Actinic Keratosis

April 13, 2018 by WestDerm

About Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. It’s often found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands.

Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40.

You can reduce your risk of this skin condition by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Left untreated, the risk of actinic keratoses turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is about 5% to 10%.

What causes it?

Actinic keratoses vary in appearance. Signs and symptoms include:

Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter
Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin
In some cases, a hard, wartlike surface
Color variations, including pink, red or brown
Itching, burning, bleeding or crusting
New patches or bumps on sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, hands, and forearms

Common Treatments?

Freezing (cryotherapy). Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Your doctor applies the substance to the affected skin, which causes blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the damaged cells slough off, allowing new skin to appear. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment. It takes only a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office. Side effects may include blisters, scarring, changes to skin texture, infection, and changes in skin color of the affected area.
Scraping (curettage). In this procedure, your doctor uses a device called a curet to scrape off damaged cells. Scraping may be followed by electrosurgery, in which the doctor uses a pencil-shaped instrument to cut and destroy the affected tissue with an electric current. This procedure requires local anesthesia. Side effects may include infection, scarring, and changes in skin color of the affected area.
Laser therapy. This technique is increasingly used to treat actinic keratosis. Your doctor uses an ablative laser device to destroy the patch, allowing new skin to appear. Side effects may include scarring and discoloration of the affected skin.
Photodynamic therapy. Your doctor might apply a light-sensitive chemical solution to the affected skin and then expose it to a special light that will destroy the actinic keratosis. Side effects may include redness, swelling, and a burning sensation during therapy.

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have actinic keratosis so that we can help you. The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive support and advanced treatments for every skin type.

Schedule your appointment today.

Psoriasis

February 27, 2018 by WestDerm

About Psoriasis

What is it?

This is an autoimmune disorder in which your skin produces skin cells much faster than normal. This causes them to build up into thick, flaky, itchy, inflamed patches. There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque, guttate , nail, inverse, and several other types that are rare. Common areas of the body where it develops include the scalp, torso, arms, thighs, armpits, groin, fingernails, and toenails. There’s also very painful arthritis, in which both the skin and the nearby joints are stiff and inflamed. While psoriasis most commonly appears in people between the ages of 15 to 35, approximately 10% of people who develop it will be under the age of 10 when symptoms appear and 4% will have their first sign of this occur over the age of 60.

External Symptoms

Symptoms, especially early on, can be similar to other conditions like eczema or skin allergies. However, as time goes on, the physical symptoms can worsen including itchy, flaking skin that bleeds or cracks and thick, discolored, and/or ridged nails.

Internal Symptoms

Some of the most damaging symptoms occur internally with the emotional distress one faces with psoriasis, as well as psoriatic arthritis which occurs in 30% of people who are affected by the disease. Psoriatic arthritis is painful and affects the joints most commonly in the fingers and toes, feet, and lower back. Also, there is a higher rate of heart disease, stroke, and other internal diseases associated with psoriasis.

What causes it?

Genetics and the immune system function play major roles in the appearance of psoriasis. Instead of the immune system protecting the body from viruses, foreign proteins, and bacteria, the immune system in someone with psoriasis “misfires” and attacks healthy cells. This causes inflammation in the skin leading to more rapid growth of skin cells. The increased growth of skin cells requires more blood circulation to feed the process which results in a multitude of psoriatic symptoms.

The genetic predisposition to psoriasis involves the abnormal function of the inflammatory cells called T-lymphocytes, or “T-cells”. While many people live with these abnormal T-cells without having symptoms of psoriasis, there are many situations that can trigger these cells to create the red, scaly patches of psoriasis.

Common triggers include…

Strep infections

For children ages 10 or younger, the most common trigger for psoriasis is strep infection, the most common of which is strep throat.

Emotional distress

Emotional distress is a common trigger of psoriasis in adults.

The abuse of substances like alcohol and tobacco

Skin irritation

Skin irritations such as scrapes or irritations from getting a tattoo applied are other triggers for psoriasis.

Medications

Certain medications including lithium, antimalarials, Inderal, quinidine, and indomethacin have been associated with triggering psoriasis.

Common treatments

Though psoriasis is not contagious, it is unpredictable. You may heal without warning only to have it return just as quickly or years later. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for psoriasis, but our dermatologists have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you manage your symptoms. Our psoriasis treatment options include topical medications, Vitamin D (steroids or retinol creams/gels), oral treatments, biologic treatments (retinoid pills, chemotherapy medicine), light therapy, and UV-B light (controlled doses of sunlight).

Our approach & expertise

We know that an aggressive and troublesome skin condition like psoriasis can affect you both physically and psychologically. As your community skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and answers to questions you may have about this problematic skin issue. Contact us today if you notice symptoms of psoriasis so that we can help you deal with this unpredictable condition. We provide treatment options that can be tailored to suit your needs and goals, and we’ll be by your side each step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing advice and after-care support. The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery: Advanced care for your skin, every step of the way.

Schedule your appointment today.

Botox

February 27, 2018 by WestDerm

What is Botox?

Botox is the FDA-approved brand name for Botulinum Toxin (type A). It is an injection that works by blocking the nerve signals that allow muscles to contract. The result is a smoother more relaxed surface of the skin in the areas where muscle activity causes wrinkles. The most common areas of treatment are between the brows, the crows-feet region on the sides of the eyes, and horizontal forehead creases.

Reduction in glabellar lines between eyebrows and forehead lines in simulated Botox before / after

What can I expect from Botox?

The injections are relatively painless. Additionally, a plastic surgeon who is board certified has specific training in the musculature of the face and can use Botox injections to create subtle changes that reveal a smoother, less tired-looking appearance.

Muscles that create the “11” lines in the glabella

How long will Botox last?

Once Botox has been injected, it will take several days to take effect. Depending on your body’s ability to break down the product, the effects of the injections generally last 3-4 months.

Is there anything else I should know?

Certain creases in the face that are caused by the depression of soft tissue, such as the folds that can extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth, are usually better treated with fillers or a fat transfer. From cosmetic enhancements to medical dermatology, The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is your trusted skin health partner.

Schedule your appointment today.

Kybella

February 27, 2018 by WestDerm

About Kybella

What is it?

If you’re like many people, you may think that a double chin only affects overweight people and that it can be eliminated with conventional fat loss methods. However, a double chin can develop even if you are in good shape and keep an ideal weight. Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable designed specifically to destroy fat cells in a saggy chin. It consists of synthetic deoxycholic acid, which naturally and easily breaks down and absorbs fat. It’s a minimally-invasive way to eliminate a double chin that does not disappear due to exercise, diet, or regular fat-loss methods.

What to expect

The experts have the experience to administer Kybella treatments that reduce a double chin. One treatment session with our skillful practitioners takes a half hour and depending on your aesthetic goals, you may need one session every 4-6 weeks for about 6 months. Another benefit of Kybella is that the destroyed fat cells will no longer store or accrue fat; it’s a permanent solution that other options cannot duplicate.

After the procedure

The full results of Kybella will be visible within 2-3 weeks after your injections, but results can vary. Downtime is minimal, although you should take it easy for 24-48 hours, and side effects such as swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising are usually mild and subside in 5-7 days.

Our approach & expertise

We understand that changes to your appearance, such as a double chin, can lead to a decrease in self-esteem. We’re here to provide support and offer a variety of treatment options, and what distinguishes our Kybella treatments from others is our focus on you as an individual. Our compassionate staff is here to address your questions and concerns throughout the entire treatment process.

Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us to find out more about how Kybella can erase your double chin and restore a more attractive profile. Trust The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery for personalized, expert solutions for your skin.

Schedule your appointment today.

Acne

February 27, 2018 by WestDerm

About Acne

What is it?

Affecting more than 50 million Americans, acne is the most common skin problem in the country. Acne is the result of clogged pores that eventually become small red bumps, or pimples, which can be characterized as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, and more. While these blemishes commonly appear on your face, they also can develop on the neck, shoulders, upper arms, chest, back, and buttocks.

What causes it?

When the clogging in your pores builds up too much, they become a breeding ground for P. acnes, the bacteria that cause pimples to develop. However, it’s important to remember what doesn’t cause acne: stress, fried foods and other poor diet choices, poor hygiene, and hormones. While it is true that these things can worsen your acne, there is no truth to the myth that they actually cause the condition.

Common treatments?

Many acne treatments are available, but their efficacy can differ from person to person; what works for you may not work for someone else. Furthermore, some medications and treatments are more effective for milder cases of the condition, while other treatments are better for severe breakouts. Mild or moderate cases of acne (i.e., a few blemishes, whiteheads, and/or blackheads) can be erased with simple over-the-counter medications with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid. However, for severe acne cases (red, swollen, often painful blemishes consisting of cysts and/or nodules), an array of treatments can work: these include prescription-strength topical or oral medications, antibiotics to destroy the bacteria, a variety of light therapies (including lasers), chemical peels, and drainage and extraction procedures for the most stubborn acne.

Our approach & expertise

We know how acne can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. Our knowledgeable dermatologic experts work with you to minimize the effects of this condition and offer solutions that can be customized just for you. We’ll also address all of your concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.

Healthy skin is our passion. From cosmetic enhancements to medical dermatology, The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is your trusted skin health partner.

Schedule your appointment today.