We all get so busy in the summer…the sun, and shore beckon us and the outdoors become our playground once again. It’s very easy to forget one of the most important regimens we must adhere to- our skin care, including sun block, self checks, and a visit to our dermatologist for business (medical) OR beauty.

The Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery has a full service staff to assist. Visit our dermatolgists or physicians assistant for medical care or cosmetic surgery. Seek our state of the art treatments for Psoriasis including Remicade infusion or laser treatment.

For some pampering and relaxtion try an appointment with our aesthetician. Our offices are conveniently located in Northeast Philadelphia and the Main Line and are easily accessible by all modes of transportation.

One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to be proactive regarding our health. Preventative care is extremely important to an overall healthy and long life as well as overall feeling of well being.

May is the month to note on the calendar for skin cancer screenings. Contact the Center For Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery and arrange for your screening today. With offices conveniently located on the Main Line as well as in Northeast Philadelphia, there is no reason to overlook this important medical visit. Call 610-664-4433 or 215-676-02464 today for more information.

Please be mindful of important information for patients who suffer from Psoriasis who may have used, or are currently using, the drug Raptiva. There have been recent announcements indicating that Genentech will be voluntarily withdrawing this drug from the U.S. market due to the risk of PML, which has potentially fatal implications.

If you are taking this medication, be certain to contact your healthcare professional for alternative solutions. Always be willing to have an open and honest dialogue with your physician regarding any concerns that you may have. Rest assured, there are many solutions to the treatment of Psoriasis.

Consult your health care team or contact us at the Center For Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for an appointment to discuss your care.

Offices are conveniently located at Moss Plaza -9892  Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia or 822 Montgomery Avenue, Ste 100, in Narberth, PA. Call 215-676-2464 to speak to one of our dedicated professionals

Spring is just around the corner, as is the increased possibility for allergies to flare up due to the pollen and change in weather and humidity.  One of the common conditions which may arise at this time of year in patients is Eczema (Dermatitis). 
 
Rx for Spring Skin

Beautiful skin begins from within, with a balanced diet, good skin care and proper absorption of nutrients by your body. 

In order to help clarify and rejuvenate, one must  thoroughly cleanse the face morning and night with a gentle, non- drying cleanser. Rinse with plenty of warm or room temperature water. Exfoliate the skin to eliminate toxins, wash away that heavy, oily feeling and leave your skin feeling fresh and youthful.  It’s important not to put anything on the skin that can clog the pores. Choose a moisturizer that nourishes the skin without being greasy or clogging. An individualized skin care regimen can make a major difference in your skin”s appearance and health.
 
Many individuals may find difficulty in fully clearing up their skin due to a common condition which at times will flare up during the Spring months, known as Eczema.  Eczema can affect people of any age.  Eczema will permanently resolve by age 3 in about half of affected infants. In others, the condition tends to recur throughout life.  The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but an abnormal function of the immune system is believed to be a factor. Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat as well as  some environmental allergens. Changes in temperature or humidity for some people lead to outbreaks of .  Eczema most commonly causes dry, reddened skin that itches or burns, although the appearance of eczema varies from person to person and varies according to the specific type of eczema.
 
Various cleansers and numerous topical and even systemic medications (if necessary) along with other treatment options and modalities, are available at the Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. A personalized skin care regimen can be developed for you.  Make it a point to see Dr. Farber today to sample some of the highly recommended cleansers, moisturizers, etc. in the market today.  He will examine and determine which products are best for your skin and send you home with samples to find the right fit.

With a little care and a routine in step with the seasons, your skin can look truly beautiful and radiant all through the spring. Call Dr. Farber at 215-676-2464 to schedule an appointment and have him start you on the best possible treatment for your newly, rejuvenated skin just in time for Spring!

What are moles? Moles are growths on the skin that are typically brown or black. They can be located anywhere on the body, alone or in clusters or groups. Typically, most moles will appear in early childhood or during the first twenty years of life although some moles may not appear until later in life.

As we age, moles may change slowly in size, or shape, becoming raised or changing color. Sometimes,  hair develops on the mole.  Some moles don’t change at all and others may even disappear over time.

Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles may darken after exposure to the sun, during teenage years or during pregnancy.

Most moles are not dangerous. The ones of medical concern are those that look different than other existing moles, moles that have changed in appearance (particularly if the change was not a gradual one) or those that first appear after the age of 20.

You should examine your skin regularly by using a mirror. Pay special attention to areas that are most often exposed to the sun such as hands, arms chest, neck and face. If you see any change or have concerns, or even if you would like an unsightly mole removed for cosmetic reasons, you should talk to your dermatologist.

Skin problems take on many forms- from rashes and itchiness, to redness and swelling.  There are many reasons for this such as allergens, dry skin from winters harsh conditions, auto immune disorders or simply stress. You needn’t suffer as there are multiple treatment options available to you.

The first step in a finding a healthy solution includes a visit to your dermatologist’s office. After a careful and thoughtful review of systems, the reason for your symptoms will be clear and a treatment plan that is tailored just for you, will be developed.  Treatment may range from creams and lotions to prescription medication to laser therapy and everything in between.

Don’t wait to baby your skin, schedule your visit today. The offices of Center For Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery (Harold F. Farber M.D.) can give you just the tender care and treatment that you have been waiting for. Call the office today and schedule your consultation to “soothe that itch” once and for all.  Conviently located in Narberth and Northeast at 610-664-4433 and 215-676-2464.

Cholinergic urticaria is a sub category of physical urticaria (aka hives).  Like many rashes, this can be brought on by a hypersensitive reaction with increased body heat.  Any condition that raises the body temperature can cause the onset of this rash. Sometimes, exercise induced sweating will be the reason for the outbreak. For some individuals, this will only occur in the winter months when  their body temperature rises if not acclimated to the sudden heat.  One way to reduce the outbreak is to consistently exercise to break a sweat before the onset of cold weather and to consistently maintain this regimen. There are other causes of urticaria or hives as well 

To obtain more information about this and many other conditions, visit the offices at Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery at  our two conveniently located offices in northeast Philadelphia and Narberth.

Winterize your skin.  Thats right! Just as your car needs preventive and routine maintenance, your skin needs the same kind of attention.  The harsh conditions of winter may cause  problems, including dry skin and rashes.  Extra care should be taken to moisturize the skin and keep it well hydrated by remembering to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Also, don’t forget the sun block. Many people forget to use sun block during the winter. The harmful rays of the sun still exist in winter, we just don’t think about them.

This is also the perfect time to treat your skin to a “detail”.  Service yourself and your skin and opt for one of the many skin treatments provided by Harold Farber,M.D. at Center For Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. Call our office today for a list of services that are available.

Given the time of year combined with a slow economy, and a harsh winter in many parts of the country, people tend to become more stressful, and routinely put themselves into depressive situations.   Rashes can suddenly begin appearing in different places of your body and face which you never thought imaginable. 
Stress has many effects on your body. When under significant physical of psychological stress, your body releases a stress hormone, called cortisol. Cortisol in the natural world, could help save your life in dire circumstances. It helps keep your blood pressure up, makes your kidneys work harder, pushes your liver to get rid of toxins more effectively, and changes your metabolism from storing energy to burning it.  In the modern world, however, where we sometimes experience chronic stress from work or family, cortisol’s effects can be counter productive.
We can see this in the skin where elevated cortisol can change both the skin’s structure and function. Studies have shown that chronically elevated cortisol levels lead to a decrease in your skin’s natural lipid or fat barrier. These lipids are essential to keep your skin protected and to prevent it from drying out. Without a layer of lipids on your skin, it is no longer waterproof, and irritating soap and water from hand washing or bathing is able to penetrate the skin, causing inflammation. Without a protective lipid layer, the moisture in your skin evaporates easily, leaving the skin dehydrated. This dry, flaky skin is even more susceptible to damage or irritation.
The consequences of this loss of lipids and decreased defenses is that rashes such as eczema and psoriasis can be triggered or can flare, turning a minor irritation into a full blown outbreak. Other diseases such as herpes viral infections, bacterial infections, and even acne are much more likely to worsen when your cortisol levels are elevated from stress.
Here at the Center for Dermatology, Laser, and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Farber and our professional and knowledgeable staff can present you with different treatments, including Laser, Microdermabrasion, and different moisturizers and lotions to heal you and make your skin even more beautiful!   Call us today at 215-676-2464 to DeStress, Rejuvenate, Recondition and get yourself ready for Spring!  By scheduling facials and other treatments helping you to relax, while rebeautifying yourself!  Spring is just around the corner, when you can enjoy the outdoors and change in weather along with your rejuvenated skin!

Center For Dermatology participates (at designated times) in free skin cancer screenings. Please see American Academy of Dermatology releases regarding Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening month. Both the Narberth and Northeast Philadelphia offices are actively involved in this volunteer service.

In addition, both offices offer many other state of the art skin treatments including laser, pulse light treatments, peels,  and microdermabrasion for a more natural, youthful and beautiful appearance. A variety of payment methods are available.

Contact our offices today to schedule an appointment or to have one of our skin professionals answer your questions today. Northeast office can be reached at 215-676-2464. Narberth office can be reached at 610-664-4433.

Start the new year off right and make it easier for everyone to see a better you. Call us for an appointment today!