O’Donoghue Dermatology Blog

Winter itch is a type of eczema or very dry skin which is exacerbated by the lower humidity of the winter months.

This condition can be alleviated by applying moisturizer to wet, freshly showered skin and avoiding long, hot showers which can deplete skin of its natural oils. Diets rich in vitamins A, C, E, flaxseed, canola and fresh vegetable will enhance the skin's ability to retain moisture, and running a humidifier in the bedroom while you sleep is also helpful.

If your winter itch proves too much for these home remedies, contact O'Donoghue Dermatology so that we can determine the best treatment for you.

A sebaceous cyst is a bump that develops under the skin, typically in the neck, face or trunk area.

They are often referred to as wens, keratin cysts, epidermal cysts or epidermoid cysts and they usually come out of hair follicles, but they can be caused by trauma to the skin.

The bump is formed by a closed sack filled with an oily or cheese-like matter and it is usually painless, but it can become inflamed and tender. If a small cyst becomes inflamed, your dermatologist can inject it with an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling or just surgically remove the cyst.

Most cysts are benign, but it is important to differentiate them from other malignant bumps that may look like cysts. In some cases, your dermatologist may determine that a biopsy is necessary to rule out potentially malignant conditions.

If you are concerned about a bump on your skin, contact O'Donoghue Dermatology so that we can determine if it is a benign cyst or something worthy of concern.

Did you know that dermaplaning is an excellent way to removing "peach fuzz"?

Dermaplaning is a non-invasive skin resurfacing procedure that gently scrapes away the top layer of dead skin cells and painlessly remove the "peach fuzz" that can trap excess dirt and oil.

If you are looking for a safe way to get rid of your "peach fuzz", contact O'Donoghue Dermatology and schedule your appointment today.

Did you know that there are many products right in your kitchen that can treat a variety of skin ailments?

For instance, massaging Olive Oil into wet skin is an excellent moisturizer - it's also great for brittle hair ends!

The antibacterial properties of honey can speed the healing of wounds, yogurt applied directly to the skin for 10 minutes can soothe the redness of rosacea, and lemon mixed with baking soda can combat yellowing nails – this mixture works great on teeth too!

If these home remedies are no match for your rosacea or yellowing nails, contact O'Donoghue Dermatology so that we can determine the best treatment for you.

Did you know that by exposing the skin narrowband UVB light treatments we can treat a number of skin conditions.

Narrow band UVB is the optimal part of the UV light spectrum and it has been shown to slow the growth of psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo lesions.

Exposure to this targeted phototherapy treatment can clear these unsightly and often painful lesions without the risk of skin cancer associated with sunlight and tanning beds.

If you suffer with psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo, contact O'Donoghue Dermatology to see if narrow band UVB treatment is right for you.

Did you know that we no longer have to rely on aggressive chemical peals and dermabrasion to treat acne scarring?

With the new lasers available today, we can treat acne scarring in as little as 15 minutes, with no anesthesia and with minimal healing.

If you're one of the millions of people that are plagued by acne scarring, contact O'Donoghue Dermatology to see if you are a candidate for this revolutionary procedure.

One of the ways Dr. O'Donoghue can enhance your appearance is by using the MiXto SX® Fractional C02 Laser for Skin Resurfacing.

This laser combines the effectiveness of Carbon Dioxide lasers with an innovative "quadrant" fractional technology.

One 30 minute treatment with this laser will accomplish more than 3 treatments with traditional CO2 resurfacing. Treatments with this laser do not require general anesthesia and patients experience less discomfort, less downtime, and no harsh side effects.

The cost of treatment with the MiXto SX® Fractional C02 Laser is also significantly less than traditional CO2 resurfacing.

The many benefits are immediate shrinkage of damaged skin, softening of fine lines and wrinkles , removal of age and sun spots, and even new collagen production for up to one year following treatment.

Please contact us for more information.

This is usually a sebaceous cyst that is a closed sac found under the skin, usually on the trunk, neck, or face. They are filled with a oily or cheese-like matter and usually are painless.

In some cases, however, cysts can get inflamed and become tender to the touch. They are also called epidermal cysts, wens, keratin cysts, or epidermoid cysts. Most often, sebaceous cysts come out of hair follicles or can form as a result of trauma to the skin. Usually they are benign, but they must be differentiated from other potentially malignant bumps that can mimic cysts.

In some cases, the dermatologist will perform a biopsy to rule out certain conditions. If a small cyst becomes inflamed, a dermatologist can inject it with an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling or just remove it entirely with surgery.

Melanoma only affects 4 percent of those diagnosed with skin cancer, but it accounts for 79 percent of all skin cancer related deaths.

Anyone who has overexposure to the sun, regardless of skin color, has a higher risk for melanoma.

Individuals with blond or red hair, and fair complexion have the highest risk for melanoma. Also if you experienced excessive sun exposure during your childhood and teen years or have a family history of melanoma, you should have a skin cancer-related checkup.

The American Cancer Society recommends a checkup every three years for people between 20 and 40 years of age, and every year for anyone 40 and older.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common cancer of the skin.

Patients with fair complexions who frequently sun bathe or use tanning beds are most likely to be affected. Some SCC's arise from small sandpaper-like precancerous lesions called actinic leratoses. About 20% of these precancers can evolve into the earliest for of SCC which may present as a warty-growth or a sore that bleeds.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common cancer of the skin.

Patients with fair complexions who frequently sun bathe or use tanning beds are most likely to be affected. Some SCC's arise from small sandpaper-like precancerous lesions called actinic leratoses. About 20% of these precancers can evolve into the earliest for of SCC which may present as a warty-growth or a sore that bleeds.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes which are found predominantly ion skin. it is a serious type of skin cancer that causes the majority of skin cancer related deaths.

Although fair skinned individuals are most commonly affected, darker skinned patients who tan easily can develop melanoma as well. It is due to uncontrolled growth of pigment cells called melanocytes.

Traditional therapies have relied upon both topical and oral antibiotics. At O'Donoghue Dermatology - we prefer a more natural approach. We start many of our acne and rosacea patients on a specific all natural regimen.

Therapy begins with a homeopathic oral spray which reduces redness, inflammation and breakouts. It is followed by a series of natural, pulsed light treatments that target and can permanently shrink inflamed blood vessels.

This is also combined with a specific diet that avoids the foods most commonly associated with rosacea flares. For more information - or to book a consultation - please contact us today.

If you are a new client - please click on the menu button to the left for a coupon good for a complimentary consulation.

Dr. O'Donoghue includes all four of his acne products in a specially priced kit for Clients in Sarasota and the surrounding areas.

Walk-in Special: Now you can get this 4 Step Program Acne kit for $59.99!

Save $10.00 off the regular price when you pick up your Acne Kit at our office located at 1952 Field Road Sarasota. Kit includes Medicated Acne Cleaner, 10% BPO Acne Gel, SPF 30 Oil Free Sunscreen and Glycolic Antioxidant Toner.

Exerpt from Pre Kindergarten Newsletter
November 19, 2010

..."Our week in Pre K was filled with many special parents and community helpers. Thank you to Morgan Bentley, Blaine's dad, for telling us about being a lawyer and sharing the wooly mammoth story with us. Thank you to Dr. Morgan O'Donoghue, Kevin's dad, for explaining the importance of protecting our skin and what he does as a dermatologist. Thank you for giving us each a bottle of sunscreen."...

Q: Dear Dr. O’Donoghue, Are there any new treatments for acne or rosacea? – Rose, Venice FL.

A: Dear Rose, The traditional therapies have relied upon both topical and oral antibiotics. I prefer a more natural approach, I start many of my acne and rosacea patients on a specific all natural regimen. 

Therapy begins with a homeopathic oral spray which reduces redness, inflammation and breakouts. It is followed by a series of natural, pulsed light treatments that target and can permanently shrink inflamed blood vessels.

This is also combined with a specific diet that avoids the foods most commonly associated with rosacea flares.

Q: Dear Dr. O'Donoghue, I am constantly battling dry, scaly, and itchy skin. How can I treat this? - J.T.

A: Dear J.T.,  Dry skin is the result of an evaporation of water from the upper skin layers. To replace this loss apply thick moisturizers immediately after bathing to wet skin and then gently blot dry, don’t rub. Limit your bathing to no more than 10 minutes daily and avoid very hot water.

Q: Dear Dr. O'Donoghue, I am overwhelmed by all the ads for different wrinkle creams. Is there any one cream that can help improve the skin? - Linda, Englewood, FL

 A: Dear Linda, Despite the multitude of products claiming to help the skin, in my opinion, the best topical cream for improving fine lines, age spots, and texture is retinol.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A and research has shown that it enhances moisture retention, increases collagen production and promotes the skins ability to heal. I also feel that it is less irritating than Retin-A. Retinol is now available in elegant concentrated serum in our office.

Encourage Elderly Family Members to Examine Their Skin

Based on current estimates, substantially more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is being diagnosed more rapidly in men age 65 and older than in the general population. A history of exposure to UV rays is a risk factor for skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people lovingly remind their elderly family members to perform a skin self-examination for suspicious moles that could be skin cancer.

The Academy has created several tools to make it easy to determine if a mole is suspicious and should be brought to a dermatologist’s attention. The Academy’s Body Mole Map is a tool individuals can use to track their moles. The map provides information on how to perform a skin exam, images of the ABCDEs of melanoma and space for people to track their moles to determine any changes over time.