As helpful as many medications are for managing various conditions, there’s always the risk of side effects. For example, Lamictal, used as an anti-seizure medication and also to treat bipolar disorder, carries with it the risk of a skin rash. This rash is rarely serious and typically stops when medication is stopped. 

This can be a tricky situation, because the very medication that is treating one issue can cause others. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should stop taking medication, especially if what it is treating is serious. A dermatologist may be able to help you manage skin issues that result as a side effect from medications you are taking.

If you have any concerns about side effects from medications that you are taking and you want to know about the various options available to you, consult with your doctor. Based on your medical history and needs, they will be able to make appropriate recommendations. In the meantime, your dermatologist may be able to help you manage skin issues. 

What Medications Can Cause Skin Issues?

Remember when it comes to side effects from medications that everyone is different. Just because one person experienced skin issues on a medication doesn’t mean that someone else taking the same medication will also experience those same skin issues. While some side effects are common, others are very rare. Your doctor should advise you on what side effects you can expect to experience when going on medication.

Medications that can cause skin issues include: 

• Anti-seizure medications
• Blood pressure drugs
• Acne medications
• Antihistamines
• Cholesterol medications
• And more

If you are taking multiple medications together, this can increase your risk for skin issues. If you have thinner skin, such as if you are elderly, you may be at an increased risk for skin complications from medications. 

What Skin Issues Can Result From Medications?

Skin issues that result from taking medications can vary from very mild to severe and life-threatening. Your doctor will consult with you about the side effects from any medications they prescribe and answer any questions that you have. If you experience side effects, they will work with you in order to figure out how to manage them and prevent them from potentially turning into something serious. If your side effects are severe, your doctor may recommend switching medications.

Some common skin issues that can occur as side effects from medications include:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Rashes
• Photosensitivity
• Acne
• Peeling/flakey/crusty skin
• Reddened or darkened skin
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Skin sensitivity
• Sores
• Hyperpigmentation
• Hypopigmentation
• Bruising easily

Dermatologists also treat hair loss, which can result from various medications and treatments. 

How Do You Manage Skin Issues From Medications?

Your doctor and dermatologist can help you manage skin issue side effects from medications. If your skin issues that result from side effects from taking medication become severe or otherwise unmanageable, talk to your doctor. They will be able to discuss alternatives with you.

That said, here are some common ways to manage skin issues from medications.

Hydration

Hydration is key to deal with dry skin, medically induced or in general. You’ll also want to avoid things that can dehydrate you, such as caffeine and alcohol. In addition to just drinking water, you can get hydration through your diet too, such as with omega-3 fatty acids – a salmon rice bowl, anyone? Applying an ultra-hydrating moisturizer on damp skin can also help to lock in moisture. 

Call Your Doctor

Whenever you are experiencing a side effect from a medication and you’re concerned about it, it’s important to call your doctor. It may or may not be a sign that the medication is not right for you. Regardless, your doctor should know about all side effects you experience from taking medication. Make sure that your doctor knows about all medications and supplements you take.

Your doctor will be able to help you with side effects you experience. They may also recommend working with a dermatologist, as dermatologists are skin experts. If a side effect concerns you, don’t ignore it. Make sure that your medical team knows about it so that they can best help you. 

Are You Having Skin Issues?

Whether your skin issues are the result of side effects from medication or not, Allen Taintor Dermatology is here to help. We treat all sorts of skin problems from acne to skin cancer. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your skin problems and improve your skin’s health.

It’s important to take care of your skin all year round, but on hot days, it’s especially so. Here is what you need to know about some common summer skin problems and what you can do in order to take care of your skin on hot days. 

Common Summer Skin Problems

Unfortunately, there are all sorts of skin problems you may experience during the summer – and heat can exacerbate them. Some of them are as follows. 

Sunburn

Sunburn is the most common summer skin concern. If you get sunburned, it’s important to treat it properly by drinking plenty of fluids and applying cool compresses. If your sunburn is severe, you should seek medical attention. 

Acne

Acne breakouts are another common summer skin problem. This is because the combination of sweat, oil, and skincare or makeup can clog your pores. You’ll need to adjust your skincare routine accordingly for the summer months. Tempting as it may be, don’t pop any pimples that pop up. If your acne bothers you, see a dermatologist for treatment recommendations. 

Dry And Irritated Skin

Summer heat and humidity can dry your skin out and cause it to become irritated. Exposure to the sun or pool water can make the problem even worse. Using gentle skincare products focused on hydration can help. If your skin is painfully dry or irritated, a dermatologist can help you. 

Bug Bites

From pesky mosquitoes to ticks, summer is unfortunately the season where it’s not only brutally hot – the bugs are also out in full force. Wearing bug spray can help deter them, but you may still end up with itchy, swelling bug bites. Cool compresses and over-the-counter antihistamines can help. If you are concerned about your bug bites, you can see a doctor. If you are allergic or something like that, they will be able to help you. 

Heat Rash

Heat rashes happen when your sweat glands are blocked. They can include: small red bumps, itchiness, discomfort, and other such symptoms. Loose, breathable clothing and cool compresses can help while the rashes heal. If they are severe, you can see a doctor for treatment. 

How To Take Care Of Your Skin On Hot Days

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take in order to protect your skin on hot days. Some of the best ways to take care of your skin during the summer months are as follows. 

#1. Wear Sunscreen

Yes, even if you tan instead of burn. Yes, even if you have darker skin. Yes, everyday. You should be wearing sunscreen on a daily basis already – more on this in our previous blog: 4 Important Reasons Why You Need To Wear Sunscreen Every Day. However, most people only wear sunscreen when they’re going on a hike or to the beach.

You should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least 30 SPF. It will need to be reapplied every 2 hours in order to continue to protect your skin from the sun. Many people don’t realize that getting tanned from the sun rather than burned is still skin damage. Not protecting your skin from the sun can result in early skin aging, sun damage, and increased risk of skin cancer.

As such, wearing sunscreen is the most important thing you need to do in order to take care of your skin on hot days. 

#2. Adjust Skin Care Appropriately

Many people have to adjust their skincare routines to different seasons, and summer is no different. You sweat more, which can cause makeup and certain skincare products to clog up your pores more easily. You may need to go lighter on your skincare and makeup in order to let your skin breathe and make it easier to clean. 

A dermatologist can provide you with personalized skincare advice so that you can rest assured that what you’re doing is what your skin needs.

#3. Cover Up

This isn’t dissing on tank tops and shorts – we know it’s hot out there! But as great as these clothes are for keeping you as cool as you can be in brutal heat, they leave a lot of skin vulnerable to the sun. If you wear clothes like this, make sure that you’re putting sunscreen on all of your exposed skin and wearing a hat and sunglasses. 

If you’d rather not have to worry about putting sunscreen everywhere, opt for longer, lightweight layers, like a UV-resistant sun shirt. The more your skin is covered, the more protected it is from the sun.

#4. Stay Hydrated

Yes, we know, everyone is telling you to drink water all the time, for XYZ reasons. Isn’t it amazing that one drink provides so many different health benefits? Your skin is no different. One of the best ways to take care of your skin on hot days is to ensure that you’re staying hydrated. This is especially important if you’re going to be out in the heat or if you suffer from dry and/or blemish-prone skin already. 

When you’re dehydrated, your skin is more prone to acne, flaking, and dryness. Drinking enough water helps your skin thrive – as does using hydrating skincare products. 

Ensure Your Skin Is Healthy: Schedule A Checkup

Do you want to be sure that your skin is healthy and that you’re taking proper care of it? While the internet has advice and tips galore, none of that is personalized to you. What works well for one person’s skin may be terrible for someone else. As such, the best way to ensure that you are taking proper care of your skin is to consult with a dermatologist.

Not only can dermatologists advise you on the ideal skincare for your skin’s unique needs, they can also address any skin concerns you may have, such as whether or not you should be worried about that mole. Allen-Taintor Dermatology is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy skin. We treat a wide variety of skin conditions and provide skincare products to fulfill your skin’s specific needs.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment so you can ensure your skin stays as healthy as possible – or if it needs treatment, it gets it!

As delightful as traveling can be, it’s often challenging on your skin. From lack of air circulation to new climates to opting for hotel skincare over products that you know work for you, there are a lot of factors that can impact your skin. Rather than appearing fresh and glowing, most of us end up with dull, dry skin with new pimples – which can make you want to avoid the camera rather than capture memories to savor later.

Fortunately, there are things that you can do in order to prep your skin for travel in order to help it stay healthy throughout your trip. Here’s what you need to know about what you can do to prep your skin for travel.

#1. Stick To Your Tried And True Skincare Products

Vacation is not the time to test out that new serum or moisturizer. What if it doesn’t work for you or it causes an adverse reaction? It’s best to stick to skincare products that you know work well for you. 

You can either get travel sizes, if available, or put your skincare into little travel containers. If you’re going to use travel containers, make sure that you’re doing it in a way that works for each type of product. For instance, vitamin C serums should be placed in a container that protects them from the sun, as they can oxidize and lose efficiency. If you’re in a bind, stick to the basic necessities: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF 30+.

If you would like to bring new products with you, test them out before jetting off or hitting the road. Patch tests on your arm are best, that way if you have a reaction to them, said reaction isn’t all over your face for the world to see. 

#2. Consider The Climate Of Your Destination

… And how your skin type might react to it. If you’re traveling somewhere humid, you probably don’t have to change anything about your skincare routine if you have dry skin – in fact, the humidity may even help your skin. However, if you have oily skin, you may need to take extra measures. If you’re traveling somewhere dry and you have dry skin, you’ll need to ensure you pack extra moisturizing products.

#3. Stay Hydrated Inside And Out

This can be tricky when you’re actually traveling. Especially if you’re on a road trip, you don’t want to have to constantly stop for bathroom breaks. That said, it’s important to stay hydrated, both for your general health and wellness, and for the sake of your skin.

On planes, water evaporates faster than it does on land, making it challenging for your skin to stay hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, you may be more prone to dry, flakey skin and breakouts. To help it stay clear and glowy, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

You can use sheet masks for topical hydration. You can also try “slugging”, which is when you slather on Vaseline for optimal hydration (not a good idea if you’re prone to breakouts, though). Choosing ultra-moisturizing products and reapplying them as needed can help.

#4. Don’t Forget About Sunscreen

If you’re driving, you are more at risk for sun damage on the side closest to the side windows. If you’re flying, the air is thinner and you’re exposed to higher levels of UV rays. Make sure that you put on sunscreen before you get started on your journey, and reapply as needed. It’s typically recommended that you reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or so.

#5. Leave The Makeup Until After You Get To Your Destination

Makeup can clog your pores and keep your skin from being able to breathe. If you were wearing makeup before you have to travel, take it off beforehand and do your skincare routine. Wait to apply makeup until after you land, if possible, in order to help your skin during the traveling process as much as possible.

#6. Ask Your Dermatologist What To Do

Bear in mind that what works best for one person may be terrible for another. In order to best prep your skin for travel, talk to your dermatologist. They will be able to provide you with professional advice based on your particular skin type and concerns. That way, you’re better able to help your skin stay healthy and beautiful all throughout your travels.

Allen-Taintor Dermatology is here to help you keep your skin healthy and beautiful, and to provide treatments if it’s not. Contact us today to learn more about the dermatology services we provide.