Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care

01/29/2026

What is one habit that consistently improves healing rates in long-term care?

Mikhail Novikov, MD answers:

Start by clearly defining the root cause of the wound.

Healing rates improve when teams ask the most important question first:
👉 Where did this wound come from?

Is it:

-Pressure-related?
-Caused by uncontrolled diabetes?
-Related to vascular disease, gout, or another systemic condition?

These wounds may look similar on the surface—but they are very different clinically and require very different treatment plans.

A neuropathic ulcer caused by diabetes is not the same as a pressure ulcer. Treating them the same leads to stalled healing.

✔️ Identify true wound etiology
✔️ Match treatment to the cause
✔️ Address underlying conditions—not just the wound bed

Finding the why behind the wound is habit number one—and it’s the foundation of better healing outcomes.

Because wounds don’t heal in isolation.

01/29/2026

February is just days away and is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. The focus is on reducing cancer risk through lifestyle changes, promoting healthy habits and emphasizing that many cancers are preventable.

Join us in advocating for early detection by making your skin check appointment today!

The American Cancer Society has released its 2026 melanoma data and projections, which include:

-The number of new melanoma cases diagnosed in 2026 will increase by 10.6 percent.

-An estimated 234,680 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026.

-An estimated 8,510 people will die from melanoma in 2026: 5,500 men and 3,010 women.

Read the whole report on skin cancer starting on page 25:

01/15/2026

The top misunderstandings patients have about skin ulcers

Mikhail Novikov, MD shares what patients often get wrong—and why it matters.

❌ “If it looks better, it must be healed.”
Not always true.
In many cases, improvement is a good sign—but some ulcers can look better on the surface while infection is developing underneath. In those cases, abscesses may form and require drainage. Left untreated, this can progress to sepsis.

❌ “If it doesn’t hurt, everything is fine.”
Pain is actually a protective mechanism.
Some patients, especially those with diabetes, lose sensation and don’t feel pain even when damage is occurring. That lack of pain doesn’t mean there’s no problem—it means the warning system isn’t working.

❌ “Time alone will heal it.”
Time doesn’t heal all wounds.
Some wounds need time to develop healthy granulation tissue—but they also need ongoing supervision. Without proper monitoring and care, wounds can stall or become infected.

When it comes to skin ulcers, early evaluation and expert care make all the difference.

01/01/2026

Indoor heat—especially forced air—can dry out your skin faster than you realize. When skin loses moisture, it also loses part of its ability to protect you.

That’s why hydration matters.

💧 Moisturize right after showering to restore moisture balance
🛡️ Healthy, hydrated skin works better as your body’s natural protector
🏠 Indoor heating makes consistency more important than ever

Simple habits can help your skin do what it’s designed to do.

🎥 Watch the full video with Dr. Novikov for practical skincare tips that work all season long.

12/31/2025

These are great reminders to start the new year with a healthier you! Preventive care means early detection. Call for an appointment today. Call 508-936-1657 or make your appointment online at www.northborodoctor.com We are located in Northborough in the plaza with The Neighborhood Tavern and Aero Coffee Roasters. Happy New Year!

☑️

12/30/2025

Is there a reliable website families can use to research nursing homes when choosing a long-term care facility for a loved one?

Mikhail Novikov, MD shares his guidance on this topic in this video:

Choosing a nursing home is a big decision, and there are a couple of things families should always do.

First, the Medicare Nursing Home Compare website is a reliable starting point. It shows how the government rates each facility and highlights the quality measures that regulators consider most important. It gives you a general sense of performance — but it’s only one piece of the picture. https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/

Nothing replaces an in-person site visit.

When you walk into a building, the level of care is usually very evident. Look around. See how staff interact with residents. Ask what on-site services are available that prevent unnecessary hospital trips — wound care, dermatology, podiatry, therapies, and others.

When our team enters a nursing home, we come fully equipped to deliver bedside skin and wound care so patients don’t have to be transported out for treatment. That’s the kind of service that improves comfort, outcomes, and safety.

12/29/2025

With so many skincare products on the market, it’s easy to think better skin comes from higher-priced brands.

Dr. Mikhail Novikov’s answer is simple: consistency wins.

✔️ A regular routine matters more than premium labels
✔️ Apply moisturizer after showering to lock in hydration
✔️ Choose products that are cost-effective and deliver real results

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive—to work.

🎥 Watch the full video to learn how simple habits can make the biggest difference for your skin.

12/29/2025

Cold temps don’t freeze UV rays. Even on cloudy days, winter sun can pe*****te cloud cover and bounce off bright surfaces, reaching your skin when you least expect it. Make sunscreen part of your daily routine this season.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3DJr8xE

12/23/2025

Our team wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season. We look forward to caring for your skin in the year ahead—whether it’s for your next routine skin check or to address your concerns. The new year is always a great time to prioritize your skin health and preventive care.


Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce

12/19/2025

We recently enjoyed great food and big fun with our team at our annual holiday dinner at Arturo's Ristorante in Westborough.

We’re excited to continue growing in 2026 and caring for our community with the same expert dermatologic care you’ve come to expect.

Call today for your annual skin check.

12/16/2025

Early detection is the key to successful treatment of skin cancer. Make your skin check appointment today with one of our skin specialists. Any skin changes should be assessed so an individual treatment plan can be created if needed. Call today at 508-936-1657.

12/16/2025

A recent story on WCVB Channel 5 Boston reiterates the importance of looking for skin changes especially in places, like toes and under toe nails, that are often overlooked.

Be sure to start 2026 with your annual skin check appointment!

"If it is a melanoma and it's undiagnosed, it's going to continue to progress," said Dr. Abby Waldman, the medical director of the Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "The difference in treatment and management between an early melanoma and a late-stage melanoma is....