Vitamin D

 

What is Vitamin D? 

Controversy surrounds the way we get our vitamin D and some of its benefits.

Vitamin D3 is naturally found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.  Dairy products are supplemented with vitamin D.  Our skin makes vitamin D3 in skin cells called keratinocytes with exposure to ultraviolet light.  Darker skin types with more protective melanin in their skin do not make as much vitamin D3. 

Vitamin D3 is chemically changed first in the liver and then in the kidney to its active form calcitriol.  Calcitriol is also made in immune cells to defend against germs.  Calcium and vitamin D3 are essential for bone health.  Nerve functions, immune functions and several genes responsible for the growth of cells depend on vitamin D.  Multiple studies have shown vitamin D3 is important for decreasing cancer risk for colon, breast, ovarian, pancreatic cancer and others.  It may also be important in cardiovascular disease and hypertension.   Diabetes may be affected by low levels of vitamin D.  Some studies have contradictory outcomes.

How do I get Vitamin D?

The American Academy of Dermatology and My Dermatologist does not recommend getting extra sun or tanning to get the correct vitamin D levels.  The correct daily oral requirement of Vitamin D3 should be determined by your doctor based on your vitamin D blood levels and other health requirements. 

Sunscreen and Sunblock

 

What are sunscreens and sunblocks? 

Sunscreens have one of several chemical compounds that absorb either UVB or UVA light.  There are some individuals who are allergic to these compounds. Helioplex is a specific compound made by Neutrogena that has avobenzone and oxybenzone that covers UVA and UVB light. 

Sunblocks use one of the physical light blockers such as titanium and zinc and block all light.  There is very low risk of allergy to these. 

Tanning lotions are not recommended; these are low SPF lotions that allow the skin to darken with ultraviolet injury. 

Self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which darkens the skin by staining the skin. It offers a safer alternative to ultraviolet darkening of the skin.  Self- tanners do not protect against sunburns and sunscreens/sunblocks are still needed.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for sun protection factor from UVB light only.  A SPF of 15 will increase the time it takes to burn 15 times.  So if someone with type one skin burns in 10 minutes without sunscreen, with a SPF 15 sunscreen, it would take 150 minutes to burn.  Check the labels to make sure it covers UVA and UVB light. 

A sunscreen or sunblock of at least SPF 30 is recommended for daily use.  Make sure the label states that it covers UVB and UVA light.  If you are planning on being outdoors for long periods of time, use at least an SPF of 30 and reapply every 2 hours.  The higher the SPF rating, the longer it will work but dermatologists still recommend reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours and sooner after sweating or swimming.  Use an ounce of sunscreen to cover an adult body.

What else can I do?

Sunscreen should not be the only sun protection used.  It is recommended that you avoid the sun’s rays between 10am and 4pm, seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing and hats. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Moles or Nevi

 

What is a mole or nevus?

A common mole is a growth on the skin that develops when pigment cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. Most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles. These growths are usually found above the waist on areas exposed to the sun. They are seldom found on the scalp, breast, or buttocks.

Although common moles may be present at birth, they usually appear later in childhood. Most people continue to develop new moles until about age 40. In older people, common moles tend to fade away.

What do I look for?  

In general, moles should be round, even-toned uniform spots on an individual person.  The moles on a single person are about the same shade of brown.  No one mole or lesion should look different from the other ones on that person.  Normal moles do NOT hurt, itch, tingle, burn, bleed, ooze or scale.  Some normal moles start out flat and dark brown when you are young and then over the years, raise up slightly and lose their color. 

When should I check? 

Watch your moles at one month intervals. 

What do I look for?

Watch for signs of abnormal moles including:

• Asymmetry – the mole is darker on one side or larger on one side.
• Borders – the mole is irregular at the edges and looks like it is growing in a funny shape.
• Colors – the mole is more than one color and has irregular patterns of colors.
• Diameter – the mole is bigger than 6mm or bigger than the size of a pencil eraser.  Some moles may be larger but should be stable and not growing in size.
• Evolution – the mole is changing over the time you are watching it.
• "Foreign" – the mole just does not belong with the other moles because it looks very different.
• Other – the mole is hurting, itching, tingling, burning, bleeding, oozing or scaling. There may be color is spreading outward or development of new bumps within it.  Some melanomas are just red without brown colors. 

If any mole or lesion is concerning, please contact My Dermatologist to set up an evaluation at:

appointments@mydermtc.com

612-621-8888.

Indoor Tanning

Indoor Tanning

At My Dermatologist we DO NOT recommend tanning indoors.  We know that it is dangerous to our health.  The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization for Research on Cancer have declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent).  Using indoor tanning beds can raise your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer by 59% and the risk increases with each use.  It is also known that indoor tanning leads to non-melanoma skin cancers, premature skin aging, immune suppression, and damage to the eye including cataracts and ocular melanoma. 

There is no safe indoor tanning.  It should not be used to obtain vitamin D.  Vitamin D can be obtained through a healthy diet and oral supplements.  It should not be used before a sunny vacation to prevent sunburn.  On vacation please wear adequate sunscreen and protective clothing and hats.  If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it. 

FotoFinder Mole Mapping

What is FotoFinder Mole Mapping?

FotoFinder Mole Mapping is a safe, non-invasive way of skin cancer prevention.

Why should I get mole mapping photos done?

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Melanoma, a form of cancer that begins in cells that make the pigment melanin, is one of the most dangerous cancer types and leads to thousands of deaths per year.

According to the National Cancer Institute, ‘skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and the number of new cases of melanoma has been increasing for at least 30 years. Melanoma is more likely to spread to nearby tissues and other parts of the body and can be harder to cure. Finding and treating melanoma skin cancer early may help prevent death from melanoma.’

The National Cancer Institute highly recommends regular mole checks by your physician.

The early detection of skin cancer delivers the best chances for survival. When melanoma is detected early by a physician the cure rate is over 95% because it can be excised before it starts spreading to other parts of the body.

The ability to detect new moles and changes in existing moles is critical in the early detection process. The American Cancer Society states that, ‘Part of a routine cancer-related check up should include a skin exam by a health care professional qualified to diagnose skin cancer and many dermatologists use a technique called dermatoscopy (also known as dermoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy [ELM], or surface microscopy) to look at spots on the skin more clearly.’

If you think about it, your physician likely sees thousands of moles per year on hundreds of patients, making it difficult to remember what your moles looked like six month ago. That is why having a photo documentation system for the accurate tracking of moles is so important.

What is FotoFinder?

FotoFinder is a computerized mole mapping system that your physician uses to create an accurate set of photos of your moles. The high resolution camera is connected to a computer and transfers all photos directly the doctor's database, giving your doctor the ability to compare your moles with photos from your initial visit and immediately identify new moles or changes to existing moles on your body. An added benefit of FotoFinder is that your doctor can provide a copy of your photos on CD for self examination at home. All patients, whether first time or returning, can feel safe that any changes or new moles will not be missed.

Who should get mole mapping done?

If any of the following questions apply to you, have your moles checked by your physician:

• Do you have multiple moles (more than 50)?
• Is there a history of skin cancer in your family?
• Did you have already a melanoma?
• Do you have large moles (more than 2 inches in diameter)? 
• Have you noticed any changes in your moles?
• Have you noticed any new moles on your body?
• Did you have severe, blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence?
• Do you have very light skin?

How can suspicious moles be recognized?

Using the “ABCDE” rule can help you to recognize suspicious moles during self evaluation. Moles which show one or more of the signs below should be treated with utmost attention and observed by your physician!

• A for Asymmetry
  
• B for irregular, Blurred or jagged Borders
• C for Color variation
• D for Diameter larger than ¼ inch 
• E for Evolving, Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait

Citations:

• National Cancer Institute: PDQ® Skin Cancer Screening. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Date last modified <05/13/2013>.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/skin/Patient/page2

• American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-detection

Warts

 

What are Warts?

Warts are skin bumps caused by a virus-HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The HPV virus is contagious, meaning that it can be transmitted through contact with a person, a surface (like countertop or shower floor), or even towels or clothing. In fact, you can transfer warts from one area of your own body to another.

Not everyone who carries the HPV virus will form warts but you can still infect another person. People with cuts or scrapes are more susceptible, which is why warts are especially common among children. If you bite your nails or cut hangnails, or have a weakened immune system, you are at greater risk. Those with diabetes, autoimmune diseases or are immunosuppressed in some way may not be able to fight off the HPV virus without the help of a healthcare provider.

Types of Warts

Warts can grow anywhere on your body. In general, warts are painless unless they appear on the soles of the feet. If a wart is big enough to be seen, the HPV virus likely already has been in your body for a few months. The different types of warts are determined by where it grows on the body and what it looks like.

 Common Warts

Common warts often are seen on the fingers, nails or backs of hands. They can grow in clusters and feel like rough bumps. Sometimes they have visible black dots.  This type of wart is common among children, and often goes away on its own.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts affect the soles of the feet and grow inward instead of outward, making them harder to treat. They may be flat and can show black dots. Plantar warts can be painful to the step, causing problems walking or running.

Flat Warts

Flat warts are slightly raised, smooth skin-colored bumps that are smaller than other types of warts. They usually grow in clusters — up to 100 at a time. Children often get flat warts on the face. In adults, flat warts can be acquired on body parts that are shaved, such as the beard area of men or on the legs of women.

Genital Warts

Genital warts is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease (STD). The warts appear as soft, moist, pink or flesh-colored bumps, and sometimes grow into cauliflower-like clusters. 

Filiform Warts

Filiform warts look like long threads or thin fingers that extend from the infected skin. It grows quickly, often around the mouth, eyes and nose. Because it appears on the face, it sometimes causes embarrassment or feelings of self-consciousness.

Subungual (toenail) or Periungual (fingernail) Warts

Warts around the nail are difficult to rid and require prolonged treatment because they form under and around the fingernails (often due to nail biting) or toenails. Some sufferers develop yeast or fungal infections around the subungual or periungual wart area due to nail breakage created by the upward motion of the wart’s growth.

When to See a Dermatologist About Warts

Warts sometimes go away on their own as your body attacks the infection. This process can take up to two years in children and as much as seven years in adults.

Although most warts are harmless, a dermatologist may need to treat them. Consult with a My Dermatologist provider if you experience the following:

• Painful or bleeding warts
• Red streaking, pus, discharge or fever
• Excessive bleeding at the wart site, or bleeding that does not stop when light pressure is applied
• Warts on the face
• Rapidly growing, spreading or multiplying warts
• Warts that interfere with daily activities
• Warts that do not respond to self-care
• Warts that rub against clothing or jewelry or are irritating
• You have diabetes or weakened immune system and have warts
• There is a change in color, shape or appearance of a wart
• You have genital warts

At My Dermatology we will conduct a visual exam to identify a wart. Rarely, a simple procedure called a skin biopsy may be needed to look at a small piece of the infection under a microscope to be sure. In these cases, the doctor will remove the wart and send it to the lab.

TreatmentsSelf-care

Do not attempt to remove a wart by burning, cutting, tearing or picking because you can cause excessive bleeding, worsen the infection and make it easier to spread the virus to others. If you decide to use over-the-counter wart medications it is important to follow the instructions carefully. It may take daily treatment for several weeks or months to be effective.   Note: do not use these medications anywhere on your face, neck or genitals. Instead, seek treatment from My Dermatologist.  Special foot cushions that you can find at drug stores may help ease the pain of plantar warts. Be sure to use socks and wear shoes that provide plenty of room. Avoid high heels.

Dermatology Procedures

Once you have been diagnosed with warts, your My Dermatologist provider may try one or more of the following treatments, depending on where on the body the warts are located, age, overall health, previous treatment response to warts and personal preference:

• Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery, or cryotherapy)
• Burning with an electric needle (electrocautery, or electrodesication)
• Using a laser to disrupt the blood supply of the warts
• Application of tretinoin, or salicylic acid or other topical creams
• Injection with bleomycin (a chemotherapy drug) into the warts
• Application of imiquimod, a cream that induces your immune system to destroy the warts
• Application of compounded medications

There is no cure for warts, and they have a tendency to return. Repeated treatments may be necessary. If you have problem warts, schedule your My Dermatologist appointment today.

Rosacea

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea, also known as adult acne, is a common skin disease that affects more than 14 million people in the U.S.  People with lighter skin in their 30‘s to 50‘s are most likely to first see signs of rosacea. Women are more likely to get rosacea, but it effects men more severely.

The disorder often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. The redness slowly spreads beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. Even the ears, chest, and back can be red all the time. It is not contagious.

Since rosacea appears on a person’s face, it is readily noticed and can sometimes be mistaken for a sign of a drinking problem. Sufferers have expressed having difficulty at work, in their marriage, or an unwillingness to date or meet new people. These experiences may lead to embarrassment and worry, a low self-image, anxiety or depression.

Rosacea is a disease that can get worse over time.  With early diagnosis and effective treatment, you can control symptoms and stop the progression of the disease. The compassionate, expert care at My Dermatologist can help you find relief from the discomfort of rosacea.

Types of Rosacea

Scientists have identified four major subtypes from among the many different signs and symptoms of rosacea. Each subtype requires different treatment, and you may have more than one of these subtypes of rosacea at one time.

Erythematotelangiectatic (ETR) Rosacea

Characteristics: facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.  People with the ETR often have exceptionally sensitive skin and suffer from redness, flushing or blushing, swelling and visible blood vessels. The skin may sting or burn and you may experience dry skin or scaling.

Papulopustular Rosacea

Characteristics: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.  Papulopustular rosacea is the most common subtype among middled-aged women. The acne-like flare-ups come and go, and usually breaks out where the skin is very red. Skin can burn and sting, and typically is very sensitive. The skin is oily and signs sometimes include visible broken blood vessels (spider angioma, or spider veins) or raised patches of skin.

Phymatous Rosacea

Characteristics: Skin thickens and has a bumpy texture.  Phymatous rosacea is a rare type of the condition that may cause skin to thicken and develop a bumpy texture, especially on the nose (rhinophyma). Skin is oily and pores look large. Spider veins may appear, and the skin on the cheeks, forehead, chin and ears may thicken.

Ocular Rosacea

Characteristics: Eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and person may have what looks like a sty.  Ocular rosacea affects the eye and you also may need to see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), depending on the severity and symptoms experienced.  My Dermatologist can help you determine if that’s the case.

Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a variant of rosacea that causes a rash of red bumps to develop around the mouth and is most often seen in young women. Unlike rosacea, however, perioral dermatitis can be cured.

Treatments for Rosacea

Studies show that effective treatment for rosacea not only reduces the physical signs and symptoms of the disease, but improves your overall quality of life. If allowed to worsen over a long period, the symptoms of rosacea become more difficult to treat.

My Dermatologist providers are trained in proven, cutting-edge procedures to help you feel and look your best. For a rosacea diagnosis, My Dermatologist examines the skin and eyes, and asks questions about your signs and symptoms. Your treatment plan is based upon the rosacea subtype, severity, skin type, past treatment success and your preferences.

Often, a combination of treatments may produce optimal results. Common treatments for the skin include:

• Topical creams or lotions, including azelaic acid (Finacea®) or metronidazole (Metrogel®)
• Sunscreen (to prevent breakouts)
• Skin-repairing emollients
•  Lasers
• Antibiotics, such as doxycycline (Oracea®)

How Do I Care for My Rosacea?

Many everyday things (triggers) can cause rosacea to flare, including sunlight, stress, spicy foods, hot-water bathing or showering. What causes rosacea to flare for you may not trigger a flare-up for another person.

My Dermatologist recommends a skincare plan that is customized to help you achieve the best results, but you must follow the plan in order for it to be effective. Skin care plays an important role in keeping rosacea under control, so avoid harsh skincare regimes that can make rosacea worse. Wearing sunscreen every day can help protect against new breakouts.

Learning to control rosacea and getting support helps many people live more comfortably. You may benefit from a rosacea support group. The National Rosacea Society provides helpful information through its weblog to help people manage rosacea.

The first step toward optimal care for your rosacea is to set up an appointment at My Dermatologist.

Skin Cancer

 

What is Skin Cancer?

Any type of cancer develops when DNA, the molecule found in cells that encodes genetic information, becomes damaged and the body cannot repair the damage. When these damaged cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, the result is cancer.  In the skin, DNA damage leads to skin cancer. Because changes in the skin are readily visible, skin cancers can be detected at an early stage. 

What are the warnings signs of Skin Cancer?

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to your skin. This change can take many forms, including:

• Translucent pearl-shaped bump or growth
• A pimple that doesn’t go away
• Mole that has begun to grow, bleed, and/or itch
• Brown or black streak underneath a nail
• Sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
• Smooth, waxy lesion
• A painful skin lesion
• Cluster of slow growing, shiny or scaly lesions that are pink or red
• Mole that has begun to grow, bleed, and/or itch
• Mole with any ABCDE feature: 
  • Asymmetrical. If lesion were folded in half, the two sides would not match
  •  Borders irregular
  • Color varies.  We would also include Change
  • Diameter greater than 6 mm (size of pencil eraser). While melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm when diagnosed, they definitely can be smaller.
  • Evolving. A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color. 

You can help prevent skin cancer by seeking shade, covering up, and wearing sunscreen.  Please exam your skin and look for new or changing spots. 

If you detect any of these skin changes please contact My Dermatologist for an evaluation.

What are the different types of Skin Cancer?

Three types of skin cancer account for nearly 100% of all diagnosed cases. Each of these three cancers begins in a different type of cell within the skin, and each cancer is named for the type of cell in which it begins. Skin cancers are divided into one of two classes - nonmelanoma skin cancers and melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.  

The three most common types of skin cancer are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) 

The most common cancer in humans, BCC develops in more than 1 million people every year in the United States alone. About 80% of all skin cancers are BCC, a cancer that develops in the basal cells - skin cells located in the lowest layer of the epidermis. BCC can take several forms. It can appear as a shiny translucent or pearly nodule, a sore that continuously heals and then re-opens, a pink slightly elevated growth, reddish irritated patches of skin, or a waxy scar. Most BCCs appear on skin with a history of exposure to the sun, such as the face, ears, scalp, and upper trunk. These tumors tend to grow slowly.   These tumors very rarely metastasize (cancer spreads to other parts of the body), dermatologists encourage early diagnosis and treatment to prevent extensive damage to surrounding tissue.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) 

About 16% of diagnosed skin cancers are SCC. This cancer begins in the squamous cells, which are found in the upper layer of the epidermis. About 200,000 cases are diagnosed ever year. SCC tends to develop in fair-skinned, middle-aged and elderly people who have had long-term chronic sun exposure. It most often appears as a crusted or scaly area of skin.  It may be a red scaly, growing, painful or non-healing ulcer area on the skin. While most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, it can develop anywhere, including where the sun does not shine (including the inside of the mouth and the genitalia).  SCC may arise from actinic keratoses, which are precancerous dry, scaly lesions that may be skin-colored, reddish-brown or yellowish-black. SCC requires early treatment to prevent metastasis (spreading).

Melanoma 

Accounting for about 4% of all diagnosed skin cancers, melanoma begins in the melanocytes, cells within the epidermis that give skin its color. Melanoma has been coined “the most lethal form of skin cancer” because it can rapidly spread to the lymph system and internal organs. In the United States alone, approximately one person dies from melanoma every hour. Older Caucasian men have the highest mortality rate. Dermatologists believe this is due to the fact that they are less likely to heed the early warning signs. With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for melanoma is about 95%. Once its spreads, the prognosis is poor. Melanoma may develop in a pre-existing mole or could be a new spot.  This is why it is important for people to know what their moles look like and be able to detect changes to existing moles and notice new spots.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “Many of the more than 1 million skin cancers diagnosed each year could be prevented with protection from the sun’s rays.” Scientists now know that exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damages DNA in the skin. The body can usually repair this damage before gene mutations occur and cancer develops. When a person’s body cannot repair the damaged DNA, which can occur with cumulative sun exposure in addition to advancing age, cancer develops. In some cases, skin cancer is an inherited condition. Between 5% and 10% of melanomas develop in people with a family history of melanoma.

Who Gets Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer develops in people of all colors, from the palest to the darkest. However, skin cancer is most likely to occur in those who have fair skin, light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair, a tendency to burn or freckle when exposed to the sun, those with 50 or a greater number of moles, and a history of sun exposure. Anyone with a family history of skin cancer also has an increased risk of developing skin cancer. In dark-skinned individuals, melanoma most often develops on non-sun-exposed areas, such as the foot, underneath nails, and on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal passages, or genitals. Those with fair skin also can have melanoma develop in these non-sun exposed areas making it important to be aware of one’s own skin.

What can be done to prevent skin cancer?

Sun protection can significantly decrease a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. Sun protection practices include staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the rays are strongest, applying a broad-spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher year-round to all exposed skin, and wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.

Since skin cancer is so prevalent today, My Dermatologist also recommends that everyone learn how to recognize the signs of skin cancer, use this knowledge to perform regular examinations of their skin, and see a dermatologist annually (more frequently if at high risk) for an exam. Skin cancer is highly curable with early detection and proper treatment.

Psoriasis

 

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) is a medical condition that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly. Faulty signals in the immune system cause new skin cells to form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin cells, so the cells pile up on the surface of the skin and lesions form. 

What are the signs and symptoms?

The lesions vary in appearance with the type of psoriasis. There are five types of psoriasis: Plaque, guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic. About 80% of people living with psoriasis have plaque (plak) psoriasis, also called “psoriasis vulgaris.” Plaque psoriasis causes patches of thick, scaly skin that may be white, silvery, or red. Called plaques (plax), these patches can develop anywhere on the skin. The most common areas to find plaques are the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.  

Psoriasis also can affect the nails. About 50% of people who develop psoriasis see changes in their fingernails and/or toenails. If the nails begin to pull away from the nail bed or develop pitting, ridges, or a yellowish-orange color, this could be a sign of psoriatic (sore-EE-at-ic) arthritis. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can progress and become debilitating. It is important to see a dermatologist if nail changes begin or joint pain develops. Early treatment can prevent joint deterioration.

Eczema

 

What is Eczema or Dermatitis?

Eczema is dry, red, irritated, itchy skin.  There are many forms of eczema.  Eczema is not contagious and may be caused by any one of a number of factors, including allergic reaction, irritating substances, another medical issue and even your genetic makeup. Eczema may be acute (short-term) or chronic (lifelong).

Sometimes you can prevent a flareup of eczema by avoiding contact with irritants or allergy triggers, and by minimizing stressful situations. However, when eczema does show up to trouble you, My Dermatology can help provide relief with a specialized treatment that considers your skin type, previous history, location on the body, severity and appearance of the eczema outbreak, the underlying cause of the rash and how you live.

Different Types of DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is most common in infants and young children and in about half of cases it will disappear over time. The rash begins as dry itchy skin, particularly in the skin folds of the neck, wrist, elbow and knee creases and can sometimes be mistaken for diaper rash. Sometimes scratching and skin cracking can lead to infection.

Asteatotic Dermatitis (Xerosis)

The asteatotic type of dermatitis is caused by dry skin, particularly located on the arms and lower legs of mature adults. Your skin can get scaly, itchy and red and cracks may appear on the skin surface due to a reduction in the natural oil that the skin normally produces to protect and moisturize.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis can be allergic or irritant.  It results from an allergic reaction to poison ivy, chemicals, animal dander, perfumes or other irritants. You may experience red raised bumps in lines or blotches with small, clear fluid-filled blisters from two days to two weeks after contact.

Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)

Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, intensely itchy blisters to develop on the palms of the hands, skies or fingers or soles of the feet and cause scaly patches of skin that flake, get red, crack and cause pain. Dyshidrotic eczema is twice as likely to appear in women than men.

Nummular Eczema

This form of eczema usually shows up many times in dry cold weather and is identifiable by coin-shaped patches of irritated skin and can spread to the trunk of the body. Symptoms of nummular eczema include itching, redness and swelling or scaling can occur, and skin lesions that can ooze and become crusty.

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff)

You may know seborrheic dermatitis as dandruff, a common skin condition that causes flaky scales on the scalp or in the beards or mustaches of men. It may also appear in the eyebrows, sides of the nose and behind the ears. Look for reddish, swollen and greasy patches with a white to yellowish crusty scaled surface.

Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis shows up as red, irritated skin when blood collects in the veins of the lower legs due to circulation problems. Fluid and blood cells leak out of veins into the skin, leading to itching, swelling and pain that gets worse when you stand up.

Relief for Eczema

These are some of the treatments and My Dermatologist providers will decide the best regimen to care for you eczema.  Treatment will depend on a number of factors, and diagnosing the underlying cause of the rash is an important part of your treatment plan.

• Topical Corticosteroids. Medications are applied to the skin to relieve itching and heal affected areas. Popular corticosteroids include cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone.
• Topical Immunomodulators. Elidel® and Protopic® are non-steriod skin creams or gels that reduce inflammation and prevent flares when used as an eczema management therapy.
• Antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are used if a skin infection is present. Common antibiotics include cephalexin and doxycycline.
• Antihistamines. These types of oral medications, including Benadryl,® help to reduce itchiness.
• Phototherapy. Chronic cases of eczema may be helped by light therapy.

In addition to doctor prescribed treatments, there actions you can take at home to help prevent an eczema outbreak. Reduce bathing, use gentle soaps and moisturize daily. Avoid wool and other scratchy materials as well as synthetic fabrics that trap heat next to the body. Choose a breathable fabric like cotton instead.

Acne

What is acne?

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Although it's common, accurate information about acne can be scarce. This can make it difficult to get clearer skin. The information on this site can help you understand acne and how to successfully treat it.

Why treat acne?

Myths about acne are as common as the skin problem.  One common myth is that you have to let acne run its course.

Dermatologists know that letting acne runs its course is not always the best advice. Here's why:

• Without treatment, dark spots and permanent scars can appear on the skin as acne clears.

• Treating acne often boosts a person’s self-esteem.

• Many effective treatments are available.

More women getting acne

Not just teens have acne. A growing number of women have acne in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Dermatologists are not sure why this is happening. But dermatologists understand that adult acne can be particularly frustrating.

Actinic Keratosis (AK)

 

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are dry, scaly, rough-textured patches or lesions that form on the outer layer of skin. They are caused by chronic sun exposure and other forms of ultraviolet radiation (UV light). These lesions typically range in color from skin-toned to reddish brown and in size from that of a pinhead to larger than a quarter. that anyone with AKs be under a dermatologist’s care. AKs are considered precancers, the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer and have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can be fatal. Anyone who develops AKs has extensively sun-damaged skin, which makes one more susceptible to other forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. 

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

Years of sun exposure cause AKs to develop. All AKs develop in the top layer of skin cells called keratinocytes. Years of sun exposure cause these cells to change in size, shape, and the way they are organized. Cellular damage can even extend to the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis.

Who gets Actinic Keratosis?

Individuals with fair skin, a history of cumulative sun exposure, or a weak immune system are at greatest risk for developing AKs. These lesions develop on areas of the body that have received years of sun exposure, such as the face, ears, lip, scalp, neck, forearms, and back of the hands. AKs usually appear after age 40 because they take years to develop. However, younger people can have AKs when they live in areas that receive high-intensity sunlight year round.