Allina Health

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Prescription Assistance Program

Need help paying for prescription medicine? Ask your Allina health care provider to refer you to the Prescription Assistance Program.

Diabetes education

Diabetes education equips you with the knowledge and tools to live well with diabetes. Accredited by the American Diabetes Association, our classes and support services help patients manage diabetes every step of the way.

Mental health services

Allina Mental Health helps children, adolescents, adults and seniors work through times when the troubles of life interfere with their ability to function or cope.

Bronwyn's skin condition improved dramatically

Winter is tough on the skin, and dry skin this time of year is a more severe problem for infants, older people and frequent hand washers. If you have chronic skin problems, like Bronwyn Pope of Forest Lake, you might need help from a dermatologist.

“I had a variety of rashes, flushing and other skin issues over time on my face and hands, and they seemed worse during the winter,” Pope said. “I had been to different dermatologists without success. I felt like my skin was attacking me, but often I dismissed it as random discomfort and vanity.”

Finding relief

Last spring, on a friend’s recommendation, she decided to see Anastasios Pappas, MD, dermatologist, at Allina Medical Clinic – North Branch.

“Dr. Pappas was very busy and running more than an hour behind that day, but when I got to see him he was very pleasant, listened to my whole story and geared everything to my level of knowledge,” Pope said. Pappas told Pope that her problem was overactive histamine that had made her highly allergic to many things. “He said this was a long-term issue that I had to take seriously,” she said.

Pope’s treatment included an antibiotic to “calm down” her skin, a prescription face cream and a prescription she can fill if she has an outbreak. She also takes Allegra to help prevent outbreaks.

“I had a lovely summer and my face looks better,” she said. Pope returned to Pappas for a three-month checkup and will have annual visits in the future unless a problem arises.

Value your skin

“You should take your skin as seriously as an internal organ,” Pappas said. “If you are having a problem with your skin, you should see a doctor. A primary care doctor should refer you to a dermatologist, if needed.”

He added: “The doctor should take time to listen to your concerns and understand your medical history. Otherwise, he or she cannot give you the best possible treatment.”

For people with “normal” skin who want to avoid that itchy, scratchy winter skin feeling, Pappas and the American Academy of Dermatology offer a number of tips:

• Use lukewarm water and a mild soap for bathing, and soak for 10 minutes maximum.
• After bathing, pat — rather than rub — your skin almost dry.
• Use a moisturizer with urea, lactic acid or mineral oil after bathing and reapply as necessary.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
• Keep the temperature cool at home and use a humidifier.
• Do your laundry with mild, unscented detergent and avoid dryer sheets and softener.