bcpb0082-zby2sdnu3xgjwvi9

Acne

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:12 GMT

Acne is a common skin condition caused by the blockage of hair follicles by sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. The blocked pores lead to whiteheads, blackheads, inflammatory papules or nodules (red, tender bumps), pustules (pus-filled bumps), and even cysts. Acne breakouts can occur at any age but are most common during the teenage years. Hormonal changes, certain medications, and the use of oily or greasy products are some factors that can contribute to breakouts. Acne breakouts most typically occur on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Numerous treatment options are available, including but not limited to: over-the-counter products, prescription topical medications, oral prescription medications, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels, and laser therapy.

Moles (Nevi)

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:12 GMT

A mole, also known as a nevus (plural: nevi), is a very common skin growth. Moles develop as a result of clusters of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin. Although a mole can be present at birth (called a congenital nevus), most nevi appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have between 10-40 moles. Moles can vary in size, shape, and color. Common moles are typically round or oval in shape. Though they can be various colors (pink, flesh colored, tan, brown, blue or black), most moles are uniform and homogeneous in color. Moles can be flat or raised and occur anywhere on the body. Some people can have moles which are more atypical in appearance - commonly referred to as atypical moles or dysplastic nevi.

Atypical moles can be larger in size, more irregular in shape, and with more color variation. Though atypical moles are benign and not cancerous, they can be more difficult to differentiate from a deadly form of skin cancer called melanoma. Visit your dermatologist if you notice any new, unusual, changing, or symptomatic moles.

Psoriasis

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:12 GMT

OVERVIEW

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes your skin cells to multiply too quickly. As a result, your skin becomes itchy, flaky, and inflamed as this sped-up growth cycle interferes with the typical skin turnover process.

Psoriasis is not a contagious condition. It also cannot be spread from person-to-person contact. Instead, it occurs as a result of the overactivation of your immune system, resulting in the body attacking normal tissue.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Common symptoms of psoriasis include:

Itchy patches of thick skin
Scaly, silvery, and flaky skin

Psoriasis patches typically present themselves on your face, neck, scalp, elbows, knees, palms, and feet. However, psoriasis plaques can grow anywhere on your body.

What are the Different Types of Psoriasis?

There are several different types of psoriasis:

Plaque psoriasis
The most commonly occurring type of psoriasis results in inflamed, red skin with white scales.
Guttate psoriasis
According to WebMD, less than 2% of all cases diagnosed are guttate psoriasis. It typically occurs most frequently in children or young adults.
Inverse psoriasis
This type of psoriasis appears on your armpits, groin, genital skin folds, and under the breasts. It is characterized by red patches of skin that are smooth but without scales or flaky.
Pustular psoriasis
An uncommon type of psoriasis results in pustules surrounded by red, inflamed skin. Pustular psoriasis is often accompanied by fever, chills, and nausea and requires immediate medical attention.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
A serious but uncommon type of psoriasis that affects a large part of your body. This results in severe itching and fiery skin that burns. Immediate medical attention is required as this severe type of psoriasis results in fluid loss, and changes to your heart rate and body temperature.
Nail psoriasis
It commonly occurs in people who have psoriatic arthritis. Results in tender nails that are yellow-brown in color with a chalk-like material under your nail beds.
Psoriatic arthritis
People with psoriatic arthritis have psoriasis along with arthritis or inflammation of the joints. Your chances of getting psoriatic arthritis increase when you have psoriasis.

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Since psoriasis can look similar to other skin disorders such as eczema, getting a board-certified dermatologist to accurately diagnose your symptoms is important.

A physical exam is the first step in diagnosing your psoriasis, especially if you have scaly plaques of inflamed skin. During your appointment, a complete evaluation of your overall health and family history will also be discussed.

Your dermatologist may also recommend a skin biopsy to rule out the possibility of a skin infection.

Treatment for Psoriasis is Safe When Performed by a Board-Certified Dermatologist

A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend a treatment that's right for you.

Treatment of psoriasis depends on several factors, including:

The type of psoriasis
The amount of skin affected
The location of the psoriatic patches
The severity of the disease

The most common treatment options for psoriasis include:

Topical therapies, including creams, ointments, and lotions
Used to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis, including flaky skin.
Retinoids
Formed from vitamin A, retinoids are used to slow down the growth of skin cells, and lessen swelling and redness. They may also be prescribed to patients with nail psoriasis.
Phototherapy
Involves the shining of UV light on your skin to slow down the skin cell growth process.

Biologics
These medications help decrease the chances of inflammation for people with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Dermatomyositis

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:12 GMT

Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes a skin rash and muscle weakness. The skin rash can present reddish to purplish, dusky discoloration and swelling of the eyelids, particularly the upper eyelids (heliotrope rash). A red rash may also appear on the chest, shoulder, neck or back. Affected individuals may develop pinkish purplish papules over the joints of the hands (Gottron papules) and ragged cuticles with associated nailfold redness. The scalp may be involved with inflammation, scaling, itching and thinning of the hair.

The muscle weakness typically affects the muscles closest to the trunk, manifesting as difficulty getting up from a seated position, climbing stairs, raising arms above the shoulders (to brush or wash hair), and difficulty swallowing. Dermatomyositis is more common in women and Black Americans. Though it can be seen in children (juvenile dermatomyositis), the peak age group in adults is between the ages of 40 and 60. Adult onset dermatomyositis has a strong association with cancer and affected individuals should be screened for an underlying cancer. Treatment options include topical medications, systemic steroids, and other immune modulating or immune suppressing medications.

Rosacea

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:12 GMT

Rosacea is a common skin condition which presents with redness of the face, small visible blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, and pimple-like breakouts. Rosacea can also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea) presenting with symptoms such as dryness, redness, burning, and itching of the eyes. Rosacea most typically affects middle-aged women. Though the cause is unknown, treatment options are available including: prescription topical medications, prescription oral medications, and laser therapy.

Melanoma

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:12 GMT

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer originating from the pigment producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. Though not as common as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is more deadly because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas can have various appearances. The ABCDEs and Ugly Duckling Sign are two commonly used methods to help identify melanomas. The ABCDEs is a mnemonic used to remember warning signs for melanoma:

A for Asymmetry, B for Borders being uneven or irregular, C for Color variation, D for Diameter > 6mm, and E for Evolving or changing lesion. The Ugly Duckling Sign is another common method used to identify concerning lesions. It is based on the concept that normal moles on an individual are likely to be similar in appearance. Any lesion or growth that appears different or stands out like an “ugly duckling” warrants further evaluation. As early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival, any new, unusual, changing, or symptomatic growth should prompt a visit to your dermatologist.

Skin Tags

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:12 GMT

Skin tags are very common, benign, skin growths. They present as fleshy outgrowths of the skin, at times extending from a stalk or stem. They are frequently found in areas of high friction such as around the neck, in the axilla (armpits), or in the groin folds. They are usually flesh colored, but can also be darker in color. They can vary in size, from a couple of millimeters to a few centimeters in size. Though harmless, skin tags can be removed if bothersome or symptomatic.

How to Use Topical Retinoids

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:29:12 GMT

Topical retinoids are available in many over the counter skin care products as well as prescription strength medications. They work to treat a variety of skin care problems ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to acne breakouts and psoriasis. Common side effects of using topical retinoids include: dryness, scaling, peeling, irritation, redness, burning, stinging, itching, and sun sensitivity.

Below are some general tips on how to use a topical retinoid, but individual needs may vary. Follow your doctor’s guidance for how you should use a topical retinoid.

Topical retinoids are typically applied at bedtime and not in the morning.
Before applying a topical retinoid, wash with a mild soap or cleanser and pat dry. To minimize irritation, wait until the skin is completely dry (15-20 minutes) before applying a topical retinoid.
Apply a very thin coat of the topical retinoid to the treatment area. Typically, a dermatologist recommends applying a pea sized amount for the entire face. Do not apply to the eyelid skin.
As the medication can be irritating and drying, apply every 2nd or 3rd night to start, increasing to nightly application only as tolerated.
To help minimize dryness and irritation, apply a moisturizer on top of the topical retinoid.
As the medication causes sun sensitivity, diligent sun protection and sunscreen use is recommended. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen daily, SPF 30 or higher.
If redness and/or irritation occurs, discontinue use of the topical retinoid but continue moisturizing until the skin returns to normal. Once the redness and irritation has completely resolved, re-start the topical retinoid- applying every 2nd or 3rd night and gradually working up to nightly application only as tolerated.
Generally, topical retinoid use should be discontinued for a period of time before waxing or other cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy. Discuss with your doctor or skin care specialist before pursuing any cosmetic treatments.
Do not use topical retinoids if you are pregnant or actively trying to conceive.