Posts for: November, 2020
Verrucas, commonly known as warts, really do come in a wide array of sizes and shapes and could be bumpy, flat, smooth, contain tiny dots, or textured like broccoli or cauliflower. You may also be aware that the HPV or human papillomavirus causes warts and that warts are very contagious.
But did you know that HPV also comes in various types, in the hundreds, in fact, and that they’re categorized by number and not their name? Additionally, data from electron microscopes indicate that lots of wart viruses are on surfaces practically everywhere and hang around literally in the air.
To prevent warts from worsening or avoid the spread of warts in your household, early treatment from your dermatologist here at Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases is key. You can consult with one of our dermatologists in our Roswell, GA, Alpharetta, GA, Cumming, GA, or Sandy Springs, GA, office to get your warts checked out and get prompt treatment for them.
How to Get Rid of Warts
In most cases, OTC wart remedies that dermatologists recommend will suffice to get rid of mild wart cases. On the other hand, mosaic warts (those that come in clusters), plantar warts, warts on the face, and stubborn recurring warts will require professional treatment.
The reason for this is that recurring warts are usually those that come in clusters. These could be extremely painful since they develop deep into the skin surface, and the only way to truly get rid of them is through professional medications, techniques, and devices.
Here in our Roswell, GA, Alpharetta, GA, Cumming, GA, and Sandy Springs, GA, office, we typically treat warts by shaving them off and then applying a spritz of liquid nitrogen to freeze the infected tissue and effectively kill the HPV virus. You’ll have to follow up at home with a prescription medication to be applied to the wart area for some time to ensure its complete elimination.
Your dermatologist may likewise inject medicine into warts to trigger your immune system to combat the virus. Likewise, depending on the severity of your warts, electrosurgery, which involves sending electric currents through your warts to kill the infected tissue, may be recommended. More stubborn warts might also need to repeat treatments. Yes, HPV is everywhere, but you don’t have to suffer warts on your skin.
Reach Out to Us For Concerns or Advice on All Things Warts
Contact Our Offices Today: Sandy Springs, GA at (404) 252-4333, Roswell, GA at (770) 751-1133, Alpharetta, GA at (770) 664-5225 or our Cumming, GA, office at (770) 844-1902 to book a consultation here at Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases.
If you notice recurring bouts of red, scaly, itchy patches of skin then you could be dealing with eczema. Eczema refers to a variety of skin conditions that cause plaques that can sometimes ooze, crust over, and lead to infection. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with eczema, you must seek professional dermatology care from qualified skin-care professionals.What triggers eczema?
It’s important to figure out what triggers your eczema so you can make lifestyle changes to avoid exposure. Common eczema triggers include:
- Cold or hot weather
- Dry skin
- Stress
- Cigarette smoke
- Fragrances and detergents
- Dust mites, pollen, and mold
- Exercise
How can I manage my eczema symptoms?
While there is no cure for eczema, a dermatologist can help you get your symptoms under control. First and foremost, you mustn't scratch your skin, as scratching will only make the itching more intense. Scratching your skin can also lead to more serious problems including infections.
It’s also important to establish a proper skin-care regimen with your dermatologist to determine which products are not only safe to use but also can ease eczema symptoms. It’s best to choose mild products that do not contain fragrances or chemicals and to keep skin moisturized, as dry skin can lead to flare-ups.
Of course, your dermatologist can also provide you with prescription topical creams and medications to help control your symptoms. Sometimes laser therapy can also help if you are dealing with severe eczema symptoms that don’t seem to respond to traditional medications and lifestyle changes.
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of eczema or you’ve already been diagnosed with eczema, you must have a skin-care professional that can help you get your eczema under control with proper dermatology treatments and remedies.
As kids, we dealt with that notoriously itchy rash caused by chickenpox. Unfortunately, as we get older, the same virus that caused our childhood chickenpox can also cause shingles. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, then that same virus is lying dormant within the body. This means that at some point during your lifetime, the virus does have the ability to reactivate, causing a painful, blistering rash on the stomach and sides. This is known as shingles.Think You Have Shingles?
If you notice a blister-like rash developing on one side of the body it’s possible that you could have shingles. If you suspect that you have shingles, you must see a doctor.
Those over the age of 60 years old as well as those with chronic conditions such as diabetes are more at risk for complications related to shingles, so you must seek immediate dermatology care from a qualified doctor. A dermatologist can also rule out other possible conditions or infections.
Treating Shingles
For the antiviral medication to be most effective, you must see a doctor right away if you think you have shingles. The most common types of antiviral medications used to treat shingles include acyclovir and valacyclovir. These antivirals can speed up the healing process and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
- Applying cold compresses to the rash
- Soaking in a cool oatmeal bath
- Wearing light, loose-fitted clothing that won’t rub against the rash
- Applying calamine lotion to reduce itching
- Managing stress effectively and finding ways to help you relax
- Eating healthy, balanced meals
- Getting good quality sleep every night
The good news is that there is a shingles vaccine that can protect you against this infection. If you are over the age of 50, you could benefit from the shingles vaccine so ask your doctor. The vaccine can protect you from shingle for up to five years.
If you are worried that you might have shingles, or if you’re interested in finding out whether or not you should get the shingles vaccine, a qualified dermatologist will be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with the custom dermatology treatment you need to ease your symptoms.