Archive for the ‘Patient Information’ Category
Psoriasis Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy Available in Plainview NY
There are many treatments available for patients with psoriasis. One option that we offer our patients with psoriasis affecting a significant portion of their skin is phototherapy.
What Is Phototherapy?
Present in natural sunlight, UVB light is an effective treatment for psoriasis. The UV energy penetrates the skin and helps the psoriasis to clear.
In our Plainview office, we offer narrow band ultraviolet light treatments. Narrow band phototherapy releases a smaller range of ultraviolet light to the skin. This treatment may be safer, help to clear psoriasis faster and produces longer remissions than broad-band UVB. It also may be effective with fewer treatments per week than broad-band UVB.
Sunday Afternoon Hats Available In The Office!
Hats are one of the best ways to protect your face from ultraviolet radiation. They are reliable, cost effective and fun to wear! Sometimes a good hat is hard to find – so we wanted to make it easy. No excuses! We have several styles and colors to choose from. Available in Baby, Child, Youth, and Adult sizes.
Free Skin Cancer Screening July 21, 2011
We look forward to supporting the Senator Charles Fuschillo, Jr and the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign (CCMAC) by volunteering to help in their free skin cancer screening. No appointments are required. The screening will take place from noon to 3:30pm on July 21 at Tanner Park. If you would like more information, please call (516) 882-0630.
A Tip For The Beach – How To Clean Those Dirty Feet!
Memorial Day weekend has arrived, and many of you will be venturing to the beach. You already know to bring the basics – hat, umbrella, sunscreen, sun protective clothing, a sun protective shelter, and to try to avoid the peak ours of UV radiation intensity (10am-4pm). But did you remember to bring the Baby Powder 
There is nothing more frustrating than the difficulty in getting sand off your skin when you are ready to go home. It can both make a mess, and cause friction and blisters on the skin. One of the best ways to remove it is to use a nice baby powder after drying off. Once you give it a try – you will never want to go to the beach again without it. I guarantee it!
Have a great summer – and remember to be sun smart!
Mohs Surgery Animation
Mohs surgery is done in our office using a local anesthetic. During Mohs surgery, a thin layer of tissue is removed and examined for cancer. Dr. Jeffrey Ellis repeats the process as many times as necessary until the cancer cells are gone.
Multiple lesions can be done in one surgical session. Reconstruction (if needed) is routinely performed the same day, usually by Dr. Jeffrey Ellis or Dr. Rachel Ellis who specializes in Oculoplastic and Facial Reconstruciton. When necessary reconstruction can also be coordinated with the help of other surgical specialists.
Click Here for our Mohs Surgery Animation
Poison Ivy Facts, Myths & Tips
Now that spring is near, it is a great time to go out and clean up the yard. Spring and Fall are also the most common times we see lots of patients suffering with poison ivy. If you are going to work in an area with suspected poison ivy, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid the rash.
- BEFORE going to the area with suspected poison ivy, apply a product called Ivy Block. This product is very effective at neutralizing the chemical that is responsible for poison ivy/oak.
- Be sure to keep all exposed areas covered. Tuck pants into socks. Wear gloves. Etc. After returning, be sure to change all clothing, and wash skin well with soap and water.
- If you do get poison ivy, please call us right away. Many times we can abort a severe attack if treated promptly. We will always do our very best to see you as soon as possible.
Here are some myths that you may find useful about poison ivy.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Joins our Skin Cancer Awareness Honor Roll
We are proud to announce that Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School has joined our Skin Cancer Awareness Honor Roll. Jennifer Gewant, Community Service Representative for the Student’s Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club, has started raising awareness about skin cancer prevention and money for skin cancer research. She is helping to distribute our ‘Sun Smart Skin Safe’ bracelets, and will also be writing an article discussing sun safety for her school paper. Bracelets are being sold for $3 each, or 4 for $10. 100% of the money raised will be donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation. Below is some literature that Jennifer is distributing to her classmates to help give them the knowledge to make smart decisions about sun safety.
Belaray Music
We work hard to create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere in the office, and one of the ways we do it is through careful selection of music that we think you will enjoy while you visit. Many patients ask for information about our music selection, so we wanted to share with you “Belaray Dermatology Radio” via Pandora so you can listen to our favorite tunes whenever you feel so inspired.
We hope you enjoy!
Newsday: Scarred for life? Maybe Not
Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, Dermatologist in Plainview Long Island discusses scars and treatment options in Newsday Article, February 8, 2011.
Scars form in different ways and develop from different causes. Acne, burns, surgery, trauma or even tattoos and body piercings can result in scars. Some scars are depressed (ie: acne scars) while others are raised (ie: keloids). There are many options available for our patients with scarring, and we offer some unique and specialized techniques to help improve your scar. For example, we find micro needling to be a cost effective and helpful treatment option for depressed acne scars. For keloids on the ears, we utilize radio- surgery to meticulously remove scar tissue. More information about that procedure can be found here.
If you have a scar, or think you are developing one please schedule an appointment with us so that we can help you to heal in the best way possible.
Basal Cell Carcinoma – Long Island – Skin Cancer – Skin Cancer treatment
What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of cancer, with about a million new cases estimated in the U.S. each year. It is rarely a life threatening. Basal cell carcinomas are malignant growths that arise in the deepest layer of the epithelium. Basal cell carcinoma typically affects people of fair complexion with a history of prolonged sun exposure, or repeated episodes of sunburn. The tendency to develop basal cell carcinoma may be inherited. They are usually grow slowly.
Basal cell carcinoma can usually be diagnosed with a simple biopsy and is fairly easy to treat when detected early. However, when not recognized and treated quickly, they can be difficult to eliminate. Fortunately, however, this is a cancer that has an extremely low rate of metastasis, and it is not usually life threatening.