One easy way to remember common characteristics of melanoma is to think alphabetically – the ABCDEs of melanoma. ABCDE stands for:
- Asymmetry
- Border
- Color
- Diameter
- Evolution
These are the characteristics of skin damage that doctors look for when diagnosing and classifying melanomas.
Asymmetry
Melanoma is often asymmetrical, which means the shape isn’t uniform. Non-cancerous moles are typically uniform and symmetrical in shape.
Border
Melanoma often has borders that aren’t well defined or are irregular in shape, whereas non-cancerous moles usually have smooth, well-defined borders.
Color
Melanoma lesions are often more than one color or shade. Moles that are benign are typically one color.
Diameter
Melanoma growths are normally larger than 6mm in diameter, which is about the diameter of a standard pencil.
Evolution
Melanoma will often change characteristics, such as size, shape or color. Unlike most benign moles, melanoma tends to change over time. If you have a mole or skin growth, watch it for signs of changes. If you notice any of the ABCDEs of melanoma, make an appointment right away to be evaluated by a dermatologist.
We recommend doing regular skin checks at home to look for changes in your skin. Call it an ABCDE assessment. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms of melanoma or you have a suspicious mole or lesion, make an appointment to see your doctor. You may want to have annual skin checks with a dermatologist as well so you can catch skin cancer before it becomes life threatening.
Skin cancer is common, and when it’s caught early, most skin cancer – including melanoma – can be cured.
If you see something on your skin, don’t panic. Most skin lesions and moles are not cancerous, but it’s always best to get checked out to be sure.
If you have dark spots on your skin, it can be hard to tell if it’s hyperpigmentation or melasma, as both are extremely common. While they are two different dermatological conditions, they can look and act alike, and they are both caused by similar things. Here, the expert dermatologists at Columbia Skin Clinic take a closer look at the similarities and differences of hyperpigmentation vs. melasma to help you distinguish the two.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term used to cover any number of conditions where one patch of skin becomes noticeably darker than the surrounding skin of the same area. This term covers a number of more specific conditions such as liver spots, freckles, and melasma.
Although different types of hyperpigmentation can be caused by various factors such as acne scarring, medications, or inflammation from other conditions, the main cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. When we leave our skin untreated, harmful UV rays from the sun cause damage. This damage manifests itself in many ways, from harmless freckles to more severe conditions like skin cancer. Many of these conditions fall under the category of hyperpigmentation.
Most hyperpigmentations are harmless, and many forms are readily treatable through a mixture of options such as topical creams, Vitamin C, and cosmetic treatments. With most examples of hyperpigmentation, the patient only needs to be concerned with physical appearance and does not need to worry about more serious, long-lasting health effects. However, it’s always important to get any area checked out by a dermatologist just to make sure.
Melasma
One specific type of hyperpigmentation is melasma, a condition that affects over 5 million Americans. Although it also is a type of condition characterized by darker patches of skin, melasma is differentiated from other forms of hyperpigmentation mainly by its cause; rather than just being sun-related, melasma is caused in part by hormonal changes within the body. This is why melasma is often referred to as “the mask of pregnancy,” as pregnant women are much more likely to have this condition. In fact, melasma is found much more prevalently in women – pregnant or not – partly because of this hormonal cause.
Melasma is also referred to as a “mask” because it almost always targets a person’s face, resulting in dark patches of skin on a person’s chin, cheeks, nose, upper lip, or other cranial areas. Melasma can sometimes be found in other parts of the body, typically those prone to more sun exposure, such as the shoulders. While not dangerous, the location of these dark patches can lead to discomfort in public.
Melasma Treatment
In addition to its causes, another distinguishing feature of melasma is its difficulty in treatment. Whereas some types of hyperpigmentation can be treated with topical creams, melasma is not treated so easily due to the hormones that contribute to its cause in the first place.
Even though most treatment options are the same as other forms of hyperpigmentation, the success rate is typically much lower. Because hormones are a personalized set of chemicals, each person’s melasma responds differently to treatment, making it notoriously difficult to treat.
Most dermatologists recommend a combination of treatments, including strong sunblocks, vitamins, and brightening agents such as hydroquinone. To an extent, using a wide variety of treatments is less about creating a “shock and awe” approach as it is trying a variety of methods all at once in the hope that we can find the right treatment.
In some cases, the melasma can clear up quickly. In other cases, it might take a while longer. For some people, treatments must be repeated indefinitely, or the melasma returns. Just as each individual’s hormones are different, each person’s response to treatment is different, making it almost impossible to predict who will respond well and who will take more time and effort.
The Importance of Sun Protection
The most significant commonality between hyperpigmentation in general or melasma specifically is sun exposure. The harmful effects of solar radiation are well-known today, and yet people still take risks by venturing outside without proper protection.
The various types of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, are all triggered in part by prolonged exposure to the sun. To make matters worse, it is impossible to know how much sun exposure is too much until it’s too late and the damage has already been done. The importance of wearing proper clothing and applying sunscreen cannot be overstated if you wish to avoid these unsightly conditions at some point in your future.
Eczema and Your Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid to Minimize Flare-Ups
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder that results in red, dry itchy skin. Also called dermatitis, eczema can result in skin bleeding and crusting over in the folds of the arms, back of the knees, wrists, and hands. Eczema is a very personal condition in which each person has different triggers and responds well to different treatments.
Individuals who struggle with eczema can have flare-ups triggered by certain foods. Your diet can have a huge impact on the quantity and severity of eczema patches. Because it is an inflammatory condition, the best foods to eat are ones that counteract the inflammation. Additionally, most patients with eczema suffer from food allergies that can trigger flare-ups. It is important to know what foods work in your body to minimize the presence of eczema.
Eczema Diet Tips
Foods to Include for Eczema:
- Foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties include fish, probiotic foods, and foods high in quercetin. Fatty fish contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which is a crucial nutrient in fighting inflammation. Salmon, tuna, and sardines are all very high in omega-3s. You can also take an omega-3 supplement if fish does not appeal to you.
- Foods that contain probiotics (live cultures) build up a strong immune system in your gut and this helps reduce flare-ups. There are lots of options when it comes to foods that contain probiotics including sauerkraut, fermented pickles, sourdough bread, yogurt, kimchi, and miso soup.
- Quercetin is a flavonoid (chemical nutrient) found in plants. Quercetin specifically gives plants their rich color, is an antioxidant, and an antihistamine. The best foods to eat that contain quercetin are apples, blueberries, spinach, broccoli, cherries, kale, and onions. Eating a wide variety of the previously mentioned foods will help to control eczema symptoms.
Foods to Avoid for Eczema:
- Inflammatory foods can trigger an increase in symptoms. Added artificial sugars, trans-fats, processed meat, red meat, refined carbs, and dairy all cause inflammation in the body.
- Foods containing nickel. Nickel is an ingredient known to encourage symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema. Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema that produces small blisters on the hands and the feet. Nickel is found in whole wheat and grains, rye, oats, cocoa, baking powder, soy products, canned foods, and dried fruits.
Allergies or Sensitivities
Your doctor may perform an allergy or food sensitivity test to see what foods your body cannot tolerate. After exposure to certain foods, your body might react in what is called “food responsive eczema.” If you do test positive for an allergy or sensitivity, it is crucial to avoid consuming those foods. Common food allergens are dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts.
Elimination Diet
If you are struggling with eczema flare-ups and are looking for ways to help your systems, you may want to try an elimination diet. This diet is done by removing foods or food groups that you suspect you may be intolerant to. When it comes to an elimination diet for eczema specifically, it is best to eliminate common allergens and inflammatory foods. Remove these foods from your diet for at least 3 days to see if symptoms subside. Try removing one food at a time so you know exactly what is contributing to your symptoms. By only removing one food at a time, this also allows you to have more freedom as you will not be limiting too much of your diet.
In conclusion, eczema is a condition that varies from person to person. Symptoms can be triggered by many different environmental and internal factors. When it comes to managing your symptoms through your diet, it is a process of trial and error. Finding the best foods to fight your eczema condition will take some time, but eventually, you will be able to determine what to eat and what to avoid for the best results. If you are struggling with eczema and cannot seem to find any relief, you should contact your dermatologist. They will create a treatment plan just for you to help treat this dermatology skin condition.
Living with Psoriasis is a unique challenge – one that can be both physically and emotionally trying. You may feel embarrassed when your symptoms flare up, confused about the best treatments to seek out, or overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety and sadness. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this battle, and there are resources available to help you cope with and manage your condition.
Coping Strategies for Managing Symptoms
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Coping with the symptoms of Psoriasis can be a challenging experience but there are effective ways to manage it. With the right knowledge and treatment, people can reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups as well as improve their quality of life. Here are a few strategies for coping with the symptoms:
Stress Control
Many individuals with Psoriasis have found that stress can exacerbate their symptoms. But here’s the good news – you can break this cycle. By learning how to effectively manage stress, you can not only alleviate flare-ups but also reduce overall inflammation in your body. Explore the power of meditation, exercise, or even seek guidance from a specialized stress management therapist.
Dietary Changes
Discover the power of a healthy diet in optimizing body function, diminishing comorbidity, and enhancing metabolic profile. Research into the connection between diet and Psoriasis is ongoing. Supplementing with vitamin D, especially in the winter months, may also help reduce flare-ups.
Lifestyle Changes
Those dealing with Psoriasis should avoid alcohol and smoking, which can trigger the body’s inflammatory response. Getting plenty of sleep and routine exercise can help you avoid flare-ups. When outside, use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn, which can also cause flare-ups.
Moisturize Your Skin
Keeping skin moisturized is also a key technique. Dryness can cause flare ups and result in skin scaling. Look for moisturizers that contain mineral oils like liquid paraffin and petrolatum. Coconut oil and aloe vera gel are also great options due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Treatment Options for Controlling the Condition
There are quite a few treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and alleviate some of the discomfort associated with Psoriasis. From topical creams and ointments to phototherapy and systemic treatments, there’s bound to be a solution that works for you. We’ll touch on just a few of them below.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and retinoids, work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response that causes Psoriasis. Some options include:
-
-
- Steroid creams
- Salicylic acid
- Calcipotriol
- Roflumilast
- Tapinarof
- Tazaroc
Phototherapy
Phototherapy has emerged as an effective and safe treatment option. This light therapy has been used to treat skin conditions for centuries, with modern advancements making it even more effective. Psoriasis patients have reported improvements in their symptoms after undergoing this treatment, which involves exposure to ultraviolet light.
Natural Treatments
From herbal remedies to dietary changes, there are a variety of ways to approach treating this complex skin condition without relying on traditional medications. While it’s important to consult with a dermatologist before making any major changes, many people have found success with natural remedies like aloe vera, turmeric, and coconut oil. Additionally, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health.
Other Treatments
These are just a few of the treatment options. Other treatments include immunosuppressants, oral retinoids, and systemic biologic treatments. Some treatments will work better for some and less so for others, so it may take some time to find the best treatment for your condition.
Relief Is in Sight
Despite the fact that Psoriasis is incurable, it’s important to remember that there is still hope for those who suffer from it. With the right treatment regimen and a bit of patience, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a full and happy life.
Over-the-counter salicylic acid is a commonly used medication to treat your warts. The salicylic acid is slowly and painlessly absorbed into the skin causing peeling of the skin cells that contain the wart virus. This is a very good way of getting rid of warts, but it should never be used to treat warts on the face, neck, and genitals. Even if another treatment is being used (for example in-office freezing or beetle juice), using salicylic acid at home speeds destruction of the wart by thinning it and any callus that has formed on or around it.
Salicylic acid preparations can be found in most drugstores and some supermarkets. There are typically two kinds of products: adhesive pads that are treated with salicylic acid or bottles of concentrated salicylic acid.
Products available typically include:
- 17% Salicylic Acid Topical Liquid (Compound W or Dr. Scholl’s*)
- 40% Salicylic Acid Topical Liquid (Plantar Wart Remover*)
- 40% Salicylic Acid pads (Corn Removal Pads*)
- *Any store brand product with the recommended percent salicylic acid will work
Salicylic Acid Wart Treatment
Thin down the wart with a pumice stone or nail file. File the area until all the white, dead skin is removed without causing discomfort or pain. Make sure not to share pumice stones or nail files because the wart virus can be transmitted on these. Sometimes soaking the wart in warm water helps to soften the wart. You may soak the wart for 5-10 minutes before filing it down.
Apply the solution or pad(s) to the wart(s). You may cut pads to size if necessary.
Cover with a Band-aid or duct tape. If the wart is on a less workable area, such as the finger, smaller electrical tape may work better since it stretches.
Repeat process every night before bed until your next appointment.
Note:
Stop sooner if the wart falls off, swelling/drainage develops at the site, or the area becomes too irritated or painful. Please call the dermatology clinic if these symptoms persist.
This wart treatment should be well tolerated and easy to use at home. Some mild discomfort, burning, skin redness, and peeling is expected while using the wart treatment. This means that the wart is going away.
Every single day, you potentially face an onslaught of contributing factors that wreak havoc with your complexion and make your adult acne worse.
The four primary acne triggers to be aware of include hormonal imbalance, gut imbalance, stress, and diet.
And the other major contributing factor is this…
Misinformation.
Yep. Inaccurate information that trips up your adult acne care, from commercial skin care companies, dermatologists, Big Pharma, and other professionals. Faulty information concerning the 3 Biggest Skincare Mistakes that leads you down false paths of hope. Wastes your money and time. And perpetuates your acne.
The 3 Biggest Skincare Mistakes help explain WHY you keep breaking out, no matter what you try or how much money you throw at a remedy.
Before we dig in, let’s do a quick review of what acne ACTUALLY is.
Acne is a genetic condition called retention hyperkeratosis. Here’s how it works:
- Every day a layer of dead skin cells is shed inside the pore. Ordinarily, these dead skin cells are pushed from behind by newer cells rising to the skin’s surface, then flake off in a normal, healthy pore.
- This continuous shedding process goes haywire in people with acne. Acne-prone skin produces up to 5x more dead cells than normal, and the excess dead cells stay stuck on the skin’s surface and clog your pores.
- The resulting plug (known as a microcomedone), when mixed with oil, forms a blackhead. When infected with bacteria, forms a blemish.
TAKE NOTE: Acne forms under the skin for up to 90 days before you see it surface! So even if you started the BEST acne clearing skincare routine in the world TODAY, acne that already started forming today still has to work its way up and out through your skin.
Got it? Awesome.
Now you’re equipped to understand the impact and importance of the 3 Biggest Skincare Mistakes.
Big Skincare Mistake #1 ― Allowing your acne to adapt to your skincare regimen.
When it comes to clearing your skin, doggedly sticking to one skincare regimen or treatment can actually perpetuate your adult acne.
And, just like your muscles will adapt to a new fitness routine within a few weeks and then stop improving, your skin will adapt to a new acne-clearing regimen after 2 or 3 weeks and stop responding.
That’s why the one-size-fits-all remedies, antibiotics, and topical prescriptions you take seem to make a difference for a little while, then stop working. It’s not you, you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just that your skin has adapted. It’s no longer challenged to react.
Instead, you need to change up your regimen so it improves your skin.
Here’s what this “regimen challenge” looks like.
- Increase concentrations of current beneficial acne treatments and skincare regimens, and/or…
- Vary the frequency of existing acne treatments and/or skincare regimens and/or…
- Introduce NEW products and/or skincare regimens.
Then keep up the regimen challenge for 90 days!
That way, you can (1) clear acne that’s already forming below the surface where you can’t see it, (2) prevent NEW acne from forming and (3) break the acne cycle.
This is how you challenge your skin to ensure your skin continues to stop the formation of new acne and heal what’s already there.
When it comes to successful acne treatment, this strategy is PIVOTAL. In fact, it’s the foundation of our proven 95% success rate with our clients.
It’s also, frankly, almost unheard of outside our doors.
The “experts” out there either ignore or are unaware of this truth—likely because it requires personalization for every individual—which helps explain why so many people continue to needlessly suffer the indignity and pain of acne.
Big Skincare Mistake #2 ― Spot-treating your adult acne after it’s erupted
Do you know the expression “tip of the iceberg”? When it comes to adult acne treatments, no truer words spoken!
So often people get hung up on trying to fix what they see in the mirror. Applying acne-drying topicals to pimples. Scrubbing blackheads. Extracting plugs. Injecting painful cysts. But, like the tip of an iceberg, what you see is only the end result of acne. There’s a much deeper issue to consider.
And while it’s understandable you’d want to speed-heal unsightly blemishes as fast as possible (and there’s a place for this in your acne care arsenal)…
By focusing on spot treatments, you’re failing to address the big problem hiding below your skin’s surface. The actual ROOT cause of your acne.
As you discovered earlier, acne is a genetic skin condition and it forms under the skin up to 90 days before you see it surface.
By only spot-treating what you see on your skin’s surface, you’re never going to prevent or control what’s going on underneath—where the trouble starts. And breakouts will continue to bloom, unchecked, along with your misery.
What to do instead?
If you want to FINALLY break the cycle of your never-ending adult acne, you need to:
- Continually treat and challenge your skin for at least 90 days. And…
- Use your acne products daily on your FULL FACE or LARGE AREAS (such as your forehead or chin) even when you’re NOT breaking out.
That way, pre-acne lurking deeper in the skin can be “dissolved” before it surfaces. And you can help prevent new acne from forming in the first place.
Big Skincare Mistake #3 ― Using pore-clogging ingredients in your products
Did you know? Pore-clogging ingredients lurk in your favorite topical skincare, haircare, makeup, laundry, and other beauty and health products.
They’re even in your topical acne care products.
In fact, almost ALL personal care products contain at least one (if not several) of the 125+ ingredients known to clog pores.
From seemingly harmless flower and fruit-derived ingredients found in nature, to synthetic chemicals found in industrial cleaners, the infiltration is so insidious, we keep a comprehensive list of the worst offenders to help defend our clients.
Here’s the problem.
When pore-clogging ingredients are in the makeup you apply, lotions you slather on, even in your laundry detergents, you’re blanketing your pores and allowing even MORE dead skin cells and bacteria to accumulate. No wonder your adult acne gets worse!
While some of these offending ingredients can be harmful and irritating, others are temptingly healthful.
For example, olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are all highly nutritious and have wonderful moisturizing and hydration benefits. But they’re all highly pore-clogging.
Two other major pore-cloggers are Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and its chemical cousin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Emulsifiers and foaming agents, they’re present in most shampoos, conditioners, soaps, body washes, toothpastes, and household and commercial cleaning products.
To protect your skin and help the healing process, check labels! Do your existing products contain these ingredients? Stop using them. And when you’re shopping, avoid these ingredients in any new products you buy. Our Clove Hill Balancing Lotion is completely free of pore-clogging ingredients, soothing and light weight.
Congrats! You’ve just discovered the 3 Biggest Skincare Mistakes that Aggravate and Perpetuate Your Adult Acne.
Apply the lessons you’ve learned and you’ll be on your way to healing your skin and creating a healthier, smoother complexion.
The inexpensive drug could be a safe and effective alternative to antibiotics.
Even though acne is usually at its worst when we’re in our teens and twenties, it’s one of the most common skin conditions in adults, too. As many as one in three women have facial acne in their thirties, and an estimated one in seven continue to struggle with facial blemishes into their fifties.
Many experts recommend considering systemic therapies if topical medications aren’t working or if the acne is causing scars. But that usually means antibiotics, which can be less than ideal for a few reasons.
“Not only is antibiotic resistance a problem, but antibiotics can affect the gut microbiome with unwanted consequences,” says Abigail Waldman, MD, the clinical director of the Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a dermatologist at Mass General Brigham, both in Boston.
For women with a certain type of acne, one alternative has been an inexpensive drug used to treat high blood pressure called spironolactone. Used “off-label” for the skin condition, the drug blocks certain hormones that can cause acne. Men aren’t prescribed spironolactone for acne because of the side effects; men have developed breasts while taking the drug, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Largest Randomized Controlled Trial to Look at Spironolactone for Acne
Now results from the first large-scale clinical trial to look at the effectiveness of spironolactone in treating acne, published on May 16 in the British Medical Journal, add support for the inexpensive generic drug.
“Spironolactone has been gaining popularity [as a treatment for acne], and I think this randomized controlled trial with over 400 participants will help. The previous randomized controlled trials were with fewer than 40 women,” says Dr. Waldman, who was not involved in this study.
“Because spironolactone has been generic for many years, there is less financial incentive to conduct large, multicenter placebo-controlled trials in acne patients,” says Lindsay Strowd, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and a dermatologist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, both in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Strowd was not involved in the new research.
After 3 Months of Treatment, Women Saw Significant Improvement in Their Acne
The UK study included 410 women older than 18, with an average age of 29, who had acne that had persisted for more than six months, and for whom oral antibiotics would have normally been the next treatment. Half were randomly selected to take spironolactone, while the other half were given a placebo.
For the first six weeks, the spironolactone group took 50 milligrams (mg) a day, and then the dose was increased to 100 mg per day until week 24.
The women were asked to complete questionnaires on their acne and quality of life relating to the condition at the start of the trial and then at 12 and 24 weeks into their treatment.
“The results showed that the women taking spironolactone saw a significant improvement in their acne after 12 and 24 weeks compared to those on the placebo,” said the lead author, Miriam Santer, PhD, a professor of primary care research at the University of Southampton in England, in a press release.
Spironolactone Could Offer an Alternative to Antibiotics for Many Women
“A significantly higher proportion of people also reported that they felt satisfied that their skin had been helped compared with those receiving placebo, and any side effects were uncommon and very minor. These results show that spironolactone could offer an alternative to antibiotics for many women with persistent acne to use alongside topical acne treatments,” she said.
“The findings also showed a significant objective reduction in acne at 24 weeks. This was a well-designed study, and I think it was reassuring that few side effects were noted, with headache being higher in the treatment group,” says Waldman.
What Kind of Acne Responds to Spironolactone?
Spironolactone is used for a very specific type of acne caused by hormonal imbalance in women, says Waldman. “This acne presents on the jawline, neck, and chest,” she says.
Usually, spironolactone is a second- or third-line treatment after topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and oral antibiotics, says Waldman. “Often it is prescribed with an oral contraceptive, which increases its potency and prevents pregnancy complications while on the medication,” she says.
Spironolactone shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or if you’re trying to get pregnant because of its effect on hormones, and so women must be willing to use contraceptives while on the medication, she adds.
Antibiotic Resistance Is One of the Biggest Threats to Global Health
Spironolactone use for acne in the United States is very common, and its popularity has risen as dermatologists have become more conscious of antibiotic resistance. There has also been a push to minimize long-term use of oral antibiotics for acne treatment, says Strowd.
Antibiotic resistance happens when germs like bacteria or fungi no longer respond to the drugs designed to kill them, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today, per the organization. Although there are many health situations where antibiotics must be used, it’s important to avoid using them unnecessarily, because it can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Contact us today at our Bakersfield dermatology office to schedule an appointment for a acne evaluation.
Familiar Names, Uncommon Condition
Do any of these (somewhat unusual) names sound familiar to you? Humira, Stelara, Cosentyx, Embrel, and Otezla? It’s probably because you’ve seen ads for them. With so many commercials (and celebrities) talking about “clear skin” you might think everyone needs it!
The skin condition those medications, and many others, are designed to treat is psoriasis. It affects 3% of the population, so while we don’t all need it, millions of Americans suffer from it. It’s considered an “immune-mediated disease,” which means a disease with an unclear cause related to the dysfunction of the immune system, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation®.
The Immune System and Psoriasis
Normally, skin cells grow and then fall off in about a month. When you have psoriasis, the immune system doesn’t work properly, causing T-cells to attack the body and prevent skin cells from shedding. Instead of coming off, they pile up in raised “plaques” or scales on the skin.
Don’t Be Fooled by Appearances: The Many Types of Psoriasis
If you think red, itchy, or flaky skin is psoriasis, it might be. But in fact, many skin conditions look similar. That’s why getting an exam from a dermatologist is the quickest way to the best treatment (versus buying an over-the-counter treatment that may or may not treat the outward symptoms).
List of Psoriasis Types
- Plaque psoriasis: Raised, thicker skin in patches, covered with scales; typically on the scalp, elbows, knees, or back.
- Scalp psoriasis: Thin or thick psoriasis on the scalp, can spread to nearby areas like the ears or neck.
- Nail psoriasis: Yellow-brown spots on the nails or tiny potholes, weak or separated nails.
- Guttate psoriasis: Small, scaly spots, often seen in children after an infection like strep throat.
- Inverse psoriasis: Shiny, smooth patches in areas where skin touches skin, like under the arms or in the groin.
- Pustular psoriasis: Painful pus-filled blisters and thicker, scaly skin, often on hands and feet.
- Generalized pustular psoriasis: Rare and serious, shows up as dry, red, and tender skin followed by pus-filled blisters.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: Life-threatening, noticeable areas of skin that look burned.
What Causes Psoriasis?
While the specific cause is unknown, medical professionals agree it’s genetic. If someone in your family has it, your chances of getting it too are higher. As with many health conditions, you can have a genetic predisposition but never “trigger” the disease itself.
Known Triggers to Avoid
- Stress
- Injuring the skin (cuts, sunburn)
- Infection
- Certain medications, including lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Heavy alcohol use
Psoriasis Treatment Options
- Topical medications
- Injections of biological medications
- Oral therapy with immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory medications
- Phototherapy
- Laser treatment
Contact us today at our Bakersfield dermatology office to schedule an appointment for a psoriasis evaluation.
Acne can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it feeling oily and uncomfortable. Surprisingly, a moisturizer could be the missing piece in your acne care routine. If you’re undergoing any of the following acne treatments, incorporating a moisturizer might be just what your skin needs:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Adapalene, tazarotene, or tretinoin
- Isotretinoin (a prescription treatment for severe acne)
These treatments are known to dry out and irritate the skin. However, using a moisturizer daily can help your skin better tolerate these medications.
A moisturizer can also be a savior when your skin feels parched, especially during the cold winter months.
Dehydrated skin can trigger an overproduction of oil, which can lead to more breakouts. A well-chosen moisturizer can prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry and irritated.
Why Dermatologists Include Moisturizers in Acne Treatment Plans
So, what type of moisturizer is ideal for someone with acne-prone skin? Look for products with these labels on the container:
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Won’t clog pores
When you spot these descriptions, it’s a good sign that the moisturizer is unlikely to exacerbate your acne.
When should you apply moisturizer if you have acne? The rule of thumb is to use it when your skin feels dry. Dermatologists recommend incorporating it into your daily routine, especially after cleansing, as it helps lock in much-needed moisture.
Sealing in Moisture for Healthy Skin
After washing your face, leave some water on your skin before applying moisturizer. This can be a game-changer in maintaining skin hydration.
Now, when can you expect to see results? Studies show that most patients experience a reduction in acne between 4 to 8 weeks after starting to use an acne-friendly moisturizer. These studies typically involve patients following a comprehensive acne treatment plan, including acne medication, cleanser, and moisturizer, all carefully chosen by dermatologists.
If you’re still skeptical about introducing a moisturizer into your acne care routine, it might be time for a chat with a dermatologist. Schedule an appointment and Bakersfield dermatologist Dr. Raskin will provide personalized advice on how to effectively clear your acne and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Skin tags, those small flaps of skin that often emerge in areas prone to friction like the neck, underarms, and face, are a common occurrence, with most individuals experiencing at least one during their lifetime.
For those dealing with skin tags, Dr. Raskin, a board-certified dermatologist in Bakersfield provides in-office solutions to safely remove them. Dr. Raskin offers insights into the nature of skin tags and whether they warrant concern.
Understanding the Origins of Skin Tags
Skin tags are benign growths, appearing as small skin bulbs atop stalks. While they can affect anyone, they are more prevalent among middle-aged individuals, both men and women alike.
The exact cause of skin tag formation remains unclear, although they might develop when thicker patches of skin trap clusters of excess collagen and blood vessels. This can stem from friction within skin folds or genetic predisposition to skin tag development.
Factors Contributing to Skin Tag Formation Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags, including:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections
- Hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin levels)
For some individuals, skin tags could potentially signify heightened insulin resistance, atherosclerosis (hardened arteries), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or cardiovascular issues.
When Skin Tags Pose Problems
Typically, skin tags are harmless and require no removal for health reasons.
However, Dr. Raskin might recommend skin tag removal if they bleed, become entangled with clothing or jewelry, grow excessively, display multiple colors, or cause persistent irritation. Some individuals also opt for removal due to self-consciousness related to the appearance of these growths. Consulting with Dr. Raskin can help determine whether skin tags should be removed.
To arrange a diagnostic evaluation for skin tag removal, contact our dermatology office today to schedule an appointment.
