Conejo Dermatology

Melanoma

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About Melanoma

What is it?

The most common type of cancer in the country is skin cancer, and melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In general, melanoma and other skin cancers – squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – form due to negative mutations of skin cell DNA in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The spread of these mutations to adjacent cells, particularly when uncontrolled and rapid, raises the risk of malignancy. Melanoma develops when mutations occur in melanocyte cells, which are skin cells located in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Melanomas frequently form in areas that don’t get much sun exposure and often start out as a mole, a large brown spot, or an irregular lesion.

What causes it?

Melanoma can occur regardless of your ethnicity, race, skin type, or skin color. The damage accumulation from years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the biggest cause of melanoma. Other causes include a compromised immune system or exposure to toxins, radiation, and other harmful substances Additionally, there are several risk factors associated with melanoma. These risk factors include the following: family history of skin cancer, fair skin, numerous sunburns through the years, sunny climates, locations at high altitude, moles, and precancerous lesions (e.g., actinic keratosis).

Common treatments

If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma, the following treatment options are very effective: topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), Mohs micrographic surgery, surgical excision procedure, photodynamic therapy (PDT), cryotherapy, and electrodesiccation and curettage. Not all of these options are available at all offices. Please call to check.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how a diagnosis of melanoma can impact your life. That’s why, as your local skin experts, we’re here with the knowledge and training to help you overcome this disease. We offer solutions tailored to suit your health needs and goals, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis and prognosis to compassionate aftercare support. If you have melanoma symptoms or are regularly exposed to risk factors, you should schedule a screening with our knowledgeable skin cancer experts. Our neighborhood staff offers compassionate support while working to find the best solution for you.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about melanoma and the treatment options we provide for this condition.

Molluscum Contagiosum

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About Molluscum Contagiosum

What is it?

The condition spreads through contact with an infected person or a contaminated object. Though painless, the small bumps might itch. Scratched bumps can spread the infection to the surrounding skin. The bumps usually disappear on their own. In rare cases, the bumps can be removed using medications or other procedures.

What causes it?

This is a very common ailment for children, and from a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is a skin infection.
People catch molluscum contagiosum when they get the virus on their skin. Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has molluscum, touching an object that someone who has molluscum touched. Or, sharing a personal item, such as clothing or a towel.
Anyone can get molluscum contagiosum, some people are more likely to catch it. Children who are 1 to 10 years old are more prone to get this skin infection because they have the most skin-to-skin contact. They seem especially vulnerable if they have eczema. The extremely dry, cracked skin of eczema may make it easier for the virus to infect the skin. Athletes who share equipment, or have skin-to-skin contact. People with compromised immune systems can be more vulnerable to catching this, as well as those who are sexually active.

Common treatments

Several treatment options are available, it’s important to know that there is no one best treatment for molluscum. One of our highly trained dermatologists will choose a treatment based on many considerations, such as overall health, the number of molluscum bumps, and where the bumps appear. No matter which treatment is used, it takes time.
A common treatment is cantharidin (beetle juice). Made from blister beetles, it has been used this to treat warts and molluscum since the 1950s. Your dermatologist will apply it to each bump in such a way that a water blister forms. You should see a blister on each treated bump within 24 to 48 hours. As the skin heals, the bumps clear. This usually occurs within 2 weeks. To be effective, most patients need more than one treatment. This is a safe and effective treatment and is topical.
Other treatments are cryotherapy, an extremely cold substance to each molluscum bump. You will need to return for treatment until the bumps clear. Another is curettage which can be used, this is a simple and effective treatment that causes little or no bleeding. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) may be a treatment option for someone who has many molluscum bumps. It’s also recommended for patients with difficult-to-treat molluscum, such as people with AIDS.
Trust your doctor to advise you on the most effective way to treat your skin, the health of your skin is very important to us.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how molluscum contagiosum can be a physical nuisance, itchy, 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 for an appointment today if you suspect you have molluscum contagiosum.

Lentigo (Age Spots)

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About Lentigo (Age Spots)

What is it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body. It can be found on any part of your body and is most often caused by sun damage or exposure to radiation. There are numerous types of lentigo, but the most common type is called lentigo simplex.
Lentigo maligna is a type of growth that develops in areas of long-term sun exposure, such as your face, arms, or legs. Lentigo starts as a brown flat spot with an irregular shape that slowly gets bigger. Eventually, the spot may develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins in the top layer of skin and then invades the underlying skin layer. See your doctor if you notice:
  • A new skin growth
  • A change in an existing mole
  • Any skin changes that seem unusual

What causes it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body.
Ultraviolet radiation breaks down the connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers — that lies in the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). Without the supportive connective tissue, the skin loses its elastic quality. This condition, known as solar elastosis (e-las-TOE-sis), is characterized by yellowed, thickened skin with deep wrinkles that don’t disappear with stretching.

Common treatments

Lentigo doesn’t usually cause pain or itchiness. The spots are also non-cancerous, but they can resemble other types of spots that can be cancerous. It’s a good idea to get them checked out by a dermatologist. Common treatments are listed below and offered at most of our clinics, just ask.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel is used to removed damaged skin cells on your hands, face, or neck. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to your lentigo. The chemicals exfoliate your skin spot to uncover healthy skin underneath.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a method of freezing your skin spot with liquid nitrogen. It’s used for abnormal skin spots that are non-cancerous or precancerous. The treatment takes up to 10 days to heal from and usually doesn’t leave a scar.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy involves using beams of light to remove your lentigo skin spot. Laster therapy allows for a more precise removal than with traditional surgery. Many people who undergo laser surgery also have quicker recovery times.

Keratosis Pilaris

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About Keratosis Pilaris

What is it?

Keratosis pilaris, sometimes called “chicken skin,” is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough-feeling bumps to appear on the skin. Also known as follicular keratosis, this is a hereditary skin disorder that causes goosebump-like lesions on the back of the arms, thighs, or buttocks. The patches of bumps tend to get dry and itchy, particularly during the winter months. Keratosis pilaris occurs at any age. Because it is hereditary, there is no method of prevention. In some cases, it goes away on its own over time; in other cases, the condition is chronic.
Keratosis pilaris is caused by a build-up of keratin, a protein in the skin that protects it from infection. Keratin plugs up hair follicles causing the rough, bumpy rash.
If the itch, dryness, or the appearance of your skin bothers you, treatment can help. A dermatologist can create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Common treatments

Treatment options include prescriptions for:
  • Medicated creams or lotions with 12 percent ammonium lactate soften the affected skin.
  • Moisturizers (urea) help loosen and remove dead skin cells.
  • Topical corticosteroids for short-term, temporary relief of symptoms.
  • Topical retinoids increase cell turnover, which reduces the plugging of hair follicles.
To help alleviate symptoms, be sure to keep the affected area moistened at all times and avoid harsh soaps.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how keratosis pilaris can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. Our knowledgeable dermatologic experts work with you to minimize the effects of this condition and offer solutions that can be customized just for you. We’ll also address all of your concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to find out how we can address your condition to improve both your skin and self-esteem.

Keloid (Scars)

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About Keloids (Scars)

What are they?

A keloid scar is a thick raised scar. It can occur after a skin injury, bug bite, surgery, or from other forms of trauma to your skin. It is known to form on earlobes, shoulders, cheeks or the chest. If prone to developing keloid scars, know that you can get them in more than one place. The good news is that these are treatable, and your provider will be able to help you come up with a treatment plan.

What causes them?

Keloids are a type of scarring that happens when your skin experiences some sort of trauma and begins to heal.
Collagen, which is a protein found throughout the body and useful to wound healing, can produce too much and keloids can form. This might be triggered by any sort of skin injury, insect bite, acne, injection, body piercing, burns, and even minor scratches and bumps.

Common treatments

Keloid scars are scar tissue and can be treated in many ways, trust one of our highly trained providers to evaluate and suggest the best remedy to treat your keloid scar. Some approaches for successful flattening or removal of keloids can be a laser, surgical or freezing.
For keloids that are just showing up, you can try compression dressings that are stretchy fabric or similar materials. This method is also used after surgery to remove keloids, the goal is to reduce or prevent a scar by putting pressure on the wound as it heals. For smaller keloids, treatment with cortisone or other steroids can be used. Another way to reduce or remove them is by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, repeat treatments might be needed. Laser treatments can be useful in easing itchiness and can help keloids to fade. If your keloid hasn’t responded to other therapies, your provider might recommend removing it with surgery in combination with other methods. Keloids can grow back, or you may develop new ones.
Ask what solution is best for you and always check with your provider before treating on your own. We want your skin to look its best, which is why Healthy Skin is Our Passion.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize the impact that keloid scars can have on both appearance and self-esteem. As your neighborhood skin experts, we’re here with answers to all your questions about this condition. What sets us apart from others is our focus on you as a person. Our warm, compassionate practitioners are ready to address your concerns and be an essential part of your support. Together with you, we find the best solution to address your concerns.
Contact us to know more about keloid scarring and how we can help manage this condition to improve your confidence in your appearance, and you can see why Healthy skin is our passion.

Impetigo

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About Impetigo

What is it?

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It develops when the bacteria, usually staph or strep, invade injured skin. A scrape on your skin is often enough to get infected. The bacteria may also get in through a cut, insect bite, or anything else that damages the skin. Once inside, the bacteria cause an infection in the top layers of the skin. Sometimes, the bacteria invade uninjured skin and cause impetigo.
What you see and feel differs with the type of impetigo.
There are several types of Impetigo, non-bullous, bulls, and ecthyma. Non-bullous is the most common type. It starts with one or more sores, which are often itchy, the sores quickly burst, and the skin can be red or raw where the sores have broken open. Your glands near the sores may feel swollen and crusts, usually honey-colored, form. The skin heals without scarring unless scratching cuts deep into the skin
The infection can spread to other areas of the body, where you’ll see this process begin all over again. This is one reason treatment is so important.
Bullous impetigo causes fluid-filled blisters, but without redness on the surrounding skin. When a person has bullous impetigo, you’ll see it progress as blisters that contain a cloudy or yellow fluid. The blisters become limp and transparent and then break open. A crusty sore can form where the blisters have broken open.
Ecthyma can develop when impetigo goes untreated because it goes deeper into the skin.
The difference is the blisters are painful and can turn into open sores that are deep. Thick crusts develop, often with redness on the surrounding skin
Because the infection goes deeper into the skin, you may see scars once the skin heals.
If notice any of these signs on your child’s skin (or your own skin), you should call your dermatologist and make an appointment for treatment.
All types of impetigo are very contagious. Treatment can help clear the infection and prevent the infection from spreading to others.

What causes it?

Impetigo is a common skin infection, especially in children. It is caused by bacteria. Children aged 2 to 5 years old are most likely to get this extremely contagious skin infection. However, anyone can get impetigo. Older children and adults get it and often catch impetigo from an infected child. Some athletes have a higher risk of catching it, because of the skin-to-skin contact in sports like wrestling and football. The bacteria that cause impetigo thrive in warm, humid places, so swimmers also have an increased risk.
Most people develop it when the bacteria, usually staph or strep, invade injured skin. The bacteria can get in through a cut, an insect bite, or anything else that damages the skin. Once inside, the bacteria cause an infection in the top layers of the skin.

Common treatments

Our team of dermatologists recommends treating impetigo, especially because it is highly contagious. Treatment will depend on your doctor and also the type of impetigo that you have. Most are easily treatable with topical antibiotics. Without treatment, impetigo often clears on its own in two to four weeks. During this time, there is a greater risk of developing complications. You may see new blisters and sores.
It’s also possible for the infection to go deeper into the skin if you don’t treat it. If this happens, you can develop ecthyma. This infection goes deeper into the skin than impetigo. As the skin heals from ecthyma, scars can form. Ecthyma is more common in children, the elderly, and people who have diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and help you feel better faster.
Schedule an appointment today using our easy online platform, or call us so that we can help you start feeling better.

Hives

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About Hives

What causes it?

Hives are usually allergic reactions to food, medicine, or animals. They can also be triggered by sun exposure, stress, excessive perspiration, or other, more serious diseases, such as lupus. Anyone can get hives. They are harmless and non-contagious. Hives may itch, burn, or sting. They rarely need medical attention as they tend to disappear on their own. However, in persistent cases, your dermatologist will assess the best way to help give you relief.

Common treatments

In persistent cases, your dermatologist may prescribe antihistamines or oral corticosteroids. The best way to prevent hives is to discontinue exposure to the allergic irritant.
If you are experiencing hives, come in and see one of our highly trained providers who will prescribe the best remedy for you.

Ingrown Hairs / Folliculitis

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About Ingrown Hairs / Folliculitis

What is it?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become damaged and inflamed. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. At first, it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each hair grows.

Characteristics

  • Red pimples around areas having hair
  • Inflammation of the hair follicles
  • Caused by infection or chemical or physical irritation (e.g., shaving, fabrics)
  • Higher incidence among people with diabetes, the obese, or those with compromised immune systems

Common Treatments

  • Topical antibiotics
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Antifungal medications
  • Eliminating the cause

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how folliculitis can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. Our knowledgeable dermatologic experts work with you to minimize the effects of this condition and offer solutions that can be customized just for you. We’ll also address all of your concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to find out how we can address your condition to improve both your skin and self-esteem.

Dry Skin

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About Dry Skin

What is it?

Dry skin is when your skin dries out because it doesn’t have enough moisture. It isn’t usually serious, but it can be irritating. If your dry skin is severe, you should see a doctor.
There are many causes of dry skin — from the temperature outside to how much moisture is in the air.

What causes it?

Dry skin can be different for everyone since the symptoms will depend on things like your health, your age, and the cause of your dry skin. When you have dry skin, you could have symptoms like cracked skin, itching, peeling, flaking, or scaling. Even more redness than usual, your skin can feel rough, and tight which can occur after bathing or swimming.

Common treatments?

When it comes to household skin irritants, the list is practically endless. It includes cleaning products, floor polishes, air fresheners, and laundry detergent, just to name a few. These products strip the skin of water and oils it needs, leading to dryness and irritation. For some people, dry skin can progress to more serious conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Always make sure that you stay hydrated, and when doing housework use gloves.
A good body moisturizer is always key, as well as a good facial care regimen that hydrates as well. Ask your dermatologist about what skin care products are best for your skin type to avoid getting dry skin.
We offer all lines of dermatologist-recommended skin care products at the West Dermatology store online, and products are also available in many clinics, just ask us.
We always want to make sure that you are looking and feeling your best, after all, Healthy Skin is Our Passion.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that dry, lax, and wrinkled skin on your face or body can make appear older, which can impact your self-esteem. This is why, as your local skin specialists, we offer innovative skincare products to improve your skin and reinvigorate your overall appearance.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about skincare products and how they can help provide you with a rejuvenated and youthful appearance

Fungal Infections of the Skin

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About Fungal Infection of the Skin

What is it?

Tinea versicolor, sometimes called pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal/yeast skin infection that causes small oval discolored patches to develop on the skin. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. This fungal skin infection occurs most frequently in teens and young adults and sun exposure may make it more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness. Tinea versicolor often recurs, especially in warm, humid weather.

What causes it?

We all have yeast living on our skin and when yeast grows out of control, a person can get a skin disease called tinea versicolor. Your dermatologist may tell you that you have a fungal infection on your skin, yeast is a type of fungus. Many people get tinea versicolor and it is one of the most common skin diseases in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The fungus that causes tinea versicolor can be found on healthy skin. It can start causing problems when the fungus starts growing due to a number of factors. This often happens when there is hot, humid weather, oily skin can trigger it, hormonal changes, and even a weakened immune system. The first sign of tinea versicolor is often spots on the skin. These can be lighter (or darker) than your surrounding skin and can be on all parts of your body. They can be dry, scaly, and itchy. If you are tan, they are more noticeable (yeast prevents the skin from tanning). They can even grow together, forming patches of lighter (or darker) skin and disappear when the temperature drops and return in the spring or summer when the air turns warm and humid.

Common treatments

The good news is that is a treatable fungus. Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor. Once you notice that you may have this fungal infection, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Your doctor will prescribe medication that aligns with your skin type. It also depends on where the tinea versicolor appears on your body, how much skin has been infected, how thick the spots have grown, and the climate. From creams to cleansers to anti-fungal pills will all depend on the severity of the fungal infection.
Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained dermatologists so that we can help rid you of this skin infection.