Integrative Health Blog

NIHA Dermatologist Kent Handfield MD, MPH, Receives Certification in Functional Medicine

Posted by on Tue, Jun 04, 2019

National Integrated Health Associates (NIHA) is pleased to announce that Kent Handfield, MD, MPH, is now board certified in functional medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).

Dr. Handfield is recognized nationally as an IFM Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) and is part of over 1000 Certified Functional Medicine Practitioners in the United States and around the world.

Dr. Handfield is board certified in dermatology, and the IFM certification adds to his list of credentials. He treats skin, hair and nail issues for patients of all ages and skin types at National Integrated Health Associates in the Washington, D.C., Chevy Chase area. 

Dermatology Services at NIHA:

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Tags: dermatology

Announcing Dermatology Services at National Integrated Health Associates in Washington, D.C.

Posted by on Wed, May 01, 2019

National Integrated Health Associates (NIHA) is happy to announce it has expanded its list of Medical Services to include Dermatology.  Dermatology services available at the Washington, D.C., center will meet the needs of our patients to have comprehensive integrative medical and dental care  in one convenient location. Dr. Kent Handfield will be providing dermatology services at NIHA and is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology. 

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Tags: dermatology, skin cancer

Causes of Itchy Skin

Posted by on Mon, Apr 29, 2019

Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is a common concern among my dermatology patients. 

There are few things more aggravating than being itchy.  In fact, one of the reasons we scratch when we itch is that the pain that comes about from scratching distracts ourselves from the itch.  We would rather endure the pain of scratching than be itchy! 

Itchy Skin Can be Due to Several Factors

It is very common to experience dry skin which can lead to itchiness.  At certain times of the year such as winter and early spring itchy skin is common because we have been in low humidity, heated homes all winter. But there are a variety of possible reasons for itchy skin, other than the lower humidity in the air.  There are external factors, internal factors, as well as certain diseases that can lead to itchiness.  Skin diseases such as eczema, mycosis fungoides, bullous pemphigoid, kidney/liver problems, and infectious diseases such as HIV or parasitic diseases are a few of the possible causes.  Most of the time itchiness is not related to a serious condition, but it is always important to rule out medical causes before assuming that the skin is just dry and itchy.

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Tags: dermatology