Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Psoriasis: Complications and Related Conditions

Psoriasis is more than simply a skin condition; it’s also an autoimmune disorder. If you have psoriasis, you may be at an increased risk for developing other medical conditions. If you have psoriasis, schedule regular visits with your dermatologist to monitor your condition and detect for signs of related health concerns. Because of the body’s weakened immune system, psoriasis patients may develop health problems like:

• Depression: While depression can be a real risk for nearly everyone, psoriasis patients are at a particularly high risk for developing it. Living with an autoimmune skin disease and its symptoms can become quite overwhelming, leading to mood changes. If you feel as though you are becoming depressed, talk to your dermatologist to see what heath resources are available to you.
• Cardiovascular Disease: If you have moderate to severe psoriasis and are between the ages of 40 and 60, you could be at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. This risk becomes more real if lifestyle risk factors like smoking or obesity also apply to you. If you have psoriasis, protect your health by eliminating or reducing any controllable risk factors.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that is only found in psoriasis patients, and will affect as many as 30% of all psoriasis sufferers. If you have psoriatic arthritis, the condition can lead to the destruction of joints and to debilitating pain. Having your psoriasis monitored by a dermatologist can help you recognize symptoms and receive treatment to prevent the complication from progressing.  
• Cancer: Certain types of skin cancer are more prevalent among psoriasis patients, both because of the condition itself and because of the treatments. Your dermatologist will likely recommend regular skin cancer screenings if you have psoriasis. He or she is trained to recognize the early symptoms of skin cancer, and an early diangnosis can lead to more successful treatment.

To learn more about monitoring and managing your psoriasis, 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's Behind Your Breakout? Resources for Further Reading

Have you ever wanted to hide your face in embarrassment after a severe breakout? Whether your face is covered in painful pimples or an irritating rash, a skin flare-up can not only affect your self-confidence but also leave behind lingering scars and marks. If you are struggling to manage skin breakouts, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. He or she can help you identify the causes of your condition and prescribe a course of treatment.

• Hormone changes, especially those caused by menstruation and pregnancy, are common acne triggers. This acne fact sheet provides more information about how acne affects women in particular.
• If you have eczema, certain triggers can cause your skin to break out into an irritating rash. Talk to your dermatologist about treatments you can try to better manage your condition and prevent eczema flare-ups.
• Individuals with acne do have several treatment options for clearing the skin. Ask your dermatologist about common acne medications and treatments to see if one of them could be right for you.

To learn more about managing your skin and preventing breakouts, 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.

Is There an Order to Applying Skincare Products?

A complete skincare regimen often includes multiple products and steps, particularly if you suffer from a skin condition like eczema or acne. In addition to cleansing the face, you must also exfoliate, moisturize and treat the skin. But in what order should each step be done? Does the order of your product application really matter? Yes, it absolutely does. In the video below, learn which order to follow when following your own at-home skincare routine.

All skincare products consist of active ingredients that are then dissolved in a lotion, cream, or ointment—this is the “vehicle” for the ingredient. Order of application depends on the vehicle; lightweight or water-based products (lotions or serums) should be applied first, heavier products (creams) applied second, and the heaviest or thickest products (ointments) applied last. If a heavier product is applied first, a lighter product will not be able to penetrate the skin and effectively deliver its active ingredient.

To create a customized skincare routine that targets your specific skin type and needs, 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 Moisturize for Your Eczema

Dry, cracked skin can be uncomfortable for anyone but becomes especially troublesome when you suffer from eczema. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder that causes itchy, dry skin that is often accompanied by redness and scaly skin. Because scratching at eczema flare-ups will only worsen rash symptoms, maintenance therapy and lifestyle changes are most effective at controlling this condition. Consult your dermatologist for additional recommendations and make moisturizing a regular part of your eczema control regimen.

• Take a Shower or Bath: One of the obvious keys to hydrated and moisturized skin is water. A shower or bath will not only provide temporary relief from dryness and itchiness but will also help hydrate the skin. However, excessive time spent in the shower or bath can have the opposite effect, so limit your bathing routine to five to 10 minutes. Avoid bathing with steaming-hot water, which can extract natural oils from your skin and lead to dryness. Lastly, cleanse with liquid soap that is free of perfumes or dyes.
• Use Lotions, Ointments, and Creams: After bathing, apply a moisturizing skin care product to lock in hydration. A hypoallergenic or nonsteroidal cream is ideal for keeping itchiness at bay. Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical treatment or antihistamine to prevent eczema flare-ups. While lotions, creams, and ointments can all be excellent moisturizers, ointments are primarily oil-based and may be most effective.
• Apply Moisturizers Properly: Like scratching, rubbing at your skin vigorously when toweling off or applying moisturizer can worsen eczema symptoms. Instead, gently apply any moisturizers, allowing them a few minutes to soak in. You will likely get better results if you reapply ointments and creams throughout the day. Many dermatologists recommend moisturizing at night so that topical treatments will not rub off and will have time to absorb into the skin.

To learn more about managing your eczema, 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.

Tips for Preventing Acne Breakouts

Contrary to common belief, eating greasy foods and forgetting to wash your face are not root causes of acne. Instead, acne is an inflammatory skin condition triggered by bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, which proliferate when dead skin cells and sebum build up. Breakouts can afflict individuals of all ages, so learning how to prevent them can help you keep your skin smooth, clear and free of acne scars. If you suffer from acne breakouts, talk to your dermatologist about what you can do and the treatments you can try to better manage your skin.

Wash Your Face Regularly

Cleansing your face removes dead cells, excess oil, and other debris from your skin, all of which can create the perfect breeding environment for acne-causing bacteria if left on the skin. In order to avoid irritating inflamed skin further, wash your face gently with lukewarm water and avoid soaps that contain harsh chemicals, dyes, and perfumes. Keep in mind that washcloths and loofahs can harbor bacteria and may scrub at your skin, so use your fingers to gently massage your skin when washing your face.

Consider Medication or Topical Treatments

Your dermatologist may prescribe topical benzoyl peroxide to kill the bacteria that causes acne. A retinoid may also be recommended, as it acts as a comedolytic to clear up pores clogged by sebum and dead skin cells. Oral and topical antibiotics are other common treatment options, although your dermatologist may first suggest over-the-counter medications as you begin treatment.

Moisturize

Benzoyl peroxide and other acne treatments dry out the skin, so it’s important to replenish vital moisture and prevent further irritation by moisturizing. Moisturizers like lotions, creams, and ointments are most effective when applied to hydrated skin, so make moisturizing a part of your post-bathing routine.

Exercise for Better Health

As the body’s largest organ, the skin benefits from regular exercise. Besides reducing stress that could be worsening your acne, physical activity also increases circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the skin. To keep your skin clean and clear, be sure to bathe afterward to wash away sweat.

To learn more about the causes of acne and your treatment options, 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.