Whey & Acne: Could your supplements be making your acne worse?

Whey is a digestible protein that is found in milk.  It has grown in popularity as a dietary supplement to improve muscle strength.  However, it has also been shown to create or exacerbate acne.  Often, whey-induced acne has poor or no response to regular treatments.  Another issue with whey is that it can have detrimental affects on your liver, including liver failure and even death.

            If you have acne and you’re using whey protein… STOP!  Call Dr. Lily Talakoub and set up an appointment for treatment!

Cold Sore Season: Know Your Treatment Options

Often referred to as fever blisters, cold sores are small blisters that normally form around the mouth and near the lips. The surrounding skin becomes red, swollen, and sore making it very uncomfortable to even speak. If left untreated, cold sores can ultimately break open and start to leak fluid. Eventually they scab over and heal themselves after a couple weeks.

So what causes these unsightly sores? The sore is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can enter the body through a break in the skin inside or around your mouth. Among the top contributors are stress and excessive sunlight, however, sharing drinking cups, razors, or kissing can also spread the virus.

Treatment options vary from topical to oral medications, but the key to optimal therapy is to initiate treatment at the very first sign of symptoms. In the initial stage of getting a cold sore minor burning, stinging, or itching may occur. If you think you may be witnessing the initial stages of a cold sore or might already have one and can’t seem to find relief, call today to schedule appointment with Dr. Lily.

#mcleanderm #askdrlily #coldsores #HSV

Love Your Glove (Hand)

Look at the images below. Do you see any difference in the two hands? These images are of an 83 year old female who is an avid golfer for more than sixty years. One hand looks 80 and the other... the gloved hand, looks 40. That is what sun damage does to your skin and how your glove can protect you.

One of a golfer’s greatest accessories in his game is his glove. It provides a more secure grip allowing for a smoother swing. In the end, a firm grip gives you better control over the direction of the ball. 

But, a golfer’s glove is not just an essential piece of equipment. Like many clothing options, the glove also serves as protection from sun damage and skin cancer. Clothes offer some SPF protection from ultraviolet rays, but it is critical that we also apply and reapply sunscreen during the summer months. As athletes, you enjoy the great outdoor weather but it is easy to forget to reapply your sunscreen. And with over one million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, covering up will protect your skin and prevent aging your skin.

#mcleanderm #askdrlily #golf #sunprotection 

Sodium, the sneaky ingredient in foods you wouldn’t expect!

About 90% of Americans eat or drink too much sodium. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of the sodium intake of Americans can be traced back to 10 foods you might not suspect:

1. White bread  and rolls
2. Lunch meats, including deli turkey and ham
3. Pizza (frozen or restaurant)
4. Poultry
5. Soups
6. Sandwiches 
7. Cheese
8. Meat dishes
9. Pasta dishes
10. Salty snack foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn

The U.S. Dietary Guideline for sodium is less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily for most adults, and less than 1,500 mg of sodium for individuals with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. The CDC reports that, despite these recommendations, Americans consume about 3,300 mg of sodium daily from food alone, not including the sodium from added table salt!

Consuming too much sodium can often lead to: 

• High blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Dehydration
• Water retention, which causes swelling and puffiness 

Reducing the amount of sodium you consume is guaranteed to make you feel and look better, in addition to reducing your risk of heart disease or stroke. Get rid of those puffy eyes by managing your sodium intake with the following tips:

1. Avoid processed foods, such as canned vegetables, soups, sauces, dressings, gravies, boxed foods, cheeses, etc. More salt is added to these foods to improve taste & increase shelf life! 
2. Do not add extra salt to your meals. Season your foods with fresh herbs or seasonings that are sodium-free, such as “Mrs. Dash” 
3. Read labels of foods and compare sodium levels in different brands of foods
4. Eat more fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables (without sauces!)
5. Prepare your meals at home instead of eating out or eating processed foods
6. Drink more water! 
7. Avoid drinking alcohol, juices, and soda. 

November is National Healthy Skin Month!

We know you were in the sun this summer…

Don't feel guilty anymore, call today to schedule your full skin check with Dr. Lily!




#mcleanderm #askdrlily #fullskincheck #healthyskin