Nowadays caring for our personal appearance is important for the mayority of people. Our social relationships and those in the workplace improve if we are satisfied with our image. The first step is to care for our skin. Within our Cosmetic Dermatology Unit we have specialised professionals who can offer patients the most up-to-date treatments for cutaneous care. We offer the most advanced treatments for improving the state of the skin, for correcting blemishes, wrinkles, loose skin, and varicose veins, amongst other dermatological afflictions.

Today, in our Health Experts forum, we shall be interviewing Dr. Enrique Herrera Acosta, Head of the Dermatology Unit at Vithas Xanit International Hospital, who shall be explaining the importance of our personal appearance, and the most effective treatments for caring for the skin.

What does Cosmetic Dermatology consist of?

Cosmetic Dermatology is a sub-speciality dedicated to the care and maintenance of the skin. Using the different techniques the skin can be improved and maintained in optimun condition.

What treatments are offered in this unit?

Laser treatments to eliminate corporal vascular lesions such as varicose veins; Pulsating light treatments which can treat alterations in pigmentation caused by the sun;  treatments for improving the quality of the skin; the use of hyaluronic acid for plumping up the face and removing wrinkles. Furthermore, the unit also offers treatments for treating facial sagging, for reducing frown lines, and to remove stretch marks, celulitis, or localised adiposities.

How can we correct blemishes on the skin?

There are many types of blemishes, therefore it is very important that the doctor adequately evaluates the lesion, and establishes the correct form of follow-up treatment. Treatments using IPL or chemical peles are the most successful, in order to obtain adequate pigmentation removal from the skin.

Apart from surgery, which other treatments exist for eliminating varicose veins?

Vascular sclerosis is the techniques most used for any varicose veins which do not require surgery, which is usually the case. The combination of foam sclerosis with the vascular laser is the most effective form of treatment.

Which are the most common dermatological afflictions seen in the consultation room?

In Clinical Dermatology the most frequently seen conditions are; eczema, acne, alopecia, and anything related to skin cancer or precancerous lesions on the skin. The Unit counts upon professionals who are specialised in the treatment of skin cancer, as well as the diagnosis of this pathology. The unit is renowned for the use of Mohs micrographic surgery.

With the onset of Spring, today in our Health Experts forum, we shall be interviewing Dr. Clara Isabel Pérez Padilla, Head of the Allergology Unit at Vithas Xanit International Hospital. She shall be giving us more information about a condition which affects between 30% – 50% of Spaniards.

Why are we more prone to these allergies during the springtime?

During the spring there are new allergies in the environment, such as pollen which is not present at other times of the year. During the spring there is an increase in the number of mites and pollen which aggravates the symptoms.

What are the most noticable symptoms?

Rhinoconjuntivitis and asthma are the most common. The symptoms are itching of the eyes, the nose, the palate and the ears, as well as reddening of the eyes, sneezing, mucas, bronchial symptoms such as difficulty breathing, whistling in the chest and a cough.

What action should be taken if a crisis occurs?

Before the onset of a possible crisis, the patient should consult a specialist (an Allergologist) in order that the symptoms can be minimised, and an adequate treatment plan established. In the case of a serious allergic asthma attack, the patient should obviously go straight to the A&E department.

How can we protect those patients who also suffer from asthma?

There exist three different lines of treatment. These consist of: inhalers which are able to reduce the bronchial inflammation, and open up the bronchial tubes when a bronchospasm occurs. Specific immunotherapy is another course of treatment which involves vaccinating against the allergy. In extreme cases a mask is used to prevent the allergy from entering the respiratory tract.

Should we be particularly cafeful in the case of children?

As with the adult population, we need to be alert and follow the instructions given by an Allergologist. The aim is not to have to limit our everyday activities due to the allergy. If the doctor’s advise is followed correctly, it is possible to improve the quality of life of the patient during the spring.

Advise for combatting a springtime allergy

• During the Spring, and fundamentally on windy days, avoid spending long periods of time in the countryside and in areas with abundant vegetation. It is advisable to spend as much time as possible indoors.
• Sleep with the windows closed
• When travelling, it is important to keep the car windows closed, and to install anti-pollen filters into the car’s ventilation system.
• It is recommended to wear sunglasses
• Avoid exposure to inspecific irritants (smoke, dust, strong odours, cold and dry air, aerosols, gases and dispersed vapours…), as well as sharp extremes in temperature.
• Consult an Allergologist in order to obtain a correct diagnosis and to receive a specific form of immunotherapy treatment for the pollen or pollens to which you have an allergy.

Clara Isabel Pérez Padilla

Head of the Allergology Unit at Vithas Xanit