Medical and Surgical Dermatology
We also specialize in the surgical removal of skin cancers, cysts, fatty growths, unwanted moles, and the repair of torn earlobes. Please visit our medical information website, www.dscmd.fromyourdoctor.com for more in-depth information about your dermatologic condition. Please call the office to schedule an appointment for you or a family member at 704-341-0090. We offer a patient newsletter with general medical information and changes to our practice. Sign up to receive our patient newsletter via email and stay informed! Acne occurs when hair follicle pores are blocked by natural components of the skin. This is the root of most acne lesions. Once blocked, inflammation and bacteria overgrowth occur leading to red bumps and cysts in the skin. Sebaceous or sweat glands of the skin can contribute excessive amounts of sebum into the plugged follicle increasing inflammation. Hormones can also play a role. Most teenagers are affected to some degree. Adults, often, get acne for the first time while others have suffered since the teenage years. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress if not treated early. Treatment for acne varies depending on which of the above factors is causing your acne. This is different for each person. On average, results are visible in six to eight weeks. Broad Based Light (BBL™) has now proven to be helpful in the treatment of acne. In many cases, this offers an alternative to oral medications such as Accutane or long-term antibiotics. The shorter wavelengths of BBL™, in the blue-light spectrum, attack p-acne bacteria on the surface and in the sebaceous gland. Along with a home skincare program designed for acne-prone skin, you can experience significant long-term clearance. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels offer ways to remove persistent and stubborn acne. Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face and also occasionally the scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. You may also have sebaceous hyperplasia (small white or yellow bumps) and/or telangiectasias or redness as part of your rosacea. The acne component is manageable with creams and/ or oral medications. Sebaceous hyperplasia is often minimized by the topical meds. If not, cosmetic treatments of electrocautery can reduce the size of the glands. The redness can be reduced by medication. Any permanent fine red lines are best removed by laser if many or epilation if a few are present. Avoid triggers that cause enlargement of the blood vessels will help to minimize the development of permanent enlarged vessels on the skin. Triggers include hot and spicy foods, hot beverages, heat, sun, etc. It is not yet known what causes rosacea and the disease is not curable, although it can be managed in many ways, including topical and oral medications and laser surgery. Early detection and intervention are essential to minimize and controlling rosacea. Rosaplex serum is specially formulate for even the most sensitive, rosacea prone skin. A clinically proven, unique marine complex combined with willow herb and oat beta glucan, that helps to reduce the appearance of facial redness and calm reactive skin with continued daily use. The Sciton BBL™ and SkinTyte™ have now proven to minimize rosacea by treating the underlying causative sun damage as well as shrinking the overactive sweat glands. In many cases, this offers an alternative to oral medications such as Accutane or long-term antibiotics. Along with a home skincare program designed for rosacea-prone skin, you can experience significant long-term clearance.
Eczema is a term used to describe a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic, relapsing and very itchy rashes. Eczema can be broken down in several distinct categories. Atopic dermatitis is partially inherited and environmental.
Allergic Contact Dermatitus
Psoriasis encompasses a group of chronic skin disorders that cause an itching and/or burning sensation, scaling and crusting of the skin. Skin does not mature and piles up on the skin surface as thick plaques. The most commonly affected areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis; the patient's age, medical history and lifestyle; and the effect the disease has on the patient's general mental health. The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, and oral or injectable medications (for severe symptoms). All require consistent effort by the patient and can be very successful.
Urticaria or hives occur when your immune system over reacts to a stimulus, releasing mast cells' histamine into the skin. This causes a very itching swelling of the skin called hives. Treatment involves identifying the causative agent and avoiding if possible. If this is not possible, antihistamines may be needed to minimize the effect of the released antihistamine. Many external factors can cause hives including the cold or heat, exercise, bathing, pressure, prolonged sitting, vibration, rubbing or scratching, friction or clothing contact. Certain medications commonly cause hives including aspirin. Food is often the culprit.
Warts, including molluscum, are caused by viruses. To date, there is no cure for viral disease. Treatment is aimed at removing the external wart and, most importantly, stimulating your own immune system to contain the virus. This can be accomplished with painless topical solutions, freezing the warts and laser treatments. All treatments usually require multiple treatment sessions. Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis Pilaris is composed of small, rough bumps on the backs of the arms and thighs. Moistuization is vital to minimize this condition. Moisturizers with exfoliants are best. Keralyx Care Cream is recommended.
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