PERSONALIZED CARE IN A RELAXED, COMFORTABLE ATMOSPHERE. WHAT IS ACNE? Acne is the term for blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While it affects mostly teenagers (and almost all teenagers have some form of acne), adults of any age can have it. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress. WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ACNE? Options include: Topical Medications Antibiotics Accutane Blackhead Extraction Microdermabrasion Chemical Peels Skin Care Isolaz Treatments Laser Treatments Treatment for acne varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, as well as the patient’s skin type and age. HOW CAN ACNE SCARRING BE TREATED? acne Chemical Peels Dermabrasion/Microdermabrasion Soft Tissue Fillers Laser/Pulsed Light Treatments WHAT IS ECZEMA? Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects about 15 million people in the U.S., including 10-20 percent of all infants. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin. WHAT TRIGGERS ECZEMA? Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks may include rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive heat or sweating, soaps, detergents, disinfectants, fruit and meat juices, dust mites, animal saliva and dander, upper respiratory infections and stress. WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ECZEMA? Treatment involves the restriction of scratching, use of moisturizing lotions or creams, cold compresses and nonprescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams and ointments. If this proves insufficient, physicians may prescribe corticosteroid medication, antibiotics to combat infection, or sedative antihistamines. For severe cases phototherapy or an injectable medication may be recommended. Phototherapy is a procedure that uses light to reduce itching. WHAT ARE MOLES & BIRTHMARKS? Moles and birthmarks are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in color from tan, brown and black (moles) to red, pink or purple (vascular lesions, such as strawberry hemangiomas or port wine stains). moles WHAT CHANGES SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN MOLES AND BIRTHMARKS? Though most congenital nevi (moles one is born with) are harmless, some of them may develop into skin cancer. Moles exhibiting any of the following warning signs should be examined by a board certified dermatologist immediately: Larger than six millimeters Itches or bleeds Rapidly changes in color, size or shape Has multiple colors Is located where it can’t be easily monitored, such as on the scalp WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR MOLES AND BIRTHMARKS? Depending on their depth, location and color, as well as the patient’s skin type, age and other factors, treatment for benign but unattractive birthmarks may include laser, pulsed light therapy, or surgical excision. WHAT IS PSORIASIS? Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause itching and/or burning, scaling and crusting of the skin. Over seven million men and women in the U.S. of all ages have some form of psoriasis, which may be mild, moderate or severe. The most commonly affected areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR PSORIASIS? Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years at a time. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis, the patient’s age, medical history and the effect the disease has on the patient’s general mental health. The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms). WHAT ARE RASHES? A rash is a change in the skin’s color or texture. Simple rashes are called dermatitis, which means the skin is inflamed or swollen. Other common rashes include eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, shingles, chicken pox, measles, scarlet fever, insect bites and those caused by medical conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR RASHES? A dermatologist is usually able to identify the rash by looking at it and asking about accompanying symptoms. Mild rashes can often be treated with simple home care practices such as avoiding soaps and bathing in warm water. Others may require moisturizing creams, prescription medications or more extensive treatment. WHAT IS ROSACEA? Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes may also be affected. Symptoms range from red pimples and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily.