Conejo Dermatology

Nail Disorders

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About Nail Disorders

What are they?

Most nail disorders are characterized as fungal infections, also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium, and both toenails and fingernails are vulnerable. About 1 in 10 Americans are affected, and you’re at a higher risk of developing these infections the older you are. Symptoms can vary, but typically include nail pain or soreness, thickened nails, a distorted appearance, nail darkening, yellowish streaks, separation of nails from the nail bed, brittleness, or even foul smells.

What causes them?

Several different fungi can lead to a nail disorder, as the pathogens enter the skin through very tiny openings between the nail and nail bed. If the surrounding area is warm, moist, and unventilated, the fungi propagate quickly. Other contributing factors for nail disorders include family history, walking barefoot in public areas, or profuse sweating. Even poor health can contribute to the development of these conditions, as diabetes and poor circulation are known triggers.

Common treatments

If you suspect you have a nail disorder or infection, be sure to see a professional dermatologist, as he or she can perform a nail scrape for quick results. A dermatologist can also help differentiate between nail disorders and other conditions with similar symptoms (like yellow nail syndrome). There are multiple treatments for nail disorders, including over-the-counter (OTC) oral anti-fungal medications and topical OTC anti-fungal medications are also available. An effective solution offered by our dermatologists is laser nail treatment, which treats the infection or disorder completely and almost painlessly. In other, more extreme cases, complete removal of the nail may be necessary.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize that nail disorders can be unpleasant and sometimes even painful, which is why we’re here to ease your concerns about how to address this particular issue. Our trained, experienced dermatologic specialists offer treatment options that can be customized the way you want, and you will always have a say in any treatment you receive. We’ll be by your side throughout your journey, from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare, to ensure that you’re receiving the best dermatology care possible.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact an office today if you notice symptoms of a nail disorder that you believe needs attention, and we’ll help you manage it in a way that suits you best.

Melasma

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About Melasma

What is it?

Melasma is the development of gray or brown patches on the skin, usually in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. Although this includes your arms and neck, it is more common on the face, especially the cheeks, chin, forehead, bridge of the nose, and under the eyes. Melasma usually develops symmetrically, meaning that the blotches of discoloration are even on either side of the face. As the condition commonly develops during pregnancy, it’s often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. Additionally, it’s estimated that as much as 90 percent of all melasma cases occur in women.

What causes it?

Researchers and dermatologists have varying ideas about the causes of melasma, but there is no clear consensus. However, there are risk factors that could make you more susceptible to these conditions, some of which include the following: sun (UV) exposure, genetics, hormones (e.g., such as during pregnancy), stress, irregular thyroid function, and certain cosmetics and skin care products. Ethnicity is thought to play a major role, as well. If you’re lighter-skinned, you’re less susceptible than individuals with darker skin. If you’re of the following ethnicities, you may be more susceptible to melasma: African/African-American, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, Latin American, or Hispanic.

Common treatments

We have effective treatments tailored to your needs and goals, and you’ll always be a part of the decision-making process. We’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support. When it comes to melasma treatment, there are a variety of effective methods utilized by our expert dermatologists. Some of these treatments include topical creams or ointments, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that patches of skin discoloration, especially a condition called melasma, can be troublesome to both your appearance and self-esteem. As your knowledgeable community skin specialists, we’re here to help you manage this condition. If you suffer from melasma, you can turn to us for support in managing this issue, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support.

Athlete’s Foot

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About Athlete’s Foot

What is it?

Known medically as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is an inflammatory skin condition caused by a fungal infection. It affects both the sole of the foot and the skin between your toes and is not restricted to athletes, as anyone can contract it. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include skin that’s burning, red and inflamed, scaly and raw, itchy and dry, and blistered and cracked. However, it’s possible to have athlete’s foot and have no symptoms at all.

What causes it?

There is no single cause for athlete’s foot, and a variety of risk factors can contribute to the condition, as the fungus thrives in warm, moist, and unventilated areas like damp, sweaty shoes and socks. It can spread directly from contact with someone who has the condition and from contaminated socks and/or clothing. Also, walking barefoot in communal areas where others with athlete’s foot have been is another common way to contract the infection. These areas include gyms, swimming pools, locker rooms, public showers, and nail salons.

Common treatments?

If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, you should see your favorite neighborhood dermatologist for an evaluation. Several treatment options are available to you, such as foot-drying powders, antiperspirants, topical antifungal medications (e.g., ones with miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate), and oral antifungal medications with terbinafine, fluconazole, or itraconazole.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand the painful itching that athlete’s foot causes can be unpleasant. As your neighborhood skin experts, we’re here to ease your concerns by providing answers to your questions s about how to address this skin condition. Our experienced dermatologic specialists offer solutions customized to suit your needs and goals. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you deal with this issue.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have symptoms of athlete’s foot and we’ll develop a treatment plant that suits your unique needs.

Dermal Fillers

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About Dermal Fillers

What are they?

Dermal fillers are substances injected just below the skin to help restore a more youthful appearance. A natural substance like hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in most dermal fillers because it easily synthesizes with your skin and body. Hyaluronic acid binds to the body’s natural moisture reserves for a natural-looking improvement to your appearance.

What to expect

Our practice is happy to provide both the Juvéderm and Restylane line of dermal fillers. The Juvéderm line includes Juvéderm XC (to reduce lines around your nose and mouth), Vollure XC (to minimize deep nasolabial lines), Volbella XC (to improve fine lip lines), and Voluma XC (to enhance and volumize cheeks). Meanwhile, Restylane is used to soften nasolabial folds and lip lines, while Restylane Defyne treats sturdy support deep facial lines and Restylane Refyne treats of moderate facial lines and creases. Regardless of the dermal filler used, the treatment is quick, pain-free, and results in no downtime.

After the procedure

Depending on your specific treatment area, dermal fillers can provide you with the following benefits: diminished frown lines between the eyes, reduced smile lines around the nose and mouth, enhanced shallow lines around the lips, plump lips, volumized cheeks, and a reduction of wrinkles and facial creases. Overall, your skin becomes firmer and more resilient because the fillers help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, important elements in your skin that help you look youthful.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize that the effects of aging can impact your appearance and cause a loss of self-confidence, especially if you look older than you feel. We’re here to provide support and to offer a variety of treatment options to reduce the effects of aging and help rejuvenate your appearance. What distinguishes us from others is our focus on you as a person in customizing your unique treatment plan. Our caring neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and offer compassionate support, and our practitioners have the experience and skill to rejuvenate your appearance the way you want.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us to find out more about how we can tailor dermal fillers to meet your aesthetic goals.

Excessive Perspiration

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About Excessive Perspiration

What is it?

Perspiration is a temperature-regulating mechanism that allows your body to cool, but when it happens excessively and for no reason, it’s called hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by relentless perspiration, typically on the hands and feet as well as under your arms. If left untreated, excessive perspiration can cause painful skin irritation due to the chronic dampness of the skin.

What causes it?

The causes of hyperhidrosis are not fully clear, but it’s believed that genetics plays a role or that it occurs because of an underlying systemic issue. What is certain is that it’s not due to stress; in fact, the condition often causes stress, apprehension, and even anxiety about being in public situations.

Common treatments?

We know it’s not unusual to have excessive perspiration in a nerve-wracking social or professional situation. However, if you suffer from this condition all day every day even when there is no clear cause, it’s possible that you have hyperhidrosis. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to help you treat this condition, regardless of where it’s occurring in your body. Some of these treatments include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis (a device that prevents sweat production), prescription oral medications, Botox (yes, Botox!), and miraDry (a treatment that hinders sweat production).

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have excessive perspiration so that we can help you deal with this often embarrassing condition.

Brown Age Spots (Sunspots)

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About Brown Age Spots (Sunspots)

What is it?

Also known as liver spots or sunspots, brown age spots are not always uniform; they can be tan or black, can differ in size and shape, and usually appear on areas commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. Although normally a cosmetic issue, brown age spots can develop into a medical issue if the spots rapidly enlarge, bleed, or change into unusual colors. If you notice these, please see your neighborhood board-certified dermatologist immediately.

What causes it?

Brown age spots are primarily caused by years of exposure to the UV rays of the sun (or to those of indoor tanning), which is why you may associate them with aging; however, brown spots can develop in younger people, as well. To be more specific, the spots result when the UV rays cause the buildup or clumping together of melanin in a localized area. Although brown spots can develop on any skin color, if you have light skin, you’re more susceptible. This is also the case if you have a history of sunburns or have spent a lot of time in the sun during your life.

Common treatments?

We understand that aging and years of fun in the sun can bring about changes in your skin, particularly brown age spots (or sunspots), which can have an effect on your self-esteem. As your community skin experts, we’re here to offer encouragement, answer questions, and provide solutions regarding this issue. Our skin experts offer a variety of treatments for liver spots, but they are based on your overall health and aesthetic goals. Options include prescription oral medications, prescription-strength creams, laser treatment, IPL therapy, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, and chemical peels.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our skilled dermatologists have the knowledge and experience to provide treatment options tailored to suit your needs and meet your goals. We’ll be with you throughout the process, providing compassionate advice and support. Your healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice brown age spots so that we can help you look your best.

Warts

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About Warts

What are they?

A wart is harmless, though contagious, skin growth that feels rough to the touch and is often characterized by minuscule clotted blood vessels that resemble tiny black dots. Though not a health risk, you may wish to have it removed because of social embarrassment. Warts can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which are the following: common – gray or brown growths with a round top that grow anywhere, particularly on the fingers or toes; plantar – growing into your skin, rather than protruding from it, they are hardened growths on the soles of your feet, making walking difficult and painful; flat – small, flat growths that can be pink, yellow, or brown, and which often develop on the face, arms, or thighs, filiform – small, flesh-colored skin flaps on your nose or around the mouth, chin, or neck; and periungual – painful growths under or around your nails, often inhibiting nail growth.

What causes them?

Warts are caused by HPV, the human papillomavirus. Through a tiny cut or scratch in your skin, this virus will attack skin cells, causing rapid growth that becomes warts. These warts can easily spread via direct skin-to-skin contact, although indirect means are also common, such as touching a towel or clothing that also has touched a wart. They can also spread on your own body once a single one forms.

Common treatments

We offer treatment options tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals., and we’re here to address your concerns and provide support throughout the process. When treating warts, the goal is to destroy the growths themselves or fight off HPV. Either way, our dermatology specialists will work with you to find the best solution for your unique conditions. In many cases, warts simply disappear on their own, though this may take years. For immediate treatment, we offer several effective methods: prescription-strength salicylic, bichloroacetic, or trichloroacetic acids; pulse-dyed lasers; and cryotherapy. Our neighborhood practitioners urge patience when treating warts, as it can take weeks or even months to produce results.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how warts can be a physical nuisance and even affect your self-esteem. As your experienced community skin experts, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us if you have a wart that you want to eliminate so you can have clear, smooth skin once again.

Vitiligo (Skin Pigment Disorders)

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About Vitiligo and Skin Pigment Disorders

What are they?

Vitiligo is the patchy loss of your skin’s natural color. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that determines your skin’s color, is damaged or destroyed. Although vitiligo can negatively impact your self-esteem, it is physically harmless. Vitiligo affects about 2 percent of Americans and develops in people of all skin colors; however, if you have dark skin, the contrast between the dark skin and the lighter areas of color loss is more noticeable. Moreover, this condition is often unpredictable. You may personally experience only small patches of pigment loss, but for others, the condition may be much more widespread. It can be temporary for some and permanent for others. In extreme cases, it can alter a hair or eye color and/or develop inside the mouth.

What causes it?

The exact causes of vitiligo are unknown, but several possibilities are thought to be major contributors. Among these include immune system dysfunction, certain viruses, stress, sunburn, injury, and exposure to certain chemicals. As mentioned, symptoms include the development of white patches of skin, often with reddish-brown boundaries. These white patches can appear on many areas of the body, including the forehead, eye area, lips, mouth, hands, arms, elbows, underarms, knees, feet, neck, and torso.

Common treatments

Treatment for vitiligo varies and depends on the extent of your specific form of vitiligo. Realistic expectations are important and should include reducing the contrast between your normal skin and the lighter areas and improving your self-esteem and confidence. Effective solutions for vitiligo include topical medications, sun avoidance and/or sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), UV-B light therapy, a combination light, and medication therapy, or, in severe cases, skin grafting.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that sudden or unusual changes in your pigmentation, such as with vitiligo, can cause social and emotional distress. As your knowledgeable community skin healthcare providers, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. We” work with you to find the best solution, and you can lean on us for support in managing this condition.

Spider Veins

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About Spider Veins

What are they?

Varicose and spider veins are damaged veins, which develop when tiny, one-way valves inside the veins weaken. In healthy veins, these valves push blood in one direction, back to our heart. When these valves weaken, some blood flows backward and accumulates in the vein. Extra blood in the vein puts pressure on the walls of the vein, with continual pressure, the vein walls can weaken and possibly bulge. Over time, a varicose or spider vein can start to be visible on the skin.
Some people are genetically disposed to develop these veins. If someone in your family has visible veins, you have a higher risk of also developing these. Many people get them because they sit or stand for long periods most days of the week. These veins also become more common with age and can occur during pregnancy. Spider veins can also be caused by sunlight, hormonal changes, or an injury.

What causes them?

Varicose and spider veins are enlarged veins that often twist and can bulge above the surface of the skin. They may be blue, red, or flesh-colored. Spider veins often look like webs. There are several ways that you may develop veins that are visible on the top layer of your skin. Genetics can play a part, if your family has a tendency to develop visible spider veins, then you might also get these. Another is due to work environments, if you tend to stand or sit too much you can possibly develop these over time. There are many reasons why our bodies react or develop things, regardless, the good news is that they are treatable.

Common treatments

The good news is there are a lot of ways that spider veins can be treated. The first step is seeing your dermatologist to decide if leg vein treatment is safe for you. During your exam, your doctor will look closely at your leg veins and ask about your medical history. Non-invasive tests that look at the veins in your legs may also be necessary, which will also help with determining how your circulation is.
After reviewing all of the information, your dermatologist can tell you if vein treatment is right for you and which treatment would be most effective. Sometimes, more than one type of treatment will be recommended to give you the best results and reduce side effects.
Trust your demonologist to come up with the best treatment plan for the health of your skin, and also your body. Recommendations for treatment could be simple, like wearing compression bandages or a support hose. Treatments that might be recommended are Sclerotherapy which is a safe treatment for spider veins and causes minimal discomfort. A concentrated salt (saline) or specially developed chemical solution is injected with a very small needle into the spider vein. This pickles the inside of the vein so it closes up and later collapses and becomes scar tissue that eventually is absorbed by the body. This treatment usually requires multiple sessions. Lasers have been used successfully as well, and are a good solution for veins on your face. These are just a few of the options your doctor might talk to you about. Our goal is to help you be the best version of yourself so call an office today and make an appointment.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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About Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is it?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in skin cell DNA, which then spreads to surrounding cells. SCC occurs in the squamous layer found at the top of the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis). Symptoms of SCC typically include a scaly, firm reddish nodule on the skin or a flat, crusty skin lesion. It usually develops where the skin is frequently exposed to the sun, particularly the face, ears, hands, neck, and scalp.

What causes it?

If you have fair skin and/or spend a lot of time in the sun, the risk of developing SCC greatly increases, although there are other common risk factors as well. Some of these additional risk factors include living in sunny climates or high-altitude locales, having a family history of skin cancer, and having a history of frequent sunburns. Though less common than basal cell carcinoma and rarely life-threatening, SCC should not be dismissed. We urge you to contact your neighborhood skin healthcare provider if and when you notice unusual skin lesions, discolorations, bumps, and other abnormalities.

Common treatments

We know how apprehensive squamous cell carcinoma can make you. As your community skin cancer experts, we realize it can even be traumatic emotionally and physically, which is why we’re here with comprehensive advice and solutions to overcome this condition. Our skin cancer experts have the knowledge and experience to address squamous cell carcinoma. We urge you to undergo regular skin cancer screenings, especially if the above risk factors apply to you. If it is determined that you have squamous cell carcinoma, we offer an assortment of treatment options, including topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), excision surgery, electrodesiccation with curettage, photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and cryotherapy.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

What distinguishes our skincare from others is our attention to you as a person. Our expert practitioners are here to alleviate your concerns and provide compassionate support. With your input, we will find the solution that best addresses your condition.