Medical Dermatology Archives | Page 4 of 6

Unexplained Bruising on Your Arms and Hands? It Might Be Actinic Purpura

You look down one day and notice some unexplained bruising on your arms. You vaguely remember bumping your arm, but it looks as if you had a major injury. What’s going on? It could be actinic purpura. Known as actinic, senile, or solar purpura, this condition leaves flat, dark splotches or bruises on the skin. It looks like a bruise, but it takes weeks to go away. How Do Bruises Develop? Bruises develop for a reason — even if it’s a subtle one...

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Your Guide to Rosacea: Diagnosis, Treatments, and FAQs

When we see a red spot on our face, we often blame acne, but it may not be the real culprit. If you notice bumps on your skin that acne treatment doesn’t seem to help, you may have rosacea. Distinguishing between rosacea and acne can be tricky, but with an accurate diagnosis comes an effective treatment. What Is Rosacea? Rosacea can be confusing. It looks similar to acne, but the cause and treatments are completely different. It’s an inflammation o...

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What to Expect From A Yearly Skin Exam

“A yearly skin exam? Doesn’t that seem like a little much?” you (or likely, your husband) may protest. It’s not an uncommon reaction; too often people put off this visit hoping their skin issues will disappear on their own. However, dermatologists highly recommend an annual visit for a number of reasons. Here’s why a yearly skin exam is so important and what you can expect during your visit. Why Do I Need An Exam Every Year? Visiting your d...

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Steroid Creams: Why Percentages Don’t Matter

You visit your dermatologist looking for relief from this red, itchy skin irritation that’s driving you crazy. You’ve tried the strongest over-the-counter steroid cream, but it hasn’t done the trick. You meet with your doctor, and what does he recommend? Another steroid cream. And not just any steroid cream – this one is only HALF the percentage strength of the over-the-counter version. Don’t you need a stronger product? Why is the dermatolo...

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Skin Growth? It May Be Time To See Your Dermatologist.

You’re getting ready for bed one night and something catches your eye. What is that on your skin? How long has it been there? Should you visit your doctor right away or wait? What if it’s bad? These questions may flood your mind as soon as you notice an unusual mark on your skin. What’s the best course of action? The answer is simple. See your dermatologist. Where did it come from? For whatever reason, we have marks on our skin that seem to com...

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5 Questions Every Patient Should Ask Their Dermatologist

When planning a visit to the dermatologist, we all have questions we intend to ask. The organized usually make a list and ask their questions in order of importance. Others of us assume we will remember and throw out a question here or there as it comes up in our appointment. Those questions are all well and good, but what does the dermatologist want us to ask? These 5 questions will help you set up yourself, and your family, for a more productive app...

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Understanding Eczema: Causes and Treatments

According to the National Eczema Association, 31.6 million Americans have eczema and at least 56 percent have moderate to severe eczema. Many people think eczema is just dry skin, but it’s not that simple. It’s important to know what eczema is, what causes eczema, and what treatment options are available. What is Eczema and What Causes Eczema to Develop? Ezcema is a general term for a particular type of red, itchy rash. Eczema is often the res...

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Warts

What is a Wart? Warts are non-cancerous skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of skin. Although they aren’t dangerous, they are contagious. What Causes Warts? A common thick, benign growth with a rough surface, warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It’s spread by direct or indirect contact, or by touching other people or surfaces. Many adults’ immune systems recognize this virus when they are exposed to it...

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Mole Removal

Moles are the most common skin growth and there are several reasons to have them removed or checked. Moles that appear to be changing or any new moles after age 30 should be checked by our team. If they have atypical features, they are shaved flat and sent in for biopsy. Normal moles may also need to be removed if they become itchy or painful, if they rub on clothing, jewelry or a hair brush. Moles may be removed for cosmetic reasons at a patient’s...

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Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is an inflammation in the skin that is driven by the body’s own immune system. The inflammation in the skin causes the skin and creates red, itchy, and scaly lesions mainly around the elbows, knees and scalp. The chronic condition can appear as early as childhood. While it’s not contagious, psoriasis is a condition that is important to seek the help of a dermatologist. What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis? Psoriasis t...

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