Dr. Lawrence Parish, MD

Cosmetic Procedures in a Spa or Salon – Factors to Consider
As the quest for the perfect body and a flawless face continues, many consumers have turned to salons, spas, and malls to enhance their appearance at bargain prices. While all cosmetic procedures are medical, many consumers are being influenced to believe that certain procedures are easy and free of risks or complications – leading many to seek non-traditional settings in which unlicensed non-physicians are administering treatments. Do’s Do choose a location carefully. Beware of ...

Chemical Peels
What is a chemical peel? This is a surgical procedure involving the use of different chemicals such as aquaglycolic acid or trichloracetic acid. The trichloracetic peel results in a deeper peel than does the aquaglycolic acid. The chemical peel can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Sometimes, it is helpful in reducing excessive pigmentation.  The peel can often create a more youthful appearance. How is it performed? After the face has been prepared by cleansing with certain agents, t...

Thoughts on Alopecia Areata
Causes The cause of alopecia areata is not known. Diet, stress, and even infection (ringworm) have been considered in the past. Most likely, there is an immunologic phenomenon that results in constriction of the blood vessels surrounding the follicle. The hair growth is blunted or stopped. Fortunately, the follicle usually remains intact. Treatment The good news is that the hair regrows in six to twelve months, with or without treatment. There are two ways to treat alopecia areata. The ...

Primary Irritant Dermatitis and Secondary Allergic Dermatitis
Primary Irritant Dermatitis This is the result of a chemical that will cause dermatitis for everyone who comes in contact with it. Examples are soap, when the skin is scrubbed too much, or bleach if it is allowed to remain for some time.  Secondary Allergic Dermatitis This occurs after repeated exposure to an allergen. When the skin is exposed to the contactant, an allergic response may develop. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is used in hair dye, as the color will last after many sham...

Thoughts on Psoriasis
Psoriasis can appear at any age and is characterized by red scaling plaques that are often on the elbows and knees. Other areas may include the scalp, back, chest, abdomen, arms, and legs. The condition may vary from a few red areas on the knees and elbows to thick red scaling plaques on various parts of the body. The scalp may be red and itchy. The excessive scaling may be confused with dandruff. The cause of Psoriasis is due to increased skin turnover. Usually, every skin cell is rep...

Cosmetic Procedures Offered in Spas & Salons
As the quest for the perfect body and a flawless face continues, many consumers have turned to salons, spas, and malls to enhance their appearance at bargain prices. While all cosmetic procedures are medical, many consumers are being influenced to believe that certain procedures are easy and free of risks or complications – leading many to seek non-traditional settings in which unlicensed non-physicians are administering treatments. Do’s Do choose a location carefully. Bewar...

Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)
What is cryosurgery? It is the use of a freezing substance to treat such skin conditions as: •    Actinic keratosis (a sun-induced lesion) •    Molluscum contagiosum (a round lesion caused by a pox virus) •    Seborrheic keratosis (a brown mark, sometimes called an age or liver spot) •    Verruca vulgaris (a wart caused by the papilloma virus) How cold is liquid nitrogen? Liquid nitrogen is a liquid ...

Sclerotherapy
What are spider veins or telangiectasias? Spider veins or telangiectasias of the legs are a common problem.  They are dilated small blood vessels that have a red or bluish color.  They can form anywhere on the leg.  Sometimes, they occur in a small area, and sometimes they can occur in a large area.  These vessels usually do not cause a major health problem, but they may contribute to discomfort and may even  be unsightly.  Larger dilated blood vessels, called va...

Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratoses are dark skin growths that appear in adulthood. Although they may be large and grow quickly, they are benign.   They are not caused by sun damage so they may be typically found on areas both covered and uncovered by clothing. Even though they are benign, many patients are concerned that they are cancerous (malignant). These lesions often itch and even become irritated, making it necessary to remove them. Seborrheic keratoses tend to run in families. ...