Acne is a common medical condition that affects up to 80 percent of adolescents and adults at some point in their lives. Adult onset acne has become a growing concern for people in their 20's, 30's, and 40's. Although acne is not a grave disease, it can leave permanent scarring on the skin, and negatively impact an individual's self-esteem. Fortunately, several treatment options are available.
Treatment for acne varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, skin type and the patient's age and lifestyle, but on average results are visible in six to eight weeks. Options for acne treatment include:
- Topical Medications
- Antibiotics
- Accutane
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical Peels
- Blackhead Extraction
- Blu-U Light Treatments
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Laser Treatments
- Skin Care Products
The exact cause of rosacea has not yet been identified. Fortunately, it can be controlled or treated with:
- Topical and Oral Medications
- Laser Treatments
- IPL Photofacial
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by a reaction to substances called allergens that come into contact with your skin. Some people are allergic to a specific ingredient or ingredients in a product. They react whenever they are exposed to the ingredient, although it can take up to several days for the symptoms to appear. In susceptible people, these contact allergens can cause itching, redness, and blisters that is known as allergic contact dermatitis.
A dermatologist will study the materials that your skin encounters at work and at play to try to identify the allergen. Most contact dermatitis is diagnosed by distribution of the rash. Sometimes the cause cannot be identified by history or physical examination and your dermatologist may want to perform patch tests. Patch tests are a safe and easy way to diagnose contact allergies. Patch tests are different from injection or scratch skin tests because they test for different allergens. In patch tests, small amounts of the possible common allergens are applied to the skin on strips of tape and then removed after two to three days. A positive allergy test shows up as a small red spot at the site of the patch.
Common allergens include nickel, rubber, dyes, preservatives, medications, fragrances, poison ivy, poison oak, and related plants.
People with allergic contact dermatitis should:
- Avoid the allergen that causes the reaction and chemicals that cross-react with it. Your dermatologist can help you identify items to avoid.
- Substitute products that do not cause reactions. Your dermatologist can suggest sources for these products.
Eczema
Eczema is a term used to describe a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic itchy rashes. About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of eczema, including 10-20% of all infants. Symptoms often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out in rashes when scratched.
Treatment may include:
- Moisturizing Lotions or Creams
- Corticosteroid Creams and Ointments
- Other Topical Medications
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Phototherapy
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common and recurring condition in which the skin develops red patches of various sizes, covered with dry, silvery scales. Most often, it affects the scalp, the trunk of the body and the outer side of the arms and legs, especially the elbows and knees. The palms and soles may also be involved. Fortunately the face is usually spared. It is usually a lifelong problem. There is no cure for psoriasis, but recent therapeutic advances have given new hope to patients who suffer from this disease.
Psoriasis treatments include:
- Topical Medications
- Phototherapy (ultraviolet light)
- Systemic Treatments - Oral or Injections
- Excimer Laser Phototherapy
Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. People with fair skin, frequent sun exposure and a family history of skin cancer are at greatest risk. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost always curable if detected and treated early.
The most common skin cancers are:
- Basal cell carcinoma - 80-85% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinomas appear frequently on sun exposed areas, such as head, neck and hands in fair-skinned people. Left untreated they often grow beyond the skin to muscle and bones which can cause considerable tissue destruction or possible death.
- Squamous cell carcinoms - 10 of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas are also typically found in fair-skinned people in sun-exposed areas. These tumors can become invasive and spread (metastasize) to other part of the body and be fatal. When found early and treated properly, the cure rate for both basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas is over 95%. Treatments vary based on the type and location of the tumor.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- Excision
- Electrodessicatin and Curettage (ED&C)
- Cyrosurgery
- Topical Creams
- Melanoma - 5% of all skin cancers. Melanoma is rare by a very dangerous type of skin cancer. Every year an estimated 8,000 Americans will die from melanoma. Melanoma may appear suddenly or begin in an existing mole. Any changing or new mole must be examined by a Dermatologist. Treatments vary based on the depth of tumor into the skin, type of melanoma, and location.
Treatment options include:
Mole Checks
Everyone has moles, sometimes 40 or more. Most people think of a mole as being a dark brown spot, but moles have a much wider range of appearance. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, or they may contain dark hairs. Having hairs in a mole doesn't make it more dangerous. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or grouped. They usually are brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. Special cells that contain the pigment melanin cause the brown color.
Most moles appear during the first 20 years of life, although some may not appear until later. Most moles are benign and do not require treatment or removal. However, there are certain types of moles that have a higher-than-average risk of turning into malignant melanoma. Moles present at birth, known as congenital moles may be more likely to develop into melanoma and should be monitored for changes. Dysplastic or atypical moles are usually larger than average and irregular in shape with uneven colors. People with these moles may have a greater chance of developing melanoma and should be seen by a Dermatologist on a regular basis for skin checks.
It is important to recognize the warning signs of melanoma. Remember the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, and Evolving (changing). If a mole displays any of these signs, it should be checked promptly by a Dermatologist.
A - Asymmetry
One half unlike the other half.
B - Border
Irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.
C - Color
Varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue.
D - Diameter
While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
E - Evolution (changing)
If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small) you should see a dermatologist.
Warts
Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are several different types of warts. Warts can grow anywhere on the body but are most common on the hands. It is estimated one in twenty school children have warts.
Planter warts are ingrown in the feet and are also known as verrucas. Mosaic warts are tiny and can spread all over the sole of the foot. Common warts have a raised surface with a cauliflower-like head. If the wart is touched or scratched the virus can spread to another area of skin. However, it can take up to one year for a new wart to appear.
