These are the most COMMON spots that we find when we do a complete skin exam! Get yours at your next visit.
Seborrheic Keratosis in Adults: Condition, Treatment and Pictures - Overview | skinsight
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Lichen Simplex Chronicus in Adults: Condition, Treatment and Pictures - Overview | skinsight
Please try to learn NOT TO SCRATCH! That is the only way to heal the skin.
Lichen Simplex Chronicus in Adults: Condition, Treatment and Pictures - Overview | skinsight
Lichen Simplex Chronicus in Adults: Condition, Treatment and Pictures - Overview | skinsight
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
We are fortunate to live here in the DMV!
This past Friday, the DC Derm Society was fortunate to have Dr Len Sperling give us all an update on the treatment of Hair Loss at the meeting held at the Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. There are many experts here, within this group, and once a month we gather to share ideas and take turns sharing our challenges in caring for the most difficult skin disorders. There is always at least one member of the group who has also seen that patient that you really aren't sure how to manage!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Can't forget to say "Thank You"
My only excuse is....well there really isnt one! My practice grows by referrals from my patients. Nearly every patient I see is here because of another patient , who is a friend or a member of the family. The newest patient doesn't always share that with me. They might say , " I found you with a Google Search," or " I looked you up in my insurance book". The reason that went looking for my address or phone number was because my earlier patient gave them my name. Today's office was full of patients who came in because another patient told them about me. Dr Google showed them how to get here, but Dr Friend Who Also Needed a Dermatologist Before was the person that I really need to thank.
THANK YOU, today and all those days that I forgot to thank you.
With Sincere Appreciation,
From Beverly A. Johnson MD and Staff
THANK YOU, today and all those days that I forgot to thank you.
With Sincere Appreciation,
From Beverly A. Johnson MD and Staff
Monday, December 1, 2014
Take some time for yourself this month...
This year has gone by so quickly and it seems like it's about to be over! Hopefully we will all take a few minutes to reflect on what was good about this year. We'll look ahead and find things to look forward to that will be even better in 2015.
One thing that you want to make sure you do for yourself and your family is to not let your unused medical benefits expire.All the premiums that you and your employer have paid for should be used up by the end of this month. You've earned these benefits as part of your employment agreement or accrued through paying the premiums. You deserve the benefits of using them to keep you and your family healthy. You deserve to treat yourself, spend a little bit on yourself, Don't just give it all back to the big insurance company.Call us now and schedule an end of the year skin examination if you have not been in to the office recently.
One thing that you want to make sure you do for yourself and your family is to not let your unused medical benefits expire.All the premiums that you and your employer have paid for should be used up by the end of this month. You've earned these benefits as part of your employment agreement or accrued through paying the premiums. You deserve the benefits of using them to keep you and your family healthy. You deserve to treat yourself, spend a little bit on yourself, Don't just give it all back to the big insurance company.Call us now and schedule an end of the year skin examination if you have not been in to the office recently.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
The Doctor's office through the eyes of the patient's daughter
I recently had a unique opportunity to see the medical office visit through the eyes of a patient, or more exactly, as the patient's daughter. I hope those of you who read this don't have to experience the events that I will attempt to describe.
I planned to go with my Mom to her eye doctor visit for a few reasons. Normally she is content to go by herself and fill me in on what happened after the fact. During the visit before, she had been disappointed because instead of her doctor, she was seen by someone else (not a doctor but someone else on the team, title unknown to Mom). She was not satisfied that her problem had been understood/addressed/ and the prescription that she was given did not seem to be helpful. So, she asked me if I would make the appointment for her, and then go with her. Mom knows me well enough to know that I would be able to commandeer an appointment with The Doctor Himself, not the assistant.
On the day of the appointment, Mom was ready on time when I went to her place to pick her up. I drove her to the door of the medical center and let her out at the front door where she would wait for me to park the car and we would then go in together. Since her appointment was the first one of the day, I was betting on this being a quick visit, with me there to translate between the doctor and my mother. My hopes were high for this successful visit with the eye doctor and the former nurse (my Mom) now aged 92.
Mom got impatient while waiting for me to park the car. She didn't want to be late, and decided to leave the lobby and go ahead to the part of the building where the eye doctor sees patients. No, she does not use a cell phone. She took off on her own and felt that she could find her way to the correct office. She had been there before so.....why wait for me! When I got to the lobby and didn't see her, I went towards the office when I spotted a nurse who works in the Medical center that knows both of us. "Yes, Dr Johnson I just saw your mother but she was headed in THAT direction" and she
pointed to a corridor that leads away from where I knew we were headed. Oh no! She is going to make us late! I took a chance and ran to the office that we were expected to be in on the off chance that it wasn't my Mother that she saw. I arrived and saw no patients in the waiting room. I asked the woman behind the reception desk if the Dr was there. She said he had not arrived. I told her my Mother had an appointment at 8:30 .She informed me that I still had 10 minutes before we would be late (!). I told her my Mothers name. She barely looked up and said she knew the doctor would be on time ( as if to say, we should probably try to do the same). To shorten this tale, let me just tell you that for the next 45 minutes I searched frantically for my now lost 92 year old mother. I retraced the path back to the lobby. I got security involved. I open all the ladies room doors in case she had gone in one of them and not come out. Security radioed all the bus drivers who shuttle the Riderwood residents from buildings to shopping centers, etc. No one had Annie Johnson on board. I went back to her apartment (called her there, but no answer) . Not there. I went to the front desk of her building and the kind receptionist said, let me call around. She called some of the places she is known to visit. "Annie is not here", they all said. She said, "Let me try the eye doctor's office". I said I have been there already. She could not have passed me and I didn't see her anywhere. The doctors office answered. Yes, Mrs Johnson is here and the doctor has seen her. She is waiting in the waiting room.
I drove back. I have to add this---as I stood around the lobby with the security chief I spotted the Doctor himself and introduce myself as his patient's daughter. He was informed that we would probably be a bit late since I don't know where she disappeared to after I asked her to wait for me in the lobby. He was very nice, and suggested that she must have had some cognitive losses since her last visit with him over a year ago. I agreed.
So I arrived at the office. Mom was glad to see me . She had idea how I had been frantically searching for her for the past 45 minutes, with the security forces and desk clerks. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??? The doctors assistant informed me that Mom had been there the whole time. She had taken her into the exam room to put in the eyedrops so she was ready when the Doctor arrived. Very efficient. HMMMM so why didn't the front desk person know that? Did the Doctor mention to Mom that he met her daughter looking for her near the front door of the main building. Did anyone offer to call me on my cell phone that is always attached to my person. WHY DID I HAVE TO PLEAD WITH HEAVEN TO JUST LET HER BE FOUND ALIVE this morning.
Was is too much to ask? I hope that if a senior citizen, or any patient for that matter, enters the door of my office, my staff would be able to recall that fact. Communication was in too short supply at this medical office. The front desk receptionist can make all the difference in the success of a medical practice. If I didn't already know this I surely learned it today.
I planned to go with my Mom to her eye doctor visit for a few reasons. Normally she is content to go by herself and fill me in on what happened after the fact. During the visit before, she had been disappointed because instead of her doctor, she was seen by someone else (not a doctor but someone else on the team, title unknown to Mom). She was not satisfied that her problem had been understood/addressed/ and the prescription that she was given did not seem to be helpful. So, she asked me if I would make the appointment for her, and then go with her. Mom knows me well enough to know that I would be able to commandeer an appointment with The Doctor Himself, not the assistant.
On the day of the appointment, Mom was ready on time when I went to her place to pick her up. I drove her to the door of the medical center and let her out at the front door where she would wait for me to park the car and we would then go in together. Since her appointment was the first one of the day, I was betting on this being a quick visit, with me there to translate between the doctor and my mother. My hopes were high for this successful visit with the eye doctor and the former nurse (my Mom) now aged 92.
Mom got impatient while waiting for me to park the car. She didn't want to be late, and decided to leave the lobby and go ahead to the part of the building where the eye doctor sees patients. No, she does not use a cell phone. She took off on her own and felt that she could find her way to the correct office. She had been there before so.....why wait for me! When I got to the lobby and didn't see her, I went towards the office when I spotted a nurse who works in the Medical center that knows both of us. "Yes, Dr Johnson I just saw your mother but she was headed in THAT direction" and she
pointed to a corridor that leads away from where I knew we were headed. Oh no! She is going to make us late! I took a chance and ran to the office that we were expected to be in on the off chance that it wasn't my Mother that she saw. I arrived and saw no patients in the waiting room. I asked the woman behind the reception desk if the Dr was there. She said he had not arrived. I told her my Mother had an appointment at 8:30 .She informed me that I still had 10 minutes before we would be late (!). I told her my Mothers name. She barely looked up and said she knew the doctor would be on time ( as if to say, we should probably try to do the same). To shorten this tale, let me just tell you that for the next 45 minutes I searched frantically for my now lost 92 year old mother. I retraced the path back to the lobby. I got security involved. I open all the ladies room doors in case she had gone in one of them and not come out. Security radioed all the bus drivers who shuttle the Riderwood residents from buildings to shopping centers, etc. No one had Annie Johnson on board. I went back to her apartment (called her there, but no answer) . Not there. I went to the front desk of her building and the kind receptionist said, let me call around. She called some of the places she is known to visit. "Annie is not here", they all said. She said, "Let me try the eye doctor's office". I said I have been there already. She could not have passed me and I didn't see her anywhere. The doctors office answered. Yes, Mrs Johnson is here and the doctor has seen her. She is waiting in the waiting room.
I drove back. I have to add this---as I stood around the lobby with the security chief I spotted the Doctor himself and introduce myself as his patient's daughter. He was informed that we would probably be a bit late since I don't know where she disappeared to after I asked her to wait for me in the lobby. He was very nice, and suggested that she must have had some cognitive losses since her last visit with him over a year ago. I agreed.
So I arrived at the office. Mom was glad to see me . She had idea how I had been frantically searching for her for the past 45 minutes, with the security forces and desk clerks. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??? The doctors assistant informed me that Mom had been there the whole time. She had taken her into the exam room to put in the eyedrops so she was ready when the Doctor arrived. Very efficient. HMMMM so why didn't the front desk person know that? Did the Doctor mention to Mom that he met her daughter looking for her near the front door of the main building. Did anyone offer to call me on my cell phone that is always attached to my person. WHY DID I HAVE TO PLEAD WITH HEAVEN TO JUST LET HER BE FOUND ALIVE this morning.
Was is too much to ask? I hope that if a senior citizen, or any patient for that matter, enters the door of my office, my staff would be able to recall that fact. Communication was in too short supply at this medical office. The front desk receptionist can make all the difference in the success of a medical practice. If I didn't already know this I surely learned it today.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Blogging again, after losing my place when Google became Google Plus?? or something...
Greetings on this warm November day!
They are predicting snow and rain and regular winter weather tommorrow , just in time for the Pre Turkey Day Last Minute rush to the grocery store.
I have decided not to participate. Instead, I am going to concentrate hard on whats good about this season. My mother, Annie Johnson, was born on Thanksgiving in 1922. Still going fairly strong, I am just thankful for all that she has taught me. As a role model for Human Kindness, she still inspires me to try stay peaceful and focused on the positive, even when current events could bring ones's spirit down. Here she is with her baby sister, my aunt Beverly, having a moment. Thanks for both of you!!!
They are predicting snow and rain and regular winter weather tommorrow , just in time for the Pre Turkey Day Last Minute rush to the grocery store.
I have decided not to participate. Instead, I am going to concentrate hard on whats good about this season. My mother, Annie Johnson, was born on Thanksgiving in 1922. Still going fairly strong, I am just thankful for all that she has taught me. As a role model for Human Kindness, she still inspires me to try stay peaceful and focused on the positive, even when current events could bring ones's spirit down. Here she is with her baby sister, my aunt Beverly, having a moment. Thanks for both of you!!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Can you recognize this common skin lesion?
MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You
Whatever you do, please don't squeeze it because that will just make it harder for the doctor to finally remove it for you!
Whatever you do, please don't squeeze it because that will just make it harder for the doctor to finally remove it for you!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Are you interested in Laser Hair Removal for ingrown hairs?
Look at this video and see how simple and painless it can be!
Call today for an appointment: 301-593-7546
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Welcome Our Newest Laser Treatment!!
Welcome Our Newest Laser Treatment!!
It's here ! Finally we have the new state of the art 1064 NDYag laser that is suitable for all skin types. Please call the office to schedule your appointment for a consultation. We can do some new things , that we weren't able to do before.
Now we are able to offer laser treatment for fungal infections involving the finger and toenails. We can offer some older treatments in a gentler fashion such as permanent reduction of unwanted hair. Even if you have had this treatment before, come in and see how this new technology can give you better results.
I have seen some amazing results when the laser skin rejuvenation is combined with fillers ( sculptra, radiesse, belotero, or restylane) and neurotoxins ( botox or xeomin)
The LightPod Neo is frequently used in combination with injectables. Unlike other lasers which are harsh on the skin, the Neo is so gentle that we can combine laser treatment and toxin or filler injections in a single office visit. This saves a significant amount of time and avoids scheduling hassles for you. Furthermore, clinical research has shown that, by preheating the skin prior to making the injections with the Neo, there is a noticeable reduction in the pain, bruising and swelling typically caused by the injections. To learn more about combining the LightPod Neo laser with toxin and filler injections, call us and schedule your consultation appointment!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Things We Wish You Would Tell Us
In my busy dermatology practice, I am reminded of the things that make a doctor-patient interaction successful. It always helps when the patient is "easy to read", meaning there are no secrets about what is needed. Maybe the person sitting across from me is pretty sure that they know what is wrong, but they need confirmation of their ideas. I think we doctors would do well to listen more.
If only patients told us the things we really need to know, early in the conversation. What do you REALLY want to know? Are you happy with the skin care advice you get from the Macy's counter and you would rather focus on why your hair is coming out? Do you feel like the diagnosis that you got from your last doctor HAD to be wrong because the problem came back? If I give you a "good answer" but its not the question you are asking, then I haven't done a good job. Dear Patient, try to tell us what you need so we can give you the information you really want!
If only patients told us the things we really need to know, early in the conversation. What do you REALLY want to know? Are you happy with the skin care advice you get from the Macy's counter and you would rather focus on why your hair is coming out? Do you feel like the diagnosis that you got from your last doctor HAD to be wrong because the problem came back? If I give you a "good answer" but its not the question you are asking, then I haven't done a good job. Dear Patient, try to tell us what you need so we can give you the information you really want!
Friday, February 3, 2012
My Own Sculptra Story
Most if not all of the services that we make available to the patients in my office I have used, samples or subjected my friends and family to. If I can’t understand the use or the benefit, how can I explain it to a patient who wants to know what they will get out of it. The world of fillers and antiaging services just got a lot easier for me to share with my patients.
Although I have had a lot of experience injecting patients I was always struck with how enthusiastic they were AFTER they saw the results. In almost every case, they got MORE than they expected from Sculptra. I had had personal experience with other products and so had my patients. I found it always surprising just how thrilled they were when they used the sculptra, even if they had had other products.
I will share my photos with you. I have to tell you that it is kind of hard to photograph the subtle differences in the before and after. My friends and family (and some patients that I don’t see very often) comment on how well I look. Have you lost weight? You are getting younger? Why don’t you stop lying about your age? I have gotten all of these questions since having two sessions of sculptra. These photos were taken before and then six weeks after the second session. Sculptra is like the gift that keeps on giving since it makes your body produce more volume over time.
How painful was it? Not very because my skin was numbed by some very excellent topical cream applied 30 minutes before the product is delivered deep to the surface layer of skin. Sometimes patients bruise but I didn’t really do this (even though I consider myself someone who bruises easily). If bruising does happen, it goes away in a few days and can be covered up with foundation. So far, the men I have treated have not had to do this.
After the first treatment, I waited 6 weeks for the second session. I was planning on getting the third treatment 6 weeks after that but decided that it wasn’t necessary. Any filler can be overdone but I don’t think anyone wants to look like they have never looked before! The idea of sculptra is to replace the volume that is lost from intrinsic aging. This is generally in the temples, the cheekbone region, the crease between the mouth and cheeks (called the nasolabial fold). There are areas that sculptra is NOT to be applied and these include the lips, under the eyes and anywhere superficially. It is a DEEP filler and if placed incorrectly, bumps will form that take a long time to go away.
I am pleased at how subtle it is. As the volume is put back, the skin smoothes out and therefore you look fresher. When the skin becomes more three dimensional, light reflects better so patient tell me they feel as if they are glowing. Now I know what they mean!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A Complete Examination?
I was surprised last week when a patient whom I had not seen in about ten years came back to the office after having moved out of "driving range" from my office. She told me about seeing a doctor without seeing a doctor. I asked her what she meant.
If you make an appointment to see the doctor and the person who comes in and introduces themself to you is NOT a doctor then I say "buyer beware". To say what happened after this was a disaster is putting it mildly. My message to you is ask if you can see the doctor at some point in the visit. If that is not possible maybe you can ask to come back later or reschedule. This is really important if surgery is planned. Maybe the Doctor would not need to do surgery to find out what the assistant could not diagnose. I would bet on it. You are entitled to get what you paid for.....a doctor visit!
If you make an appointment to see the doctor and the person who comes in and introduces themself to you is NOT a doctor then I say "buyer beware". To say what happened after this was a disaster is putting it mildly. My message to you is ask if you can see the doctor at some point in the visit. If that is not possible maybe you can ask to come back later or reschedule. This is really important if surgery is planned. Maybe the Doctor would not need to do surgery to find out what the assistant could not diagnose. I would bet on it. You are entitled to get what you paid for.....a doctor visit!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Demand Quality Care !!
The sad truth is that quality care costs more. If you are spending your health care dollar to see a doctor, then I think you deserve to see a doctor! This sounds simple but what has been happening lately to many people who are UNAWARE of who is sitting across from them in the "Doctors " office is really a shame. You pay your monthly insurance premium to company X. You make an appt to see the doctor for your cold, or gyn checkup or skin exam. When you get to the office the "health care provider" turns out to be a nurse practioner, a physician's assistant or someone who did not go to medical school but perhaps is masquerading as a doctor. Your insurance company gets the bill and it says that you saw a doctor. You didn't! You spent the same dollar, but you did not get the expert. If I went to see a doctor, but the doctor wasn't a doctor or did not come in to see me, I would leave! I think you should too! You are paying for the expert so thats what you should get. Buyer beware, because here you generally DONT get what you paid for if you did not receive treatment from the expert. No, the nurse practioner does not know as much as the doctor. They may call themselves doctors of nursing but, trust me, the training is not equivalent. You all be careful out there!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Safety of Laser Hair Removal in Ethnic Skin-Pt 1
I was shocked to learn how often patients are told by misinformed health professionals that "dark skinned people" should not get laser. This is absolutely untrue. It is true that there are important differences in various shades of people. The melanin absorbs the laser light and so it can cause problems if the laser physician is unfamiliar with the settings that are necessary to use for each patient. I also think it is important to see a PHYSICIAN for treatment such as laser when, not know how to use the device, can lead to serious consequences!
Nearly every patient I that I have used the laser on in my 25 years of medical practice has been a skin type 4 or darker. I think these are some of my most satisfied patients because they had been told "it couldn't be done!" Before treatment, we explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the laser. We will have more on shaving alternatives in the next blog. Stay tuned!
Nearly every patient I that I have used the laser on in my 25 years of medical practice has been a skin type 4 or darker. I think these are some of my most satisfied patients because they had been told "it couldn't be done!" Before treatment, we explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the laser. We will have more on shaving alternatives in the next blog. Stay tuned!
How to have better nails!
The dry winter air, from having the heater on, can make it hard to stay moisturized in the colder months. You need to drink more water and pay attention to replacing the moisture on your hands after you wash them. This is really important when you use sanitizing hand gels. They contain alcohol which is potentially drying to the skin and the nails. Use cuticle oil, found in the nail polish section , and apply it to the nail AND the skin around the nail whenever you can.
Your diet also is important. If nails are brittle and fragile, Salem, OR-based Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Age-Proof Your Body (McGraw-Hill, 2006), recommends consuming iron-rich foods such as black bean soup or the occasional cut of steak. "Iron is essential for the growth and maintenance of the nails and nail bed," says Somer. "If nails are deprived of iron for too long, they can flatten out or curve abnormally." Somer adds that cooking foods in a cast-iron pan can also help increase your iron intake. The iron from the pan infuses into whatever dish you're preparing. I hope this information helps you have long and strong nails this winter!
Your diet also is important. If nails are brittle and fragile, Salem, OR-based Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Age-Proof Your Body (McGraw-Hill, 2006), recommends consuming iron-rich foods such as black bean soup or the occasional cut of steak. "Iron is essential for the growth and maintenance of the nails and nail bed," says Somer. "If nails are deprived of iron for too long, they can flatten out or curve abnormally." Somer adds that cooking foods in a cast-iron pan can also help increase your iron intake. The iron from the pan infuses into whatever dish you're preparing. I hope this information helps you have long and strong nails this winter!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Color Divide
The issue of skin color is still with us, in the era that some people call "Post Racial" America.
A movie will come out this fall produced by the actor Bill Duke, called Dark Girls. I was interviewed by a reporter from WJLA about this topic. Yes, people still come to the dermatologist hoping to find a way to change their overall skin color. Its sad, but true. Here is a link to some of the conversation that I recently had with reporter Jummy Olabanji.
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2011/11/new-film-explores-the-issue-of-skin-tone-69074.html
A movie will come out this fall produced by the actor Bill Duke, called Dark Girls. I was interviewed by a reporter from WJLA about this topic. Yes, people still come to the dermatologist hoping to find a way to change their overall skin color. Its sad, but true. Here is a link to some of the conversation that I recently had with reporter Jummy Olabanji.
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2011/11/new-film-explores-the-issue-of-skin-tone-69074.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
