Dealing with acne is an often-frustrating process which does not always provide the results you want. However, with the proper help and the right dermatologist, you can win the acne battle and keep your complexion clear, healthy, and beautifully acne-free. Learn more about acne treatments with Dr. Daniel Sherer and Dr. Todd Coven at Long Island Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology with locations in Huntington, NY, and Hicksville, NY.

What causes acne? 
Acne occurs when the skin produces too much of an oil called sebum. Hair follicles connected to the oil glands become clogged with oil, trapping dead skin cells and bacteria inside. The bacteria causes an infection and acne develops. The excess oil production may come from hormonal imbalances, often associated with mensuration in women.

Do I have acne? 
Acne most often appears on the face, neck, chest, and back and can present itself in several ways. Whiteheads appear when the infection becomes trapped by skin cells on the top of the infected follicle. Blackheads are similar in nature but have been exposed to air, causing their darkened appearance. Acne may also present as red, tender bumps called papules or large, white pimples called pustules. Large painful lumps deep under the skin called nodules sometimes fill with pus and are referred to as cystic lesions.

Acne Treatments in Huntington, NY, and Hicksville, NY
Treating acne often begins with at-home, over-the-counter treatments. Face washes and topical ointments often work well to treat mild to moderate acne. However, some cases require prescription ointments or cleansers with a higher concentration of medication. Different dermatological skin treatments like microdermabrasion or facials. Your dermatologist can help you determine which treatments are best for your acne.

For more information on acne treatments, please contact Dr. Daniel Sherer and Dr. Todd Coven at Long Island Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology with locations in Huntington, NY, and Hicksville, NY. Call (631) 271-2769 to schedule your appointment in Huntington or (516) 433-3200 to schedule your appointment in Hicksville today!

Are you annoyed with your skin tags?

Dr. Daniel Sherer and Dr. Todd Coven, your Huntington and Hicksville, NY, dermatologists have a solutions for your skin tag problems.

What is a skin tag?

This is when a bit of skin is protruding from the surface of the rest of your skin. The protrusions vary in size, color, and shape, and are usually benign.

How are skin tags developed?

Skin tags develop because of friction, either skin friction with clothes or adjacent skin. Here are a few areas you may find skin tags developing:

• The underarms
• Groin folds
• Neck
• Upper chest, especially under a woman's breast
• Eyelids

Who is susceptible to developing skin tags?

Individuals who suffer from obesity tend to develop skin tags because of more frequent skin friction addressed above. Children may also have skin tags, but they are more prevalent in adults and senior citizens.

How do you treat skin tags?

The removal of skin tags is a cosmetic procedure and there's no medication to rid you of this problem. Your Huntington and Hicksville doctors can remove skin tags by doing any of the following in their office.

• cutting them off with a blade or scissors
• using electrocautery

You don't need to worry about pain. Local anesthesia induced through injections, or lidocaine or applied topically as a cream, are used before removing skin tags. Anesthesia is used for larger skin tags, but small ones typically don't need it.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding skin tags and their treatment, don't hesitate to call Drs. Daniel Sherer and Todd Coven, your Huntington and Hicksville, NY, dermatologists (631) 271-2769 in Huntington, NY or (516) 433-3200 Hicksville, NY.

Even though summer is behind us and the fall weather has already graced us with its presence, our skin still needs to be protected from the effects of the sun. If you talk to our Hicksville and Huntington, NY dermatologist, Dr. Daniel Sherer and Jennifer Kim, PA-C, MPAS, they will tell you that protecting your skin is a yearlong responsibility. Find out what you can do to protect your skin no matter what season it is.

Choose the Right Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the important skin care products you can have. When shopping for a sunscreen that will really be the most effective for your skin you want one that actually says “broad spectrum” on it. This means that it will protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays. Opt for a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 that contains active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are key ingredients for blocking the sun.

You’ll want to apply this sunscreen about 20 minutes prior to going outside. If you think you’ll be outside in the sun for a long period of time then your Hicksville and Huntington skin doctor will most likely recommend an SPF of 30 or higher.

Reapplying Sunscreen

It’s important to remember that just because you put on sunscreen doesn’t mean that your responsibility to your skin is over. In fact, it’s time to pack that sunscreen with you because in order to be effective it does need to be reapplied.

Wearing the Right Attire

The sun’s rays are at their most powerful between the hours of 10am and 4pm. If you do plan to go outside consider sitting under an umbrella or finding shade during these times to protect your skin. Apart from the sunscreen you use, also consider what clothes you are going to be wearing. Thicker, more tightly woven fabrics will provide more coverage than airy, thin fabrics.

If you have questions about how to care for your skin then it’s time you called Long Island Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology in Hicksville and Huntington, NY. Turn to the skincare experts who can make sure that you have healthy skin for many years to come.

Whether you find a discoloration, an oddly-shaped freckle or a rash, discovering an abnormality on your skin can be an unnerving experience. Many times, these things are nothing to worry about and go away on their own. However, sometimes a skin rash warrants a trip to your dermatologist. Learn more about rashes and treatment options with help from your Huntington, Hicksville, Syosset and Plainview, NY dermatologist at Long Island Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology.

Common Skin Rashes

• Eczema: Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema is a common skin condition affecting about 35 million Americans. Eczema presents itself as red, weepy rashes usually found on the inner parts of the knee and elbow, and on the face, neck, ankles and wrists. People who suffer from asthma are more prone to develop eczema.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition is the most common rash found in adults. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflamed form of the common scalp ailment dandruff. Found mostly on the scalp, forehead and around the nose, seborrheic dermatitis is normally treated with medicated shampoos or ointments.
• Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin becomes irritated due to an allergic reaction to something it has come into contact with. Poison ivy and poison oak are common and well-known examples of contact dermatitis.
• Psoriasis: Occurring mainly on the scalp, elbows and knees, psoriasis affects approximately 7.5 million people in the United States. Often, psoriasis presents itself as a rash which becomes flakey and silvery in color. The flakey skin forms scales and often falls off.

How can my Huntington, Hicksville, Syosset and Plainview dermatologist help? 
Your dermatologist is your best tool in diagnosing and treating your skin rash. At your appointment, he or she will perform a physical examination and, if necessary, various testing to diagnose your rash. Most treatments begin conservatively, with creams, gels, ointments or other prescription medications. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you and your lifestyle.

For more information on rashes and their treatment in the Long Island, NY area, please contact Dr. Daniel W. Sherer and Dr. Todd Coven at Long Island Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology in Huntington, Hicksville, Syosset and Plainview, NY. Call (631) 271-2769 to schedule your dermatological examination today!

Learn more about the types of chemical peels and how they can improve your skin.

When you get a chemical peel from our Huntington, Hicksville, Plainview and Syosset, NY dermatologist, Dr. Daniel Sherer you can expect a vast improvement in the tone, texture, and appearance of your skin. A chemical peel has many benefits but it’s important that you choose the one that best aligns with your treatment goals.

Chemical peels can be categorized into three different types:

• Superficial/light peels
• Medium peels
• Deep peels

Superficial Peels

This is the gentlest type of chemical peel you can get from your skin doctor in Huntington, Hicksville, Plainview, and Syosset. This cosmetic treatment will only remove the very top layer to help smooth out the skin, even out texture and make the skin look brighter. These peels may also help reduce fine lines, sun damage, superficial scars, age spots and dry skin.

Most superficial peels use alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids to penetrate through the skin to improve appearance. Usually, more than one session is recommended to get the best results, but you’ll be happy to note that apart from some minor stinging or tingling, this procedure will not hurt and has little to no recovery time. Patients can easily return to work or their daily activities after.

Medium Peels

Since this peel targets deeper areas of the skin it can provide more visible results than a superficial peel will. These peels also target skin pigmentation, wrinkles, and sun damage. The only con of getting a medium peel is that you may experience some side effects like swelling, redness or itchy after your treatment and your recovery period may last up to a week.

Deep Peels

Patients looking to achieve the best results and significantly reduce and eliminate the effects of deep-set wrinkles, lines and sun damage should consider getting a deep peel. Of course, because these peels reach the dermal layers of the skin, they are more painful than other ones, and you may have an extended recovery period. But our goal is to make sure that we do whatever we can to minimize your side effects and help speed up your recovery time as much as we can.

Want to find out what type of chemical peel aligns with your treatment goals? Then it’s time to call our Huntington, Hicksville, Plainview and Syosset, NY dermatology office to schedule a consultation. Let Long Island Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology give you the radiant, more youthful skin you deserve.