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]]>Spironolactone is a medication that has been around since the 1950s. It functions as a diuretic medication (promotes water loss) and is licensed in the UK for the treatment of blood pressure and heart failure.
As with many medications, they often come onto the market for a specific medical problem and then we realise the drug itself has a number of other actions. In otherwise fit, young healthy women, without a background of kidney or heart problems, it is also an extremely effective drug for adult acne.
Acne is caused by an interplay between hormones and genetics. Hormones known as androgens drive oil production in the skin which is part of the process in acne development. Spironolactone is an ‘anti-androgen’ drug and reduces the level of androgen hormones in the skin. The knock-on effect is reduced activity of the oil glands. Scientific studies have shown that it is able to reduce oil production at starting doses of 50-100mg daily.
At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we often use Spironolactone in the following circumstances:
It is not a suitable treatment for male patients with acne, as it is not a good idea to reduce androgen hormones in men. It is also not suitable for those with underlying heart or kidney problems. It should also not be taken if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you would like to discuss this or any other treatment for acne, we provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your dermatology consultation.
You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to fill in a contact form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.
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]]>Despite being one of the most widespread skin conditions affecting teenagers AND adult men and women, acne is one of the most poorly understood. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding acne and its causes. In this month’s blog, our skin expert and nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim, helps separate fact from fiction.
Scientific research has not found any foods that directly cause acne, so far. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for your overall health and wellbeing.
NHS scientists suggest that most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface, so the cleanliness of your skin has no effect on your acne. And Sue says that washing your face more than twice a day could actually aggravate your skin.
Although tempting, squeezing spots, blackheads or whiteheads can actually make your acne symptoms worse – and may leave you with scarring. Here are some of the acne treatments that we may recommend at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh Essex:
This is a particularly nasty and hurtful myth that’s totally incorrect. You cannot pass acne to other people or catch it from close contact with someone with acne. The psychological effects of acne are often underestimated by GPs and friends and those affected can suffer from reduced self-esteem and confidence issues.
The British Association of Dermatologists has a very helpful leaflet about acne, which explains:
The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of certain hormones, which are present in both men and women. These cause the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build up of oil, producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil and dead skin is visible) and whiteheads.
The acne bacterium (known as Propionibacterium acnes) lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but in those prone to acne, the build-up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.
Click here to read the full leaflet
Teenage acne is thought to be triggered by increased levels of testosterone, which occurs during puberty. The hormone plays an important role in stimulating the growth and development of the penis and testicles in boys, and maintaining muscle and bone strength in girls.
The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. It’s thought that increased levels of testosterone cause the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin needs.
If you suffer from acne, get advice early – please don’t suffer in silence. If you would like to ask our medical director & nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim a question, by all means do. We provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your consultation. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.
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]]>Before you reach for yet another glass of water, Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim would like to shed some light on some of the skin fads out there.
At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh we do not offer new technology or recommend certain skin care regimes until there is a wealth of clinical evidence to show they are safe and the results are clinically proven. Here are some myths that have no evidence base behind the advice.
It is claimed that drinking two litres of water a day is the amount we should drink for optimal health. This much water is said to benefit us in many ways from flushing away harmful toxins from our bodies, reducing lines and wrinkles, clearing acne, to helping us lose weight and fighting infections, among others.
But according to American paediatrician Aaron E. Caroll from Indiana University, there’s absolutely no science to back up the idea that we should be drinking eight glasses of water a day, and there never was.
In the New York Times in 2015 he wrote: “Contrary to many stories you may hear, there’s no real scientific proof that, for otherwise healthy people, drinking extra water has any health benefits.
“For instance, reviews have failed to find that there’s any evidence that drinking more water keeps skin hydrated and makes it look healthier or wrinkle free.”
The myth is widely believed to have started way back in 1945 in a food and nutrition board recommendation that was misquoted. News reports at the time – and since – seem to have left out the vital part that explains that the prepared foods we eat are likely to include most of the water we require.
Just think of all the foods we consume that include fluid, from fruit and veg, to soups and juices. And that leads us to the next myth…
Nope, also not true. In fact there is loads of evidence to suggest that tea, coffee, fruit juice, alcohol, soup, stews all add beneficial fluids to our bodies. Yes, you did read that correctly – that includes tea, coffee and alcohol (in moderation).
We had previously been told that drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol would dehydrate us and were diuretic. This means that they cause our bodies to expel more liquid than we have taken on. Science has debunked that myth time and again but it is firmly rooted in our beliefs.
In fact, a 2002 review by physician Heinz Valtin from Dartmouth University in the US found that we feel thirsty exactly when we are supposed to. So, if you feel thirsty listen to your body and drink something. And please remember that if you are exercising or battling an illness, you may very well need to drink more than usual in order to alleviate your thirst.
For skin care advice that is firmly back by scientific evidence, contact Elan Medical Skin Clinic.
Coming soon – Read our next blog for more myth debunking…
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]]>Worry not, for most you will find that these skin issues resolve themselves following the birth of your baby. Here are some of the most common skin problems women encounter during pregnancy—and what you can do about them.
Skin Sensitivity
Go easier on your skin now that you’re pregnant. You might get red more easily if you use a facial scrub, your normal facial might verge on painful, and the perfumed lotion you wear might irritate your skin (and make you nauseated, but that’s a different story). That’s why many mums-to-be switch to unscented products and start choosing products that do not contain harsh chemicals, preservatives and fragrances. “You certainly don’t want anything causing micro-tears on your skin,” says Sue Ibrahim, our dermatology nurse consultant. “The more cuts and wounds on your skin, the easier it is for chemicals to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Ingredients to stay away from in soaps and body washes include sodium laureth sulphate, parabens and fragrance.” These ingredients aren’t just potential irritants—some say they could pose health risks to baby. We say believe it, because (not surprisingly) a lot of products aren’t tested directly on pregnant women. If you are using prescription topicals on your face you need to tell your doctor that you are pregnant as most prescription creams are not licensed for use during pregnancy either. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we advise our patients to use our Elan Medical DermaCalm range during pregnancy, because they are free from fragrances and preservatives. They also contain mild anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe irritated skin.
Acne breakouts during pregnancy
During pregnancy your hormones are all over the place, and that might mean pimples like you had when you were a teenager. The cruel joke, of course, is that many of the treatments that are prescribed for acne cannot be used during pregnancy. Prescription medications like Tetracyclines, Isotretinoin (Roacutane(R)) and the anti-androgen hormone therapies are definite no-nos. And the jury’s out on over-the-counter creams, since they haven’t been tested specifically on pregnant women (yup, you find that a lot with products). Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be absorbed into the bloodstream, so they’re not worth the risk either. “You can safely use lactic acid and biosulfur to treat acne,” Sue Ibrahim says. Don’t touch, pick or squeeze pimples— just wash with a mild cleanser twice a day. “A lot of women find Acne Phototherapy beneficial during pregnancy and it is perfectly safe for both you and the baby.
Sun Sensitivity
Sorry, mums-to-be, but “pregnancy glow” does not refer to a bronzed, sun-kissed complexion. You should actually try to stay out of the sun as much as you can while you’re pregnant. That’s because your surging hormones make you susceptible to dark patches on your skin—known as melasma, or the ‘mask of pregnancy’, which is triggered by sun exposure. So pull out the big floppy hat, find a beach umbrella and be diligent about wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. If you are unlucky and do get Melasma during pregnancy it may resolve on its own following the birth of your baby, if not then you will need the help of a dermatologist I’m afraid.
Stretch marks
Now you’ve got another big skin concern: stretch marks. Anytime someone’s body grows quickly, they’re at risk for stretch marks, so the fact that baby is growing exponentially in there puts you right in the high-risk zone. Of course, not every mum-to-be gets stretch marks. “For most people, whether or not they get stretch marks has to do with genetic predisposition,” says Sue Ibrahim. But you can do your best to head them off by gently exfoliating and thoroughly moisturising your belly, boobs, stomach, hips and thighs as much as you can. As for what moisturizer to use, it’s hard to make a recommendation. “A lot of products make claims,” Sue Ibrahim says. “Some may help but aren’t really proven to prevent stretch marks.” If you are left with troublesome stretch marks following the birth of you baby, it is worth looking into the skin tightening treatments we offer at Elan Medical Skin Clinic.
Skin rashes during pregnancy
If you’ve got red, itchy skin, it’s important not to ignore it. Itchy feet and hands could be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy, a scary complication that can cause liver problems for baby. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to make sure that’s not causing your rash. Another common pregnancy rash is PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy), which often starts in the abdomen and spreads from there. PUPPP is actually harmless to baby, but it will be completely aggravating for you. Book in for a Dermatology Consultation if you are concerned.
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]]>Acne can vary in severity from a few spots on the face to quite a significant problem on the face, chest, shoulders and back.
It is not just the acne that can have a significant impact on self-confidence, the scarring and altered skin pigmentation that is left behind when the spots clear up can also cause a lot of distress.
Unfortunately, many doctors can trivialise the effects acne can have on a person’s confidence, self-esteem and quality of life. Having spent over 30 years working within medical dermatology, Sue Ibrahim is passionate about treating acne early and effectively as she fully understands the consequences of living this spots on a daily basis. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, we take the time to listen to your concerns and devise a management plan to get your skin looking great again!
The oil-producing (sebaceous) glands are particularly sensitive to certain hormones present in both males and females. These hormones stimulate the production of excess oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores clog up the follicles. As a result, there is a build up of oil, producing blackheads and whiteheads. Acne bacteria lives on everyone’s skin and in those prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which the bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red, pus-filled spots that can be quite uncomfortable.
Some acne can be caused by medication given for other medical conditions or by certain contraceptive pills or injections. Some tablets taken by body-builders contain hormones that can trigger acne and other problems.
There are several varieties of acne that Sue Ibrahim will be able to diagnose at your dermatology consultation. We have extensive experience in dealing with all types of acne. We will discuss the treatment options available to you that can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring.
Acne treatments fall into the following categories:
There are also a number of cosmetic dermatology treatments that can help, although these treatments are not usually offered on the NHS:
And there are treatments that can help with scarring:
Many thousands of people have been treated by Sue Ibrahim for their acne at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex. It is our philosophy to work alongside your own GP, or a Consultant Dermatologist to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.
If you are fed up with suffering from acne or any other skin condition, why not book your dermatology consultation now!
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]]>In a mid-air emergency, we are always told to fit our own oxygen mask first. This is to ensure we are able to help our loved ones in a calm, considerate and efficient manner – whilst being able to breathe ourselves!
It may sound selfish but it is absolutely essential – and not just in a life or death situation. If our own wellbeing isn’t being cared for, our ability to give our love to others is diminished, says nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim.
If we are dealing with a skin condition on top of all of life’s other stresses and strains, chances are the skin condition will worsen if it is ignored or put to the bottom of our list of things to sort. Does this sound familiar?
The health of our skin can be a good indicator of our current mental state and wellbeing because our skin very often reacts to stress. And anyone with skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, excessive sweating and psoriasis will tell you that their symptoms are exacerbated at these times.
If you have a skin condition that is causing you distress, talk to Sue from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex.
If you would like to leave Sue a message, by all means do. We provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your consultation. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.
Our Essex clinic is situated in Rayleigh, a lovely a market town about 32 miles east of central London, located between Chelmsford, Hockley, Canvey, Rochford and Southend. Elan Medical Skin Clinic can be found on the High Street and if you’re looking for parking, the nearest car parks are in Bellingham Lane, the Market car park in Hockley Road, Websters Way and Castle Road.
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]]>Our skin is the largest organ of our body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. It protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate our body temperature and permits the sensations of touch, heat and cold.
Twenty square feet is a lot of area for things to go wrong, imperfections to show, maintenance to cover. But don’t fear, our nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex has your skin covered!
We take exercise to improve our heart. We keep our brains active. We check our diet to ensure our digestive organs stay fit. But our skin often takes the brunt of external and internal abuse.
If you would like to take better care of your skin in 2018 and guard against future damage, speak to Sue. Elan Medical has built up a reputation for providing expert, ethical, honest and professional guidance about dermatological conditions such as rosacea, acne, melasma, psoriasis, moles and cysts, excessive sweating, scarring, stretch marks and so much more.
We can also help with:
Sue has worked in dermatology for almost 20 years and her experience is second to none. She is a firm believer in a combined, holistic approach. In order to get the most out of any treatment we aim to get your skin in tiptop condition first. Your treatment is then the icing on the cake and your recovery time is quicker.
Find out more – today!
Call Elan Medical on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to book online and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our Essex clinic is situated in Rayleigh, a lovely a market town about 32 miles east of central London, located between Chelmsford, Hockley, Canvey, Rochford and Southend. We can be found on the High Street and if you’re looking for parking, the nearest car parks are in Bellingham Lane, the Market car park in Hockley Road, Websters Way and Castle Road.
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]]>The post Medical grade facials – now £10 off at Elan Medical Skin Clinics! appeared first on Elan Medical Skin Clinic LTD.
]]>If you’ve only ever had a facial at a beauty salon or spa you will be totally blown away by the medical grade facials at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex.
The fully qualified team at Elan Medical Skin Clinic use clinically evidenced ingredients and protocols for their prescription-based facials that are tailored to your specific needs.
Elan’s medical grade facials are performed by our aesthetic therapist Amy and the protocol is prescribed by Sue Ibrahim, our nurse consultant in dermatology.
Our medical grade facials cost £95 and last around 45 minutes. They normally include LED Phototherapy as part of the treatment. For clients with acne, the prescription products used will normally consist of azelaic acid, salicylic acid and bio-sulphur.
For clients with rosacea, anti-inflammatory ingredients are utilised to calm irritated skin and ingredients such as azelaic acid help to protect the skin from the demodex mite, which is now thought to be the trigger factor behind the exacerbation of rosacea.
Clients prone to facial dermatitis will find Elan’s DermaActive DermaCalm Treatment Facial beneficial. And for those with ageing skin a combination of prescription strength retinoic acid and stem cells help stimulate collagen production and boost the skin’s repair processes.
Each medical grade facial is designed to kick-start your home care regime, which may include prescription only medications, so clients do not have to return every few weeks for another treatment. Treatment will continue at home, resulting in photographic improvements in your skin within 6 -12 weeks!
Clients will require a full dermatology consultation with Sue Ibrahim prior to a medical grade facial as they contain medical elements that can only be prescribed following a face-to face-consultation.
For your £10 discount, please quote Elan Summer Facial. Please call our Rayleigh skin clinic on 01268 770660 to book. Hurry – offer ends 30.9.17.
Our Essex medical clinic is situated in Rayleigh, a lovely a market town about 32 miles east of central London, located between Chelmsford, Hockley, Canvey, Rochford and Southend. Elan Medical Skin Clinic can be found on the High Street and if you’re looking for parking, the nearest car parks are in Bellingham Lane, the Market car park in Hockley Road, Websters Way and Castle Road. So, if you’re in the area, pop in and meet our welcoming team. Until then, check out our website for lots more information.
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]]>The post From soothing your skin to smoothing your skin – our London skin expert does it all! appeared first on Elan Medical Skin Clinic LTD.
]]>In our last blog we talked about soothing lumps, bumps, rashes and itchy skin, this time it’s all about smoothing and rejuvenating our skin.
As well as having more than 30 years’ experience in dermatology, Elan Medical Skin Clinic director, Sue Ibrahim, has spent many years honing her cosmetic dermatology services. This means she can offer exceptional quality treatments including skin fillers, wrinkle relaxing injections, skin peels and plasma soft surgery.
Done properly, no-one should be able to tell you’ve had wrinkle reduction. By choosing the right practitioner to achieve your aim, you can rest assured that your appearance will be improved yet remain completely natural.
Wrinkle-relaxing injections are one of the most popular cosmetic medical treatments for facial lines and wrinkles in the UK. Our award-winning nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim, has more than 15 years’ experience in advanced wrinkle reduction procedures.
Masters of dermal fillers have an exceptional knowledge of the skin – and Sue definitely fulfils this criteria. Skin fillers can provide truly excellent results and Elan Medical Skin Clinic is delighted to offer a new generation of dermal filler that is more comfortable and can last up to 18 months in the skin.
We are delighted to offer two of our own specially created skin peels, developed and formulated by Sue. Our chemical peels have been designed to refresh your skin, add vigour and lustre, and reduce blemishes, acne, acne scars, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and sun damage.
Plasma soft surgery helps dramatically reduce hooded eyelids and bags under the eyes, as well as a host of concerns including treating skin imperfections such as warts and skin tags, and reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Our central London medical skin clinic is just five minutes from Barbican and Old Street tube stations and a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station. We are situated almost on the corner of Old Street and Whitecross Street, an area famous for its lively food stalls – in fact a lot of our clients work in Clerkenwell and Moorgate and spend their lunch hour visiting the food market in Whitecross Street. So, if you’re in the area, pop in and meet our welcoming team. Until then, check out our website for lots more information.
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]]>The post London skin expert soothes your skin this summer appeared first on Elan Medical Skin Clinic LTD.
]]>Skin rashes, itchy skin and general lumps and bumps seem all the more noticeable and irritating during the summer when our skin is bared to the world.
The team at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London is led by Sue Ibrahim, a consultant nurse with more than 30 years’ dermatology experience. Sue knows skin, simple as that. She understands how certain health and skin problems can make you feel unhappy and self-conscious and what can be done to help alleviate your symptoms.
From acne, acne scarring, rosacea, melasma and psoriasis, to mole and cyst removal and treatments for dealing with excessive sweating, Sue uses the latest technology and up-to-date approaches to ensure the best results.
If you have a skin concern, a dermatology consultation is your first step to resolving the problem and it is our hope that when two committed parties work together, desired results are achieved.
Most consultations last between 30 to 45 minutes and you will leave feeling fully informed and assessed. If you have an existing medical skin condition, your dermatology consultation includes a general assessment of your needs and a discussion about the range of treatment options available, both at Elan Medical Skin Clinics and those available elsewhere.
If you have a skin lesion, such as a mole, cyst, wart or lump that concerns you, this will be inspected using the latest dermatoscopic instrument so that a diagnosis can be made.
There is an £85 fee for an initial dermatology consultation with Sue Ibrahim and a private prescription, if required. Dermatology follow-up appointments are £35, inclusive of the repeat prescription fee.
Our central London medical skin clinic is just five minutes from Barbican and Old Street tube stations and a 15-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station. We are situated almost on the corner of Old Street and Whitecross Street, an area famous for its lively food stalls – in fact a lot of our clients work in Clerkenwell and Moorgate and spend their lunch hour visiting the food market in Whitecross Street. So, if you’re in the area, pop in and meet our welcoming team. Until then, check out our website for lots more information.
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