June is Men’s National Health Month, and at HDC, we would like to honor the men in our lives. During June and every other month of the calendar year, men should learn to focus on their health, inside and out. It is important for men and boys alike to undergo the proper screenings and preventative health care measures. Women are used to regular assessments from their gynecologists and other doctors. But men do not have the same mind set or needs and often will ignore their own health needs for maintenance and treatment. Encouragement from those around them, namely us women, goes a long way. And sometimes it takes even a small push or nudge in the right direction so that men can feel comfortable to taking the initiative to make their health a priority. At HDC, we would like to help.
There are various skin conditions that affect men and boys. In the office, we see a range of conditions, from pseudofolliculitis barbae and hyperhidrosis, to acne and psoriasis. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a common condition that affect many men. It’s caused by the irritation of skin from shaving, commonly known as “razor burn.” In extreme cases, nodular scarring can occur and can lead to permanent hair loss in the area. It is especially prevalent among men with coarse, curly, wiry hair. It most frequently affects the nape of the neck and lateral cheeks, where close-shaving is necessary in male grooming. It is not only an inconvenience to those afflicted, but it can be aesthetically displeasing as well. With a quick office visit, Dr. Honet can prescribe medications that will help the condition and may offer in-office treatments like intralesional corticosteroid injections to hasten and maximize improvement.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating can be socially very compromising. Did you know that there are prescription strengths of antiperspirants that Dr. Honet can prescribe for a patient? Also, Botox® injections into axillae or armpits can keep sweating away for up to six months. It may even be covered by medical insurance, although a preauthorization may be required. Although Botox® treatments have to be performed every six months, it is extremely effective.
Another problem we encounter frequently among our male patients is male-pattern hair loss. Hair thinning and balding, although more accepted and common in men, can affect a man’s self-esteem and self-confidence, especially if the thinning starts young. Although there are a myriad of over-the-counter treatments available, we offer a variety of proprietary treatments for men experiencing hair loss that are proven to be effective. The first is Viviscal® Professional supplements, which HDC offers in the office. These oral supplements nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair growth. Viviscal® Pro is backed by 25 years of clinical research, so it is one of the best and effective products on the market. Alongside Viviscal® Pro, we sell Restorsea® Revitalizing Scalp Treatment. The regular use of the Scalp Treatment keeps the hair follicles healthy and open by lightly exfoliating and clearing dead skin that may be blocking the way. The follicle is able to receive nourishment and allows the hair to complete its full growth cycle, increasing hair length and thickness and reducing shedding. In addition, we offer Glytone® Hair Loss Treatments that nourish the scalp and hair. Also, another popular treatment for hair loss is Rogaine® for Men. This treatment is available over-the-counter at various retailers. It helps stimulate the growth of new hair. Lastly, Propecia (finasteride), a prescription medication for male-pattenr hair loss, hair weaves and hair transplants are always possible options.
Fungal infections of the skin are especially common among men as well. Tinea pedis, also known as Athlete’s Foot, tinea cruris, known commonly as Jock Itch, and onychomycosis, or toenail fungus are common ailments of men’s skin and nails. Treatment is straightforward but require using prescription-strength creams and medications for effective clearance and maintenance.
The 21st century has shown that the newest skin care trend for men is cosmetic procedures and treatments. Not only are cosmetic procedures incredibly popular worldwide, believe it or not, men and boys love their cosmetic procedures, too! It has become well-accepted over the last several years for men to “pamper” themselves to improve their look and keep their skin healthy and vibrant. These treatments are hardly an indulgence when they have such powerfully positive, long-lasting effects on the skin and its improvement. Acne treatments, laser treatments, microdermabrasion and chemical peels are just a few of the most popular procedures that men enjoy and want. The newest trends are facial rejuvenation and noninvasive body sculpting. All of these treatments and procedures allow men to soften their look without losing their edge. They require no downtime and provide quick results. We carry GLYTONE® by ENERPEEL chemical peels that are perfect for a busy man. Done in the office, these peels target redness, acne, fine lines, and overall brightness, providing younger healthier looking skin. Our SilkPeel® is a favorite among our male patients in the office. SilkPeel® is a Dermalinfusion procedure for the skin that exfoliates through microdermabrasion, evacuates by gentle vacuum suction, and then infuses therapeutic serum solutions into the skin. We will customize it for your skin needs. Silkpeel® is perfect for acne, brightening, hydration, texture, and scarring.
Botox® for men is also on the rise. Botox® is perfect for men because it subtly smooths the wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes and frown lines between the brows. Smoothing the wrinkles in these areas allows men to look like a more polished version of themselves without giving them an unnatural or frozen look.
Some noninvasive procedures in the office that are becoming increasingly popular among men is Ultherapy® for lifting and tightening of the skin of the face and neck, Coolscupting® for noninvasive fat reduction. And Ellipse Nordlys® for facial laser photorejuvenation and hair reduction. Call the office and make an appointment for a consultation to see if you are a candidate for these clinically effective procedures.
Our treatment offers don’t stop there. With numerous topical treatments to choose from, including lotions, serums, and creams, a simple, effective regimen can be created by Dr. Honet and her team so that any man can maintain healthy skin, protect your aesthetic investment, and even turn back the clock. At HDC, we are happy to create a customized regimen to boost the effectiveness of any in-office treatment.
So, calling out to all you men out there, remember that there is nothing wrong with investing the time, energy, and time to create a refined, rejuvenated, and better version of yourself. No longer are cosmeceutical products and aesthetic procedures only a part of a woman’s rejuvenation arena. Jump in, get equal time, and start the process by stopping by Honet Dermatology/Cosmetic. We have the know-how and the aesthetic expertise to help soften your lines, while defining and refining your masculine edge. Taking the time out to focus and treat yourself are definitely energies well-spent to create a better, improved, more confident you.
–Senada with Dr. H
