Acne Rosacea Hidradenitis Suppurativa Updates Memphis Dermatologist
George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (02/04/2024)
2024 is a great time to practice as a Memphis Dermatologist, with many new helpful treatments for Acne, Rosacea, and Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Let’s take a look at the options. My having practiced as a Board-certified Cordova Dermatologist for the last 30 years because pimple popping should be a thing of the past, with less acne scarring.
Acne is due to clogging of the opens of the oil glands, the sebaceous glands, so traditional Acne treatment includes antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline, with prescription topical medications (meaning “for use on top of the skin”) for blackheads (comedones), papules, or cysts: Tretinoin Cream, differin gel (Adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or topical dapsone. Sometimes we consider a five-month course of an oral medicine called isotretinoin treatment (Accutane treatment) to help dry up the oil glands. Accutane is highly effective but requires strict avoidance of pregnancy while on treatment and monthly monitoring bloodwork.
In 2024, Dermatologists now have exciting new Acne Treatments, including a new oral antibiotic with a quicker onset of action – Sarecycline – as well as a newer retinoid gel – Trifarotene®. There is also a variation of acne – called Pityrosporon folliculitis or fungal acne – which can be treated with prescription antifungal medicines. We also have a new topical cream - Winlevi® - which works on the hormones in the skin that tend to promote Acne and Acne scarring.
Rosacea is a type of inflammation in the oil glands due to overgrowth of certain bacteria. Many cases are also genetic, meaning that the condition runs in certain families, flares being triggered by exposure to certain chemicals such as spices or alcohol. Allergy testing, or Allergy Patch Testing, available in my Memphis Dermatology practice at Rheumatology and Dermatology since 2004 (8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018: 1-901-753-0168), can be a very helpful way of checking for underlying sensitivity to fragrances, preservatives, metals, or components of latex.
Rosacea Treatment often involves courses of oral antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline with topical antibiotics including Metrocream® and topical vitamin A prescriptions like Retin A® Cream or Gel, and sometimes a topical gel called Mirvaso® or brimonidine gel.
Hidradenitis suppurativa, also called HS, is an often painful underarms and groin pus-draining type of infection sometimes related to excessive body weight or smoking. HS can be managed with certain oral antibiotics, with courses of systemic steroids, with a sulfone drug called dapsone, or sometimes with injectable biologic agents, such as Humira®, Cosentyx®, or Stelara®.
After 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016, I decided to establish a skincare products company - Big River Silk Skincare™ Inc. – to manufacture and distribute certain cleansers and moisturizers for people with Acne and Rosacea. We manufacture and distribute organic skincare products for people going onto prescription therapies. I incorporated cleansers and moisturizers that the Woodbury family of Dermatologists has used for many years for Tennessee Dermatology patients: AmberSoy™ Soap Gel and GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion.
AmberSoy Soap Gel is a great cleanser option for people with oily or combination skin. It can be used as a type of face mask, wherein it’s applied to the skin and then left on for 5-10 minutes. Available in 1 oz ($14.95), 2 oz ($22.95), and 8 oz ($74.95), it is a soft glycerine cleanser with no dyes, formaldehyde, or propylene glycol, suitable for use as a face and/or back mask, to leave on the skin for 5-10 minutes before rinsing away.
GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion is a helpful fragrance-free exfoliating moisturizer that acts as a face scrub, due to its Glycolic Acid, an AHA or Alpha-hydroxy Acid originally discovered in pineapple. It also helps to even out the appearance of fine lines in the skin, making it into an antiwrinkle cream. 1 oz ($45.95), 2 oz ($68.95), and 8 oz ($229.95).
Big River Silk Skincare’s AmberSoy Soap Gel and GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion are available for over-the-counter purchase at our headquarters, 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. They can also be ordered at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (shipping: $7.50 for orders under $70.00; $10.00 handling and shipping for Canadian orders under $100.00). 1-901-753-0168.
If you or a family member has complexion issues needing Acne Treatment, Acne Rosacea therapy, or management of Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), consider first getting a checkup by a Board-certified Dermatologist. My own Memphis Dermatology practice since 1993 is with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN, near both Germantown, TN and Bartlett, TN (www.Rheumderm.com or www.Bigriversilkskincare.com) (1-901-753-0168). Or you can find a Dermatologist in your own neighborhood by going to the American Academy of Dermatology website, AAD.org. Just plug your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.
George Woodbury Jr. M.D.
8143 Walnut Grove Road
Cordova TN 38018
1-901-753-0168
President of Big River Silk Skincare Inc.
02/04/2024
