Common Dermatology Conditions

Acne Atopic Dermatitis Eczema Dermatitis (Dry skin) Dermatofibroma Dry Skin

Hair Loss Impetigo Psoriasis Rosacea Skin Cancer Warts

We provide Dermatology Medical treatment for the following conditions and more:

Acne

We treat adolescent and adult acne – mild, moderate, or severe. Dermatologists determine if the patient has clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples, or deep tender cysts that may cause scarring. Treatment may include topical medication, oral medication and possibly microdermabrasion or extraction of clogged pores.

Atopic Dermatitis

This kind of dermatitis is actually a form of eczema often associated with a personal or family tendency toward asthma or hay fever. Symptoms may begin at any age, but most often in infancy or childhood. Although there is no cure, atopic dermatitis can be controlled with a combination of prescription medications and moisturizers. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe antihistamines or antibiotics. To help prevent the condition, don’t itch or scratch skin and avoid irritants and allergens that cause a rash.

Eczema

Eczema (another name for atopic dermatitis) usually begins between two and six months of age with dry, sensitive skin that becomes red and itchy. It may start on the forehead, cheeks or scalp and spread to the trunk, creases of the elbows, knees, and wrists. If scratched, the rash may become raw, crusted and infected.

Approximately one third of children with this condition will have eczema as adults. There is no cure, although treatments may control and prevent inflammation and itching. Kids with eczema should bathe less frequently, apply unscented moisturizers liberally, and may be prescribed a steroid (cortisone) cream or anti-itch medication.

Dermatitis (Dry Skin Dermatitis)

This condition is especially common in the winter, when the skin loses moisture. Skin becomes less pliable and then tends to chap and crack. These chapped, cracked areas often become irritated and result in a dry, itching, scaling rash. Treatment may include lotions that contain hydrocortisone.

Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibromas are common, harmless skin growths. They usually appear as small, hard knots in the skin – pink or light brown in color. No treatment is usually necessary, however a doctor should check to make sure that the growth is benign. Complete excision (removal) is used for cosmetic improvement or if there is uncertainty about the lesion.

Dry Skin

Xerosis, or dry skin, is extremely common as the skin ages, because of the loss of sebaceous and sweat-gland activity. Dry skin is usually located on the legs, but also on the hands and trunk and characterized by itchy, cracked skin with scaling that may become infected. Dry skin, if not properly prevented or treated, can lead to eczema, dermatitis, infection and ulcers. A dermatologist may recommend prescription lotions.

To prevent dry skin, use a humidifier, keep temperatures moderate, avoid hot baths, minimize bathing, use mild soap and moisturize immediately after bathing.

Hair Loss

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune skin disease resulting in hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on the scalp and rarely can progress to total scalp hair loss or complete body hair loss. Treatments include topical medications or injected steroids.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection, found mostly in children. Symptoms include crusted lesions, which enlarge and have a discharge. Treatment may include topical or oral antibiotics. The doctor may suggest extra hygienic care to keep the skin clean.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is occasionally found in children. It may be diagnosed by visual inspection, but in some cases a skin biopsy may be required. Psoriasis causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but can appear on other parts of the body.

Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the immune system. It can last a long time, even a lifetime, with symptoms disappearing and reappearing. Infections, stress, dry skin and certain medications may trigger psoriasis. Treatments include creams, oral medications, injected medications and light therapy.

Rosacea

Rosacea causes redness, swelling, blushing, flushing, pimples, pustules and englarged blood vessels on the face. It can burn and sting. At first, rosacea may come and go. Later, pimples and enlarged blood vessels appear. It affects the cheeks, chin, forehead, nose and eyes.

Oral antibiotics produce quicker results than topical medications, although they may take months to show improvement. Gels and creams also take months to improve rosacea. A combination of oral and topical medications is often used to treat inflammation, but it cannot entirely cure the condition. When the condition improves, long-term treatment includes topical medications and good sun protection with daily sunscreen application.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. It is important to always consult a dermatologist to examine enlarging skin growths or non-healing sores. North Texas Dermatology provides full body exams for skin cancers and moles. Depending on the size of the growth, skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions may be removed by liquid nitrogen or surgical removal.

Different types of skin cancer include:

• Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common skin cancer. It is slow growing. It appears as a small, shiny pink growth that sometimes bleeds easily.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of skin cancer appears as red, scaly patches or pinkish growths. They can be very large and raised.
• Melanomas: These are less common but may spread quickly if not treated. They usually have irregular borders, color and shapes. Look for recent changes in existing moles or growths.

Warts

Warts, caused by the human papilloma virus, are a common skin problem for people of all ages. The common wart is a small, hard, rough bump usually found on the hands and fingers. Other types of warts include genital warts, flat warts and plantar warts. Treatment may include freezing with liquid nitrogen, topical application of blistering agents, surgical excision, electrosurgical treatment or home application of salicylic acid.