Health Pros Who Know

So, when we wanted to get some important questions answered regarding a range of topics—everything from massage therapy and rosacea to weight loss and dental implants—who better to ask than the pros who know these matters better than anyone. The professionals who live these topics every day took the time to share their expertise with us and with you, our readers, on issues that are important to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. So sit back, grab a pen and paper, and start taking notes. What you learn might just save your life!

Dr. Ashley Cauthen

Dr. Ashley Cauthen, of MidState Skin Institute, treats skin issues, like acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, vitiligo, sunspots, liver spots and rosacea, along with providing cosmetic dermatology services. Here she answers our questions about rosacea.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA? Rosacea is a common problem that affects an estimated 16 million Americans. Sometimes patients don’t even know they have rosacea because the most common sign is mild facial redness that may go unnoticed. The redness is often associated with flushing with certain triggers, such as sun exposure, alcohol consumption, hot tea or coffee, and spicy foods. Rosacea can also present similar to acne with inflammatory papules and pustules. The most severe form of rosacea is called rhinophymatous rosacea in which the nose can get very bulbous and disfiguring.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER? For rosacea that presents with just redness, we treat with a topical medication (Mirvaso) and laser. If patients experience flushing, we can use a beta-blocker to decrease those symptoms. Once papules and pustules start to form, we often have to start an oral medication (doxycycline or minocycline) to calm things down and then maintain with a topical regimen (of which there are multiple options now: metronidazole, Finacea, Soolantra and sulfur-containing topicals). Rhinophymatous rosacea often requires a surgical procedure to remove the extra sebaceous tissue on the nose.

HOW LONG DOES IT TYPICALLY TAKE TO TREAT ROSACEA? There is no “cure” for rosacea, so some patients have to be on some sort of treatment indefinitely. More commonly, though, patients will be on treatment for six to 12 months and then can often maintain with a sulfur-based wash and trigger avoidance.

ARE THERE ANY AT-HOME PRODUCTS OR SKINCARE ROUTINES YOU RECOMMEND PATIENTS USE TO HELP THEIR ROSACEA?

Most definitely! It is important to wash your face twice daily. A sulfur-containing face wash really helps to calm rosacea. Every rosacea patient (well, every patient in general) should be wearing a daily sunscreen of at least SPF 30. The problem is, most patients with rosacea complain that sunscreens burn their face and choose not to use one. The key is finding something gentle. EltaMD UV Clear 46 is my favorite.

CERTIFICATION/EDUCATION:

YEARS IN PRACTICE: 4

HOW DOES SYNERGY MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS HELP PATIENTS MEET THEIR GOALS?

We do an initial free consultation to make sure you’re a candidate for the program, and after, we create a personalized diet and exercise plan for each patient. We do weekly weigh-ins along with lipo/B12 injections, and sit down to answer any questions needed. We try to be hands-on, almost like a concierge in a sense. We make the program to fit every patient’s lifestyle and personal needs. Some patients opt for a prescription appetite suppressant if they have difficulty losing weight.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM LAST?

The program is month to month, but we suggest our patients make a four-month commitment to make it a lifestyle change and ensure it’s not just quick weight loss. We realize not everyone is capable of losing 20 to 30 pounds in one month, or necessarily in two months, but we’re here to meet with them weekly for one-on-one counseling to help during the difficult periods.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT PHYSICIANSUPERVISED WEIGHT LOSS? Usually people get into programs but don’t have someone to help them. If they have questions or one week they didn’t lose as much as they hoped, we can evaluate their eating habits, water intake and exercise. Also, this is a medically assisted program, but we offer natural supplements like AM and PM appetite suppressants, a vitamin complex, protein shakes and probiotics.

WHAT ROLE DO SUPPLEMENTS PLAY? The lipo/B12 injection helps with patients’ energy, because often when losing weight we feel fatigue because of cutting calorie intake. The HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a research-backed supplement, helps them burn fat calories but maintain muscle mass in the process of dieting and exercise.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING TRYING SYNERGY? I would say that it doesn’t hurt to come in for our free weight loss consultation, meet with the staff and go through the program to see if it’s the right fit for you. See if it’s something you want to make the mental and financial commitment to before starting the program.