Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Tips for Preventing Nail Infections

They are certainly unpleasant to look at, but fungal nails are more than a mere cosmetic problem. The infection can also become painful for many patients. While your dermatologist can help to treat fungal nails and other nail infections, effective treatment often takes several months. By protecting your nails from infection, you can prevent the development of nail conditions and maintain clean, healthy and attractive nails.

• Keep Your Nails Dry: Moisture is a major enemy of healthy nails because it creates an environment in which fungus thrives. Anytime that your nails come into contact with water, take extra care to dry both around the nails and under them. This includes every time you take a shower or bath, wash your hands, or even spend time in the garden. If your nails will be in prolonged contact with water, such as when washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing protective gloves.
• Keep Your Nails Clean: Keeping your nails clean is the next most important thing you can do to prevent nail infection. Maintaining clean nails includes more than just regular washing, though. Also be sure to keep your nails well groomed—the shorter the better—and free of debris. Try to cut your nails straight across and avoid clipping the corners down. You may even consider using some type of antifungal spray or medication if your nails are regularly exposed to soil or fungi.
• Keep Your Nails Protected: In addition to protecting your nails from moisture, you should also protect them from cross-contamination. This means that if you are in the habit of having your nails professionally groomed or manicured, ensure that the facility you frequent is vigilant in their sanitation and sterilization guidelines.

To learn more about preventing skin and nail infections, contact Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. To locate an office or dermatologist near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.

What Causes Warts?

While they can be embarrassing, warts are a very common skin concern that dermatologists address regularly. Warts can vary in variety and appearance, but all warts are caused by a virus; different viruses are responsible for different types of warts. If you have a wart, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. He or she can help you identify which type of wart you have and the most effective treatment for it.

How Warts Spread

Warts are spread through skin-to-skin contact or from sharing contaminated items. Warts can also spread from one part of the body to another. Different forms of the HPV virus, which is the cause of common warts, are very adaptable to and resilient against their environments, allowing the wart to grow and spread. You can contract or spread warts through the use of contaminated towels, sharing shoes, placing affected fingers in the mouth, shaving, or scratching existing warts and then touching another part of the skin.

Risk Factors for Warts

While anyone can contract warts from coming into contact with the HPV virus, some people may be at risk for contracting warts more easily. If you have a compromised immune system or are more susceptible to the HPV virus, for example, you may experience a higher incidence of warts. Damp, broken, or irritated skin can also lead to the development of warts. The HPV virus also thrives in warm, damp environments; if you frequent places such as public pools, gyms, or similar shared environments, wear foot protection to prevent warts.

How Warts are Treated

In many cases, warts will clear on their own without any outside treatment. In other situations, or if you do not want to wait for the wart to resolve on its own, you may need to seek treatment from your dermatologist. A number of treatment options for warts exist, from cryotherapy to salicylic acid treatment, but only your dermatologist can evaluate your wart accurately and recommend the best treatment for you.

If you suffer from warts or another clinical skin condition, contact Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. To locate an office or dermatologist near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.

Common Skin Conditions and Their Treatments: Resources for Further Reading

Even if you take diligent care of your skin, accident, injury and the environment can all contribute to a skin condition. If you have developed a common skin condition like warts or acne, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Fortunately, a variety of methods exists to treat these familiar problems. To learn more about the options available to you, talk to your physician and read more in the resources below.

• Warts develop as a result of infection by the HPV virus. Your options for treating common warts include salicylic-acid treatments, non-prescription and prescription freezing methods.
• If you have previously injured your foot or nails, or if you have a medical condition like diabetes or circulatory problems, you may be at risk for fungal nails. If your doctor diagnoses you with fungal nails, ask him or her about oral, topical or surgical treatments that can treat it.
• A problem that can affect you well into your adult years, acne affects millions of people in the United States. If you have struggled to eliminate breakouts and achieve smoother skin, talk to your dermatologist about your acne treatment options.

If you suffer from a skin condition or skin problem, contact Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. To locate an office or dermatologist near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.

How to Evaluate Skin Rashes

Because a rash can vary in size, shape and symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat one without the assistance of a dermatologist. And while many skin rashes are usually harmless and can be cared for at home, some others could be an indication of something more serious. If you have developed a rash, look for certain characteristics or symptoms that may need further medical evaluation. In the video below, learn more about the basics of skin rashes, how they differ from acne or eczema, and when to seek out a dermatologist.

To learn more about skin rashes and how to treat them, contact Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. To locate an office or dermatologist near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.

The Dos and Don'ts of Buying Skin Care Products

In addition to visiting your dermatologist regularly, maintaining a thorough skincare regimen is one of the best things you can do to maintain healthy, beautiful skin. Putting together the right skincare routine for you involves choosing the right products and learning how to use them correctly. But with so many skincare lines and products to choose from, how can you be sure which will work for your skin type and needs? With many products claiming to be the best on the market, ask your dermatologist for the truth behind the hype and an honest recommendations. Here are just a few simple dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

• Do Know What You Need: You may have found an excellent product for dry skin, but it will be of little or no benefit to you if you have oily or combination skin. Make sure to evaluate your skin type before buying products, and feel free to switch products even if you have been using the same brand for years.
• Do be Realistic: Any product claiming to perform miracles the likes of which surgery can’t even produce will likely be a disappointing purchase. If a product’s claims sound too good to be true, they probably are.
• Do be Diligent: When you do select a skincare product, give it enough time to work. Most products typically require six weeks or more of consistent, daily use before you will notice a difference.

• Don’t Choose Incomplete Products: A quality skincare product, particularly moisturizers, will contain SPF. No matter how blue the sky or the time of year, you always need sun protection. While the SPF found in skincare and makeup products do not offer enough protection on their own, they can be layered on top of or under a standalone sunscreen. 
• Don’t Blindly Trust Labels: You should research anything you are considering putting on your skin, no matter how expensive or inexpensive it is. For example, many products contain ingredients that are proven to be beneficial in a certain form but are useless when applied topically via a cream.
• Don’t be Shy: If you are ever confused about your choices, ask for help. Your dermatologist is the most reliable and trustworthy resource you have, so take advantage of his or her medical opinion and recommendations. 

For guidance in choosing skincare products or creating the right skincare routine for you, contact Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. To locate an office or dermatologist near you, please visit Advanced Dermatology online or call us today at (866) 400-3376.