Sydney specialist dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta was on ABC 702 Radio with Kathryn Robinson for her expert take on the mites, bacteria and yeasts that live on our skin.
Everyone has microscopic Demodex mites living near the oil glands of the face, alongside bacteria and yeasts such as Malassezia. They are part of the skin’s microbiome and help keep the skin in balance. Problems arise when there is an overgrowth or an exaggerated inflammatory response, with rosacea and seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff) the classic examples.
Listeners then called in with questions. Dr Ritu explained that richer moisturisers in tubs and tubes do more for the skin barrier than pump lotions, and that prescribed steroid creams work best when used consistently for the full course. She noted that vitamin B3 is well studied in people who have had several non-melanoma skin cancers, and advised against freezing facial warts, which can leave white marks, particularly in darker skin.
On at-home LED masks, she said they do not increase skin cancer risk but can flare eczema, psoriasis and rosacea and add to pigmentation in darker skin, while the evidence for anti-ageing benefits is limited. In-clinic broadband light and lasers do not increase skin cancer risk either, although results depend on the knowledge of the person operating the device.
Listen to the full interview at:
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sydney-afternoons/ask-the-arvos-dermatologist/107288620
To consult with Dr Ritu, please make an enquiry online, WhatsApp at 0493 766 096, or call (02) 8014 6505.
