Blog with Dr. Irwin

Hello Dr, My question is about unprotected sun exposure during healing after laser skin treatment. Will it increase the risk of sun induced skin cancer as laser make skin vulnerable to sun? I have taken 2 q switched nd yag laser sessions on some nevi to lighten them and 6 non ablative nd yag laser sesssions on post acne scars. During the period of treatment (6 months) I could not apply the sunblock regularly and it was about 200 hours collectively of indirect sunlight (morning light) exposure coming from the window when indoors or in my car as well as some (but not much) direct sun exposure. SO What are the risks of such light exposure on lasered skin or nevi and non regular use of sun block during healing period after laser treatment ? Is there a non invasive imaging test done as a chech up? THANKS SO MUCH

I use Retin-A, 0.5% on my face, and 0.25% on my forehead. One patch of skin on my forhead always gets red and peels, itches, get rets red, etc......everything else is fine!! Any suggestions for that area? Should I use Renove instead of Retin-A? Thank you

I was told by my family physician to use "Mother of Pearl" cream to help with a brown spot I have on the side of my eye since it is getting larger. After reading your tips on brown spots, I am making an appointment with a dermatologist to make sure it is nothing serious.

-------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Dr. Irwin, I am 20 years old and my skin in general is in a good state. Though I have noticed a big, light brown spot in my bikini zone. It's about two thumbnail sized, flat and with a slightly dry skin on it. I am not sure how long has it been there, since it is an awkward place and it doesn't hurt. What do you think could it be? it's not a spot that has been exposed to a lot of sun.

Hi Dr. Irwin, I have a lot of AK's on my face and am considering laser treatment rather than Carac cream...what is the difference between the Fraxel laser treatment and the IPL photofacial and which would be better for AK's in particular? Thank you for your time...I appreciated your videos. Best wishes, Phillipa

Hello, I am 56 years old. I just had three skin cancers removed. One on the front of my leg, one on the arm which was frozen. the last one was on my forehead (deep basil cell)...12 stiches. Anyway I play golf and tennis and I want the Best product I can find. I do not care what I look like as long as it protects me from cancer. I would love to get your recomendation. I would love to speak with you. I am A Vice President at Warner Bros. What is your number so I can call you. Or you can call me at 310-89006755.

I have a a large brown spot on my upper arm, that resulted from a sun burn, or perhaps someone was using a mirror near by as I felt the burn locally. I have tried IPL treatments several times, as well as a "hot" laser treatment once, with little or no effect. A few days ago I noticed a bluish tinge to it. Touching it very lightly resulted in the bursting of a blood vessel burst leaving a larger hematoma with a bump. I applied ice and the area flattened. I hope the bruise will go away in a few weeks. I have been applying Arnica which has helped in the past for bruising. Did the IPL treatments weaken the veins and thus indirectly cause this to happen. Should I avoid additional laser treatments? People are often staring at the spot or ask me what happened. Is there another treatment to try? I also have many sun spots on the tops of my thighs from living in a tropical country in my early 20s. I am afraid to try IPL on those. Would a chemical peel help? Many thanks in advance for your advice. Robbie