Seborrheic Keratosis
About Seborrheic Keratosis
What is it?
Also known as seborrheic verruca, most people will develop at least one seborrheic keratosis during a lifetime. Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin growth. It may seem worrisome because it can look like a wart, pre-cancerous skin growth (actinic keratosis), or skin cancer. Despite their appearance, they are harmless, benign, and don’t become cancerous. They are characterized as brown, black or yellow growths that grow singly or in groups and are flat or slightly elevated. Often they are mistaken for warts and generally no treatment is required unless the growth becomes irritated. However, because it looks similar in appearance to precancerous growths, your dermatologist might biopsy the tissue to confirm the diagnosis.
What causes it?
People who are prone to develop these harmless growths tend to have fair skin, and they can also be hereditary, so check with family members if you are worried. These growths also develop in people with medium to dark skin and tend to be smaller and around the eye area. If you are pregnant or had estrogen replacement therapy, people have been known to develop these. Most people develop seborrheic keratoses later in life. People who have had a lot of sun exposure tend to develop more of these. These are not contagious, and if you are getting more of them, it’s usually due to age.
Common treatments
Trust your dermatologist to tell if your skin growth is a seborrheic keratosis or skin cancer. If there is any question we will remove the growth and do a biopsy. Most seborrheic keratoses are harmless like skin tags, and might not need treatment. Talk with your dermatologist if you have any concerns, or if they are getting irritated from rubbing or clothing. A common way of treating these is with cryotherapy, your dermatologist will apply liquid nitrogen to the growth, and will tend to fall off in a few days. There are other ways as well, and depending on your skin type your dermatologist will recommend the best solution for you. After removal, it usually does not return. 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. Call an office today and make an appointment if you are concerned you have seborrheic keratosis.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
What is it?
What causes it?
Common treatments
Skin Tags
About Skin Tags
What are they?
What causes them?
Most skin tags don’t cause symptoms unless they are repeatedly irritated by rubbing against jewelry, clothing, or other items. The tags are harmless, but they won’t go away without treatment. A reason for treatment may include irritation or if you don’t like the way the skin tag looks. Friction can also play a role in the development of skin tags. Frequently, they develop on the neck, underarms, and eyelids, as well as within body folds, such as under the breasts or in the groin area. In some cases, skin tags seem to be associated with obesity, and genetic factors also appear to play a role. Unfortunately, there’s no way to minimize the risk of developing skin tags.
Common treatments
If you have skin tags that are irritated, or you just don’t like where they have developed, we are here to help. Skin tags can be removed in several ways, they can be cut off with scissors or excision, but minor bleeding could occur. Freezing or burning, the skin tag may require a short time to fall off, and these procedures have a risk of skin discoloration, darkening, or lightening, following the procedure. Sometimes, repeat treatments are necessary if the tag doesn’t fall off or it grows back, or if new tags grow in other areas. If you are concerned about your skin tags ask your dermatologist about how to treat your skin. Our goal is that you look your best, so make an appointment today if you have skin tags and want to remove them.
Pityriasis Rosea
About Pityriasis Rosea
What is it?
What causes it?
Common treatments
Poison Ivy
About Poison Ivy
What is it?
Poison ivy is a common plant from the Toxicodendron species of plants. If you’ve ever had poison ivy, you know the symptoms, which can include continuous itching, skin irritation, and redness and inflammation. Most people know they shouldn’t scratch the rash, but the incessant itching makes it difficult to stop. Although scratching doesn’t cause the rash to spread, it can prolong the symptoms, and delay healing. and even cause a secondary infection.
What causes it?
Coming into contact with poison ivy – as well as its relatives poison oak or poison sumac – results is a common rash called Toxicodendron dermatitis, which is caused by an oil in the plant. Even though the rash itself isn’t contagious, you can get poison ivy from touching anything else that has touched the plant, such as a toy, pet, or clothing.
Common treatments
Over-the-counter medications are usually enough to contain and relieve the itching and irritation caused by poison ivy, including calamine lotion, antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl), cool showers, a baking soda/water mixture for the skin, or OTC topical corticosteroids. Poison ivy symptoms usually run their course in about 2-3 weeks. although we recommend seeing a dermatologist before then. However, if the rash is located near your mouth, throat, eyes, or groin, we suggest seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible, as you may need a prescription oral corticosteroid or even an injection.
Providers
Our approach & expertise
We understand how uncomfortable poison ivy can be, as the incessant itching can make it hard to concentrate on anything else. As your neighborhood skin experts, our staff of dermatologic specialists has the experience and knowledge to help you deal with this troublesome condition. Contact an office today if you notice symptoms of poison ivy so that we can help you manage this troublesome condition.
Rashes
About Rashes
What are they?
The term “rash” covers a wide range of skin conditions, usually referring to changes in the skin that manifest as bumps, blisters, or red patches. Most of these are harmless, but they can be indications of other skin problems or health issues. Common types of rashes include chronic skin problems, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and viral infections.
What causes them?
There are many reasons why you could develop a rash, and some of the most common factors include the following: stress, allergies, genetics, food or drink, various infections, certain medications, insect bites or stings, and sun or heat exposure. If you have a rash that does not disappear after 1-2 weeks, be sure to schedule an appointment to discuss your condition, receive a proper diagnosis, and learn more about your available treatment options.
Common treatments
Skin rash treatments vary widely depending on the type, causes, and symptoms. The skin rash experts at West Dermatology have the knowledge and experience needed to examine you visually and determine exactly the type of rash you have. Once your rash have been identified, we’ll determine a proper treatment for your particular rash. Rash treatments offered at our center include moisturizing lotions and/or creams, topical anti-itch medications, oral antihistamines, topical anti-fungal medications, and light therapy.
Providers
Our approach & expertise
Skin rashes can be troublesome, as they not only itch but can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your neighborhood skin expert, West Dermatology has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you manage this condition. Contact an office today if you notice a rash that isn’t being controlled easily so that we can address your particular skin issue
Rosacea
About Rosacea
What is it?
Rosacea is characterized by persistent skin redness, the prominence of blood vessels, blotchiness, and reddish bumps or pimples on the face; it’s as if you have the inclination to blush or flush quickly and without reason. In particular, it commonly develops in the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, ears, and neck.
What causes it?
The exact causes of rosacea are unknown, although genetics, problem blood vessels, and irregular immune system function are thought to contribute. There are, however, known common triggers that you should avoid, such as sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, and hot liquids.
Common treatments
There is no outright “cure” for rosacea and it is often unpredictable; even if you avoid triggers and follow a treatment plan that eliminates the symptoms, it can return without warning. However, the skin experts at our dermatology practice can help you manage the condition by minimizing symptoms as much as possible. For milder cases, topical medications can reduce redness while oral medications can shrink bumps and pimples. For more severe symptoms, laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy is effective for improving blood vessels and/or reducing blushing and flushing.
Providers
Our approach & expertise
Lichen Planus
About Lichen Planus
What is it?
What causes it?
Common treatments
A dermatologist often can tell whether you have lichen planus by looking at your skin, nails, and mouth. To make sure that you have lichen planus, your dermatologist may do a skin biopsy. There are many different ways to treat this, and your doctor will walk you through what these are, based on your diagnosis. Options can be as simple as taking an antihistamine, a topical ointment, or prednisone in pill form. All treatments depend on your diagnosis, so schedule an appointment today if you are concerned that you have lichen planus.
Lupus
About Lupus
What is it?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can last weeks, months, or even years. It affects not only your skin but also your joints and organs – and frequently all three at the same time. There are two common types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can affect your joints, organs, and skin, and discoid lupus, which is characterized by skin rash flare-ups on your face, neck, and scalp. The signs and symptoms of lupus are unpredictable and vary from person to person, but they commonly include recurring fevers, debilitating fatigue, skin rashes (particularly spreading across your nose and cheeks as well as under the eyes, known as “butterfly rash”), hair loss, skin lesions, swollen joints, thyroid issues, and heartburn, acid indigestion, and other GI tract issues.
What causes it?
Although the exact cause of lupus is not clear, there is strong evidence that hormones and genetics play a major role in the development of this condition. Environmental factors are also believed to contribute, including, viruses, stress, fatigue, UV rays, smoking, injury, antibiotics, and dust and dirt.
Common treatments
There is no known cure for lupus, therefore our goal is to manage your condition by preventing flare-ups, reducing pain and swelling, and mitigating the potential damage to your organs, joints, and other areas that can be affected by this condition. Our dermatologists and staff work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that could include corticosteroids as well as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medications. You can rely on us to be an integral part of your support in managing this disorder.
Providers
Our approach & expertise
We know that lupus can have a significant impact on you, both physically and emotionally. As your community skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and answer questions you may have about this potentially dangerous condition. We have skilled dermatologic experts with the knowledge and experience to advise you of treatment options that can be tailored to meet your needs. We’ll also be by your side to address your concerns as well as provide advice and support. Get in touch with us today if you notice symptoms of lupus so that we can help you manage this unpredictable condition.