Last updated 4 months ago
The body’s immune system produces white blood cells in order to protect itself from harmful bacteria and viruses. Some individuals have overactive immune systems that mistakenly respond to substances that aren’t actually harmful to a person’s health. This response is called an allergic reaction, which can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, dust, and certain foods.
Hives
Individuals who have food or drug allergies commonly develop hives when their skin comes into contact with a specific allergen. These patches of red, swollen skin can appear suddenly on different parts of the body. Hives vary in size from person to person. Some individuals develop very small patches of hives, while others experience hives the size of dinner plates. Angioedema is a form of hives in which swelling occurs beneath the skin and is common around the eyes, lips, hands, and feet.
Rashes
A person’s skin may respond to an allergen by becoming red and itchy in the area of contact. This skin reaction is called a rash and can cause an individual to develop a range of symptoms. A mild rash is characterized by an area of redness on the surface of the skin or patches of small red dots. A more severe rash can cause significant swelling and blisters to form on a person’s skin. Once a patient develops a rash in response to contact with a particular substance, repeated exposure to even a small amount of that substance will trigger this reaction.
Swelling
Allergic reactions to insect bites and stings frequently trigger swelling around the affected area. Fluid begins to collect in the underlying tissue, causing the area to inflame and become significantly larger. Swelling is often accompanied by symptoms of pain, redness, and itchiness.
Call (866) 608-9531 to schedule a skin care appointment at one of Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery’s convenient Florida locations. Each of our doctors is involved in all aspects of dermatology and can help you treat skin allergy symptoms such as hives, rashes, and swelling.
Last updated 4 months ago
When a person is exposed to certain strains of virus, he or she may develop groups of small blisters on the surface of the skin known as cold sores. Because this skin condition can be spread very easily, it is important to understand exactly what causes and triggers these outbreaks. The following information and treatment from your dermatologist can help you alleviate cold sore symptoms and prevent outbreaks.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus:
The herpes simplex virus has two different types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Individuals who become infected with either version of the virus may develop cold sores around the mouth and genitals. The herpes simplex virus infects a person’s body by entering through a break in the skin. It is spread through intimate contact between individuals, such as kissing, touching, and sharing personal items. The virus can be passed from person to person even when a cold sore outbreak is not present.
Cold sores have a range of symptoms:
Some people who contract the herpes simplex virus develop no symptoms or cold sores. Others experience frequent outbreaks coupled with fever, sore throat, or swollen neck glands. Before a cold sore develops, some people begin to feel pain around the mouth and lips. This pain is followed by the development of red, swollen blisters along the area. These blisters often heal by breaking open, leaking a clear fluid, and forming a scab. For most people, outbreaks last approximately two weeks.
Cold sores are best treated by a dermatologist:
If someone becomes infected with the herpes simplex virus, the virus will remain in the patient’s body for the rest of his or her life. Even though there is no cure, dermatologists can help patients reduce the number and frequency of cold sore outbreaks. Doctors can prescribe different oral medications, skin creams, and ointments that reduce the severity of a patient’s symptoms.
The experienced doctors at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery can help individuals who suffer from frequent cold sore outbreaks. Every day, our dermatologists diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of skin conditions. To learn more, call us at (866) 608-9531 or visit our website.
Last updated 4 months ago
The skin develops acne due to the function of small oil glands located at the base of every pore. These glands secrete an oil-based substance called sebum in order to moisturize and protect your skin. If dead skin cells or bacteria accumulate on the surface of your skin, they can block the opening of your pores and force a buildup of sebum. Because this oil has nowhere to go, the skin reacts by developing a pimple in the blocked area. You can take steps to prevent pimples from forming by learning about and avoiding certain causes of blocked pores.
Touching your face frequently:
Your hands carry a variety of dirt and bacteria that can irritate your skin. These bacteria and contaminants can transfer to your face every time you touch your cheeks, forehead, and chin. If you continuously touch the same area of your face, this repeated pressure could trigger your glands to increase secretion of sebum. An increase in oil production will likely block your pores and cause pimples to form.
Experiencing hormonal changes:
Changes in the level of hormones in your body can also cause your pores to secrete more oil and become clogged. Scientists have linked the stress hormone cortisol to an increase in oil production. Additionally, many women have a greater number of breakouts during their menstrual cycles because their bodies experience many hormonal fluctuations during this time.
Popping existing pimples:
Although you may be tempted to pick at a pimple in order to open up the pore, this action can actually cause more pimples to form. Popping a pimple may cause damage to the pore itself and force its sebum to leak into surrounding pores. If the surrounding pores become clogged with this extra oil, your skin may develop additional pimples.
Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery of Florida helps patients treat a range of skin conditions, including acne, rashes, and psoriasis. Call (866) 608-9531 or visit our website to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced and knowledgeable dermatologists.
Last updated 4 months ago
An estimated 14 million Americans suffer from the skin condition called rosacea. Because the symptoms of rosacea are similar to symptoms of adult acne, many people don’t recognize that they have this skin disorder. This can be particularly problematic because common acne creams and medications contain ingredients that trigger or increase the severity of rosacea symptoms.
By watching this video, you will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of rosacea. Even though there is no cure for this skin condition, a dermatologist can work with you to identify individual triggers and manage your symptoms. A dermatologist can also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and topical gels that will soothe your skin and minimize redness.
At Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we are committed to providing patients with the best possible skin care treatment. To learn more about our range of services available to Florida residents, call (866) 608-9531.
Last updated 4 months ago
Taking steps to protect and moisturize your skin can help prevent acne, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. If you receive advice on skin care from friends and family, it’s possible that you aren’t getting the most accurate information. In fact, any source other than your dermatologist may be passing along some common dermatology myths.
Myth: Getting a base tan protects your skin throughout the summer.
If the DNA in your skin cells becomes damaged, your body responds by developing a tan. The purpose of a tan is to defend your cells against further damage from the sun’s rays. Base tanning triggers this defense mechanism by significantly harming your cells’ DNA. This means that base tanning increases your risk of developing skin cancer, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging. Both indoor tanning salons and natural sunlight emit dangerous UV rays that can harm your skin.
Myth: Eating chocolate and greasy foods triggers your acne.
Your skin develops acne when its pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The inflammation and redness associated with acne breakouts is your body’s response to its pores becoming blocked. Eating chocolate and greasy foods doesn’t increase the risk of clogs. Instead, your genetic makeup, hormones, and cleansing routine influence the likelihood that you will develop acne.
Myth: Sleeping with makeup on doesn’t harm your skin.
You may believe that sleeping with a small amount of makeup on, or with makeup that is labeled “all natural,” won’t cause any harm to your skin. In reality, all cosmetic products can irritate and clog the pores of your face. The foundation and powder that coats your skin can hinder your pores’ ability to secrete natural oils. If oil builds up in your pores, your skin can become irritated and break out with acne.
To speak with an experienced dermatologist about your skin care concerns, call Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery at (866) 608-9531. We offer more than 50 convenient locations in the state of Florida. Each location is committed to providing patients with the best possible dermatologic treatment.
