Using Zinc for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

As an essential nutrient, zinc supports the immune system while reducing inflammatory cytokine activity making it a potential therapeutic method for many dermatologic conditions although, it has been most widely studied in the treatment of acne vulgaris.  Prior studies have reported that zinc can decrease oil production, protect against bacterial infection, and decrease cutaneous inflammation, […]

Further Evidence of Connection Between Diet and Acne

In recent years, the association between nutritional patterns and acne vulgaris presentation has been under investigation with contested results. Many experts support the butterfly effect – a concept based on the theory that small changes can have a powerful overall effect – proving the important connection between dietary habits and acne. A growing body of evidence […]

Understanding Neonatal Acne

While acne is most often associated with and prevalent in adolescents, the cutaneous condition can occur in patients of all ages. Recently, cases of adult acne have spiked in light of heightened population stress levels while the clinical phenomenon of acne in babies has recently garnered attention. Occurring in approximately 20% of newborns, neonatal acne, also […]

Serum Vitamin D Levels Linked to Acne Disease Severity

The multifactorial skin disorder, acne vulgaris, is known to have many causes, including hormonal fluctuations, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and more. A factor currently under further investigation is vitamin D deficiency, which has been evaluated in previous studies yielding contradictory results. In some cases, serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) levels were associated […]

Acne Awareness Month: International Guidelines for Acne Treatment

June marks the beginning of Acne Awareness Month during which dermatologic organizations, such as South Beach Symposium and the American Academy of Dermatology, aim to reduce stigma, spread awareness, and elucidate possible treatment options for the most common skin condition in the United States. Patients suffering from the common inflammatory skin disorder are most often treated […]

Sugar Consumption and Skin Health

With the consumption of processed foods at an all-time high, many people are unaware of the amount of sugar they ingest daily, which often greatly exceeds nutritional guidelines. It is estimated that the average American consumes 270 calories of added sugar per day – the equivalent of 17 teaspoons of sugar. Consuming too much sugar has […]

Pediatric Dermatology

Pediatric dermatology is a somewhat young sub-specialty, and although it has been growing in popularity in the past several years, there is still a shortage of providers. According to an article in Dermatology Times, a combination of factors contribute to this longstanding shortage of pediatric dermatologists including a newer system for certification, lower pay, and […]