July 2019 - Zel Skin & Laser Specialists

Acne Pop Up: You Are What You Eat?

Acne is one of the most common reasons for someone to seek care from a dermatology office, and one of the most common questions they might ask us is “Is my diet causing my acne?” Recently, multiple studies have been published providing links from some foods to causing acne.

This research suggests that high glycemic foods – like white bread and pasta, sugar and other carbohydrates, were very strongly linked to causing acne. Low-fat dairy products were also a culprit, and a link was shown between skim type dairy products and acne. Researchers are still looking into exactly why these two food groups cause acne. However, signs are pointing towards hormones being one of the causes.

Studies have also been showing that some foods might also help with the treatment of acne! Polyphenols are nutrients that have a significant amount of antioxidants, and foods with high levels of polyphenols may help to decrease inflammation and potentially acne as well. Foods like berries, fruits, green tea, and wine are examples of where you can find polyphenols in the diet.

Although this research is exciting, we know that diet alone is not enough to treat acne. If you are suffering from acne give our offices a call today. We are accepting new patients and can accommodate most visit requests within one week.

bug bite relief

Bug Bite Relief

After a blissful weekend at the cabin, many of us return home with constant itching and scratching from bug bites. What can you do to prevent these bites and how do you know when to worry? And what steps should you follow to experience bug bite relief?

Most bug bites are pesky and bothersome, but are not worrisome from a medical standpoint. You can easily treated them at home with hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine to help alleviate the itching. If a bite is persistent, accompanied by a rash or is super itchy or painful – come see us.

If you experience breathing difficulties, facial swelling, chest pain, feeling dizzy or your heart racing after being bitten or stung, act quickly. You must go to an emergency department immediately. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease are both infections that come from mosquito or tick bites and must be treated immediately.

To help prevent bug bites, we recommend using insect repellent with Picaridin or Deet as their active ingredients, or if you are going to be in a heavily wooded area with risk for ticks it is a good idea to treat your clothing with Permethrin before your trip. Wearing long sleeves and long pants can help reduce your risk of having a bug bite. Additionally, avoiding fragrant personal products like shampoos, perfumes and body lotions can be helpful.

If you have been bitten by a bug and have itchy spots or a rash, call our offices today to be seen by one of our medical providers. Often times, a simple prescription can help reduce your itching.

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2 Carlson Parkway N., Suite 100
Plymouth, MN 55447

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