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In Kutztown!
In Kutztown!
15050 Kutztown Rd., First Floor
Kutztown, PA 19530
skin care tips
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Adam B. Blechman, MD, FAAD, FACMS
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon
Adam B. Blechman, MD, FAAD, FACMS, is double board-certified in Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic surgery. He attended the University of Maryland-College Park for his undergraduate studies, in which he graduated magna cum laude as a member of the Gemstone Honors Program. He earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia, School of Medicine. In his final year of medical school, Dr. Blechman received the Larry S. Nichter award in Plastic Surgery for his research on wound healing.
Dr. Blechman continued his training with an internship in Internal Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital, a residency in Dermatology at the University of Virginia, in which he served as chief resident, and a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at NYU Langone in New York City. During his time at NYU, he worked with leaders in the field of skin cancer surgery and cosmetics. As a fellow, he performed numerous Mohs surgeries, complex facial reconstructions, and cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Blechman has published a multitude of articles in dermatology and dermatologic surgery journals. He was the recipient of the prestigious Theodore Tromovitch research award, given by the American College of Mohs Surgery to one fellow annually. He is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Blechman enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children in his free time.
- Practice Locations:
Yardley - Oxford Valley
- Certifications:
- Schooling:
- Professional Affiliations:
Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery
- Practice Locations:
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Annie Jin, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Annie Jin, MD, brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to advancing dermatologic care and research. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Dr. Jin continued her training with a dermatology residency at Temple University Hospital and completed a fellowship in dermatopathology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her dedication to academic excellence is reflected in numerous awards, including the American Society of Dermatopathology Mentorship Award and Alpha Omega Alpha honors.
Dr. Jin's professional interests span a wide range of dermatological conditions and treatments, with a particular focus on dermatopathology and complex medical dermatology. She has contributed extensively to the field through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national dermatology and dermatopathology conferences. Her research on topics such as biologic therapies, granulomatous secondary syphilis, and innovative treatments for chronic skin conditions has garnered recognition and helped advance clinical practice.
In addition to her clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Jin is fluent in English and Mandarin, enabling her to connect with a diverse patient population. Known for her compassionate approach, she is committed to ensuring every patient feels understood and confident in their care. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Jin enjoys staying active in her community and exploring the vibrant culture of Philadelphia.
- Practice Locations:
- Schooling:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Professional Affiliations:
American Society of Dermatopathology
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Brianna Marnie, PA-C
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Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Brianna Marnie, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant (PA-C) through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is licensed in Pennsylvania. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science, graduating summa cum laude, and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.
Brianna is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) and the Pennsylvania Dermatology Physician Assistants (PDPA).
Before specializing in dermatology, she gained extensive experience in urgent care and pediatric pulmonology, which sharpened her skills in patient care. A native of Central Pennsylvania, Brianna is passionate about providing top-notch dermatological care to her community. She performs skin cancer screenings, treats a variety of dermatologic conditions, and is dedicated to ensuring that each patient feels confident and comfortable in their skin.
In her free time, Brianna enjoys traveling, supporting local restaurants and businesses, and spending time with her husband, family, and her beloved cat.
- Practice Locations:
Lancaster
- Schooling:
- Professional Affiliations:
- Practice Locations:
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Brittany Flowers, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C
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Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner
Brittany Flowers, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Brittany earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating magna cum laude. She went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University.
Brittany spent eight years as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before transitioning to dermatology in 2021. Brittany also served as a mentor and leader on patient safety initiatives. She is currently on track to become a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP) in 2024.With a strong foundation in patient-centered care, Brittany focuses on treating a variety of dermatologic conditions in both children and adults, including skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis. Brittany is also skilled in surgical and cosmetic procedures, such as excisions of atypical moles and skin cancers, biopsies, and botulinum toxin injections.
Brittany’s approach emphasizes personalized care, ensuring that each patient's unique needs are met. She believes in building trust and fostering open communication to create a safe environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their dermatologic concerns.
- Practice Locations:
Bensalem - Bristol Road
- Schooling:
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- Practice Locations:
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Emily Cai, MD
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
Emily Cai, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners’ Drexel Hill office, bringing a wealth of expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr. Cai earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences, with a concentration in Genetics, Genomics, and Developmental Biology, from Cornell University, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors. She pursued her Doctorate of Medicine at Stanford School of Medicine, where she was recognized with the Melanoma Research Foundation Medical Student Award and participated in groundbreaking research on melanoma and genetic dermatologic conditions.
After completing an internship in Internal Medicine at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco, Dr. Cai completed her dermatology residency at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). During her residency, she served on the Resident Education Committee, co-led curriculum enhancements emphasizing diverse skin types and systemic dermatologic diseases, and actively mentored medical students.
Dr. Cai’s research contributions have been published in leading dermatology journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Journal of Investigative Dermatology. She has presented her findings at national and international conferences, focusing on topics such as melanoma risk and genetic mutations in dermatologic syndromes. Dr. Cai is passionate about providing personalized, evidence-based care to her patients, emphasizing skin cancer prevention, advanced dermatologic procedures, and holistic treatment approaches.
A California native, Dr. Cai recently got married and enjoys volunteering at free clinics, fostering a strong commitment to community service, and staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements.
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Fall 2024 Newsletter
Don't miss out—click below to explore all that fall has to offer!
- Hockessin
- Plymouth Meeting
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Q&A With Emily Cai, MD: Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Exercise
Not all sunscreens are created equal, especially when you’re working up a sweat outdoors. Whether running, swimming, or practicing yoga under the sun, choosing the right sunscreen can make a big difference in your comfort and protection.
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Q&A with Katrina Hansen, DO, FAAD: How to Combat Aging Skin Around the Eyes
The delicate skin around the eyes is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging. From fine lines and puffiness to dark circles and skin laxity, many factors contribute to these changes—including natural aging, environmental exposures, and lifestyle habits.
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Summer 2024 Newsletter
Click on the photo below to view the Summer 2024 DP Times!
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The Connection Between Sports and Skin Health: What Every Athlete and Parent Should Know
As the school year kicks off, so do practices, games, and tournaments. Whether your child is hitting the soccer field, basketball court, or swimming pool, sports bring countless benefits—teamwork, confidence, fitness, and joy. But while we often think about injuries like sprains or bruises, there’s another area that deserves attention: the skin.
Athletes of all ages face unique challenges when it comes to skin health. Between constant sweating, gear rubbing against skin, and shared equipment, it’s not uncommon to see rashes, irritation, or infections pop up during the season. The good news? With the proper knowledge and preventive care, most of these skin concerns can be minimized—keeping athletes healthy and in the game.
Sweat and Skin: A Double-Edged Sword
Sweating is a natural and essential process. It helps regulate body temperature and signals that you’re working hard. However, sweat and skin irritation often go hand in hand. Sweat contains salt and other minerals that can irritate the skin when it sits too long, especially in areas where clothing or gear traps moisture.
For athletes, this is a frequent issue. Football pads, tight uniforms, shin guards, and even helmets create the perfect environment for sweat to linger. Over time, this combination of sweat and friction can lead to redness, itching, and sometimes a skin rash from heat and sweat—commonly known as heat rash.
Simple steps like showering after practice, changing into dry clothes promptly, and using breathable fabrics can make a big difference in reducing irritation.
The Causes of Skin Irritation in Athletes
Skin irritation in sports doesn’t just come from sweat—it’s often the result of multiple factors working together. Some of the most common causes of skin irritation in athletes include:
- Friction: Constant rubbing from uniforms, straps, or gear can cause chafing and blisters.
- Moisture: Damp conditions from sweat or wet uniforms weaken the skin barrier.
- Heat: High temperatures can clog sweat ducts, leading to rashes.
- Allergens: Certain fabrics, detergents, or adhesives in athletic tape can trigger allergic reactions.
Parents and athletes should keep an eye on any persistent redness, bumps, or patches of dry skin. Early attention can prevent minor irritations from becoming bigger problems.
Sports and Skin Infections: What to Watch For
Beyond irritation, another primary concern is infection. The combination of sweat, close contact, and shared equipment can create opportunities for sports and skin infections to spread. Some of the most common include:
- Athlete’s Foot: A fungal infection that thrives in damp locker rooms and sweaty socks.
- Ringworm: A contagious fungal infection that causes circular patches on the skin.
- Staph Infections: Bacteria that can enter through cuts or abrasions, sometimes leading to more serious complications.
- Warts: Spread by direct contact, often on hands or feet.
While the term “infection” can sound alarming, most are treatable and preventable. Good hygiene practices—like not sharing towels, washing uniforms regularly, and keeping wounds covered—go a long way in keeping athletes safe.
Skin Rash from Heat and Sweat: When the Weather Plays a Role
Hot late-summer practices and early fall games are especially tough on skin. A skin rash from heat and sweat, also called prickly heat, develops when sweat ducts become blocked. It often shows up as small red bumps or blisters and can be itchy or uncomfortable.
Athletes who wear helmets, pads, or tight-fitting gear are at higher risk because airflow to the skin is restricted. To reduce the risk, athletes should:
- Take breaks in shaded or cooler areas.
- Wear moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from the skin.
- Avoid staying in damp uniforms longer than necessary.
Caring for Skin During the Sports Season
Keeping skin healthy doesn’t require complicated routines. It’s about consistency and paying attention to early signs of irritation. Here are a few practical tips:
- Shower Promptly: Wash off sweat and bacteria after games or practice.
- Use Gentle Cleansers: Harsh soaps can dry the skin, making irritation worse.
- Stay moisturized: Friction and sweat strip the skin of its natural barrier—apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep it strong.
- Rotate Equipment: Ensure gear is cleaned and dried thoroughly between uses.
- Check the Skin Regularly: Parents can help by checking for unusual rashes, patches, or sores that don’t improve.
Why Skin Care Matters for Athletes
Healthy skin isn’t just about comfort—it impacts performance, too. Athletes dealing with painful chafing, itchy rashes, or infections may find it harder to concentrate or play at their best. In some cases, untreated infections can even sideline a player until they’ve fully healed.
By recognizing how sweat and skin interact, being mindful of the causes of skin irritation, and staying alert to potential sports and skin infections, athletes and parents can take proactive steps to protect the skin throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
Sports are one of the best parts of growing up and staying active, and no athlete should miss out on the benefits because of skin issues. With awareness and simple preventive measures, athletes can keep their skin healthy while continuing to thrive on the field, court, or track.
If your child develops a persistent rash, irritation, or infection, our team at Dermatology Partners is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert care—so your athlete can focus on what matters most: playing the game they love. Give our team a call today at (888) 818-DERM or book your appointment online.
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Tips for Combatting Dry Skin
Written by Alexis Curreri, MD, FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
With a change in seasons, many of us experience an unwanted change in our skin. This autumn has been a relatively mild, but it’s important to get ahead of seasonal issues like dry skin before they occur.
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Tips for Skin Care as You Age
Aging is a natural part of life, but the way our skin changes over time can feel less than welcome. Fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and a loss of elasticity are all common signs of aging skin.
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Westminster
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Winter Skin Care: Protecting Your Skin in Cold, Dry Weather
A guest blog written by Adel Haque, BS, MD, FAAD, for the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Magazine.
