Dermatologist Shares Skin Care Wisdom Across All Ages on “Your Health Matters With Marshfield Clinic"

​Marshfield, WI — From baby eczema to the secrets of youthful skin, Dr. Moses, dermatologist at Marshfield Clinic, joined host Laura Kibbel on the latest episode of Your Health Matters with Marshfield Clinic to discuss skin health across the lifespan—and tackle some of the most embarrassing skin concerns people often hesitate to bring up. A Wisconsin native, Dr. Moses shared her journey from growing up in Dodgeville to studying at UW-Madison and Duke University before ultimately specializing in dermatology at Stanford. Her return to Wisconsin was fueled by a desire for a family-friendly environment and the opportunity to teach in Marshfield Clinic’s dermatology residency program.
“I love that we treat patients of all ages—from newborns in the NICU to patients over 100 years old,” Dr. Moses said.
Skin Concerns from Birth to Senior Years
Dr. Moses broke down common dermatological issues by age group:

• Infants and Toddlers: Eczema tops the list, causing dry, itchy rashes. Other common concerns include birthmarks and viral rashes.
• Teens: Acne remains the leading concern, but Dr. Moses noted growing interest among teens in skincare trends and mole checks, driven by heightened awareness of skin health and sun safety.
• Adults (25-55): Beyond routine skin checks for early cancer detection, many seek anti-aging treatments. “Sun protection is still the number one anti-aging strategy,” Dr. Moses emphasized. Marshfield Clinic offers a range of cosmetic services, including lasers for redness and hair removal, microneedling for wrinkles and scars, and injectables like Botox.
• Seniors (55+): Skin cancer screenings become increasingly critical. Dr. Moses encouraged older adults to look out for spots that bleed, grow rapidly, or change in appearance, and to seek evaluation promptly.

“Melanoma is the skin cancer most people know about, but basal cell carcinoma is actually the most common cancer in the world,” she said. “Any spot that doesn’t heal or keeps bleeding should be checked.”
Addressing Embarrassing Skin Topics
The episode also tackled often-overlooked topics, including:

• Hair Loss: Affecting nearly half of women by age 70, hair loss can stem from various causes. Dr. Moses stressed that over-the-counter supplements alone may not suffice and encouraged professional evaluation for tailored treatments.
• Unwanted Facial Hair: Hormonal changes can lead to facial hair growth in women. Laser treatments and prescription therapies are available.
• Toenail Fungus: While widespread, fungal infections can be difficult to cure entirely. Home remedies like vinegar soaks and Vicks VapoRub may help, though oral or topical medications often provide better results.
• Razor Bumps and Ingrown Hairs: Dr. Moses advised using single-blade razors, changing blades frequently, and employing antimicrobial washes to reduce irritation.
• Skin Folds Rash: Common in summer, rashes in skin folds can be managed by keeping areas dry and using over-the-counter antifungal creams paired with barrier ointments.
• “Chicken Skin” (Keratosis Pilaris): Though harmless, these small bumps on arms or thighs can be improved with acid-based moisturizers, but harsh scrubs should be avoided.
• Foot Odor: Often caused by moisture and bacteria, Dr. Moses recommended antibacterial washes and letting feet “air out” daily.

The Verdict on Popular Products
To close the show, Dr. Moses gave quick ratings to popular skincare products:

• Retinol: “10 out of 10” for anti-aging.
• Minoxidil: Also a “10” for hair loss.
• Essential Oils: Just a “2”—pleasant scent, but potentially irritating on skin.
• Acne Patches: “10”—help draw out blemishes.
• Neosporin: Only a “3” due to high rates of allergy.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Rated “4”—too drying for skin wounds.

For viewers considering a dermatology visit, Dr. Moses encouraged proactive care. “Everyone deserves at least one skin cancer screening, especially in Wisconsin where we get intense bursts of sun exposure,” she said.
The episode concluded with a lighthearted sports prediction: if UW-Madison and Duke University meet in the NCAA finals, Dr. Moses believes the Badgers will claim victory.

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