Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery - Dermatologists and Plastic Surgery in Phoenix, AZ

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WestDerm

What is Blue Light & Does it Damage Your Skin?

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As more of us are working from home these days, and socializing through video chat is on the rise, our total screen time is way, way up. Being plugged in has its perks (hello, cute animal videos!) but it can also cause problems for your skin. That’s because your devices emit blue light, which may age the complexion. Read on to learn more about this type of light and what you can do to save face.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a type of light with a longer wavelength than UV light, so it delves more deeply into skin. It’s produced by electronic devices with screens, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 
When am I exposed?
You’re exposed whenever you use your electronic devices, and the closer your face is to the screen, the more exposure you’re getting.
What are the effects of exposure?
Though blue light isn’t thought to cause cancer, like UV light is, it may contribute to skin aging: think fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. That’s because blue light creates free radicals in the skin, which damages it from within.
How can I protect my skin?
Thankfully, defending your skin is pretty simple and doesn’t require a whole new routine. Mineral sunscreen reflects the light away from the skin, while protective, antioxidant-packed serums help repair any existing damage. For sunscreens, we recommend ISDIN’s Eryfotona Favorites Set, two lightweight formulas with youth-boosting benefits, and EltaMD’s UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, a calming formula with moisturizing vitamin E. For serums, SkinMedica’s LUMIVIVE® System offers daytime and nighttime protection, and SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic serum delivers potent antioxidants.
These past 12 months may have gotten us all glued to our screens, but hopefully, it’s also prompted us to think more about our health—including our skin health. Use the steps above to protect your complexion, if you haven’t already. Have any questions? Give us a call today or schedule your appointment!

The Different Types of Acne and What They Say about Your Health

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Are all acne blemishes the same? Is there a difference between blackheads and pimples? What about cystic acne?
Not only are they dissimilar, but they also usually require different treatments. At our San Diego West Dermatology clinic, our board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Stacy Tompkins, Dr. Brook Brouha & Dr. Shane Hamman are acne experts. We provide a variety of treatments, each designed to address different types of acne, and tailor-made to fit your unique skin condition. If you have acne that’s making you self-conscious, contact us today for a consultation so you can get the right treatment and get on with your life.

How Acne Starts

As your skin produces oil and sheds dead skin cells to make room for new ones, the pores of your skin can become clogged. Bacteria, which normally live on the skin, begin to spread and thrive in this area. As a result, the immune system goes to work attacking the bacteria, which results in a red, inflamed, and swollen pimple.
 

Different Types of Acne

 
A pimple is a closed, clogged pore that becomes red and inflamed. So how is it different other types of acne blemishes?
  • Blackheads occur when a clogged pore of a pimple fills with excess dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil, yet but does not close, and a black spot becomes visible.
  • A whitehead is a clogged pore with excess dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria on which a tiny white or flesh-colored bump develops.
  • Papules occur when the bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil push deep beneath the surface of the skin, causing inflammation and swelling in the form of small, hard red bumps. 
  • Pustules can resemble an oversized whitehead because the bump that has formed contains pus, which appears as a yellowish-white center on top of a red, swollen blemish.
  • Cysts/Nodules penetrate deep below the skin and result in more swollen pustules or papules.

What Your Acne Says about Your Health

Acne can develop anywhere on the body, and where it occurs can give hints as to the condition of your health.
  • Forehead acne could signify poor digestive health, stress or, even simple skin irritation from hats and hair on the skin, which can clog pores.
  • Cheek acne could be the result of air pollution, as the skin on the cheek is affected by the respiratory system. Acne here could also be due to cell phones, dirty hands, makeup brushes, clothing, and pillowcases.
  • T-zone acne consisting of your forehead, nose, and chin is believed to result from food allergies or an imbalance of the GI tract
  • Nose acne is thought to correspond to the heart and blood pressure problems. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids found in foods like wild-caught salmon, avocados, flaxseed and olive oil may be a reason for this type of underlying health ailment.
  • Chin acne is commonly associated with a hormone imbalance.
  • Acne on the back, arms, and thighs could develop due to friction from genetics and hormone fluctuations.

Acne Treatment at West Dermatology

Individual treatments will vary due to the factors contributing to your breakouts. Treatments may include: retinoids that help unclog the blocked pores of whiteheads or blackheads. While, OTC retinoids are available, we may prescribe stronger retinoids for stubborn, more serious breakouts. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide cleansers help rid your skin of the P. acne bacteria responsible for clogging those pores.
Pustules and papule treatment involves washing with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid 2-3 times. If the wash routine does not deliver results in 6-8 weeks, an upgraded treatment plan may be necessary.
For nodules and cysts, see a dermatologist ASAP, as permanent scarring can result after healing. Only a professional dermatologist can treat these effectively and the sooner you get treatment, the less chance there is of widespread scarring. Possible options for these more serious types of acne include lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, and minor surgical procedures to drain and extract.
 

Improve Acne and Your Skin Health at West Dermatology

 
At West Dermatology, we customize treatments based on your condition and individual needs. Because your healthy skin is our passion, we will address your concerns with compassion and support. Contact us today so we can provide you with a comprehensive consultation and address your condition.

Skin Discoloration: How to Treat & Prevent

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With the summer season officially coming to an end, you’re probably starting to miss those long days outdoors. Spending a moderate amount of time in the sun (while using sunscreen!) is great for getting our fill of Vitamin D, but too much exposure to UV rays during the summer months can lead to signs of skin discoloration. 
If you overindulged in the sunlight and are starting to see signs of discoloration or ‘hyperpigmentation’, read on for some tips on how to minimize and how to protect from future skin damage.
 
What Causes Skin Discoloration?
There are several factors that can cause discoloration including hormonal changes and certain medications, but the most common reason comes from sun exposure. This can result in some parts of the skin becoming darker in color than your normal skin tone. These areas usually appear as brown spots and are a collection of pigment called melanin. Melanin is made by cells in your skin to counteract the harmful rays of the sun and is the natural skin pigment that gives us our hair, skin, and eye color.
 
Ways to Treat & Prevent
There are many different ways you can treat skin discoloration that includes IPL photo facials, or Intense Pulsed Light, and using medical-grade skincare products! 
 
IPL is similar to a laser treatment but the light is less concentrated. Where lasers use a single focused wavelength, IPL uses a broad-spectrum light source that penetrates multiple layers of skin. This type of light primarily targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) while leaving the top layers of skin (epidermis) unaffected. The light targets brown and red spots in the dermis and causes the pigment to break down into smaller particles, before rising to the surface of the skin to flake away.
 
When choosing skincare products to help with discoloration, make sure to use products with ingredients like Vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin because they are natural skin brighteners. These products will leave your complexion looking bright, even, and unblemished. Here are some of our recommendations:
·      Skinceuticals Phloretin CF: apply this potent Vitamin C serum in the morning to soften discoloration and fine lines.
 
·      Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense: apply this concentrated serum in the morning and night to lighten stubborn dark spots. This is a great alternative to prescription hydroquinone cream.
 
·      SkinMedica’s Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum: formulated to address the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration, this serum can be applied both in the morning and at night, before you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen.
·      West Dermatology Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy Pads (available in 2%, 4%, or 6%): these pads combine the botanical skin tone brightening ingredients of Kojic acid, arbutin, and Bearberry, along with skin protective antioxidants to soothe the skin and help with redness and discoloration.
When it comes to preventing most skincare concerns, including hyperpigmentation, you should always remember our #1 skincare tip: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!! It’s important that you always wear sunscreen to not only prevent future damage, but to ensure that your current dark spots don’t get any darker. Usually the reason for this is because when the sun hits skin, the melanin absorbs the harmful UV rays usually resulting in your skin tanning which will cause already dark spots to tan more and become darker. So be sure to invest in a great sunscreen that will properly protect.
We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen DNA Repairsomes SPF 50: this tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. The special blend of peptides and antioxidants repairs existing sun damage and fight signs of discoloration.
As always, if you have any questions about any of the above skincare products, or want to learn more about our other discoloration treatments, give us a call and make your appointment today. Our board-certified dermatologists can assist you with putting together a specialized treatment plan specific to your skincare needs.
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

Reveal Beautiful Skin with IPL🌟

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Are you guilty of spending hours in the sun? It happens to the best of us and, even if you’re really good at slathering on sunscreen every day or not, it’s possible to still get sun damage and skin discoloration. At our clinics, our trusted board-certified dermatologists can help you transform your blotchy and sun-damaged skin into a youthful and radiant complexion with IPL.
What Does IPL Stand For?
It stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and can also be known as a Photofacial. The treatment works by using a variety of wavelengths of light instead of a laser. This technology is generally used to reduce signs of sun damage such as brown pigmentation and redness. 
How does it work?
IPL is similar to a laser treatment but the light is less concentrated. Where lasers use a single focused wavelength, IPL uses a broad-spectrum light source that penetrates multiple layers of skin. This type of light primarily targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) while leaving the top layers of skin (epidermis) unaffected. The light targets brown and red spots in the dermis and causes the pigment to break down into smaller particles, before rising to the surface of the skin to flake away. 
How many treatments do I need?
Due to the advanced nature of our laser, only 1 treatment is needed to see results instead of the usual 3 treatment series with most IPL devices. If you do still see some discoloration after your treatment, you can choose to do a laser touchup session for those resistant dark spots.
Who is a candidate for IPL?
Because the treatment works by sending light through the skin to target pigment, not everyone is a candidate. Some darker skin types, including deeply tanned skin, are not suitable as they have too much melanin to treat safely. The best way to know if IPL is right for you is to book a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists. They will listen to your concerns and explain the best way to achieve your goals.
So…are you ready to schedule your IPL appointment?
Now through the end of Feb, we’re offering treatments 10% off on ALL treatments.
WANT MORE?
We’re also offering 10% off ALL Laser Hair Removal treatments as well. Get rid of that unwanted hair for good! Learn more about Laser Hair Removal here. 
Give us a call today to learn more or book your appointment. Our board-certified dermatologist are always here to help and assist you with putting together a treatment plan that is right for you!

Beat those Winter Blues with our Simple Tips

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Sure, hot chocolate and roaring fires are cozy, but short winter days can make anyone feel sluggish and sad. This time of year, when we’re all spending more time alone and indoors because of COVID, in addition to the colder weather, it’s especially easy to get down in the dumps. It helps to remember that simple habits, like the ones below, can lift your spirits in the colder months—and year-round! And of course, these tips help out with skin health, too! 😉
Let the light in. Let natural sunlight through your windows. The sun’s rays allow the body to make vitamin D, an essential nutrient for mood health. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you’re in the light, even indoors! Our Moisturizing Sunscreen is a tried-and-true formula that we know you’ll love!
Get some exercise. The physicians at the Mayo Clinic recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. In addition to promoting good heart health, exercise also eases anxiety and stress by increasing the body’s production of endorphins (the happy hormones!). Thankfully, it’s easy to exercise even while you’re sheltering at home—you can always stream workout videos online! Exercise also increases blood flow to the skin, which promotes new skin cell growth = glowing skin! Double win!
Eat healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in salmon), folic acid (like that in green leafy veggies), and vitamin D (found in dairy) can all help you balance your mood in the wintertime, according to Healthline. And don’t forget…these foods work wonders on your skin too because they help with inflammation, protection against environmental stressors and contain amino acids, the building blocks for firm skin. Feel good, look good!
Have a spa day. Pampering the body can be good for the soul. For example, you could soak in the tub with a bath bomb and then rehydrate with our Skin Softening Body Lotion. Or you could restore suppleness to your complexion with SkinCeuticals’ Hydrating B5 Mask and Avène’s Cold Cream Formula Moisturizer. Whatever you choose to do, take your time and enjoy how it feels to balance your skin and lift those spirits! .
If your sadness seems unshakeable, a mental health professional is the best person to help. But for the plain old winter blues, thoughtful self-care might just be the remedy you need. If you have any questions regarding your skin health, our team of board-certified dermatologists would be more than happy to answer them for you. Reach out to us anytime! 

20(21) Skincare Tips for the New Year 💫

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With the exciting welcome of the New Year comes the opportunity for new beginnings and goal-setting. Now’s the time to set all your skincare goals that you wish to achieve this year. Read on for our top 21 essential tips to jumpstart your 2021 skincare routine and get your skin glowing from the inside out.
DAILY ROUTINE & SLEEP 
1. Switch up your showering habits
While soaking in a hot shower sounds heavenly, especially in these colder months, it can actually be damaging to your skin. Hot showers can dry out and irritate the skin because the hot water causes damage to the keratin cells that are located on the epidermis (our skin’s surface), preventing the skin cells from locking in moisture. Your best bet is to take a lukewarm shower with a gentle cleanser and body wash.
2. Don’t dry your face with a towel
When getting out of the shower, don’t dry your face completely off with a face towel. Leave some of the moisture on your skin before applying your moisturizer. The cream will seal in the hydration and enhance the benefits.
3. Exercise more
By getting regular exercise, you’ll not only start looking and feeling better, but your skin will benefit as well! Exercise boosts blood flow, which increases skin cell renewal and can aid in
speeding up your body’s process of removing any skin-aggravating toxins by helping lymph fluids circulate through the body easier.
4. Get a humidifier for your bedroom
If you find yourself waking up in the morning with really dry skin, it may be time to get a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air will help replenish some of that moisture back into your skin while you sleep. Both warm-mist and cool-mist humidifiers are great options.
5. Get your beauty sleep
Sleep is so important for our overall health and skin. While you’re counting your zzz’s at night, your skin’s metabolism is working overtime, reproducing skin cells so it can repair and replenish itself more efficiently. Try and aim for eight hours a night so you can wake up rested and feeling your best. Your skin will thank you for it!
FOOD & NUTRITION 
6. Start drinking more water
The saying really is true, we are what we eat and drink. What we consume on a daily basis is so important for our overall skin health. Start moisturizing your skin from the inside out by drinking more water (8 8-oz glasses a day!).
7. Eat more nutrient rich foods
Along with drinking more H2O, you’ll want to start eating more nutrient rich foods like avocados, spinach (& other leafy greens), berries, nuts, and yellow / orange fruits & veggies like oranges and bell peppers. All of these foods contain vitamins and minerals that nourish your body from the inside out. Your diet can significantly impact the overall health and aging of your skin.
8. Consume more fish or add a Fatty Acids supplement into your routine
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in much of the fish that you eat but if you’re unable to incorporate fish into your diet regularly, an easy way to get those nourishing fatty-acids is to start taking a fatty acid supplement. Your skin uses omega-3 fatty acids to produce lipids (moisturizing oils), which in turn improve the skin’s lipid levels and hydration.
BUILDING A SKINCARE REGIME
9. Get to know your skin type
Getting to know your skin type is the first step to putting together a skincare product regime that will benefit your skin and help with your concerns. The most common skin types are oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive, and mature. An important thing to note is that your skin type can change as you age and can also change based on the season. Need help decoding your skin type? For more deets, check out this article from Healthline.com.
10. Vitamin C serums are your friend
Vitamin C is one of the most sought after ingredients in face serums today because it’s the strongest antioxidant you can find. This powerful little vitamin helps protect your skin from environmental stressors that can cause aging and inflammation, which in turn, reveals brighter and more youthful looking skin. We recommend our tried and true best-selling Vitamin C serum from SkinCeuticals, C E Ferulic, shop HERE.
11. Invest in a high quality moisturizer
During the colder winter months, you’ll want to invest in a richer moisturizer because colder weather can deplete the skin of its natural oils. A thick, creamy moisturizer will protect the skin barrier more efficiently than a thinner one better suited for the warmer months where your skin can become oily. We recommend SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream, shop HERE.
12. Lather on the sunscreen
Wear it at all times, even when inside. The majority of fine lines are caused from sun exposure, which makes sunscreen that much more crucial. Make sure to use one with SPF 30 or higher everywhere! Pay extra attention to areas with more sensitive skin like your hairline, face, neck, hands and chest. Shop for sunscreens HERE.
13. Learn how to layer your daytime skincare
After choosing what skincare products you want to incorporate into your routine, make sure you know how to layer them on your face properly. If products aren’t put on in the right order, this could prevent them from being fully-absorbed, causing them to be less effective. There is a difference between your daytime and nighttime skincare routine. For daytime, make sure to layer in this order:
-> 1. wash your face with cleanser 2. face serum 3. eye cream 4. face cream 5. sunscreen. Read our daytime winter skincare routine blog post.
14. Learn how to layer your nighttime skincare
Like your daytime routine, make sure you’re layering your nighttime skincare products in the right order as well. Layer in this order:
-> 1. wash your face with cleanser 2. One to two times a week, swap out your cleanser for an exfoliator 3. face serum 4. eye cream 5. night cream. Read our nighttime winter skincare routine blog post.
SKINCARE ROUTINE TIPS
15. Skip the soap on your face
Most soaps are incredibly drying to the skin because it damages the protective layer of the skin, especially the face where the skin is more sensitive. This can lead to inflammation, acne, and wrinkles. Next time you
wash your face, opt for a gentle facial cleanser or face wash. We recommend West Dermatology Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser, shop HERE.
16. Don’t touch your pimples
We know it’s super tempting to want to pop those pimples, but leave them alone! When you pop them you’re more likely to spread bacteria around your face, causing more breakouts, or pushing the bacteria deeper into your skin which could cause more swelling and redness. And picking at them could cause scarring, no thanks!
17. Take your time when applying your products
When putting on each skincare product, allow some time in between each application to let the product fully absorb. Give each product at least 1 – 2 mins to absorb before applying the next one so you can make sure you’re not diluting anything and getting the best bang for your buck with each product.
18. Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week
Exfoliation is key and a very important step in all skincare regimes because it helps slosh off dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores (= fewer breakouts!). These are best to use only one to two times a week to prevent over drying and stripping the skin of its natural oils. We recommend doing this at night in lieu of your regular face cleanser, following with your face serum and other night products. Try using SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, shop HERE.
19. Don’t forget about your neck and décolleté
Neglecting your neck and décolleté is one of the most common skincare mistakes made because we typically don’t think about them when applying our skincare. Those areas can be just as exposed to the sun as your face which causes them to age as well. As you put on your products, make sure you continue all the way down your neck and chest and apply in an upwards motion so you’re not tugging on the skin downwards, which can cause sagging over time.
20. Stick to a consistent nighttime routine
Night time is when our skin repairs and replenishes itself so this is the time to put in that extra effort. Make sure you wash off your day and remove all traces of makeup from your face. This will help reduce inflammation in the skin, free radical damage and will help prevent signs of aging. This will also ensure that your night creams and treatments fully absorb into your skin better. For a great night cream, we recommend West Dermatology Enriched Night Cream, shop HERE.
21. Change up your skincare regime throughout the year
The weather is another culprit that can wreak havoc on your skin. The winter months are notorious for drying out your skin while the summer months leave your skin sun damaged and oily. That’s why it’s essential to switch out your products throughout the year so you’re able to combat the different conditions. In the winter, you’ll want thicker more rich creams while the summer calls for lighter formulas. Check out our summer skincare guide and our winter skincare guide.
There’s no better time than now to get your skin in tip-top shape. Make 2021 YOUR year and the year you finally achieve your skincare goals! All of the above tips will help you put together a skincare regime that you’ll love and will also help you make little lifestyle changes that will do wonders for your skin and skin health over time.
As always, if you have any questions about any of these tips or need help putting together a skincare routine specific to your skincare needs and goals, our board-certified dermatologists would be more than happy to help! Give us a call today or schedule your appointment HERE.
 

Night-time Winter Skincare Routine ❄️

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Winter weather often brings flaky, itchy skin that cries out for hydration. You should not have to settle for dry skin just because the days are getting shorter, and with theright body care regimen, you won’t. By making a few simple adjustments to your nighttime routine, you can rehydrate your skin, feel more comfortable , and make the most of the season’s celebrations. Check out our suggestions below:
🔥 Don’t overheat your home:  Home heating systems can dry out the air, which leads to drier skin. If your dry skin bothers you, turn your thermostat down to the lowest temperature you find comfortable.
💧 Get a humidifier: Both warm-mist and cool-mist humidifiers will add moisture back into the air and keep skin from becoming too thirsty.
🐟 Eat more fish: Moisturize from the inside out by consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, chia seeds, and walnuts, among other foods.
🛀🏾 Add oil to your bath to make it more hydrating: If fragrances irritate your skin, though, choose an unscented formula.
🧴 Use a heavier moisturizer: A thick, creamy moisturizer will protect the skin barrier more effectively than a thin, summer-weight one. Consider using dermatology-grade brands like SkinCeuticals, EltaMD, or SkinMedica, which we carry in our offices.
If you’re curious about how to customize your morning routine for dry, winter skin, check out our latest blog post HERE.

Skin (and Scalp!) Health is Our Passion 👱‍♀️

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When you think of dermatology, scalp and hair health probably isn’t one of the top things that comes to mind. We’re happy to tell you (since we love all things healthy skin, even healthy scalps!), that we DO treat mild to severe scalp and hair conditions like alopecia, dry scalp, dandruff, and hair loss. Read on to learn more about how our dermatologists can help you take care of your luscious locks and scalp concerns.
 
HAIR LOSS
The average person can expect to naturally lose about 50-100 hair follicles daily. But what if you’ve noticed that you’re starting to lose well over 100 hair follicles a day? If your hair loss is becoming noticeable, it might be time to see your dermatologist. The most common causes of hair loss include genetics, frequent stress (which we are all feeling this year!), poor nutrition, certain medications, trauma, or injury. It could also be early signs of Alopecia Areata or other skin conditions that your dermatologist can diagnose. 
ALOPECIA AREATA
Alopecia Areata, is an autoimmune skin disorder that causes unpredictable hair loss on the scalp, face, and in some instances, on the body as well. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, it is caused when your immune system attacks your healthy hair follicles, causing hair growth to slow to the point where it may stop growing altogether in some areas. Roughly 6.8 million people in the US. are affected by the condition. Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, our dermatologists can help put together a treatment plan that is best for you.
DRY SCALP
Everyone experiences mild to moderate dry scalp at some point, especially during the dry winter months, but for some, it’s a much more chronic problem. Common signs of dry scalp are chronic itching, flaking, irritation and redness. According to WebMd.com, this is typically caused by washing your hair too frequently, contact dermatitis, (an allergic reaction to products you apply to your scalp), changes in the weather, and aging. Some remedies to help with dryness can be done at home by applying certain types of oils, or moisturizing over-the-counter shampoos, to the scalp. This includes coconut oil, tea tree oil, aloe vera, or witch hazel. Check out the rest of the list provided by Healthline.com here.
DANDRUFF
Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on your scalp to flake, it can also be considered to be a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Like dry scalp, you can treat most of your dandruff issues yourself with over-the-counter shampoos. If you’ve tried a shampoo specific to dandruff for at least a month and you have still not seen any improvements, or its getting worse, call your dermatologist to schedule an appointment. Your provider can determine if its dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis or another condition like eczema, or psoriasis.
Your overall skin and hair health is very important to us! If you have any questions about any of the above or how we can help you with your hair health, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists, call us or send us an email today!

Arizona Dermatology joins West Dermatology

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West Dermatology is pleased to welcome the outstanding team of providers from Arizona Dermatology. The practice consists of 7 clinics in the Phoenix Metropolitan area as well as surrounding areas in Show Low, Coolidge and Quartzite. The team consists of 6 board-certified dermatologists, 5 mid-level providers and over 100 employees. The providers are known to deliver excellent quality care to its loyal patient base that consists of over 86,000 patients a year. By adding Arizona Dermatology to the West family of practices, our footprint in Arizona continues to grow with 15 locations state wide and 61 locations within CA, AZ and NV.
 
Founded in 1969, Arizona Dermatology is one of the leading Dermatology groups in Arizona. Owners William Ko, MD, John Ebner, DO and Edward Galiczynski, DO, have built a practice focused on medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. They are joined by an excellent team including Glenn Zellman, MD, Michael Crandall, MD, Mary Landau, MD, Physician Assistant Karla Horton and Nurse Practitioners Marlene Wright, Tirsa Quartullo, Debra Bergstrom and Elizabeth Nafornita. 
 
Dr. William Ko is a graduate of Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine where he completed an eminent six year BS/MD program with honors. Dr. Ko graduated college in two years before completing his allopathic medical school training, he then went on to complete his residency at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Ko has launched many dermatologic pharmaceutical products including Enbrel, Humira, Stelara, Otezla, Taltz, Remicade, Valtrex, Elidel, Protopic and Dupixent. He is also involved in developing the next generation of ground breaking therapies in ARDS, COPD, and Oncology. Dr. Ko was honored by his local peers by being elected President of the Phoenix Dermatological Society. He continues to strive to improve therapeutics in the field of dermatology and other medical specialties.
Dr. John Ebner is a graduate of The University of Arizona with a BS in Nutrition and Chemistry. He holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Riverside. He received his medical doctorate from Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by a combined Dermatology Residency and Research Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
A native of Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania, Dr. Edward Galiczynski graduated with honors from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and graduated with highest honors from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a one-year internal medicine internship at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania followed by a combined Dermatology Residency and Research Fellowship at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, OH.
The addition of the Arizona Dermatology team to the West Dermatology network increases our ability to provide exceptional care to our patients. As always, we want to hear your feedback and ideas about how we can continue to advance our shared mission.
 
To learn more about Arizona Dermatology, visit: https://arizonaderm.com/