Medical Dermatology

About Rashes

What are they?

The term “rash” covers a wide range of skin conditions, usually referring to changes in the skin that manifest as bumps, blisters, or red patches. Most of these are harmless, but they can be indications of other skin problems or health issues. Common types of rashes include chronic skin problems, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and viral infections.

What causes them?

There are many reasons why you could develop a rash, and some of the most common factors include the following: stress, allergies, genetics, food or drink, various infections, certain medications, insect bites or stings, and sun or heat exposure. If you have a rash that does not disappear after 1-2 weeks, be sure to schedule an appointment to discuss your condition, receive a proper diagnosis, and learn more about your available treatment options.

Common treatments

Skin rash treatments vary widely depending on the type, causes, and symptoms. The skin rash experts at West Dermatology have the knowledge and experience needed to examine you visually and determine exactly the type of rash you have. Once your rash have been identified, we’ll determine a proper treatment for your particular rash. Rash treatments offered at our center include moisturizing lotions and/or creams, topical anti-itch medications, oral antihistamines, topical anti-fungal medications, and light therapy.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Skin rashes can be troublesome, as they not only itch but can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your neighborhood skin expert, West Dermatology has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you manage this condition. Contact an office today if you notice a rash that isn’t being controlled easily so that we can address your particular skin issue

About Poison Ivy

What is it?

Poison ivy is a common plant from the Toxicodendron species of plants. If you’ve ever had poison ivy, you know the symptoms, which can include continuous itching, skin irritation, and redness and inflammation. Most people know they shouldn’t scratch the rash, but the incessant itching makes it difficult to stop. Although scratching doesn’t cause the rash to spread, it can prolong the symptoms, and delay healing. and even cause a secondary infection.

What causes it?

Coming into contact with poison ivy – as well as its relatives poison oak or poison sumac – results is a common rash called Toxicodendron dermatitis, which is caused by an oil in the plant. Even though the rash itself isn’t contagious, you can get poison ivy from touching anything else that has touched the plant, such as a toy, pet, or clothing.

Common treatments

Over-the-counter medications are usually enough to contain and relieve the itching and irritation caused by poison ivy, including calamine lotion, antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl), cool showers, a baking soda/water mixture for the skin, or OTC topical corticosteroids. Poison ivy symptoms usually run their course in about 2-3 weeks. although we recommend seeing a dermatologist before then. However, if the rash is located near your mouth, throat, eyes, or groin, we suggest seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible, as you may need a prescription oral corticosteroid or even an injection.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how uncomfortable poison ivy can be, as the incessant itching can make it hard to concentrate on anything else. As your neighborhood skin experts, our staff of dermatologic specialists has the experience and knowledge to help you deal with this troublesome condition. Contact an office today if you notice symptoms of poison ivy so that we can help you manage this troublesome condition.

About Melanoma

What is it?

The most common type of cancer in the country is skin cancer, and melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In general, melanoma and other skin cancers – squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – form due to negative mutations of skin cell DNA in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The spread of these mutations to adjacent cells, particularly when uncontrolled and rapid, raises the risk of malignancy. Melanoma develops when mutations occur in melanocyte cells, which are skin cells located in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Melanomas frequently form in areas that don’t get much sun exposure and often start out as a mole, a large brown spot, or an irregular lesion.

What causes it?

Melanoma can occur regardless of your ethnicity, race, skin type, or skin color. The damage accumulation from years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the biggest cause of melanoma. Other causes include a compromised immune system or exposure to toxins, radiation, and other harmful substances Additionally, there are several risk factors associated with melanoma. These risk factors include the following: family history of skin cancer, fair skin, numerous sunburns through the years, sunny climates, locations at high altitude, moles, and precancerous lesions (e.g., actinic keratosis).

Common treatments

If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma, the following treatment options are very effective: topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), Mohs micrographic surgery, surgical excision procedure, photodynamic therapy (PDT), cryotherapy, and electrodesiccation and curettage. Not all of these options are available at all offices. Please call to check.

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Our approach & expertise

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.

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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?

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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.

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.

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.