Wellness Tip: Prioritizing Sleep

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Prioritizing sleep is essential to help you function properly throughout the day.

Getting adequate and restful sleep has several benefits, as it supports the immune system, helps control weight, aids physical and mental well-being, and cognitive functions, such as memory and judgment. It may even extend longevity.

The amount of sleep needed every night varies with age and other factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least seven hours of sleep per night for most adults. However, it is important to note that getting more than the recommended hours of sleep on a consistent basis can be detrimental to your health. In a study done by the National Library of Medicine, getting nine hours or more of sleep is linked to a higher risk of early death.

Practicing good sleep hygiene can help you get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep. Here are a few tips for better sleep hygiene:

Getting regular exercise

Setting regular bedtime and wake-up times

Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening

Avoiding large meals before bedtime

Avoiding drinking alcohol before bedtime

Turning off screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed

If you are having difficulty falling asleep, frequently wake up throughout the night, or often feel tired during the day, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to improve your sleep. In some cases, sleep apnea or another sleep disorder may be preventing you from getting a restful night’s sleep.

If you or a loved one is having trouble sleeping, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Stiff Person Syndrome

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that most commonly causes symptoms of muscle stiffness in your trunk and abdomen, with stiffness and painful spasms in the legs and other muscles developing over time.

Symptoms of stiff person syndrome can develop at any age, but it most often begins in your 30s and 40s. Scientists believe stiff person syndrome can range from just one area of a person’s body to a widespread syndrome that affects multiple parts of the body, and involves the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord. Stiff person syndrome is a progressive disorder, which means symptoms can get worse over time, and can take several months to a few years to develop.

In most cases of stiff person syndrome, muscle stiffness in the abdomen, chest, or back muscles is the first symptom experienced. This rigidity causes pain and an aching discomfort that can fluctuate in severity without a clear trigger or reason. These symptoms can also affect the arms and legs. As stiffness increases, some people may develop an abnormal posture that can make it difficult to walk or move. Individuals may also experience painful muscle spasms that can involve the entire body, or only a specific area. These spasms can last a few seconds, minutes, or occasionally, a few hours.

Symptoms of stiff person syndrome, such as muscle spasms, can be triggered after:

Physical touch or stimulation

Unexpected or loud noises

Changes in temperature, including cold environments

Stressful events

The triggers of stiff person syndrome-related muscle spasms can be unpredictable. This can cause some people with stiff person syndrome to develop anxiety and agoraphobia because it is more difficult to avoid the triggers of muscle spasms in public.

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of stiff person syndrome, but they believe it is an autoimmune condition. Some studies suggest antibodies may play a role in stiff person syndrome, as many people with the condition make antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). GAD makes a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps control muscle movement.

Unfortunately, researchers don’t yet understand the exact role that GAD plays in the development and worsening of stiff person syndrome. However, it is important to note that having GAD antibodies doesn’t mean that you have stiff person syndrome. A small portion of the general population has GAD antibodies without any adverse effects. There are other antibodies associated with stiff person syndrome, including:

Glycine receptor

Amphiphysin

Dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein 6 (DPPX)

Additionally, some people with this condition don’t have any detectable antibodies, but ongoing research is investigating whether other potential antibodies may also cause symptoms.

Stiff person syndrome is very rare, as about one out of every one million people has this condition. What’s more, it is twice as common in females, and may also occur with other autoimmune conditions, such as:

Type 1 diabetes

Autoimmune thyroid disease

Celiac disease

Vitiligo

Pernicious anemia

A healthcare provider can diagnose stiff person syndrome by looking for specific signs of the condition through exams and tests. They will ask questions about symptoms during physical and neurological exams. If the healthcare provider suspects stiff person syndrome, they may recommend other tests, including:

Antibody blood test

Lumbar puncture

Electromyography (EMG)

Stiff person syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and has similar symptoms to other conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis (MS), or other autoimmune conditions.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a treatment that cures stiff person syndrome. However, working with a specialist and maintaining symptom control can make it easier to live with the condition. Specialists include:

Neurologists, specifically neuroimmunologists

Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists

Occupational and physical therapists

Mental health specialists, such as psychologists

Speech therapists

To treat stiff person syndrome, two main treatment strategies can be used, such as:

Medications and therapies for symptom management

Immunotherapy or disease-modifying treatment

Treatment for stiff person syndrome varies based on your symptoms. The goal of treatment is to manage how symptoms affect you and improve your mobility and comfort.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of stiff person syndrome, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

How Hormones Affect Weight Gain

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Weight fluctuation is something that many of us experience throughout our lives. When you gain weight for no obvious reason, it may be connected to hormone fluctuations that can occur with age, menopause, or a medical issue. These changes in hormone levels can affect major body functions, including the way you gain and lose weight. While hormonal weight gain affects both sexes, the distribution of fat differs between men and women.

Men generally gain weight in their abdominal area. Premenopausal women often gain weight around their hips and thighs, while postmenopausal women may gain weight in their abdominal area.

Treating hormonal weight gain consists of finding the cause of and fixing the hormonal imbalance. There may also be a need to treat the underlying medical issue causing a shift in your hormone levels.

Hormonal weight gain resulting from hormone imbalances can lead to different symptoms and can vary on the specific hormone and whether its levels are too high or too low. The common symptoms of hormonal weight gain besides difficulty losing weight include:

Depression

Insomnia

“Brain fog” or an inability to think clearly

Fatigue

Constipation

Thirst that persists despite drinking water

Frequent urination

Irregular menstrual cycle

Irregular heartbeat

Acne

Hormonal weight gain can be caused by changes to the normal level and function of several important hormones that help regulate appetite, the sense of fullness, metabolism, and how body fat is distributed. These hormones include:

Estrogen

Insulin

Leptin

Cortisol

Ghrelin

There are several conditions that can cause hormonal weight gain, including:

Menopause

Endometriosis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Hypothyroidism

Insomnia

Losing hormonal weight gain starts with finding the hormones that affect your weight. It may also be necessary to get the right diagnosis and treatment if you have a hormonal imbalance caused by an underlying medical issue.

Any weight loss goal generally involves lifestyle changes that consist of the following strategies:

A daily program to maintain activity levels

A change in diet to reduce calories

Adequate sleep every night

Behavior strategies to encourage commitment

Working with a fitness professional can help you find exercises to target areas where you have excess weight due to hormonal weight gain.

Hormonal weight gain supplements or medications may also be advised. They can reset hormone levels, treat the effects of abnormal levels, or control any underlying problems. Some common treatments include:

Insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes

Bioidentical hormone therapy

Sleep medications

Hormonal birth control pills for controlling endometriosis

Synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (a T4 preparation) for hypothyroidism

In extreme cases, treatment may involve surgical intervention to treat underlying problems. These therapies may include:

Bariatric weight loss surgery

Ovarian cyst surgery

Hysterectomy

Hormonal weight gain can look like any other type of weight gain. To determine if your weight gain is hormonal, visit your healthcare provider.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of hormonal weight gain, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Scleroderma

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Scleroderma is a rare chronic condition that causes the body to produce tissue that is thicker than it should be. It usually affects the skin, but it can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body.

If a person has scleroderma, their immune system triggers the body’s cells to produce too much collagen. Collagen helps the body have strong, healthy connective tissue to support the organs and hold parts of the body in place. However, when the body produces too much collagen, the skin and other tissue can become thicker and more fibrous than they should be.

Some people who have early scleroderma don’t have any symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Joint pain
Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning
Fatigue
Patches or streaks of thickened, waxy skin
Raynaud’s syndrome
Unexplained weight loss
Heartburn or acid reflux

There are two main types of scleroderma: localized and systemic sclerosis.

Localized scleroderma only affects one part of the body, usually the skin, and causes thick patches or streaks on the skin that feel waxy. This type of scleroderma is most common on the chest, arms, legs, stomach, hands, and feet. Localized scleroderma may get better on its own, and it doesn’t usually spread to other parts of the body.

Systemic sclerosis can affect other organs as well as the skin, including the lungs, heart, stomach, and small bowels. It can affect a person’s ability to breathe or process nutrition. Systemic sclerosis has three subtypes:

Diffuse sclerosis
Limited sclerosis, also known as CREST syndrome
Sine sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis can cause symptoms that may seem unrelated to each other, such as:

Coughing or shortness of breath
Trouble swallowing
Muscle numbness or tingling
Heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or trouble controlling your bowels
Abnormal heartbeats, including heart blocks
Dry eyes and mouth
Itching
Erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness

Experts aren’t sure of what causes scleroderma, but they know it is an autoimmune disease. Scleroderma can be hereditary, as biological parents can pass it on to their children. However, it is rare enough that there isn’t any definitive proof that it is a genetic disorder.

Anyone can develop scleroderma, but you may be at a higher risk if you are:

Female
Black
Between the ages of 30 and 50 years old

Black people are more likely to have scleroderma, and it is more common to develop it earlier in life and experience more severe skin and lung symptoms.

A person with scleroderma is more likely to have Raynaud’s syndrome and Sjögren’s syndrome. Some types of scleroderma can cause severe complications, including:

A weakened immune system
Cardiovascular disease
Congestive heart failure
Kidney failure
Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Needing a finger or toe amputated
Cancer
Gastrointestinal diseases

Diagnosing scleroderma is usually part of a differential diagnosis, which means a healthcare provider will have to use a few tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms before giving you a scleroderma diagnosis. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and tests, including:

Blood tests to see how well your immune system is functioning
A biopsy to remove a sample of your affected skin or other tissue for lab testing
Pulmonary function tests to show if your lungs or respiratory system are affected
Endoscopy if you are experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms

A healthcare provider may also recommend imaging tests, such as:

CT scan
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for scleroderma. A healthcare provider will help you find treatments that manage the symptoms and lessen how much they impact your daily life. The treatments you receive depend on where you’re experiencing symptoms and their severity. Some treatment options include:

Immunosuppressants
Medicines to manage specific symptoms
Skin treatments
Physical therapy
Phototherapy or light therapy
Stem cell transplants

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of scleroderma, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

BBQ Food Safety Tips

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is a time when we have and/or attend several barbecues or cookouts. However, whether you are hosting or attending, eating outdoors in warm weather can present food safety challenges.

Bacteria in food multiply faster at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, so the summer heat can create problems. Here are some tips to follow to help keep you and others safe from foodborne illnesses:

Washing your hands is very important. Wash your hands if you are preparing food, serving food, or after using the bathroom. Wash your hands and forearms with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you are in an outdoor setting without access to a bathroom, use a bottle of water, some soap, and paper towels, or use hand sanitizer.

Keep raw food separate from cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

Don’t use any plates or utensils that have potentially touched or have been contaminated by raw meat, poultry, or seafood. It is recommended to wash utensils that have touched raw meats if they must also be used to handle cooked meats

Marinate food in the refrigerator, instead of out on the counter. If you want to use some of the marinade as a sauce on your food after it is cooked, keep a separate portion of it to use later. Do not reuse the marinade that contained raw meat

Cook food thoroughly to kill any harmful germs and bacteria that may be present. E. coli and Salmonella can still be present in undercooked meats such as hamburger and chicken, and can cause severe illness, even death. Each food should be at a certain temperature for it to be fully cooked:

- Chicken 165o F

- Hamburgers 160o F

- Pork 150o F

- Hot dogs 140o F

- Leftovers 165o F

- Eggs 145o F

Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meat, which is the least cooked part. To check the temperature of hot dogs, go from the end of the hot dog to the center. Be careful not to pass through the meat and touch the cooking surface because you will get a false high temperature reading.

Refrigerate or freeze food immediately, as you shouldn’t leave food out of the refrigerator, cooler, or off the grill for more than two hours. Never leave food out for more than one hour when the outside temperature is above 90°F

Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Hot food should be kept at or above 140°F, wrapped well, and placed in an insulated container. Cold food should be held at or below 40°F. Foods such as chicken salads and desserts that are in individual serving dishes should be placed directly on ice or in a shallow container set in a deep pan filled with ice. Drain off any water that pools as the ice melts, and replace the ice frequently

Wipe surfaces often, especially after using them for food preparation, as germs from undercooked meat can grow on vegetables cut or washed on the same surface as meat. Mix and use a sanitizing solution of one capful of chlorine bleach per gallon of water for cleaning work area surfaces. If possible, use separate cutting boards or surfaces for foods that will not be cooked, such as salad

Keep flies away by covering trash containers, and not storing meat wrappers and other trash in open cardboard boxes or uncovered containers, even for a short period of time

Don’t use fly spray or “No-Pest” chemical strips, as they can contaminate your food

Don’t keep food containers out in the open. Instead, place them in a shaded area

Keep plates, cups, utensils, and food covered until they are ready to be used

Handle plates, cups, and utensils where they won’t come in contact with any food

Don’t prepare and serve food if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

Don’t wear loose finger or wrist jewelry or fake nails while working with food

Keep plenty of paper towels handy for cleaning your hands and surfaces

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a foodborne illness, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Tonsil Stones

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Tonsil stones are small, pebble-like lumps of calcified minerals, food debris, and germs, such as bacteria and fungi, that form in the tonsils.

The most common symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. Other symptoms can include:

Sore throat

Cough

Difficulty swallowing

Earache

Bad taste in your mouth

The feeling of something stuck in your throat

Tonsil stones form when debris gets trapped in the tonsillar crypts, or the folds in the tonsils, and calcifies. You are more likely to develop enlarged tonsillar crypts if you have chronic tonsillitis.

Anyone can get tonsil stones, but a person is more likely to develop them if they have dehydration or are a teenager.

Tonsil stones are generally harmless. However, large or chronic tonsil stones can cause swelling and make it difficult to swallow, as well as trigger other types of infections.

A healthcare provider can diagnose tonsil stones by:

Performing a physical exam and looking inside your mouth and throat

Taking an imaging scan if they can’t see the tonsil stones easily

Dislodging them with a dental pick

In many cases, tonsil stones can be removed at home by:

Gargling with warm saltwater

Using a water flosser to flush them out

Using a cotton swab to push them out gently

Coughing vigorously to dislodge them

If they can’t be removed at home, a healthcare provider can remove them during a visit to their office. If you get tonsil stones frequently or if they cause uncomfortable symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments, such as:

Medications, such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or antibiotics

A tonsillectomy to remove your tonsils

Tonsil stones can’t always be prevented. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them, such as:

Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as brushing your tongue

Staying hydrated

Gargling with warm salt water after eating

Quitting smoking

If you are experiencing symptoms of tonsil stones, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine. Please call (718) 670-5521.

Robot-Assisted Prostatectomy

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove all or part of the prostate gland. It is used to treat prostate cancer and other prostate conditions.

A robotic prostatectomy is a type of prostatectomy performed by a surgeon using surgical tools attached to robotic arms that assist in removing the prostate gland during the procedure.

A robotic prostatectomy differs from a traditional open prostatectomy, which requires a large eight-to-ten-inch incision. Instead, a minimally invasive approach called laparoscopy allows the surgeon to operate with precise movements and allows the surgeon to operate by way of a one-to-two-inch incision and five much smaller incisions in the lower stomach.

Although it is less invasive than open surgery, robotic prostatectomy is considered a major surgery.

A robotic prostatectomy can be performed by using different approaches, depending on the condition that needs treatment, including:

Robot-assisted radical laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is used to treat prostate cancer by removing the entire prostate gland, surrounding tissues, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes

Nerve-sparing prostatectomy is a surgical approach that takes the prostate gland while not trying to injure the nerves that play a role in erections. However, this may not be possible if there is cancer very close to the nerves. A non-nerve-sparing prostatectomy may be needed

Simple robotic prostatectomy or partial prostatectomy only removes the inner part of the prostate, leaving the outer part intact. This procedure is performed to ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate

A partial prostatectomy eases urinary symptoms and complications resulting from blocked urine flow, such as:

Urinary tract infections

Trouble starting urination

Stopping and starting while urinating

An urgent need to urinate often

Prolonged urination

Urinating more than usual at night

The feeling of not being able to fully empty the bladder

Not being able to urinate

It is possible to survive or live without a prostate. And like any surgery, robotic prostatectomy comes with some risks and side effects, and your healthcare team will work to lower these risks.

A robotic prostatectomy has several benefits, as it can cause less pain and bleeding than traditional open surgery and allow for a shorter recovery time.

To learn more about our robotic surgical procedures or schedule an appointment, contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center at (718) 670-5000.

Fourth of July Recipe

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The Fourth of July is this weekend, and many of us expect to spend time with our family, friends, and loved ones, while eating some delicious food, and watching the fireworks. If you are bringing food to your get-together and need some ideas, here is a recipe for tasty, mouthwatering teriyaki wings to enjoy while celebrating Independence Day.

Teriyaki Chicken Wings Recipe | Tyler Florence | Food Network

Summer Health Concerns and How to Prevent them

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is in full swing, so most of our time will be spent outside doing various activities. However, there are many health concerns to consider.

Here are some summer health concerns and how to prevent them:

The human body is made of up to 78% of water, and when it doesn’t get enough, it can’t function properly. In high heat, dehydration can become severe and fatal. To prevent dehydration, it is important to stay hydrated. You can do this by drinking water and eating water-rich foods. Staying properly hydrated can also prevent kidney stones.

Sunburns occur when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause a radiation burn on the skin. Sunburns can contribute to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, and can also lead to dehydration, sun poisoning, and infection from severe burns. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen containing titanium oxide or zinc oxide every day, even on overcast days. Make sure to cover your entire body, including your ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, and, if exposed, the top of your feet.

Spending time in the sun doesn’t only bring the risks of sunburn and dehydration. It also brings the risk of heat illnesses, including:

Heat rash- a red stinging rash that develops when sweat gets trapped in your glands.
Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that occur when you sweat so much that your body loses salts and fluids.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body can’t cool itself through sweating. If it’s not treated, it can quickly turn into heatstroke.
Heatstroke, or sunstroke, occurs when a person’s body temperature climbs to dangerous levels. It’s the most severe heat-related illness and can be fatal.

To prevent heat illnesses, limit the time you spend outdoors. Also, take any symptoms you observe in yourself and others seriously.

Insects are more active during the summer, which means there’s a higher risk of encountering them. Especially for:

Bee stings
Mosquito bites
Tick bites
Ant bites

To prevent bugs from stinging or biting you, wear an insect repellent with the active ingredients DEET or picaridin. Other ways to prevent stings and bites include:

Avoid using scented products.
Drain any standing water.
Put on protective clothing.
Don’t leave any food uncovered outside.

We want to spend more time near water to cool off as temperatures rise. However, it is important to follow proper safety precautions to avoid drowning risks. Here are some ways to prevent drowning risks:

Learn CPR
Use drain covers on pool drains.
Wear life jackets
Sign up for swimming lessons.

Everybody loves a good summer barbecue or cookout, but sometimes the food we eat doesn’t always love us back. The smoking process that gives smoked meats their flavor also creates harmful substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs and heterocyclic amines or HCAs. The National Cancer Institute warns that PAHs and HCAs are mutagenic, meaning they can cause changes to your DNA that put you at risk for certain types of cancer. You can prevent ingesting these harmful substances by using liquid smoke as an alternative marinade for your meats. Foodborne illness can be a concern for cookout food as well. This is the case for food left out or leftover sitting in the “temperature danger zone” of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures allow bacteria to grow that can make you sick. You can prevent foodborne illness by cooking meats to a safe temperature and throwing any food that has sat out too long in the trash.

Seasonal allergies caused by pollen is a huge problem in the summer as the weather gets warmer and trees, grass, and flowers pollinate. To prevent seasonal allergies, try taking allergy medications before the season starts so your body can build its defense.

These preventative measures can help you enjoy your summer and keep you safe.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Skin Products that Increase Sensitivity to UV Rays

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is upon us, and with it comes days with increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can put you at risk of skin damage and skin cancer, even with limited exposure.

Using certain skin products can increase our skin’s exposure and sensitivity to harmful UV rays. When a person has heightened skin sensitivity or an unusual reaction to UV radiation from sunlight, it is called photosensitivity.

There are two types of photosensitivity reactions: phototoxic and photoallergic.

A phototoxic photosensitivity reaction is the most common reaction, usually occurring when a medication taken orally or topically is activated by UV light, causing skin damage that can look and feel like a sunburn or rash. It can also be triggered by certain ingredients in skin care products. The reaction can happen within minutes or after hours of exposure and is usually limited to the skin that has been exposed.

Photoallergic photosensitivity is much less common and occurs when UV rays interact with ingredients in medicines or other products that are applied directly to the skin. The body’s immune system recognizes changes caused by sun exposure as an external threat, triggering a reaction, causing the body to generate antibodies and attacks. This reaction can leave a rash, blisters, red bumps, or even oozing lesions one to three days after application and sun exposure.

A person can develop photosensitivity as a result of prescription or over-the-counter medications or when using certain types of skin care products.

Certain ingredients in skin care products we use to take care of our skin, such as retinols, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, remove the outermost layer of skin to fight lines or acne. Skin brighteners like vitamin C may decrease the melanin, the substance in the skin that serves as a natural defense against the sun’s rays, causing photosensitivity and increasing the risk of skin damage due to sun exposure.

You can avoid the risk of photosensitivity when using retinol by:

Only using retinol at night

Avoid daily use, unless your skin has built up a tolerance to it

Condition your skin to retinol by gradually increasing the strength and frequency at which you are using it

Stop using it during the hot summer months when spending time outside, and seven or more days before and after a vacation at the beach

Not using retinol at all if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

As an alternative, use bio-retinol, which contains botanical ingredients and has the same benefits as retinol.

Instead of using products that contain alpha hydroxy acids, use products containing beta hydroxy acids as they are sun-friendly alternatives.

There are several ways to protect your skin from photosensitive sun damage due to UV radiation exposure, including:

Taking care of your skin by shielding it from the sun on sunny days
Wearing a broad-brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin, and not forgetting the back of the hands. Reapply sunscreen every two hours
Minimizing your exposure to UV radiation, especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm
Checking your skin monthly and visiting a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam

Understanding what photosensitivity is and what causes it can help you protect your skin and limit exposure to UV radiation.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of skin damage from photosensitivity, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.