PHYSICIAN Q&A
Face to face with Patricia Cavender, M.D.

Many patients are unaware of the wealth of expertise available through HMF physicians. We’ll interview a different specialist in each issue of To Your Health.

Name?

Patricia Cavender, M.D.

Specialty?

Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery

Which means?

Everything related to the skin, from medical conditions to cosmetic concerns.

In my practice, I treat skin and nail ailments such as acne, psoriasis, rashes, warts, hair loss, and infections. I am also trained in dermatologic surgery to remove skin cancers, moles, cysts and other growths. Another part of my practice is cosmetic dermatology—that is, elective procedures that simply make a patient look and feel better.

What can you do?

There are many options for rejuvenating aging and sun-damaged skin. Therapeutic peels, Botox injections, and Collagen injections are popular outpatient treatments right now. Even unsightly leg spider veins can be expertly managed through sclerotherapy.

Are these procedures just for women? Not at all! Both men and women benefit from refreshing their appearance. Patients often come to me before a special event, school reunion, or important job interview. Looking your best provides a wonderful psychological lift.

How can people protect their skin?

Forget about tanning; concentrate on protecting skin from the sun:

• Wear an SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen every day—even when it’s cloudy. Apply it to your face, neck, ears and any exposed skin. Sunscreen is especially important if you’ll be outside for several hours gardening or golfing.

• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses outside.

• Avoid the especially damaging rays of the mid-day sun.

• Examine your skin surface regularly for new or changed moles. Have anything suspicious checked.
  

What about kids?

They need sunscreen, too. In fact, children get an estimated 80% of their lifetime sun damage by the time they turn 18. Much of my adult patients’ skin damage likely occurred during childhood summers on the beach.

What’s the skinny on winter skin?

Stick with your sunscreen, and step up the moisturizer. Once temperatures drop, we dermatologists see a lot of “winter itch,” dry, scaly skin from the dry, heated air in homes and offices. I tell patients to take warm—not hot—showers and use soaps like Dove or Oil of Olay to help lock in the moisture.

Any advice for winter sports?

Skiers and snowboarders should wear a mask or scarf, and re-apply sunscreen throughout the day. It’s easy to forget when you’re having fun. When I ski, I never eat lunch outside—that’s 45 minutes of sun exposure I can do without!

What about sunburn?

First, avoid heat! A cool shower or a bath containing Aveeno products can help a mild burn. For blistering sunburns, try a cold compress or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills, like Advil or Aleve, to ease the discomfort until you can visit the office.

Dr. Cavender studied at UCLA School of Medicine, where she completed her residency in Dermatology. She is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. In private practice since 1986, she joined Huntington Medical Foundation in 2001. A long-time resident of the Pasadena area, she is raising two sons (who always, always wear sunscreen).