Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that has no cure and can flare up without notice. Millions of people are diagnosed with this autoimmune disorder, which can affect those of any age, race, or gender. The resulting rashes and areas of thick discolored skin can be the cause of discomfort and embarrassment.
Cause
If you have an over-reactive immune system that leads to skin inflammation, the outcome may be psoriasis. Instead of destroying foreign things in your body such as bacteria, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and leads to skin inflammation that displays as abnormal surface skin. These unsightly areas on your skin’s surface are called plaques. Psoriasis has shown to be genetic as it is possible for parents to pass the condition down to their children.
Appearance
Psoriasis may occur anywhere on your skin, but most commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, face, inside mouth, lower back, feet and palms, genitals, or fingernails and toenails. Most often small skin areas are covered, although sometimes plaques connect with one another to form larger areas.
Symptoms
Plaques on the skin appear as raised areas of thick skin that is scaly and can flake off easily. The skin is typically discolored. Skin can be itchy, cracked, dry and painful. Scratching the rash can cause bleeding and lesions, making some patients experience severe symptoms. Dangerous infections may develop in some cases.
Diagnosis
Seeking care from a qualified dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield is important for accurate diagnosis of psoriasis. The doctor will examine your skin and discuss your symptoms. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of psoriasis, which involves taking a small sample of skin tissue from the plaque area and examining it under a microscope.
Treatment
Common treatments for psoriasis include medication to slow its progress, steroid creams, moisturizers, medicated lotions or shampoos, vitamin A or retinoid creams, and vitamin D3 ointment. Your personized treatment plan with our dermatologist will be based on the severity of your rash, its location, your age, and your general health. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with a skin condition like psoriasis, schedule an appointment for accurate care.
Moles are skin pigmentations that can start at birth or develop over a lifetime. They are a darker color than the rest of the skin and may occur anywhere on the body. Most of the time moles are harmless, but sometimes they can become suspicious. This means that they might be linked to a dangerous form of cancer called melanoma. It can be cured if caught early and treated.
An experienced dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield is skilled in identifying concerning skin problems such as questionable moles. There are four main sign that can guide you and your physician to determine if a mole is concerning.
Color
Moles can range from light to dark in color, with most being between light to dark brown. If a mole is an unusual color or changes in color, it should be examined by a professional.
Darkness
Moles that are significantly much darker in color that the rest of your skin may be suspicious. Very dark moles are at higher risk of melanoma.
Changes
Moles can be on your skin for a very long time, even since birth, and look the same for many years. Sometimes a mole changes such as growing larger, becoming inflamed, bleeding, or itching. These types of differences in a mole may be warning signs of skin cancer.
Shape
Most moles are symmetrical, often shaped in a generally round circle. Asymmetrical moles with blurred or jagged edges are a concern and should be brought to a physician’s attention.
Treatment
If you note any problems with a mole, see one of our dermatologists for proper diagnosis and treatment. Often a biopsy is performed to remove the questionable mole so it can be carefully analyzed in a lab. If the tissue is determined to be skin cancer, your physician will help you decide the next best steps to fully remove the skin cancer and pursue any further treatment as needed.
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. One underlying condition that may be the reason for hair loss is alopecia areata. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, but there is hope for alopecia areata sufferers.
Who is at risk?
Alopecia areata can affect anyone, but those with relatives with the condition are at higher risk. It more often strikes those who have a family history of thyroid disease, lupus, or diabetes.
What causes it and what does it look like?
This autoimmune disease causes a person’s own immune system to attack its own hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out. Hair loss is noticeable because hair often falls out in clumps similar in size and shape to a quarter. Sometimes this occurs in only a few spots, but sometimes it can happen all over the head or even all over the body. A person’s genetic makeup can trigger their body’s autoimmune response, in addition to a virus or substance the body reacts with. Every case of alopecia areata is unique because some patients have hair grow back forever, others have it grow back only to fall out again, and others have hair that never really returns. The unpredictable nature of this condition can be very frustrating to patients.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for alopecia areata, but experienced physicians like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield can provide treatment options to make the condition more livable. Some common treatment options include:
- Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that are often helpful with autoimmune diseases. These can be injected into the scalp or other affected areas. Corticosteroids may also be taken orally or applied topically with a cream or ointment. Results are typically gradual for this type of treatment.
- A topical drug called Rogaine, or minoxidil, is a baldness medication that may be helpful for alopecia areata patients. Hair regrowth usually starts to occur after about twelve weeks of applying the medication.
- Other medications are sometimes effective such as those used for a skin condition called psoriasis or those called topical sensitizers that can stimulate hair growth.
What is it like living with alopecia?
Even though there is no cure for alopecia areata, the treatment methods above may offer real help to patients. There are also cosmetic and preventive techniques that can make living with the condition easier. Some options are:
- Wearing head coverings like wigs, hats or scarves
- Using makeup to help conceal hair loss, especially in areas such as the eyebrows
- Wearing sunglasses if eyelashes have been lost
- Eating a healthy diet filled with nutrients and vitamins that can promote better overall health and potentially hair growth
- Limiting stress that can trigger the onset of speed of hair loss
If you notice that you are losing hair, schedule a consultation with our dermatologists to learn if alopecia areata or something else could be causing your condition.
One of the worst parts about rosacea is that this skin condition affects such a visible area, typically the face and chest. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, broken blood vessels, and pimples. The skin may thicken especially in the nose area. There is no cure for rosacea but treatments can help the symptoms and slow down its progression.
The most noticeable symptom of rosacea is redness in the face or chest. Flareups of the condition can occur for weeks or months. Because the inflammation and skin texture issues are sometimes similar to acne, rosacea may be misdiagnosed and therefore not properly treated.
The cause of this skin condition is unclear, but environmental and genetic factors have shown to play a role. Anyone can develop rosacea, although middle-aged, light-skinned women are at the highest risk. Researchers have identified some things that trigger rosacea flareups. Some of these include sun exposure, stress, alcohol consumption, hot weather, heavy exercise, wind, humidity, hot baths, and some skincare products.
Understanding rosacea triggers and avoiding them can go a long way in preventing outbreaks and delaying the progression of symptoms. For example, using safe sunscreen is a good start. Avoiding sun exposure is smart, not just due to the UV rays but also the rise in body temperature and tendency for flushing. Another good choice is finding the right types of cosmetic and skincare products that do not have fragrances, preservatives, alcohol, or other known risky ingredients.
The types of triggers mentioned above may be a little simpler to avoid, unlike ones like stress or extreme weather. No matter what causes the flareup, treatment methods suggested by a dermatologist such as Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield are important for controlling rosacea. Effective treatments may include topical medications, oral antibiotics, acne medications, light therapy, laser treatments and more. Finding the right combination of treatments can help you live a life free of the signs of rosacea.
If you are struggling with rosacea, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
If you are used to having regular medical checkups for your general health, teeth or eyes, then you already understand the importance of regular medical care. Your skin should be no different, because skin cancer is the number one type of cancer in the United States. When it is caught early, most skin cancer is treatable. Make annual skin cancer checkups part of your routine by scheduling an appointment with a reputable dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield.
Purpose
The goal of a skin cancer check is to thoroughly examine your whole body to look for suspicious areas. From head to toe, your physician will closely inspect your body for changes in how your skin normally looks. This may mean new growths, changes in moles, rashes and more. The three primary types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The signs and symptoms of each vary, but Dr. Bernard Raskin knows how to identify each and suggest the best treatment.
Frequency
Everyone should get annual skin cancer checks, but they are especially important for patients with the following histories:
- Personal history of any type of skin cancer
- Close relatives with history of skin cancer
- Skin growths or suspicious areas
- Large number of moles
- History of atypical moles
- History of sunburns or tanning bed use
- Lifestyle with sun exposure
- Organ transplant recipient
Process
Before you go to your appointment, check your own skin first so you are prepared to ask questions about any concerning areas you might see. A typical skin cancer check takes about 20 minutes, with the physician visually looking at your skin and possibly using tools like a bright light or dermatoscope to magnify skin lesions.
Outcomes
If precancerous or cancerous spots are detected, the dermatologist will usually take a photograph for your chart. A biopsy may be performed, which involves taking a small sample of tissue that will be viewed under a microscope. If anything concerning is identified, you will be contacted about further steps. If nothing is detected, you can rest easy that you have made the ideal choice for your health and plan to repeat the process in a year.
Schedule an appointment today at any of our three locations
Nearly everyone has annoying acne bumps pop up now and then. Although it is often thought to be a condition for teenagers, it also occurs in adults and even babies. Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged usually with oil or dead skin and may develop anywhere on the body.
Acne can range from mild to moderate to severe. When it is persistent and problematic, it may negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. There are a number of types of acne, which is important to know for the most effective treatments. Common types of acne blemishes include:
- Whiteheads are small and round, occurring under the surface of the skin. They typically have a white or pale yellow color. Whiteheads often result from oily skin, puberty, hormones, or cosmetic use.
- Blackheads are similar but are dark in color. They rise to the surface of the skin and the air exposure causes oil inside to appear dark. Blackheads develop from oily skin, hormones, irritated hair follicles, cosmetics, or some medications.
- Inflammatory papules develop when a hair follicle or pore is clogged with bacteria and your immune system produces white blood cells to fight the bacteria. This usually causes unsightly red swollen papules.
- Inflammatory pustules are similar but contain pus inside that is full of oil, bacteria and dead skin. These bump clusters are usually larger, red and sensitive.
- Nodules are large, firm bumps under the skin that contain bacteria and oil that goes deeper into the skin. These can be painful and produce long-lasting scars.
- Cysts also occur beneath the skin and are the most severe type of acne. Cysts are filled with fluid and often occurs in menstruating women who are affected by varying hormone levels.
Mild to moderate acne may be treated at home with over-the-counter creams or face washes. Sometimes acne is more serious and benefits from a skilled dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield for accurate diagnosis and more effective treatments. Acne is a common condition that should not cause you to suffer or feel embarrassed. If your acne does not improve with self-care, schedule an appointment to get your acne under control.
Taking care of your skin is part of maintaining your overall health. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and deserves proper treatment just like the rest of you. Who wants unhealthy skin that looks tired, wrinkled, discolored or generally older than it should? Instead you should strive for skin that is smooth and vibrant with good color. Taking the advice of a dermatologist such as Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield is a great way to achieve healthy skin. Read on for tips on how to make this happen.
Hygiene
Poor hygiene contributes to unhealthy skin. Dirt and environmental elements can build up on the skin, causing clogged pores, dry skin, blemishes, and wrinkles. Daily face washing with good products and regular bathing are important steps toward healthy skin. Wash your face every day in the morning and before bed with warm water and a quality cleanser. Shower or bathe daily, shampoo your hair regularly, and keep your nails clean. The bottom line is that any good skin hygiene routine includes proper cleansing and moisturizing.
Sun Exposure
Likely the most dangerous thing you’ve heard about related to your skin health is too much exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays. These harmful light rays can damage skin, cause sunburns, and increase your risk of skin cancer. To lower your risk of skin damage from the sun, follow these rules:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more all year long.
- Avoid UV radiation by seeking shade during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Do not use tanning beds.
- Wear protective clothing to cover your arms and legs and a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Get skin checkups annually with an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin. Also examine your own skin monthly and make an appointment if you see any concerning areas.
Diet Your skin needs good vitamins, minerals and nutrients to function like it should. You might be surprised to know that your diet impacts the appearance and feel of your skin. In your path toward healthy skin, try limiting foods like trans fats, soda, gluten, deep fried foods, cold cuts, or milk. Make drinking at least eight glasses of water each day your goal. This will maintain good hydration in your body that contributes to fewer wrinkles, less dry skin, better skin coloring and reduced fine lines. Smoking Smoking is bad for you for many reasons, but it can also harm your skin by causing wrinkles, excessive dryness, and skin discoloration. Quitting smoking should allow your skin to begin repairing itself to become healthier. If you’re having skin issues schedule an appointment today.
Even after the pimples are gone, unpleasant reminders may be left behind in the form of acne scars. These stubborn scars where the skin has been damaged can cause the embarrassment and stigma of acne to linger for years. There is no single way to get rid of acne scars that works for everyone, but Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield recommends several approaches that may help. One of these options or a combination of treatments can help eliminate or reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Steroid injections
One of the simplest choices is having steroids injected into raised scars that are identified as good candidates for this method.
Dermal fillers
To make scars less noticeable, collagen, fat, proteins or acids may be injected under the skin to plump up a targeted area of skin. Some common brands of dermal fillers are Juvederm, Restylane or Bellafill. Effects are usually immediate, but temporary and need to be repeated to continue effective treatment.
Botox
If the skin is tightening up in the areas surrounding acne scars, Botox may be injected to relax the skin and therefore improve the look of the scars. These results are temporary and must be repeated to maintain the positive effects.
Dermabrasion
One option for more severe acne scarring is dermabrasion, which is a procedure to scrape away the top layer of skin using a tool like a rotating brush or other coarse material. Scars on the skin’s surface may disappear and deeper ones may be less noticeable. It is imperative to choose a skilled physician like Dr. Bernard Raskin to help limit the potential side effects like further scarring or skin color changes. Dermabrasion may lead to skin discoloration in patients with dark skin tones.
Laser resurfacing
Laser treatment for acne scars targets the area with a beam of light set to a certain energy level. This focused light stimulates the skin and triggers it to begin repairing itself. Multiple treatments will cause the skin to look more like the surrounding tissue.
Skin needling
One safe and easy method for eliminating the appearance of acne scars is skin needling, which involves rolling a needle-studded tool over the skin to promote collagen formation under the skin. Repeat treatments may be necessary for optimal results, but the risks with this method are low.
Chemical peel
A chemical solution can be applied to scar tissue to remove the skin’s top layer and allow a new layer of skin cells to grow. The replacement of old damaged skin cells with new healthy ones will reduce the appearance of acne scars. Mild to medium level peels can be repeated to obtain good results, while only one deep peel is recommended for the skin’s safety. Skin color changes are a potential risk, so it is vital to speak with our dermatologists to see if chemical peels are right for you.
Schedule an appointment today.
