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Everything You Need To Know About Online Dermatologists

Refinery29 posted “Everything You Need To Know About Online Dermatologists” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare

You can do just about anything online these days: shop for groceries, get a college education, find a significant other, even see a doctor. Technology is a huge boon to a busy schedule — and, for that matter, an extended period of self-quarantine. With health-care practitioners everywhere trying to keep non-essential visits to an absolute minimum, many patients are turning to virtual doctor’s appointments in their stead.

Not all forms of medicine are fit for a FaceTime call (you wouldn’t want to have a virtual appointment with a cardiologist, for example), but dermatology is one field where it makes perfect sense. Some practices offer video consultations to the same patients they’d see in-house, using applications like Google Hangouts and Zoom to address your concerns as they would in an office.

Companies like Apostrophe and Curology have also innovated in the space, modernizing traditional telemedicine into a more affordable way to treat conditions like acne and rosacea without insurance premiums or copays. You can simply start an account any time via their websites and answer a series of questions and upload photos of your face, after which medical professionals will recommend an appropriate treatment plan, including topical medications typically only available with a prescription.

What are the downsides of seeing an online dermatologist?

Well, there is a chance that you might have to go into your dermatologist’s office after your virtual visit — which means two separate appointments, and possibly two co-pays. This only happens if a skin concern cannot be determined via camera, or if it seems more serious and will need to be checked out face-to-face.
“The skin is the largest organ of the body, with visual textures and a lot of 3D surface area. A skin examination can require touching and feeling the skin or skin lesion,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “Not all telemedicine visits may result in a diagnosis, and the patient may need to come in for a biopsy or future testing.” In the case of a website like Apostrophe, if a patient cannot be treated, they will be refunded their money. “If they believe you’d benefit from seeing an in-person dermatologist, they will let you know,” says the brand rep.

How can I prepare for an online dermatologist appointment?

It’s critical to do your research and find the right professionals for your appointment no matter what service you’re using, especially since there are many “skin-care experts” who offer their services online at a premium without board certification or educational background. “There are no qualifications to setting up online visits, so make sure you vet out that you are seeing a board-certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Patel. That shouldn’t be hard to find, as Dr. Markowitz adds, “There are going to be plenty of board-certified dermatologists available for this type of visit.”

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When to Call Your Dermatologist About Hand Dermatitis

Newbeauty posted “When to Call Your Dermatologist About Hand Dermatitis” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel, founder of Visha Skincare

If you’re being compliant with washing and sanitizing your hands during the COVID-19 pandemic, chances are, they’re pretty dry, cracked and downright not in their normal state by now.

“Right now, going to the emergency room for something like this is not recommended,” stresses Germantown, TN dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD. “But hand dermatitis is becoming really common with the extra handwashing and hand sanitizer. If the rash persists after using over-the-counter methods, if you have fissuring or bleeding that is not healing, if you are not able to use your hands, or if you have oozing or swelling, it’s time to consult your dermatologist.”

“Setting up a telederm consultation is easier now more than ever,” she adds. “Let your dermatologist take a look and prescribe the best medication and treatment plan for you.”

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Neurotoxin Wearing Off? Here Are 7 Wrinkle ‘Filling’ Products Derms Say Make a Difference

Newbeauty posted “Neurotoxin Wearing Off? Here Are 7 Wrinkle ‘Filling’ Products Derms Say Make a Difference” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel, founder of Visha Skincare

If your biannual ‘toxin touch-up appointment is nearing or you’re noticing an extra worry line surfacing, don’t panic—there are topical creams and serums derms actually approve of that will help “fill” any unwelcome etches. Plus, as San Antonio, TX dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD notes, this is all time we can use for some extra guilt-free self care. So layer on one of these wrinkle-busting potions, throw on your favorite show and do your best to relax. We’re all in this together.

The Line Buster

“Revision Revox 7 ($130) is a great option as it contains peptides specifically designed to help with seven different types of expression lines including lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows, bunny lines, crow’s feet, laugh lines, lip lines and marionette lines,” explains New York dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. Another fan of the lightweight serum is New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD, who says she routinely pairs it with toxin injections in her practice.

Germantown, TN dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD notes that nothing is the same as neurotoxin injections and a few months’ gap shouldn’t be too deleterious to our faces, but that Revox is the closest topical for the job.

 

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Self-Care Tips From Beauty Industry Experts

The Spa Insider posted  “Self-Care Tips From Beauty Industry Experts” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare.

Practicing self-care is an important part of managing our mental, emotional and physical health—yet many people tend to overlook it. Whether it’s ready a book, taking a relaxing bath, watching your favorite movie or meditating, we all have different ways that we like to unwind and enjoy some “me” time. By incorporating a little more self-care into your life, you’ll feel calmer, relaxed, more fulfilled, and more connected to yourself and the world around you.

We spoke to several beauty industry experts to get their tips on how to take care of yourself at home. Read on to discover ways to treat yourself to some much-needed self-care at home:

“At home my biggest self-care is shedding my work clothes at the door and taking a shower. This not only prevents me from bringing microbes home and cleanses me, but also the hot shower helps to lower my blood pressure, open my pores and relaxes me.” Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare

 

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Beauty Experts Share their Home Self-Care Routines

The Beauty Experience posted “Beauty Experts Share their Home Self-Care Routines ” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare.

It’s easy for anxiety and stress to run rampant when every news outlet, friend and family member is talking about Coronavirus. Here, beauty experts share their at-home self-care routines that help them to relax and salvage some normalcy in their day-to-day lives.

“At home my biggest self-care is shedding my work clothes at the door and taking a shower. This not only prevents me from bringing microbes home and cleanses me, but also the hot shower helps me to lower my blood pressure, open my pores and relaxes me.”—Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare.

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Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response

Based on current guidance and our own standards and practices, we remain open and ready to provide exceptional patient care experiences.

As the situation evolves, we are keeping up with and following the recommendations of the CDC, WHO and state and local health department.

Patients

We are permitting only one caregiver to accompany patients to our locations at this time. If you have traveled internationally, traveled on any cruise ship, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, we MUST reschedule your appointment for a future date:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Please call the office and our staff will reschedule your appointment.

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your primary care provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

As always, the wellness of our patients, staff, and community is our top priority. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns!

Medicare COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Virtual Visit Notice

Effective for services starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for Medicare telehealth services furnished to patients in broader circumstances. These visits are considered the same as in-person visits and are paid at the same rate as regular, in-person visits.

Starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for professional services furnished to beneficiaries in all areas of the country in all settings.

While they must generally travel to or be located in certain types of originating sites such as a physician’s office, skilled nursing facility or hospital for the visit, effective for services starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for Medicare telehealth services furnished to beneficiaries in any healthcare facility and in their home.

The Medicare coinsurance and deductible would generally apply to these services. However, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is providing flexibility for healthcare providers to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by federal healthcare programs.

To the extent the 1135 waiver requires an established relationship, HHS will not conduct audits to ensure that such a prior relationship existed for claims submitted during this public health emergency.

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Got a rogue breakout? Try using turmeric for acne

Well and Good shared “Got a rogue breakout? Try using turmeric for acne” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel, and Visha Skincare.

People have been turning to turmeric for ages because of how healthy—and anti-inflammatory—it is for your diet. The ingredient is becoming a DIY beauty star for the same reason, and the ingredient is even trickling into skin-care products, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Given that inflammation is at the root of breakouts, it’s no surprise than many people are turning to turmeric for acne.

If you’re not familiar, turmeric is a plant that is native to southeast Asia. “It’s commonly used as a spice. The powder comes from the roots of the turmeric plant, known as curcuma domestica, which is thought to contain medicinal properties,” says Marnie Nussbaum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. People relate the plant to ginger, adds Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “It is bright yellow because of the active ingredient curcumin,” she says.

It’s used in beauty products because of its bacteria-killing, irritation-quelling, and nourishing properties. “Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-neoplastic, and antioxidant, as it combats free radicals and free radical damage,” says Dr. Patel (free radicals can result in the skin aging more quickly). “It has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to combat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and acne.” Keep scrolling to learn more about how the ingredient is an acne-fighting superhero.

Using turmeric for acne

Acne is an actual inflammatory condition of your oil glands and your pores. “Acne is caused by follicular occlusion, microbial overgrowth, sebum production, and/or inflammation,” says Dr. Patel. Turmeric comes into play because, she explains, it works to decrease microbial growth (aka that bad, acne-causing bacteria), sebum production, and inflammation. And as an added bonus: “Topical turmeric also helps with discoloration or hyperpigmentation if it’s used over a long period of time,” she says.

Dr. Nussbaum points out that some studies have proven the ingredient’s efficacy in treating breakouts, though more need to be conducted to prove its conclusive benefits to the skin. “Recent clinical studies on curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, indicate that it’s an antioxidant and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Think inhibiting inflammation signals in the body,” she says. “Some research suggests that curcumin, when combined with lauric acid, contains antibacterial properties that may help banish certain types of acne-causing bacteria—specifically, P. acnes.”

Turmeric isn’t going to quash all acne woes, though. Dermatologists note that it is more likely to be effective in treating mild to moderate acne, “not deeper cysts or nodules which have been present for days to weeks,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “Those will respond better to cortisone injections delivered in-office by a board-certified dermatologist.” That said, Dr. Patel says that ingesting turmeric orally—400 to 600mg per day—can help with deep cystic acne.

How to use turmeric in your skin-care routine

As is the case with many active ingredients in skin care, you’ll find all different concentrations and delivery systems of turmeric inside of beauty products. “Topical agents will vary in strength, sourcing of the ingredient, and permeability into the skin,” says Dr. Patel, who actually believes that using turmeric in a DIY paste is one of the most effective ways to go when treating acne. “It is best used directly on the skin in powdered form, mixed with water into the form of a paste,” she says, nothing that this can be an overnight spot treatment or used as a face mask.

Before you incorporate it into your regimen though, Dr. Nussbaum recommends consulting your dermatologist. “I’d discuss your acne concerns with your dermatologist, who will help guide you through the best holistic treatment plan,” she says. “Curcumin in turmeric can interact with some medications and there may be a risk of allergic reactions when applied topically. You should also avoid turmeric if you are pregnant or have issues related to blood sugar, blood clotting, stomach acid issues, or gallbladder issues.”

When you use turmeric on your skin, Dr. Patel says it’s best to use it like you would with other active ingredients: at night only. “The best time to use it is before bedtime, which will be the maximum amount of time a product can stay on your skin undisrupted, and can increase absorption as the body temperature rises overnight,” she says.

Even though turmeric can be a key acne-fighting spot treatment, derms say it’s fine to use all over your skin (even your body) too. “Just note that in its purest form, it may leave a stain, so it’s best to use on the areas that it is needed the most,” says Dr. Patel. But Dr. Nussbaum says that otherwise, it’s safe to use every single day if you’re seeing good results. Keep scrolling for turmeric-infused skin-care products to shop for your own acne-quashing routine.

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Do pore strips work? Dermatologists reveal the truth, once and for all

Well and Good posted “Do pore strips work? Dermatologists reveal the truth, once and for all [Reviews & Guide]” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare. The article features Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser.

People love to use skin-care products that work, sure, but they also love to use products that are satisfying. Beauty products like Baby Foot ($25) and peel-off face masks are fun because you get to watch dead skin cells come off centimeter by centimeter. Then there are pore strips, which suck up all of the little blackheads nesting on your nose. But do pore strips work, and is that satisfying treatment really doing your skin any favors?

As a refresher, your pores are really small openings on your skin that oil and sweat come out of, and they can get pretty easily clogged. “Pores can get filled with dirt, oil, sweat, and makeup,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, who adds that they can also get clogged by skin cells that aren’t exfoliated (reminder: this is why regular exfoliation is so important). One instance of clogged pores is a blackhead, which is oil that’s been oxidized in an open pore.

Your nose happens to be a hotspot for blackheads. “The nose is a perfect storm to make blackheads, because the pores are stretched out on a convex surface,” says Dr. Patel. Pore strips come in because they’re able to mold around the nose, stick to it and cling to the pore buildup, then—ideally—take it all out of your skin. Keep scrolling for the low-down on whether pore strips really work, plus how to use them, according to dermatologists.

Do pore strips work? 

If you’ve ever used a pore strip on your nose, you’d agree that pulling it off (similar to how you’d pull off a Band-Aid) feels like it works to remove blackheads. “Pore strips are typically made of an adhesive that sticks to the skin and takes the superficial layer of the blackhead out,” says Ellen Marmur, MD, a New York-based dermatologist. “It is typically just pulling out oil and sebum.” Another reason why using them is so satisfying is that they can temporarily make your pores appear smaller cleaner, she says (plus you can actually see the gunk that comes out of your nose on the other side of the strip).

That said, pore strips only successfully pull out oil and sebum when they’re used correctly and on the right skin type. “People who are allergic to adhesive, have sensitive skin, or those that are on a prescription retinoid product are not good candidates for pore strips, because more irritation and even skin damage could occur,” says Dr. Patel. Using a strong retinol, because of the increased cell turnover, makes your skin more delicate, so anything abrasive—or really sticky, like a pore strip—can potentially rip the top layer of your skin off. A similar effect could happen if you’re on a strong acne medication. And, if you have a sensitive skin condition like rosacea, Dr. Marmur recommends to skip pore strips, since it’d be ripping off skin that’s already vulnerable.

Now for the good news: If your skin is on the normal or oily side, dermatologists say that you can benefit from using pore strips to treat blackheads. “Oily skin does best with pore strips since there are more blackheads to address,” says Dr. Patel. To use them properly, she says it’s key to start with a freshly cleansed, dry face—otherwise, makeup or an oily surface can make the strip not stick. “Use a good cleanser that dissolves oil,” she says, suggesting something purifying—options include the Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser ($30) or Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser ($5). And it’s important to be gentle. “Make sure to follow the directions properly and do not let the strips sit for too long, otherwise the adhesive can pull off skin,” she says.

Pore strips are not everyday products, though; Dr. Patel and Dr. Marmur stress that these are for occasional use. “I would recommend using a pore strip no more than once a week,” says Dr. Marmur. If you’re just not into these for treating your blackheads, though, you could always turn to a chemical exfoliant or a detoxifying face mask instead. “The combination of fruit acids and tea tree oil help to shrink pores so that less oil can accumulate,” says Dr. Patel (fruit acids are alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids for exfoliation, and tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial). Regular retinol use can help to keep things clear, too, since it’s stimulating faster cellular turnover.

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The Best 2020 March Deals And Sales In Clothing, Travel, Beauty And More

Newsweek shared “The Best 2020 March Deals And Sales In Clothing, Travel, Beauty And More ” featuring Visha Skincare, Advanced Correcting Serum and Mommy Brightener.

March is upon us, and while the weather may be a bit unpredictable, we can expect that some stores will be having sales. Because March straddles winter and spring, there are some interesting opportunities for discounts, from clearance pricing on winter apparel to sales on beauty products as skin care needs change. There are also travel deals ahead of spring break.

Visha Skincare: This dermatologist-founded skin care brand is offering 20 percent off its multitasking serums—Advanced Correcting Serum and Mommy Brightener. Valid March 1 to 31.

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Best Deals in March 2020 (and What to Avoid!)

TRUE TRAE posted “Best Deals in March 2020 (and What to Avoid!)” featuring Visha Skincare. This article features Advanced Correcting Serum and Mommy Brightener.

March is here, and while the weather may be a bit unpredictable, one thing we know for sure is that some stores will be having sales. Because March straddles winter and spring, there are some interesting opportunities for discounts, from clearance pricing on winter apparel and sales on beauty products, to travel deals ahead of Spring Break. I’ve rounded up the best deals in March 2020 (and what should wait).

Beauty Deals

The weather is changing, and so should your skincare routine. Every year, beauty brands offer deals to help make that transition just a bit more budget-friendly. The bulk of the deals are on skin treatment products, but we’re also seeing discounts on makeup and beauty tools.

Visha Skincare: This dermatologist-founded skincare brand is offering 20 percent off their multi-tasking serums–Advanced Correcting Serum and Mommy Brightener. Valid March 1-31.

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