to 80 percent oil.  You can also use any products on the market for “extra” dry skin.  While these do not contain as much oil as ointment, they do have higher oil content than traditional moisturizers, and this will definitely help protect and condition skin while reducing itchiness and redness associated with winter skin.

The greatest way to moisturize skin in winter months is to apply a moisturizer or ointment immediately after showering.  During this time, there is the added benefit of locking in the moisture.  Be sure to use warm (not hot) water for your showers. A hot, steamy shower or bath, while it can feel great on a cold day, can actually make your skin feel worse.  Opt for warm showers and for best results, pat skin dry and immediately apply a highly moisturizing lotion or ointment.  This will definitely help improve your skin and prevent it from drying out.

This blog wouldn’t be complete until we stress the importance of using sunscreen ― even in winter.  Sunscreens are not just for the beach and sun bathing.  Use a sunscreen everyday without exception.  I suggest using a broad spectrum sun block with at least an SPF of 15, but preferably a SPF of 30.

Other helpful tips include dressing in layers to prevent skin from becoming too cold or too overheated (indoors).  Sweaty, moist skin when combined with extreme and sometimes harsh temperatures can cause further irritation. 

In addition, drink plenty of water.  Not only does this help your skin replenish moisture, it helps your body in countless ways. 

This is the advice I have given my patients for years and I hope that it helps reduce your dry and itchy skin so that the winter months can be more enjoyable.

Dr. Neil Sadick is one of the most renowned dermatologists and researchers whose multiple discoveries have strongly influenced and transformed the future of dermatology. He is a Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and President of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sadick is author, or co-author, of more than 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has contributed more than 75 chapters of medical books. Read more at www.sadickdermatology.com.

Here in America, we’ve become a society so worried about skin cancer, that we’ve overlooked some of the good things that the sun provides for us. One of those things is an improvement in our mood. Another is Vitamin D. But Vitamin D is also obtainable through food including oily fish, eggs, fortified cereals, milk and orange juice. It can also be taken as a pill or liquid supplement.

Vitamin D works directly on the cells in the body, affecting metabolism the way a hormone dose. It is an extremely important vitamin, and we are finding out just how important with each new study. Deficiencies can lead to bone softening disease (rickets short term, or osteoporosis long term), dementia, heart disease, diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, some cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infections.

As we lather ourselves and our children with sunscreen, we increase our deficiencies. A recent study from Children’s Hospital in Boston revealed that 40% of infants were lacking in Vitamin D. Those especially affected had darker skin which interferes with absorption, or are from the Northeast, where there is less direct sunlight.

But the solution to the growing Vitamin D deficiency problem in our children is NOT to expose them to more sun. Supplying a liquid supplement by mouth is just too easy. The American Academy of Pediatrics has just wisely doubled the recommendation for infants and children to 400 IU daily. This amount is completely safe, and is the amount of Vitamin D found in a liter of infant formula.   

The problem, believe it or not, is worse for mothers who are breast feeding. When was the last time you heard a doctor say that breast milk was deficient in anything? The problem may come from mothers not having enough Vitamin D, which is then lacking in their breast milk. It may be easily correctable by administering supplements to breast-feeding mothers rather than their infants, but this has yet to be studied. In the meantime, the Boston study showed 10 times the amount of Vitamin D deficiencies in infants of breast feeding mothers as compared to those who used formula feeds. This is a huge discrepancy, especially when you consider how easy it is to supplement this essential vitamin.

So use sunscreen on your children’s skin, but at the same time consider giving them a daily drink of Vitamin D.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News Medical Contributor and writes a health column for LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel is the author of “False Alarm: the Truth About the Epidemic of Fear” and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic”. Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

Am I really allergic to my sunscreen or is it the sun???

Over past couple of decades we have seen increasing danger from our powerful sun and its UV rays to cause sunburns and skin cancer.  That is why it is so very important to have maximum protection that includes selecting a sunscreen that is effective and safe. 

“Suspicion of allergy to sun blocks are not uncommon concerns of patients”, according to David E. Cohen MD, MPH Director of Allergic, Occupational, and Environmental Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. If you have a sunscreen reaction it can occur anywhere the lotion is applied.  Rarely, you may even have an allergy to the sun itself!

So, who is most likely to be allergic to their sunscreen?

First, those exposed to sun on a regular basis, allergic persons (i.e eczema), people who work outdoors, as well as women as they are more likely exposed to cosmetics that contain sunscreen.  Sunscreen allergy is estimated to be about 1% of all skin allergies. Some of the more common triggers may be from the fragrance and/or preservatives in a sunscreen lotion. 

There are 2 types of sunscreens; one is a “chemical absorber” that acts as a sponge to block UV radiation from affecting skin. Whatever product you ultimately choose, a simple allergy patch test can identify if you are allergic or will react to the agent chosen.  “Patch testing would be helpful in distinguishing the specific item that may be causing the allergic reaction”, according to Dr. Cohen, “when a chemical sun block allergy is suspected, physical sun blocks that contain titanium or zinc may be helpful”. 

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.