Blog

Milia are tiny micro cysts made up of deposits from the top layer of the skin called stratum corneum. Patients often describe them as hard white heads that they cannot pop. They appear commonly on the face, especially around the eye area. These deposits do NOT come from a clogged pore. People with a history of sun damage and rosacea are more likely to develop milia. Milia are also more likely to develop after a rash, skin injury, or allergic reaction.

Patients often ask us if sun exposure is good for acne. While the sun can dry up sebum production, influencing acne production there are a few other things to consider. With longer bouts of sun exposure the skin can thicken as a result and more oil is produced. There are also many acne medications that don’t interact well with the sun and lead to unpleasant side effects.

With spring break right around the corner, let’s talk about the different types of rashes that will pop up for people on vacation!

This time of year many people are experiencing chapped lips, environmental triggers like cold temperatures, dry air and wind are at their peak during Minnesota winters. In the medical field we call dryness or inflammation of lips cheilitis.

Acne is a very common condition that affects many. Often during the fall we see many students who come and see us with flaring breakouts. This is usually due to back to school activities with added stressors of class work and higher participation in sports with sweating and wearing of protective gear. Some types of acne improve using over the counter treatments but persistent and deep acne does require treatment at a medical office. Let’s review why we get acne, what types of acne are possible and how we would treat each type.

Let’s talk about dry skin and eczema. As we enter the fall season many become more susceptible to dry skin and eczema flares.