| |
- Acne - Rosacea - Warts - Skin Cancer - Moles - Psoriasis - Eczema -
:: Acne
Acne is a very common, highly visible disease that can cause embarrassment, self-consciousness, and social withdrawal. Teenagers are not the only people who suffer from acne. We commonly see adults in their 30’s and 40’s who still suffer from acne. A significant number of women in their late 20’s and early 30’s develop a “hormonal” type of acne with deep cysts and nodules on the lower part of the face and jawline. Unfortunately, there is no age limit for this potentially disfiguring disease.
While mild cases of acne may respond to over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, more severe cases may require prescription medications. At PD&CC, we take all acne cases seriously. Dr. Chiu, Dr. Reichel, and Kelley Stevens, PA-C are dedicated to treating acne and preventing acne scar formation. We may recommend a combination of topical medications and oral medications including oral antibiotics, birth control pills, spironolactone, or in extreme cases, Accutane. Some patients may also benefit from chemical peels, laser treatment, or photodynamic therapy. Our providers are all registered prescribers of Accutane through the I-Pledge system. At PD&CC, we take a tailored approach to treating acne. It’s important to know that acne cannot be cured overnight. It may take many weeks before it starts to respond to treatment. Be patient. We will help you find the best treatment plan.
Once your acne is clear, Dr. Chiu and Dr. Reichel can then help you with any residual acne scarring or hyperpigmentation. PD&CC has had tremendous success with treating acne scars using the Fraxel laser, which is safe for all skin types. We also have the Active FX/Deep FX fractionated CO2 laser which is effective for more severe acne scars. For hyperpigmentation, we offer a number of chemical peels, including the Vitalize peel containing prescription strength Retinol and the brand new high-potency Melanage peel, containing high-potency hydroquinone for bleaching as well as high potency Vitamin A serum to enhance bleach penetration and exfoliation. PD&CC also carries the Obagi skin care system that contains prescription strength bleaching cream and Retin-A.
You don’t have to suffer with acne any longer! Make your appointment today!
:: Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin frequently referred to as “adult acne.” It is characterized by redness, broken blood vessels, and flushing of the face and scalp. Patients may also experience pimples, swelling, itching, and scratchy eyes. It is also common for rosacea patients to have seborrheic dermatitis-basically dandruff of the scalp and face, characterized by rashes with greasy scale of the forehead, eyebrows, and around the nose. Rosacea is most often seen in patients with lighter skin color, although we do see it in all skin types. Triggers for rosacea include sunlight, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, hot liquids, and extreme temperatures. There is no cure for rosacea, but fortunately, there are many excellent treatment options available for patients today.
At PD&CC, Dr. Chiu, Dr. Reichel, or Kelley Stevens, PA-C may prescribe topical and/or oral antibiotics to help get your rosacea under control. These medications are good for the pimples and inflammation associated with rosacea. However, they are generally only somewhat beneficial for the underlying redness, flushing, and broken blood vessels. Fortunately, at PD&CC we have a number of laser treatment options available that work beautifully for this problem. The gold standard for treating rosacea is the V-Beam laser. Dr. Chiu and Dr. Reichel have had over 15 years combined experience with this laser and it is one of the most popular treatments that we perform. For individual broken blood vessels, the KTP laser may also be recommended to instantaneously erase the unwanted veins. Patients with long-standing severe rosacea may develop rhinophyma, or bulbous thickening of the nose (“W.C. Fields” nose). Dr. Reichel and Dr. Chiu are also able to treat this problem with surgery or laser.
Once your redness and inflammation is under control, our providers will also review the importance of a maintenance regimen for your rosacea. In addition to topical and/or oral antibiotics, sunscreen and avoidance of rosacea triggers will be an important part of the routine.
:: Warts
Warts are common growths that can appear anywhere on the body. They are caused by various strains of the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. You can try treating them initially with over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments such as Mediplast. Warts can be extremely stubborn to treat. Since it is a viral infection, warts will ultimately resolve once your immune system recognizes that there is a problem and decides to mount a response against the virus.
Here at PD&CC, we offer a multitude of treatment options for warts. We find that what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Dr. Chiu, Dr. Reichel, and Kelley Stevens, PA-C utilize a full arsenal of wart treatments including liquid nitrogen, Canthacur, Candida antigen, strong acids, Bleomycin, surgical treatment, and laser treatment. We may also recommend prescription medications to boost your immune response. Warts can be extremely frustrating, but with a little persistence, we can help you make them disappear.
:: Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancers. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year. Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at a particularly high risk for developing skin cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It generally looks like a pink or red shiny or scaly spot that tends to bleed and crust over but never heal. It is usually slow growing and generally does not spread to other areas of the body. However, BCC can extend below the skin to the bone and nerves, causing considerable local damage. It is usually not a life-threatening form of skin cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. It may appear as a bump or as a red scaly patch. SCC can develop into large masses and become invasive. Unlike BCC, this form of cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, it is important to get early treatment.
When found and treated properly, the cure rate for both BCC and SCC is over 95%. Depending on the type of BCC/SCC, the location, and the size, there are several treatment options available. For skin cancers of the head and neck, the most effective therapy is Mohs surgery. Dr. Reichel specializes in this type of treatment. At PD&CC, our providers are dedicated to diagnosing and treating skin cancer. We offer skin cancer screenings to all of our new patients, no matter what you come in for. We also encourage regular skin checks to carefully monitor any skin changes.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers. Every year, an estimated 8000 Americans will die from melanoma; it is projected that greater than 108,000 Americans will develop melanoma annually.
Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce the dark protective pigment called melanin which makes the skin tan. Since melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin, the cancer appears in mixed shades of tan, brown, and black; although, it can also be red or white. Melanoma can spread, making early detection and treatment essential.
Melanoma may appear suddenly or begin in or near a mole or freckle. It is important to know the location and appearance of the moles on your body to detect changes early. Any changing mole must be examined by a dermatologist. Melanoma can be cured if treated in its early stages.
Excessive sun exposure, especially sunburn, is the most important preventable cause of melanoma. Light-skinned individuals are at particular risk. Heredity also plays a role. You have an increased chance of developing melanoma if you have a relative with melanoma. Atypical moles, which may run in families, and having a large number of moles, can serve as markers for people at increased risk for developing melanoma.
Dark skin is not a guarantee against melanoma. People with darker skin color can also develop melanoma, especially on the palms, soles, under the nails, in the mouth, or on the genitalia.
Warning signs of melanoma include:
- Changes in the surface of a mole
- Scaling, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a new bump
- Spread of pigment from the border of a mole into surrounding skin
- Change in sensation including itchiness, tenderness, or pain
The ABCD’s of melanoma:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color
- Diameter
:: Moles
Moles or “nevi” are composed of groups of pigment producing cells called melanocytes. They are important to monitor because of their potential risk for turning into malignant melanoma. People with more moles have an increased risk of melanoma. Most Caucasian adults have about 20 nevi. Dysplastic moles, which are clinically and microscopically atypical appearing, are putative precursor lesions of melanoma. Dysplastic moles occur in 30% of patients with primary melanoma and in 6% of their family members. People with a family history of dysplastic nevi or have numerous atypical appearing moles themselves should be carefully monitored for melanoma. It is important to watch for the warning signs of melanoma and the ABCD’s of melanoma.
Moles may be removed because they are clinically worrisome or simply for cosmetic purposes. No matter what the reason, our providers at PD&CC are happy to examine your moles and also to discuss mole removal options.
:: Psoriasis
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.
Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years at a time and occasionally even permanently. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis; the patient's age, medical history and lifestyle; 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).
Click here for more information on Treatment of Psoriasis.
:: Eczema
About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of eczema, including 10-20 percent of all infants. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out in rashes when scratched.
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. Phototherapy is a common procedure that uses light to reduce rashes . For severe cases, drugs such as cyclosporine A may be recommended.
Click here for more information on Treatment of Eczema.
|
|
