Although PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) is a rare side effect of taking Raptiva, the company determined that the risk outweighed the benefit of taking the drug.
 

Those at highest risk are children, athletes and military recruits because they're more likely to get cuts and scrapes, share towels and soap, and live in close quarters: the "perfect storm" for bacterial infection. Hospital patients are at higher risk, too, although "Communitity-Associated" MRSA is also on the rise and affects a much younger group of people. MRSA is spread by contact with the bacteria — either direct contact with a MRSA-infected person, or an object with the bacteria on it.

Contributing to the problem is the overuse of antibiotics which helps bacteria develop resistance and become stronger. That's why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend against the use of antibacterial soaps and cleansers. Today it's more important than ever to wash our hands and bodies regularly and thoroughly. Good and regular personal hygiene prevents bacteria from gaining a foothold, and minimizes the possibility of infection.

Avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics — to help you accomplish this, consult with your physician for a possible alternative. Use all antibiotics that are prescribed, as indicated. Don't "stockpile" them for for future emergency use. And, as the CDC recommends, don't use antibacterial soaps. Meanwhile, medical researchers are searching for a new family of antibiotics to fight these new strains of staph bacteria.
 

One such alternative is RevitaLash MD, which actually stimulates eyelash growth. Dramatic increases in the length and fullness of eyelashes have been seen within only 4 to 12 weeks of use.

Therefore, it's important to wear sun-protective clothing and hats, or to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Meanwhile, continue wearing your sunscreen. Even though the jury is out on it's effect on melanoma, sunscreen is a critically important part of your long-term skin care program.

You may not be a flu vaccine candidate, or just don't believe in flu vaccine's, in general. We believe one alternative you should consider is colloidal zinc.  Used as an operating room antiseptic in the 19th century, colloidal zinc has well documented antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. In fact, we use it in our clinic and prescribe it to our clients to combat acne. Colloidal Zinc and Vitamin C combined make a powerful cocktail that should be taken regularly during flu season. Colloidal Zinc is available here at EBSC and at the clinic.

It's hoped that this new laser instrument will be able to validate claims of skin care products, but, more importantly to evaluate various skin diseases non-invasively.
 

There have been calls for California to take action, where it is reported that the Medical Board is considering similar measures. There have been several incidents in California involving serious injury and even death, and the supervising physician was not present.

See our articles, below "MEDSPAS: The Lights are On, But is Anyone Home?" and "Considering Laser or IPL?"
 

Rosacea can also triggered by common allergens, and sometimes by uncommon ones that won't be listed on a label as allergens, if they're listed at all. That's why it's important to know the foods that trigger your Rosacea, and to avoid them. It can be as simple as a spice, and it may not be listed by name. Keeping a food diary can help determine what triggers Rosacea, but it can be a slow and tedious process.  But, ultimately, it will help control food reactions that cause Rosacea flare-ups.
 

It is clear now that young skin is particularly vulnerable, which calls for awareness and moderation. If tan skin is that important, there are safe alternatives like tanning creams, towels and  sprays. In the meantime, if you've been using a tanning bed, keep an eye on moles and freckles, especially if they are changing size, shape or color. Remember, it's not necessary to risk your life for a tan.
 

Could it be more about money than healthcare? If you visit one of these "MedSpas," be sure to ask "is there a doctor in the house?"

When in doubt, here are some questions you should ask:

• Is the Doctor on the premises? One warning sign is the phrase "performed under supervision of..." which may mean the physician is miles away and unavailable in case of emergency. It may also mean that the procedure is being performed by someone who is not qualified.
• Is the operator of the Laser or IPL certified to operate the equipment?
• Is the operator a medical professional?  Estheticians are not permitted to operate IPL or Laser equipment in the State of California.
• May I see the Doctor's credentials? "Board Certified" is a good sign because it means that the Doctor has is certified by the Medical Board of their specialty — and be sure find out what their specialty is. A reputable physician and staff will never intimidate you into skipping this step. If you think you need verification, then by all means, get verification.

If they can't satisfy the questions you have, or if they get defensive in response to your questions, it may serve you well to head for the exit.

Today, more and more clinics and "MediSpas" are operating outside the law. They may tell you that it's for your benefit, "to make state-of the-art treatments available to the public" and even that "it's perfectly safe." Don't believe it! Those are red flags that mean they're doing it for the money, not for your benefit — and they're putting you and your skin at risk.

If you suspect a clinic or skin care professional is violating the law, or if you simply have a question about a physician, contact the Medical Board of California at 1-800-633-2322, or online at www.medbd.ca.gov

Remember, the laws are in place to protect you, and you have every right to know.
 

Recent studies have shown conclusively that tanning beds can be as, or more damaging to the skin than regular sun exposure, because tanning beds utilize UV radiation to cause skin to tan.  People mistakenly think that the sun's rays are stronger than a tanning bed's, and therefore they can spend more time in a tanning bed. The result is a higher incidence of skin cancer, premature aging and wrinkles.

When asked about the risks involved, Consumer Reports found that only 1% of tanning salon operators answered all of the questions correctly.

EBAC's founder, Lynn Cowie, says "Fake it, don't bake it!" in the firm belief that topical tanning lotions are a much healthier alternative to sun bathing and tanning beds, with very similar tanning results.
 

Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing bacteria-killing oxygen into the skin follicles, where acne-causing bacteria grow causing infection, inflammation and scarring. EBAC has always considered BPO to be a less expensive and much preferred alternative to prescription medications such as Accutane. And, BPO has far fewer and less severe side effects, the worst being dry skin.

While BPO is mildly irritating to the skin, at first, the skin can become acclimated by gradually extended use over a period of a week or two. The first application typically lasts ten minutes, which is gradually increased, as the skin will tolerate, to an overnight application. Dry skin can be alleviated with an oil-free moisturizer or a hydrator, such as CosMedix Mystic.

BPO has been proven over many years to be an extremely effective topical treatment for acne. EBAC offers BPO in 2.5%, 5% and 10% strengths, and a 10% + Sulfur. See our online catalog for more information.
 

In 2002, following evidence of the Accutane related risk to fetuses, pharmaceutical industry began an educational program aimed at preventing women from becoming pregnant while taking the drug and from using it if they are already pregnant. The study showed that Accutane is still being prescribed to pregnant women and women continue to become pregnant while taking the drug.

Accutane has been prescribed to millions of adolescents and adults, and is considered to be effective against recurrent and severe acne. However, Accutane carries FDA warnings because it can cause organ damage or mental retardation in fetuses.

An FDA advisory panel recently voted 16-8 to recommend a mandatory registry for all Accutane users, and require that physicians and pharmacists document that women are complying with pregnancy prevention measures. The FDA usually, though not always, follows its advisory committees' recommendations.

Meanwhile, the drug continues to be prescribed for even moderate cases of acne, even though diet and appropriate home skin care have been shown to alleviate the majority of acne symptoms and flare-ups. Apparently, taking a pill is an all-to-easy easy alternative, despite the risks of taking Accutane.  Meanwhile, it appears that patients, doctors and pharmacists are all, to some degree, ignoring safeguards in place to protect Accutane users. Some consumer groups are calling for much tighter controls over the prescription and use of the controversial drug, than what the FDA is calling for, citing it's well documented risk to unborn children.
 

Since the body stores only a small amount of the mineral, a shortage in your diet can quickly show up as reduced energy levels, short attention span, skin flare-ups and the inability to fight off even minor illnesses like the common cold. Earlier studies have also linked zinc deficiencies to reproductive health in both men and women, leading researchers to  believe it may have anti-cancer properties.

Our bodies require about 15mg of zinc each day for various metabolic functions, many of which seem to be unrelated. In fact, they may all connected to stress and the immune system.

Restylane may be used alone, and is often applied in conjunction with Botox in instances where the wrinkles or creases are significantly muscle-induced.  Its effects last six to eight months, whereas Botox alone lasts three to 4 months.

Restylane is trademarked and manufactured by Q-Med AB of Sweden.

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