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SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Dermatology
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
46 Answers
3 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: Otc antihistamines are helpful for many people with seasonal allergies. If you take multiple medications, a pharmacist can help you find an otc produ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
No: While both conditions can present with pink-red flaky skin, they are quite different diseases. Dandruff is a common benign skin condition thought to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Depends: Depends on where it is. For most locations, taking weight off the area and using foam cushions/pads help. For sores on the buttocks, air mattresses, f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Nostril bump: Generally, pimples inside the nostrils are painful/tender, while allergic reactions are itchy. Most likely, you have a pimple or an inflamed (+/- inf... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: First, get the eye allergy under control by avoiding allergens & possibly with medication (see your physician). If your eye allergy is due to seasonal... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See a doctor: As a diabetic, you are more prone to developing certain infections. The lower extremities are a prime site for skin infections, when left untreated, t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Identifying HPV: Vulvar & vaginal warts (hpv) can appear similar to other skin lesions and are contagious via direct skin contact. As such, suspicious skin lesions sh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: Accutane (isotretinoin) is a drug used to treat severe acne & acne resistant to other acne treatments. It is a generally safe medication, although is ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Keep a diary: Hormonal acne is often associated with acne lesions along the jawline & sides of face, hormonal changes (e.g. Menstrual cycle, abnormal periods, etc),... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Dry skin: Solvents like water & soap make dry skin worse. While moisturizers help combat this, minimizing skin exposure to solvents & applying moisturizers imme... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Depends: Depends on what your skin care needs are... Do you have problems with acne? Dry skin? In general, products that are fragrance-free and lack unnecessar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Avoidance: When applying acne cream, avoid applying near/around the eyes, and applying sparingly. Most acne creams only require a pea-sized amount of product for... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Probably not: Several rashes can resemble acne (rosacea, contact allergic dermatitis, infections, eczema, etc). Acne & rosacea typically do not itch. You might have... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Atopy (see below): Asthma, eczema, & allergies are "atopic" diseases. "atopy" is an inherited tendency for developing any of these diseases. That being said... If you al... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
No: Acne results from oil overproduction (often due to hormones), clogged pores, p acnes bacteria, & resultant inflammation from your immune system recogn... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: Oils can clog pores and are a favorite food for the acne-related bacteria called p. Acnes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Oily skin: Clogged pores contribute to whiteheads & blackheads. Over-the-counter products containing salicyclic acid can help unclog pores but can be irritating ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
"Non-comedogenic": Look for the term "non-comedogenic" -- meaning that the product lacks ingredients known to worsen acne in most people. Key word being "most" people, a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: Skin ulcers are often staged based on depth (stage 4 = deepest)...
Stage 1: reddened skin that does not blanch (doesn't turn white when pressed).
Stag... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Any: Any product applied to acne-prone skin can cause acne... But "non-comedogenic" products are less likely because they lack ingredients known to clog po... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Yes: Asthma, eczema, & allergies are "atopic" diseases. "atopy" is an inherited tendency for developing any of these diseases. That being said... If you al... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Different location: Jock itch (groin), athlete's foot, and ringworm (body) are all superficial fungal infections of the skin that differ mostly by location. While there e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Causes of "baldness": Alopecia is commonly known as hair loss, hair thinning, & balding. While genetic causes (like male pattern balding) are common, other causes exist: h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Depends: Eczema or dermatitis are terms for irritated skin. There are multiple reasons someone can get rashes on their hands. The most common cause is from irr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Atopy (see below): Asthma, eczema, & allergies are "atopic" diseases. "atopy" is an inherited tendency for developing any of these diseases. That being said... If you al... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Depend on skin color: Without knowing your complexion or skin tone, this would be tricky to answer. Fortunately, most makeup counters in malls have makeup artists who can ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Psoriatic Arthritis: Low-impact exercises (water therapy) are good for strengthening muscles while minimizing joint trauma that contributes to osteoarthritis ("wear & tear... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Dry skin at work: Solvents like water (especially hot) & soap make dry skin worse. While moisturizers help combat this, minimizing skin exposure to solvents & applying ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: It is possible that you have a cyst, acne scarring, abscess, or another type of skin problem. If the bump grows, does not show signs of resolving, bl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Depends: White scar-like lesions around the genitals & anus could represent any number of skin conditions... Molluscum contagiosum, condyloma latum (syphilis),... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: Acne results from oil overproduction (often due to hormones), clogged pores, p acnes bacteria, & resultant inflammation from your immune system recogn... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Yes: These are very common skin problems for which there are good treatments that a dermatologist can prescribe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Smoking stains: Continued smoking cessation remains the best way to get rid of skin discoloration from smoking cigarettes, as well as improving your overall health. S... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Depends: Determining the appropriate frequency to wash your face depends on many factors, like:
1) the type of skin you have -- is it dry? Oily? Sensitive?;
2)... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: False negative & false positive results are testing errors (meaning the test results were wrong). In this case...
A "false negative" result means tha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Acne & makeup: Yes. Clogged pores contribute to acne. Certain makeups can clog pores. "non-comedogenic" makeups are those lacking ingredients known to clog pores in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Acne from cosmetics: Yes. Many factors contribute to acne: hormones, oil production, pore clogging, bacteria, & inflammation. While avoiding poor-clogging comedogenic pro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See a doctor: An overdose on any type of medication warrants stopping the medication and seeing a doctor immediately!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide (BP) is an antiseptic for reducing bacterial load & is available in a wash. Unlike antibiotics, bacterial resistance to this antisept... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
See below: The bacterium staph. Aureus can cause bacterial meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain & spinal cord) and is a common cause o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Foot fungus: Topical antifungals (otc or rx) work well. Apply product to entire foot & between toes 2x/day & continue treatment 2 weeks beyond visible clearance o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Cystic Nodular Acne: Cystic nodular acne differs from standard acne by the type of skin lesion that predominates, which is the target for medical treatments. In typical ac... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Acne Scars: Scarring occurs when there is damage to the deeper layers of the skin. In acne, scarring/dimpling can result from inflammation, cysts, & nodules deep ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Atopy (see below): Asthma, eczema, & allergies are "atopic" diseases. "atopy" is an inherited tendency for developing any of these diseases. That being said... If you al... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
No: Traumatizing acne (via squeezing, etc) can lead to scarring & infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Katherine Brownanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
With time: With time (usually months), the lighter patches should gradually improve. Make sure to moisturize regularly with a hypoallergenic frangrance-free prod... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
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Recommendations
494
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Brown is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Brown is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Sep 20, 2014
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HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Lots of information in your answer. This is really appreciated. Keep up the good work.
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Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful! Thank you this helped me a lot.
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Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Very good answer.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of North Carolina School of Medicine, NC
Graduated 2005MD
Residency
BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
Residency
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER
Awards
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