About Hair Loss

What is it?

The average human head has more than 100,000 healthy hairs, and many people have well over 150,000. Typically, you may lose around 50-100 of these hairs every day, which isn’t noticeable. However, once you start to lose well over 100 individual hairs daily, your hair loss starts to affect your appearance. Both men and women are affected by hair loss but in different ways. For example, while it’s common for men to have a noticeable loss on their hairline or crown, women tend to experience thinning hair in a more random, widespread pattern. Women also usually have localized loss because of repeated hair trauma, such as from hair being pulled tightly back in a ponytail or bun.

What causes it?

There are various reasons contributing to the loss of hair. The most common causes include genetics, frequent stress, poor nutrition, certain medications, emotional issues, and trauma or injury.

Common treatments

The hair loss and skin experts at our dermatology practice have the experience and knowledge to provide you with solutions that stabilize hair loss and help stimulate hair growth. Among these options are Minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical lotion that we also offer in prescription strength; Finasteride, an oral medication; and Spironolactone, another oral medication.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

About Dry Skin

What is it?

What causes it?

Dry skin can be different for everyone since the symptoms will depend on things like your health, your age, and the cause of your dry skin. When you have dry skin, you could have symptoms like cracked skin, itching, peeling, flaking, or scaling. Even more redness than usual, your skin can feel rough, and tight which can occur after bathing or swimming.

Common treatments?

Providers

Our approach & expertise

About Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

What is it?

We realize that our culture tends to associate suntanned skin with a lifestyle that is healthy and active. Unfortunately, this is a myth that should be retired; sun and age damage go hand in hand and can affect you both physically and psychologically. A “healthy tan” is not good for your skin; any sun exposure, no matter how small, causes irreversible damage. The subsequent damage is not just skin deep, as it alters the DNA of your skin cells. That’s why as much as 90 percent of the signs of aging are related to sun exposure.

The sun gives off ultraviolet light that damages the skin and contributes to premature skin aging, dark spots, and other problematic conditions.

What causes it?

The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of aging, sun-damaged skin. Sun and age damage are linked because they exacerbate one another. Together, they reduce your skin’s elasticity by breaking down collagen while decreasing your skin’s shape and fullness. Telltale signs of sun and age damage include wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest, lines around your mouth and eyes, sagging skin, age spots, and freckles and/or moles.

Common treatments?

At West Dermatology, we have a variety of options to address sun and age damage, and we have the knowledge and experience to tailor it to your unique case. However, there are many steps you yourself can take to prevent and even repair your skin. These steps include wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days!), covering up exposed skin when outside, avoiding intense sun between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm, the avoidance of indoor tanning beds, and the use of moisturizing creams and lotions at night.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

At West Dermatology, we focus on you as a person. Our compassionate community staff works with you to address your signs of sun and age damage, and you can rely on us to answer your questions and be an integral part of your support system. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice sun and age damage so that we can help you repair and restore your skin.

Psoriasis Q & A

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition where the regeneration of skin happens at an irregular pace causing a rash characterized by red, raised, dry and cracked scaly skin patches. In some cases, psoriasis affects the fingernails, causing yellowing and small depressions. Psoriasis can be mild, moderate or severe, and, in most cases, an itching or burning sensation accompanies the rash.

The symptoms of psoriasis are the result of an autoimmune disorder, where skin cells are replaced every 3 to 4 days, rather than the usual 30, creating a buildup of cells on the skin’s surface, and causing symptoms to appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet, and genitals. There is no known cure for psoriasis however, there are several symptom-relieving treatments available. In the United States, more than seven million men, women, and children have psoriasis.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

For many psoriasis sufferers, it is merely an unattractive cosmetic issue. However, some people also experience severe pain, which is most common when the condition is associated with arthritis. The symptoms of psoriasis usually come and go throughout the patient’s life. Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on each patient, but commonly include the following:

• Crusting
• Tenderness
• Thickened nails
• Dry, cracked skin
• Itching or burning
• Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales

How is Psoriasis Treated?

Treatment for psoriasis focuses on clearing the skin of current symptoms. Treatments for the root cause of psoriasis are intended to interrupt the abnormal cell growth cycle responsible increased production of skin cells. This can be achieved through topical treatment, oral medication, light therapies or a combination of the three.

Topical treatment

Corticosteroids, vitamin D or topical retinoids are prescribed for topical use. These medications target inflammation, skin-cell growth, and DNA activity to effectively treat the symptoms of mild-to-moderate psoriasis.

Light therapy

This may be used in combination with topical treatments to slow the production of skin cells and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Light therapy includes exposure to natural sunlight or narrowband ultraviolet-B light.

Systemic medications

Medications are sometimes prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis, or those that are unresponsive to other types of treatment. Prescription oral medications include retinoids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, or Otezla®. Injectable biologic medications include Enbrel®, Humira®, Stelara®, and Cosentyx®.

Patients with psoriasis can help manage and relieve symptoms by keeping the skin clean and moisturized and covering the affected areas while sleeping. Avoiding stress, smoking and alcohol can also help to reduce outbreaks. Following a doctor’s treatment plan and practicing the recommended home remedies can help to provide effective relief from psoriasis symptoms.

Acne Treatment Q&A

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when tiny hair follicles become plugged or clogged with oils naturally produced by the skin. Inside the follicle, bacteria feed on the oil plugs and begin to grow and multiply. As they grow, the body tries to fight them off and the reaction causes inflammation, redness, swelling and pus formation we recognize as pimples. In severe infections, hard cysts can form which can eventually cause scarring. Acne occurs most commonly on the face, chest, back, and shoulders where oil production is higher and hair follicles are more numerous. Although acne is more common during adolescence and throughout the teen and young adult years, it can occur in older adults as well. In addition to the physical symptoms, acne is a serious cause of stress, anxiety, and depression among people worldwide.

How is acne treated?

To reduce breakouts, acne requires ongoing treatment and proactive management, including regular doctor’s visits, use of prescription products and specialized home care routines aimed at reducing skin irritation that can stimulate overproduction of oils. Most patients achieve optimal benefits by using a combination of products, and the medications used can change over time as the patient’s needs, overall health, and skin characteristics change. The good news is, today there are many new “breakthrough” products and treatment regimens that are very effective in helping patients reduce breakouts and minimize the risk of scarring, including oral medications, topical preparations, and special home care products like face washes and “acne-friendly” moisturizers. Some patients may benefit from mild chemical peels or other techniques to help unclog pores to help control the growth of bacteria.

Can I do anything to help prevent breakouts?

The best thing a patient can do to help minimize acne breakouts is to visit a dermatologist on a regular basis to ensure their treatment plan remains optimized for their needs. Skin changes over time – sometimes fairly rapidly, especially during hormonal fluctuations associated with the teen and young adult years. Seeing the dermatologist regularly ensures products and routines remain effective so the benefits of treatment are maximized. Practicing proper home care of your skin, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and learning to manage stress are also important.