Posts for: January, 2022
Did you know that all warts stem from the human papillomavirus (HPV)? Although these growths are usually painless and benign, they are aesthetically unappealing, especially when they're on a part of your body that people see regularly, such as your face or hands. Fortunately, warts are correctable by a practitioner at the Atlanta Center for Dermatological Diseases, serving Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Sandy Springs, GA, and the nearby regions.
What to Know About Warts
Warts come from an infection when you come in contact with a person who is infected or items that the infected person had contact with, like a towel.
Children are more prone to this infection because their bodies haven't had a chance to develop immunity. Additionally, your child's risk heightens if he or she is immunocompromised.
You could have had contact with the virus two to six months before developing symptoms.
Often, warts will disappear on their own. However, if they're bothersome, it's possible to have them removed.
Diagnosing Warts
If you're dealing with warts, once you visit one of our Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Sandy Springs, GA, practices, you'll receive a visual analysis of the blemish. Sometimes, other testing is performed, such as a biopsy to rule out other causes of skin growth. In addition, the practitioner may scrape the top layer of the wart to examine the blood vessels.
Treating Warts
Fortunately, for patients contending with warts, various treatment options exist. In some cases, you may be able to take a treatment home and administer it yourself. For instance, salicylic acid preparations come in pad, gel, drop, or plaster form. They will destroy the protein that makes up the wart.
On the other hand, if you're suffering from multiple warts or have a more serious case, we may perform in-house treatments. For example, cryotherapy is a treatment that uses cold temperatures to freeze the wart. We offer injectable medications that encourage your immune system to fight the infection.
For anyone dealing with warts, help is available in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA. At the Atlanta Center for Dermatological Diseases, our practitioners offer various treatment methods so you can feel confident once again with the embarrassment of warts.
Schedule an appointment at one of our practices by calling:
Roswell - 770-751-1133
Alpharetta - 770-664-5225
Cumming - 770-844-1902
Sandy Springs - 404-252-4333
For most of the US, winter is here! Temperatures are dropping and snow is already falling. If you live in a wintry region of the country you may be finding that your skin is a little drier these days. If so, you aren’t alone. Dry skin is a common problem, particularly during the winter months. Here are some ways to improve dry skin on your own,Pick the right moisturizer: Not all moisturizers are created equal but it’s important to quench your skin, particularly if it’s dry. Therefore, when you purchase a moisturizer look for one that contains lanolin or petroleum. These agents help to lock in moisture.
Other helpful ingredients to be on the lookout for include urea or lactic acid, which helps the skin hold water. However, those with eczema or sensitive skin may experience some stinging when applying products that contain lactic acid or urea.
Skip hot, steaming shower: While a hot shower after a long day might sound like heaven, it definitely won’t be for your skin. Hot water strips your skin of that much-needed moisture. The same goes for when you wash for face. Use warm water instead of hot and don’t linger in the shower.
Shave less frequently: Shaving can certainly be rough on skin, particularly if it is already dry. Therefore, it might be best to shave less frequently, if you can get away with it. On the days you do need to shave be sure to be generous with your shaving cream and to stick with warm, and not hot, water.
Use a humidifier: If you notice that your skin experiences more intense dryness during the winter months, then it might be time to invest in a humidifier. This household product can help add moisture back into the air, so your environment doesn’t suck all the healthy moisture from your skin.
Consider prescription medications: If you are suffering from extremely dry skin, then commercial moisturizers and other local drugstore skincare products just won’t cut it. You need to see your dermatologist for a topical prescription. We can prescribe corticosteroids and other medications that can help relieve the annoying itching and redness you experience with seriously dry skin. If over-the-counter products aren’t helping, talk to your dermatologist.
When to See a Dermatologist
It might seem strange to see a dermatologist for dry skin, but if your dry skin is severe, making you feel miserable and uncomfortable, or not responding to at-home treatments then it may be worth turning to a dermatologist for more effective treatment options.
Don’t let dry skin get you down this season when there are so many ways to get it under control. Remember that if dry skin and other issues are impacting your health, appearance, and confidence, a dermatologist can be the ideal doctor to help you feel better fast.
Atlanta Center for Dermatology is here to help if you are dealing with itchy skin. Our team of doctors is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. We can help treat you to get your skin looking and feeling better. Keep reading about conditions that cause itchy skin and come see us if you have itchy skin in Atlanta, GA.
Itchy Skin
Itchy skin can be unsightly, embarrassing, and so hard not to scratch! But when your skin is irritated you need to keep your hands off to prevent spreading bacteria and keep your skin from getting infected. If you're suffering from itchy skin, there are a few common causes and some other conditions it can be traced back to. Resist the urge to scratch and make an appointment with your dermatologist.
Hives
Hives are itchy welts that can occur anywhere on the skin. They vary in size and can even connect to form larger hives. Hives are often the result of an allergic reaction and may clear up on their own. If you have hives lasting longer than six weeks, this is considered chronic and you should see a doctor.
Bed bugs
Bedbug bites can leave itchy welts on the skin. These tiny insects like to hide in a mattress, headboard, or couch and come out to feed while you are asleep. Getting rid of bedbugs can be difficult and will probably involve a professional pest control company and several treatments to make sure they are eradicated.
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are all dangerous to humans. An oil in all of these plants called urushiol is poisonous to the skin and produces a very itchy rash. If you have a severe reaction there will be swelling, and if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, you should go to the emergency room.
Other medical conditions that can cause itching are varied. They can include liver disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems, and certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. In these cases, your skin appears normal but itches all over.
Itchy skin is bothersome and usually a symptom of something else, so come see a doctor at Atlanta Center for Dermatology for diagnosis and treatment. Contact us to treat your itchy skin in Atlanta, GA, at (404) 252-4333. Contact our Alpharetta, GA location at (770) 664-5225, our Cumming, GA location at (770) 844-1902, and our Roswell, GA location at (770) 751-1133.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects your skin causing rash-like symptoms that can impact your everyday life when these become severe. There is no cure for psoriasis but with proper skincare and with help from your Atlanta, GA, dermatologist its effects can be managed. Learn more from your local professionals from Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA.
Avoid Scratching
Skin injuries are a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups and these can be caused by scratching. Itching and redness are symptoms of the condition and by scratching these you can create a seemingly endless cycle of discomfort. But there are strategies you can follow that can help control the itch.
Bad Habits
Habits such as smoking and drinking can awaken psoriasis in those predisposed to the disease, and can also make the effects of the condition more severe to those already suffering from it. So cutting down on these habits could be considered part of good skincare and can also positively impact your overall health.
Keeping Clean
Good hygiene is a key aspect of a good skincare routine, but if you suffer from psoriasis there are a few extra considerations. Such as using a body wash that is fragrance-free and avoiding hot showers and hard scrubbing. Perfume and body sprays can also trigger a reaction.
Moisturize
Moisturizing can prevent skin from becoming itchy and then irritated, which can prompt psoriasis symptoms. You can speak with your Atlanta, GA, dermatologist about the types of lotions safe for your psoriasis, especially so if in spite of proper skincare your skin is still very itchy and you continue to experience flare-ups.
Managing Your Psoriasis in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA
If you are struggling with psoriasis symptoms it may be time to schedule a consultation with your local Atlanta, GA, skin experts of Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA. Dial (404) 252-4333 for the Sandy Springs and Atlanta Office, (770) 751-1133 for the Roswell office, (770) 664-5225 for Alpharetta, and (770) 844-1902 in Cumming.
According to the National Vitiligo Foundation, around 70 million people around the world have vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that causes white patches of skin. This condition is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person, but the white patches can be a source of embarrassment or isolation for some patients. If you are living with vitiligo, or know someone who is, a dermatologist can help you determine the best treatment options for improving the appearance of vitiligo.How is vitiligo treated?
There is currently no cure for vitiligo but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to target and add pigment back into these depigmented patches of skin. Some of these treatment options include:
UVB Light Therapy
This is one of the oldest and most commonly used treatment options for vitiligo, which exposes areas of the body to light therapy multiple times a week. This narrow-band light therapy works by triggering the production of melanocytes, a skin cell responsible for producing pigmentation in the skin.
Topical Medications
Various topical creams can repigment the skin. Your dermatologist will look at the size and location of your vitiligo patches to determine the best topical medications for the job. Common topical medications include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, calcipotriene, and depigmentation medications.
Steroids are topical anti-inflammatories that can slow vitiligo and allow the body to produce more melanocytes. It can take up to a month to start seeing results. When steroids aren’t the ideal option, which is particularly common if a patient has patches of vitiligo in more sensitive areas such as the genitals or lips, your dermatologist may recommend calcineurin inhibitors.
If the majority of your body contains vitiligo patches, the best option may be to lighten the rest of your skin to reduce the appearance of these depigmented patches. This can be done with a topical depigmentation medication or light therapy. Medications are often recommended in conjunction with light therapy, but if light therapy isn’t being used then your dermatologist may recommend two or more medications to be used at the same time.
You don’t have to deal with vitiligo alone. A dermatologist can be the best medical specialist for helping you treat and manage your vitiligo symptoms. To learn more or to schedule an evaluation, call your dermatologist today.