Capital Dermatology of NC

Acne is a common skin condition caused by the blockage of hair follicles by sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. The blocked pores lead to whiteheads, blackheads, inflammatory papules or nodules (red, tender bumps), pustules (pus-filled bumps), and even cysts. Acne breakouts can occur at any age but are most common during the teenage years. Hormonal changes, certain medications, and the use of oily or greasy products are some factors that can contribute to breakouts. Acne breakouts most typically occur on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Numerous treatment options are available, including but not limited to: over-the-counter products, prescription topical medications, oral prescription medications, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels, and laser therapy.

A mole, also known as a nevus (plural: nevi), is a very common skin growth. Moles develop as a result of clusters of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin. Although a mole can be present at birth (called a congenital nevus), most nevi appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have between 10-40 moles. Moles can vary in size, shape, and color. Common moles are typically round or oval in shape. Though they can be various colors (pink, flesh colored, tan, brown, blue or black), most moles are uniform and homogeneous in color. Moles can be flat or raised and occur anywhere on the body. Some people can have moles which are more atypical in appearance - commonly referred to as atypical moles or dysplastic nevi. Atypical moles can be larger in size, more irregular in shape, and with more color variation. Though atypical moles are benign and not cancerous, they can be more difficult to differentiate from a deadly form of skin cancer called melanoma. Visit your dermatologist if you notice any new, unusual, changing, or symptomatic moles.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes your skin cells to multiply too quickly. As a result, your skin becomes itchy, flaky, and inflamed as this sped-up growth cycle interferes with the typical skin turnover process. Psoriasis is not a contagious condition. It also cannot be spread from person-to-person contact. Instead, it occurs as a result of the overactivation of your immune system, resulting in the body attacking normal tissue. What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis? Common symptoms of psoriasis include: Itchy patches of thick skin Scaly, silvery, and flaky skin Psoriasis patches typically present themselves on your face, neck, scalp, elbows, knees, palms, and feet. However, psoriasis plaques can grow anywhere on your body. What are the Different Types of Psoriasis? There are several different types of psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis The most commonly occurring type of psoriasis results in inflamed, red skin with white scales. Guttate psoriasis According to WebMD, less than 2% of all cases diagnosed are guttate psoriasis. It typically occurs most frequently in children or young adults. Inverse psoriasis This type of psoriasis appears on your armpits, groin, genital skin folds, and under the breasts. It is characterized by red patches of skin that are smooth but without scales or flaky. Pustular psoriasis An uncommon type of psoriasis results in pustules surrounded by red, inflamed skin. Pustular psoriasis is often accompanied by fever, chills, and nausea and requires immediate medical attention. Erythrodermic psoriasis A serious but uncommon type of psoriasis that affects a large part of your body. This results in severe itching and fiery skin that burns. Immediate medical attention is required as this severe type of psoriasis results in fluid loss, and changes to your heart rate and body temperature. Nail psoriasis It commonly occurs in people who have psoriatic arthritis. Results in tender nails that are yellow-brown in color with a chalk-like material under your nail beds. Psoriatic arthritis People with psoriatic arthritis have psoriasis along with arthritis or inflammation of the joints. Your chances of getting psoriatic arthritis increase when you have psoriasis. How is Psoriasis Diagnosed? Since psoriasis can look similar to other skin disorders such as eczema, getting a board-certified dermatologist to accurately diagnose your symptoms is important. A physical exam is the first step in diagnosing your psoriasis, especially if you have scaly plaques of inflamed skin. During your appointment, a complete evaluation of your overall health and family history will also be discussed. Your dermatologist may also recommend a skin biopsy to rule out the possibility of a skin infection. Treatment for Psoriasis is Safe When Performed by a Board-Certified Dermatologist A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend a treatment that's right for you. Treatment of psoriasis depends on several factors, including: The type of psoriasis The amount of skin affected The location of the psoriatic patches The severity of the disease The most common treatment options for psoriasis include: Topical therapies, including creams, ointments, and lotions Used to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis, including flaky skin. Retinoids Formed from vitamin A, retinoids are used to slow down the growth of skin cells, and lessen swelling and redness. They may also be prescribed to patients with nail psoriasis. Phototherapy Involves the shining of UV light on your skin to slow down the skin cell growth process. Biologics These medications help decrease the chances of inflammation for people with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Rosacea is a common skin condition which presents with redness of the face, small visible blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, and pimple-like breakouts. Rosacea can also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea) presenting with symptoms such as dryness, redness, burning, and itching of the eyes. Rosacea most typically affects middle-aged women. Though the cause is unknown, treatment options are available including: prescription topical medications, prescription oral medications, and laser therapy.

Warts are non-cancerous, benign growths on the skin that are caused by infection from viruses known as human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common type of warts include: common warts, plantar warts (warts that appear on the soles of the feet), flat warts, and genital warts. Warts can present as rough, raised, hard bumps with tiny black dots or cauliflower like growths. Warts are highly contagious and can easily spread by direct skin to skin contact or through contact with a contaminated object. Young children or people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for getting warts. Various treatment options for warts are available, ranging from at home remedies to treatments done in a doctor’s office.