Submitted by deborah Fuller

Q: HI, This is my first time using the computer for any issue so bare with me. I'm 47 and have been breaking out with these tiny white bumps on my face that I know is not acne because they won't pop,they are just simply driving me crazy. I went to the dermatologist he gave me benzoyl peroxide it has not worked at all. I'm very frustrated and embarrassed. Any suggestions on what this is. Thank you in advance. Deborah Fuller

Answered 01/23/12 11:31:12 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Hello Deborah , it sounds like an allergic reaction . Try to think if you changed anything at the time of the appearance of the bumps. It could be laundry detergent, fabric softener , fragrances etc...it took me awhile to find out that I was allergic to Cinnamon and it was in my lipstick ! If you can not figure it out , you might want to seek the advice from an Allergist.

Submitted by Brian from Layton, Ut

Q: Dr. Baumann, I have this weird skin coloration on my scrotum. Um i went to a doctor and they said its most likely a dermatology issue. I just have like these black blotches on my scrotum, but they aren't raised or anything. Do you have any idea what it is or how to get rid of it?

Answered 01/23/12 11:26:55 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Hi Brian , You may have a condition known as angiokeratoma of Fordyce. It is usually harmless and asymptomatic. Go to a Dermatologist and ask him/her about this condition.

Submitted by Roemeters Jackson from Waco, Texas

Q: I'm a 44yo African American with med. brown skin. I have facial hair on the chin area which I usually just shave. Recently I have been breaking out in that area. I normally use the Tazorac gel which clears it up fast but I am having some PIH. Can I use the Meladerm along with Tazorac for PIH? Also is which is better for PIH Meladerm or Obagi blender? I have read good thing about you. We are taking family photos soon and I want to look my best.

Answered 01/23/12 11:18:35 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Have you ever thought about Laser Hair Removal ? It may be the best thing for you . It will probably decrease the breakouts as well. As for Meladerm vs Obagi , the Obagi Blender has Hydroquinone and Retin A which are great , however, you have to stop using the blender after 3 mos , take a break for a month , then start back on the blender. During that break , you can use Meladerm. The Blender would also be for your entire face as it will help with PIH and anti aging.

Submitted by Pam from Albany, NY

Q: In your opinion, what is the best IPL laser out there to treat brown spots?

Answered 01/23/12 11:11:14 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: There are many great lasers or light treatments . The key is to find a great Laser/Light Specialist that will choose which Laser/Light and which procedures are best for you and the color of your skin. We have the Candela , Gentelase and VBeam Perfecta in our office and achieve great results.

Submitted by Carina Massa from Miami, FL

Q: Hi Dr. Baumann, I started taking Yaz birth control about four years ago, and for the first few months had HORRIBLE pimples and cysts on my face that I had never had before. Prior to this, my skin had actually been very clear and I always received compliments about it. After a few months of taking the pill, this problem cleared up and I have not experienced it again. I am thinking of switching birth control pills due to the side effects of Yaz, but am extremely fearful of doing so because I do not want to have another issue with these pimples and cysts during the first few months of a new birth control pill. I am wondering what you would recommend in this situation. For example, is there something a dermatologist could prescribe for me to take as I switch to the new pill in order to prevent a bad breakout? Thanks so much in advance!

Answered 01/23/12 11:03:49 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Hi Carina , Hormonal acne is very common. If you know you are going to switch birth control and could possibly have a breakout start using products with Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide prevents acne . I love the La Roche Posay Effaclar line. Don't over treat as BP can be very drying .

Submitted by linda mcgee from madison al

Q: Hi Dr. Baumann, I was so pleased to find out about the books you have available. I am ordering them today! Can I use Finacea with Retin-A 0.025%. I have Rosacea and adult acne . I was able to use Retin-A in the past, and being 57 years old would like to continue keeping fine lines under control and collagen boosted.

Answered 01/23/12 10:57:59 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Hi Linda , Yes you can use Retin A with Finacea . Use the Finacea in the am after you cleanse and the Retin A at night after you cleanse . If you become irritated , you can skip a night with the Retin - A . For more information on Rosacea you can check out the library section at www.skintypesolutions.com

Submitted by dayja from new jersey

Q: Hello Dr i have been using atralin/tazorac for a while now and i have these thick patch which also get oily starting from under eyes around nose on both sides. it makes it look like deep under eye wrinkles. they do not seem to get better here are pics http://www.realself.com/files/369909-230798.png also i used tazorac under eyes and my eyelids are sooo thin and lower left eyelid has been twitching for over a month. please help

Answered 01/23/12 10:19:22 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Tazorac is a very strong Retin A . You should never use any retinoid near the eye area. Irritation that you are describing can occur. I would stop using your Tazorac and Atralin until your irritation goes away . Make an appointment with your Dermatologist regarding the thick patch.

Submitted by Ruth from Madison, NJ

Q: I Just found your website and will order your book. I just took your questionnaire and I am DSPW, with controlled rosacea. I just purchased SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and also have just been prescribed MetroGel and Differin. I am using a daytime moisturizer with SPF 30 and a night time moisturizer. Am I trying to use too many products? If using Metrogel and a serum and moisturizer in the AM what is the correct order? How does Differin differ (!) from Renova? I am age 62 with few wrinkles and age spots but still get occasional breakouts. Thank you!

Answered 01/23/12 10:14:51 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Thank you so much for the kind words. When it comes to an AM regimen , cleanse, metrogel , moisturizer , then sunscreen . Many people use moisturizer w/sunscreen in order to skip a step . For PM , Cleanse , Differin or Renova ( whichever your Dr thinks is best for you ) then an anti inflammatory serum and moisturizer. On the days you do not use metro gel , you can substitute with the C E Ferulic. Never use the CE Ferulic in the pm due to the fact that Vitamin C breaks down retinoids . You may want to return the CE Ferulic and exchange for a serum that has soothing ingredients like soy, grape seed oil , argan oil , caffeine or resveratol.

Submitted by Ashli from Kankakee il

Q: Never had acne until about twenty I was on doryx 150 mg once a day just two months ago I broke out on mostly my jawline left cheek getting cortisone injections. I got switched by another dern n same office to septra ds and ziana in morning and acanya at night. I know have smooth skin but there r some marks from some I has. Not injections I hot in my cheek weren't for cystic or modular acne. I was told I had mild acne. How long does take go back to normal and between ziana or atralin which topical do you think better I was using atralin which was every other day when I was on doryx but my whole regimen changed thank u

Answered 01/23/12 10:02:51 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: The acne cycle normally takes eight weeks. I always tell my patients who have acne to give me 2 months and sometimes 3 to find the right regimen that will work for them. It sounds like the Acanya and Ziana were working well for you. As for acne scars , you need to see a Dermatologist who is a laser specialist. You want to make sure you dont do more harm than good when it comes to laser resurfacing.

Submitted by jackie from florida

Q: i recently got a sample of the DDF erase eye gel and when i applied on both bottom eyes it stung, and i immediately started seeing puffiness and wrinkles under the eye, is this normal?

Answered 01/23/12 09:28:54 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: No this is not normal . If you ever apply a product and feel a sting, burn or develop a rash , stop using immediately. You may be allergic to an ingredient or your skin is too sensitive for the active ingredients.

Submitted by Elaine Behar from Miami Beach, Florida

Q: Dr Baumann, I've heard so many wonderful things about you through a friend Beverly Fink.I was wondering if you can help.I have a cyst on my back and I am fearful of having it lanced as I don't want a secondary infection.I think you are the only one I trust.Also 5 years ago I was diagnosed with NHL and got treated in NYC.Is there something else I can do and does your office do this procedure?Thanks for your time

Answered 11/01/11 10:30:56 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Hello Elaine , I do lance cysts here in the office . The technique I use is unique . No stitching , scarring or reoccurance .

Submitted by a mix thati can used from pine bluff ark

Q: they say the cream dr blackburn used in texas is good he mix his own.

Answered 11/01/11 10:01:50 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: I am sorry I am unfamiliar with the cream you are referring to.

Submitted by sandy from houston, tx

Q: i have this ringworm that won't go away. i have tried everything from lamilsil to tea tree oil, to all stop medicated cream (that supposed to be 100% guaranteed)to tolfonate cream, and nothing is working. the ring is gone but inside (the center of the ringworm), I keep getting little bumps in different places and they won't go away all together. they appear in one spot one day,then they disappear and the next day they appear in another and disappear, so on and so forth. the appearance of tiny bumps in the center of where the ringworm used to be has been going on for 2 weeks now. I do not know what to do anymore.can you help?

Answered 11/01/11 09:59:21 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Hi Sandy , I would definitely make an appointment with your Dr or Dermatologist so they can prescribe you the best treatment as it can be quite contagious.

Submitted by Tom from Columbus, OH

Q: Do you think that Matrixyl 3000 and copper peptides are effective anti-aging ingredients in skin-care products?

Answered 11/01/11 09:56:26 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Once I see some reliable raw data that proves these ingredients to be as wonderful as are claimed to be , then no I do not find them effective.

Submitted by Barbara from Winston-Salem NC

Q: Just bought a "medical grade" anti-aging red light therapy device and the brochure inside said not to use it if I take drugs known to cause photosensitivity reactions. I take a lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide tablet (10mg/12.5mg) everyday for my blood pressure and the instructions for the medicine say to avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to direct and/or artificial sunlight. The device is used 3 minutes per treatment area....a minimum of once per week. Is that considered prolonged or excessive? Is there any safe way to use it that would still benefit my skin or should I return it? I also use tretinoin cream .05% four times per week in case you need to know that. Thank you...

Answered 11/01/11 09:54:27 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: I am sorry but without knowing what device you have purchased , I can not answer this question.