Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

4 Common Types of Nail Disorders

While nail disorders each have their own set of symptoms, they commonly present with nail discoloration, pain or swelling, and deformities like pits or ridges. Many nail disorders are caused by fungal or bacterial infections, but other underlying conditions that can cause nail problems include tumors, nutritional deficiencies, and diabetes. Talk to your dermatologist if you notice any abnormal changes to your nails; he or she can help you accurately diagnose and appropriately treat the condition.

1. Fungal Infections: Because the feet are more often exposed to moisture, fungal infections are generally most common in the toenails. Fungal infections feed off the keratin in the nail plate and can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed. These infections can be treated with anti-fungal medications and powders.
2. Bacterial Infections: Bacteria, such as Psuedomonas, can grow under the nail, creating a moldy appearance. Like a fungal infection, these bacteria thrive in dark, wet environments. Many bacterial infections can give the nail a green hue, which can be confused with bruising. Antibiotics may be prescribed for treatment.
3. Deformities Due to Trauma: Injuring the nail bed can cause white spots or small concave ridges to appear. These symptoms will usually grow out in time, but a persistent issue could indicate metabolic or dietary issues.
4. Ingrown Toenails: If you cut your nails too short, the rest of the nail may grow into the cuticle, causing pain and inflammation. Ingrown toenails can also be caused by injury or wearing shoes that are too tight. 

Other nail problems such as thickening or atrophy could indicate a serious underlying condition, including melanoma, diabetes, or kidney disorders. Visit your dermatologist regularly and when you notice any changes in your nail health to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about nail disorders, please contact the dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. As part of the largest dermatology practice in America, our doctors can assist you with all of your cosmetic or clinical skincare needs. Immediate appointments are available at one of our Tampa offices. To locate an office or doctor near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.

Autoimmune and Allergies: Dermatology Resources for Further

While some skin conditions are triggered by environmental factors like allergies, others are chronic conditions that may be autoimmune. Talk to your dermatologist about any skin concerns you have; he or she can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment to clear the skin or alleviate symptoms. In the resources below, learn more about the different skin conditions and rashes that can arise from allergies, autoimmune disorders, and other factors.

• A chronic skin condition characterized by red skin and rashes, atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is considered a kind of skin allergy. Learn more about atopic dermatitis, including answers to common questions, with this dermatology guide.
• From chemical contact to an allergic reaction, the cause of rashes is varied. This slideshow of common skin rashes helps you identify the different kinds of rashes and the factors that trigger them.
• Some skin rashes can be caused by autoimmune skin diseases like lupus or scleroderma. With an autoimmune disorder, a patient’s body targets its own cells and organs. Read more about these skin disorders, how they arise, and how to recognize them.

For more information about dermatology, please contact the dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. As part of the largest dermatology practice in America, our doctors can assist you with all of your cosmetic or clinical skincare needs. Immediate appointments are available at one of our Tampa offices. To locate an office or doctor near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.

Skin Solutions for Adult Acne

While it may seem like a teen problem, acne is a chronic condition that actually affects up to 50% of all adults. Unlike teenagers, who often have oily skin, adults tend to have drier skin that heals less quickly, which can lead to prolonged redness and discoloration. Your dermatologist can work with you to treat adult acne and manage your skin. In the video below, learn more about prescription and over-the-counter treatments that can help you achieve clearer skin.

If you suffer from adult acne, your dermatologist may recommend in-office laser treatments or prescribe certain medications to help manage your condition. Laser treatments, for example, can help to clear pores and kill bacteria, while traditional treatments like Retina-A work as well for adults as they do on teenagers. To treat acne at home, spot treat with benzoyl peroxide and consider using non-drying salicylic acid products to clear the skin. A gentle microdermabrasion kit or exfoliator can also help to slough off dead cells that trap oil and dirt that can cause breakouts. Because breakouts can be worsened by environmental and hormonal triggers, watch your lifestyle, diet and stress levels to keep your skin clear.

For more information about adult acne, please contact the dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. As part of the largest dermatology practice in America, our doctors can assist you with all of your cosmetic or clinical skincare needs. Immediate appointments are available at one of our Tampa offices. To locate an office or doctor near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.

What Causes Skin Rashes?

A skin rash is a broad dermatological term that describes any inflammation of the skin. The symptoms of a rash can include redness, itchiness, swelling, heat, hives, or other changes in skin texture. Some rashes are caused by contact with external factors while others may arise from infection. Talk to your dermatologist about the causes of and treatments for skin rashes, and learn more about possible causes below:

• Allergies: A rash caused by allergens is called allergic dermatitis. This type of rash is an immune response that can be triggered by a wide variety of outside stimuli, like scented perfume, pollens, certain metals in jewelry, or compounds in foods. To help you better manage your skin, your dermatologist may order an allergy test to diagnose the allergen and devise a customized treatment plan.
• Irritants: Unlike allergens, irritants can cause skin rashes when the skin reacts to the offending chemical or compound. This type of rash often results in inflammation. Common skin irritants include bleach, alcohols, and other cleaning products.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune diseases are those that turn on the body’s own immune system, and include skin diseases like psoriasis, lupus, and scleroderma. Some of these conditions manifest themselves in the skin and can be aggravated by external factors like sunlight or temperature changes.
• Infection: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can also contribute to skin rashes. Common skin infections include ringworm, thrush (yeast infection), or cellulitis. Additionally, fevers and flus caused by bacteria or viruses can also result in rashes. Some infections can be potentially fatal, so seek medical attention immediately if you experience a persistent rash and fever.

For more information about skin rashes and treatments, please contact the dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. As part of the largest dermatology practice in America, our doctors can assist you with all of your cosmetic or clinical skincare needs. Immediate appointments are available at one of our Tampa offices. To locate an office or doctor near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.

Lifestyle Changes to Curb Atopic Dermatitis

Living with atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, can be more than just embarrassing—it can be uncomfortable, even painful. Atopic dermatitis is a form of eczema that primarily presents itself as dry, itchy skin and can become red, swollen, scaly or cracked when scratched. Talk to your dermatologist about the condition; he or she can recommend both medical and home remedies that can soothe irritated skin and help you avoid flare-ups.

• Avoid Triggers: Because atopic eczema may be related to other allergic conditions, allergens and irritants can make your eczema worse. Avoid triggers like extreme temperature changes, scented lotions, and chemicals, all of which can exacerbate the condition. Other eczema triggers include itchy fabrics like wool and household substances like detergent or cleaners.
• Apply Moisturizer and Use Hypoallergenic Soap: Using a moisturizer can help to relieve dry skin, while hypoallergenic soap is free of irritating chemicals and gentler on the skin. Your dermatologist can recommend certain skincare products to use based on your particular symptoms. Apply moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day to keep skin hydrated, and consider using a cold compress to soothe itchy skin.
• Visit Your Dermatologist: An accurate medical diagnosis is necessary for managing your eczema effectively. Your dermatologist can help you identify possible triggers and suggest different management strategies like immunomodulator ointments or barrier repair creams that minimize moisture loss. In some cases, antihistamines or steroids can be administered for immediate relief.

For more information about eczema and skincare, please contact the dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. As part of the largest dermatology practice in America, our doctors can assist you with all of your cosmetic or clinical skincare needs. Immediate appointments are available at one of our Tampa offices. To locate an office or doctor near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.