Category: Aloha Dermatology News

Aloha Dermatology

Dermatology is a very specialized branch of the medical world. When you have skin care needs, a general doctor may not provide the level of care you deserve.

It makes sense, then, to find a dermatologist with thorough experience. Micki Ly, MD is a board certified dermatologist with Magna Cum Laude from Ohio State University. In addition to medical dermatology, she artistically transforms her clients to a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Ly is a member of numerous organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology and the Hawaii Dermatological Society.

She provided service to more than 40,000 members of the Kaiser network in Wailuku until 2005. She now has a state-of-the-art clinic in Kahului, the Aloha Dermatology and Laser Center.

Dr. Ly covers both adult and pediatric dermatology. Would your doctor schedule you at the last minute on a booked day if you had an unexpected issue? Dr. Ly offers that to all her existing clients, and service with heart and a smile.

Her goal is to make people “look younger without looking fake.”

Cosmetic services require foresight to achieve results that are aesthetically pleasing, yet natural. Dr. Ly listens to her clients’ desires, is sensitive to their comfort level, and has become known as one of the best in Maui!

Please call 877-6526 or visit www.aloha-dermatology.com for more information.

From the Summer 2007 Maui Family Magazine

Age spots are also known as sun spots, liver spots, lentigos, or lentigines. These lesions are flat, tan, brown, or dark brown spots on sun- exposed skin. As people age, sun spots most commonly appear on the backs of the hands, the forearms, neck, chest, and face. Sun spots are associated with cumulative sun exposure. The pigment producing cells in the skin (called melanocytes) are activated to produce more pigment (melanin) by ultraviolet rays. While these spots are not themselves cancerous, you may be at risk for skin cancer.

Age spots increase with age and with in creased sun exposure. They are more common in people who freckle and who burn easily. The best treatment for age spots is prevention. The key to preventing age spots is sun avoidance and daily sun screen use. For example, you won’t find age spots on your inner thigh because of minimal or no sun exposure. However, for most of us, it is too late for prevention, and there are a number of treatment options available. You can try over the counter lightening cream that has hydroquinone component to lighten these spots. Sometimes, Retin A (prescription strength) will also help. Certainly, in office medical treatments such as laser, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or prescription strength skin care regimens will yield quicker and more satisfying results.

From “Ask Dr. Ly” in the Summer 2007 “Maui Family magizine”

Q. Mangoes are known to give some children itchy rashes. How do I know if my child has one and what can I do for it?

A. Mango itch is usually due to the sap or the skin of the fruit. The rash usually presents as an itchy red area that progressed into fluid-filled blisters that itch and ooze. This is what dermatologists call and acute allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms typically develop several hours after exposure, but build to a peak within 2-5 days. This why sometimes people dont think the culprit was the mango because the picking was a few days ago. The rash, if not severe, clears up in about three weeks.

Luckily, mango flesh has very low levels of Urushiol, so most sensitive people can eat the fruit as long as someone else peels the mango. Its important to note that the sap can be picked up in a friendly touch through contact with sap residue on a knife handle, furniture, or even by petting a dog/cat that has been touched by someone with sap on their hand. The compound in the sap of the mango is Urushiol, which is the same toxin found in poison ivy and poison oak. Other sources of urushiol are Ginkgo, Japanese Lacquer, Rengas tress, Pink peppercorns and Cashew shell oils.

The sap from mango stems (esp. freshly picked) and the peel need to be washed off thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure. Mango itchers should also wash off their bodies as well due to the possibility of incidental contact. A product called IvyBLock (available over the counter) can be used to create a barrier between urushiol and skin so minimize exposure before it happens. There is also a medicinal soap over the counter called Zanfel that can help to cleanse the area. If the rash is not too intense, you can try Cortaid 10 or over the counter cortisone 1%. Often, if the symptoms are serious (e.g. severe itchiness, oozing rash, infection, etc.) it may require medical attention. Prevention is always preferable, so make sure those around you know the mango story.