Pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting time in a woman’s life, but it can also bring about changes in the skin. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to various skin conditions that can be bothersome, uncomfortable, and even painful. Fortunately, many of these skin conditions can be treated with the help of a dermatologist. Here are some common pregnancy-related skin conditions and dermatology treatments for each.
- Melasma: Melasma is a common skin condition that can develop during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. It causes dark patches to appear on the face, usually on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip. To treat melasma, a dermatologist may recommend topical creams containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, or corticosteroids. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy may also be effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots.
- Acne: Acne is a common skin condition that can worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. To treat acne during pregnancy, a dermatologist may recommend topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. They may also recommend oral antibiotics or other prescription medications, but these options will depend on the severity of the acne and other factors.
- Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP): PUPPP is a common skin condition that can develop during the third trimester of pregnancy. It causes itchy, red, and raised bumps to appear on the skin, usually on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Treatment for PUPPP usually involves topical steroids and antihistamines to relieve itching.
- Papular Eruptions of Pregnancy: Papular Eruptions of Pregnancy (PEP) is another skin condition that can develop during pregnancy. It causes itchy red bumps to appear on the skin, usually on the abdomen, arms, and legs. To treat PEP, a dermatologist may recommend topical steroids, oral antihistamines, or UV light therapy.
- Pemphigoid Gestationis: Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG) is a rare autoimmune disorder that can develop during pregnancy. It causes itchy, blistering lesions to appear on the skin, usually starting around the belly button and spreading to other areas of the body. Treatment for PG usually involves topical and/or oral steroids to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
- Intrahepatic Cholestasis: Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy. It causes intense itching, usually on the hands and feet, and can be associated with jaundice. Treatment for ICP usually involves medication to relieve itching and monitoring of liver function. Delivery may also be recommended, as the condition can worsen in the later stages of pregnancy.
If you’re experiencing any of these skin conditions during pregnancy, it’s essential to seek the help of a dermatologist. Dr. Raskin in Bakersfield can help diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment options to keep you and your baby healthy. Call us today!
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it affects millions of people every year. Early detection and treatment are critical to the successful management of this condition. That’s why it’s essential to schedule regular skin cancer checks with a dermatologist.
A skin cancer check is a simple, painless examination of the skin that can identify the early signs of skin cancer. During the exam, your dermatologist will examine your entire body, including your scalp, nails, and the areas between your toes and fingers. They’ll look for any moles, freckles, or other spots on your skin that may be abnormal.
The dermatologist will evaluate the size, shape, color, and texture of each spot on your skin. They may use a dermatoscope, which is a special instrument that illuminates and magnifies the skin, to examine any suspicious areas in more detail. The doctor will also ask you about any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as itching, pain, or bleeding. They’ll also want to know about your medical history and any family history of skin cancer. This information can be important in determining your risk level for skin cancer and can help guide the doctor’s examination.
If the doctor finds a suspicious area, they may recommend a skin biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of skin tissue for further examination under a microscope. There are several types of skin biopsies, including shave biopsies, punch biopsies, and excisional biopsies, and the type recommended will depend on the location and size of the suspicious area. It’s important to remember that early detection is key when it comes to skin cancer, so don’t hesitate to schedule a skin cancer check with Dr. Raskin if you have any concerns or notice any changes in your skin.
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Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly affects children but can occur at any age. The infection can spread easily, especially among children in close contact, such as in schools and daycare centers. If you suspect you or your child has impetigo, it is important to seek medical attention from a dermatologist, like Dr. Raskin in Bakersfield, who can diagnose and treat the condition.
Symptoms of Impetigo
Impetigo appears as red sores or blisters on the face, neck, hands, and other areas of the body. The sores may burst and develop honey-colored crusts, which can be itchy and uncomfortable. Impetigo can also cause swollen lymph nodes, especially in the affected area. In severe cases, impetigo can cause fever and chills.
Treatment of Impetigo
The most common treatment for impetigo is a course of antibiotics, either applied topically or taken orally. The type of antibiotic prescribed will depend on the severity of the infection and other factors. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms improve or disappear, to prevent the infection from returning.
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, it is important to take measures to prevent the spread of impetigo. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep the affected areas clean: Clean the affected areas with soap and water regularly. This can help to remove the crusts and prevent the bacteria from spreading.
- Avoid touching the affected areas: Try to avoid touching the affected areas as much as possible. If you do touch them, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Cover the affected areas: Cover the affected areas with a clean, dry bandage or gauze to prevent the spread of the bacteria to other parts of your body or to other people.
- Don’t share personal items: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, or bedding with others, as this can spread the bacteria.
- Practice good hygiene: Good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands regularly, can help prevent the spread of impetigo and other infections.
If you suspect that you or someone in your family has impetigo, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dr. Raskin and the medical staff at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care in Bakersfield can help diagnose and treat impetigo, as well as provide guidance on how to prevent its spread. With prompt and effective treatment, most cases of impetigo can be resolved within a few weeks. Call us for an appointment today!
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face, especially on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Rosacea can also cause papules, pustules, and thickened skin on the nose known as rhinophyma. It’s more common in fair-skinned individuals and women over 30, but it can affect anyone at any age.
Dr. Raskin in Bakersfield is a board-certified dermatologist who offers comprehensive care for rosacea. He and his team can help you identify the triggers that worsen your symptoms and customize a treatment plan to suit your needs. There is no cure for rosacea, but with the right approach, it’s possible to control the symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
The first step in treating rosacea is to avoid the triggers that exacerbate the condition. Some common triggers include sun exposure, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress. It’s important to use gentle skincare products that don’t irritate the skin and avoid harsh exfoliants and abrasive scrubs. A good skincare routine for rosacea should include a mild cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
If lifestyle changes and skincare alone are not enough, prescription medications may be necessary. The most common medications for rosacea include:
Topical antibiotics: These reduce inflammation and kill bacteria on the skin. Common examples include metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin.
Topical retinoids: These improve skin texture and reduce redness by regulating cell turnover. Tretinoin and adapalene are two retinoids commonly used to treat rosacea.
Oral antibiotics: These are prescribed in more severe cases of rosacea to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria from the inside out. Tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline are commonly prescribed antibiotics for rosacea.
Laser therapy: These treatments target visible blood vessels and redness, and can improve skin texture and tone. Dr. Raskin offers several types of laser treatments for rosacea, including pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light therapy.
Living with rosacea can be frustrating, but with proper care and treatment, it’s possible to keep the symptoms under control. Don’t let rosacea rule your life – schedule an appointment with Dr. Raskin today to get the expert care you deserve.
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or grayish patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It affects women more frequently than men, especially those with darker skin tones. Melasma is usually caused by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy. However, sun exposure, genetics, and certain medications can also trigger melasma.
If you are experiencing melasma, don’t worry, you are not alone. Dr. Bernard Raskin at Advanced Dermatology can help you manage and treat this condition. With a combination of treatments, he can help to reduce the appearance of melasma and restore your skin’s natural beauty.
The first step in treating melasma is to protect your skin from the sun. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be applied every day, and you should also wear a hat and sunglasses when outside. If you are taking hormone therapy, you may want to talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication to help prevent melasma.
Topical medications can also be used to treat melasma. Some of the most common topical medications include:
Hydroquinone – this bleaching agent helps to lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of melasma.
Retinoids – these vitamin A derivatives help to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of melasma.
Corticosteroids – these anti-inflammatory agents help to reduce inflammation and redness associated with melasma.
In addition to these topical treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion can also be used to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of melasma. Laser treatments may also be effective in treating melasma, although they are typically reserved for more severe cases.
If you are suffering from melasma, don’t hesitate to seek help from a Bakersfield dermatologist like Dr. Raskin. He can help to determine the underlying cause of your melasma and create a personalized treatment plan that works for you. With proper treatment and care, you can restore your skin’s natural beauty and feel confident in your appearance.
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If you’re looking for an effective and safe way to transform your skin to a smoother, healthier, younger looking appearance, then Fraxel DUAL laser resurfacing may be the answer. This innovative method targets the surface and deep skin layers to rejuvenate your face and other areas. The light energy used by Fraxel stimulates the skin’s natural collagen and skin cells to smooth out wrinkles and scars that have developed over time. Trained specialists like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield know how to properly use laser skin resurfacing techniques to provide great results.
Candidates
If your skin appears older than you’d like it to, chances are sun exposure, stress, the environment, genetics, and aging have taken their toll. Some of the skin issues that Fraxel laser skin resurfacing can help correct include wrinkles, fine lines, acne or surgical scars, age spots, sun damage, pigmentation, or pre-cancerous skin spots.
Process
One of the most advanced cosmetic dermatology treatments available, Fraxel can achieve results in only 15-45 minutes over one to five treatment sessions. A hand-held device scans the skin for utmost safety and consistency. It sends fractional lasers to penetrate the skin’s top layer and stimulate collagen underneath. Fraxel treatment is precise and leaves surrounding tissue unharmed. Only the targeted areas are impacted, allowing skin to rejuvenate as fresh new cells emerge.
Side effects
Laser skin resurfacing can produce a mild burning sensation and the feeling similar to a sunburn after treatment. Potential side effects may include redness, swelling, blistering, scarring, infection or hyperpigmentation. Discomfort usually subsides within a few days and makeup can be applied to the treated area as needed. drBernardRaskin can help determine the potential risks for your personal case.
Benefits
Fraxel typically delivers great long-lasting results with fast recovery times. The results are effective and focused on problem areas, providing a visible difference to your skin. It is non-invasive and works with most patients, lifestyles and goals. Patients can return to their normal routines almost immediately. Laser skin resurfacing is an ideal solution for real skin improvements without the hassles or recovery times of plastic surgery. Ideal results from Fraxel treatment are typically apparent in 2-3 months, with improvements potentially happening for up to a year. Each laser skin resurfacing treatment improves the skin quality by providing better tone, texture, softening, lightening where desired, and fading of scars.
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Laying at the beach may be a fun way to spend the day, but extended exposures to the sun can bring with it some damaging effects. Long after a sunburn has disappeared, its lasting consequences may stick with you.
What is sun damage?
When your skin is exposed to the sun for too long, the ultraviolet rays may cause serious damage to your skin. The cells, collagen, and elastin under your skin’s surface may be harmed. This can result in a variety of skin problems and even dangerous conditions like skin cancer. Some of the lasting effects of sun damage are redness, wrinkles, age spots, freckles, or blotchy skin.
How can I prevent it?
There are some smart ways to help prevent sun damage from occurring in the first place. Sunscreen is the most effective solution if you plan on being in the sun. Use sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours. Try to avoid the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the ultraviolet rays are at their strongest. Also consider wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when you are outside.
Is it too late?
If you have already received sun damage, the reality is that the damage has been done and is often hard to reverse. There is hope though by properly caring for your skin and learning about ways to help it recover and become healthier. Consulting a qualified dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield is a great step in the path toward treating sun damage. Some ways to combat sun damage include:
- Retinoids and retinol: these products can improve the skin’s collagen production, reduce skin irregularities, and limit the effects of aging.
- Niacinamide: this form of vitamin B3 helps reduce redness and wrinkles, improve skin discoloration, and improve skin elasticity. Applying B3 in a moisturizer or serum can be a helpful part of your daily skincare routine.
- Dermabrasion: this procedure scrapes the top layer of damaged skin away to promote the growth of new, healthier skin underneath it. The results are typically long-lasting and impressive, creating smooth and healthy skin. It should be performed by an experienced professional to help avoid potential side effects such as scarring, skin damage, inflammation, or infection.
- Chemical peels: this involves applying chemical products to the skin with the goal of peeling off the outer layer, most damaged skin. This process can also reduce age spots, fine lines, and dark skin patches.
Each of these treatment methods for sun damage should be approved and monitored by our dermatologists to ensure your safety and overall health. Allergic reactions or other complications are sometimes possible.
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Sunscreen is a proven way to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. When correctly used, it can lower your risk of skin cancer and help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun. Sunscreen works by absorbing and reflecting the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, sunscreen should be consistently used every day. Men, women, and children over six months old are good candidates for sunscreen. It also doesn’t matter if your skin type is naturally fair or dark, it can be damaged by a lifetime of sun exposure. One key is to find a product that you like and are willing to use that also fits the recommended guidelines for safe and effective sunscreen. Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield can suggest quality sunscreen products and guidelines to help protect you from the sun.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
One of the main elements of choosing a sunscreen is its SPF rating, which indicates how long the sunscreen will remain effective on the skin. Experts say that the higher the SPF rating, the more that it can protect your skin. Our dermatologists recommend an SPF rating of at least 30 or more. It is also important to use enough sunscreen so that your skin is adequately covered to provide protection. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while out in the sun.
Broad spectrum
Broad spectrum sunscreen means that it protects your skin against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays are longer or weaker than UVB rays, which are medium or stronger rays. Sunscreens labeled to protect against both provide a good range of protection.
Water resistant
It is important to remember that sunscreen can wash off in water or with sweat. That’s why you may want to choose a product that is labeled Water-Resistant, which maintains the listed SPF rating for 40 minutes of activity. Sunscreens labeled Very Water-Resistant offer protection up to 80 minutes.
Allergic reactions
Some people develop rashes or other allergic reactions to sunscreen. If this occurs, try a different brand or type of sunscreen. Often the ingredient which people react to in sunscreen are PABA-based chemicals, so look for brands without PABA if needed. Also, sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide cause few allergic reactions. If you continue to have trouble finding a safe and effective type of sunscreen, consult our dermatologists for help.
Dermal fillers are a popular way to rejuvenate your appearance without taking the plunge into plastic surgery. These gel-like substances are injected into the skin to add volume to the face into problem areas like thin lips, facial creases or wrinkles, shallow contours, or recessed scars.
Why would I need dermal fillers?
Facial skin loses subcutaneous fat during the aging process, which often creates lines and wrinkles. This also happens through the normal use of facial muscles during your daily life. Sun exposure, lifestyle and genetics may also impact the appearance of your face as you age.
Are there different kinds?
There are various kinds of dermal fillers and they vary based on target areas, chemical makeup, and longevity of the filler. They are broken into categories by contents, density, texture, and injection depth. All dermal fillers are temporary and need to be repeated to achieve long-lasting benefits.
What are some popular types of dermal fillers?
One of the most popular varieties of dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid. This substance occurs naturally in your skin to create hydration and plumpness. These are the most temporary fillers with typical results from 6-12 months and are often recommended for first-time patients. Some common brands of these fillers are Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, Belotero Balance, and more. A different type of popular filler is available in a brand called Radiesse. It contains calcium hydroxylapatite which is naturally found in your bones. Effective for about 12 months, these fillers contain calcium particles mixed with a smooth gel and the goal is to stimulate collagen production.
What is treatment like?
Non-surgical dermal filler injections are performed during an office visit with an experienced professional like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield. After a consultation to discuss your goals and questions, the area will be cleaned and possibly given a topical anesthetic for numbing. Many dermal fillers also contain lidocaine to help alleviate discomfort during treatment. An accurate amount of filler will be injected under the skin in a precise area. Results may be visible immediately depending on the treatment location and you can resume normal activities other than strenuous exercise right away. Mild bruising or swelling sometimes occurs but subsides within days.
Are dermal fillers safe?
Make sure you are receiving FDA-approved fillers from a reputable licensed physician. Significant complications from these injections are rare but might include swelling, bruising, redness, numbness, over-filled appearance, lumps or sensitivity. Icing or massaging can relieve side effects. To maintain ideal results, repeat treatments are recommended along with adjustments to the amount of filler and techniques used.
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Acne can develop at practically any age and is the most common skin condition in the United States. The oily matter in your skin and hair called sebum, along with dead skin, can block pores and hair follicles and cause acne. Bacteria in the area can lead to inflammation, redness and infection. Whiteheads, pimples, blackheads, nodules and cysts are some of the telltale signs of acne.
Dr. Raskin in Bakersfield is an experienced dermatologist who offers effective treatments for the various ways in which acne develops. He and his team can help control acne, avoid skin damage, and make scars less visible over time. Combination treatments are often the way to go in attacking acne and giving you great results.
The first line of defense for most acne patients is over-the-counter treatments. These may be in the form of cleansers, towelettes, gels or lotions, sunscreen and more. If these are not effective, prescription medications may be the way to go. These limit oil production, reduce swelling, and treat infection. Results may take several weeks up to a few months, and it can even take years for acne to clear up completely. Age, gender, and acne severity all play a role in the type of treatment. As with any medical treatment, Dr. Raskin will discuss benefits and risks with you and help come up with the best plan.
Some of the most common prescription medications for acne include:
- Antibiotics in topical or oral options
- Retinoid gels, creams and lotions
- Salicylic acid in wash-off or leave-on products
- Oral contraceptives
Therapies are another treatment method for acne, either alone or combined with medication. Some of these are:
- Chemical peels
- Light therapy
- Steroid injection
- Drainage and extraction
- Microdermabrasion
Acne can be an embarrassing and frustrating condition at any age. Instead of suffering with the condition, get the help you need to eliminate acne as soon as possible.
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