Dermatologic
DERMATOLOGIC CONDITIONS
A birthmark is a splotch on our skin, which can appear in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. While some birthmarks are small and inconspicuous, others have a more prominent appearance, which can be bothersome to some, and can even lower their self-esteem. In some cases, certain types of birthmarks can become a health risk. Some birthmarks do fade or completely disappear over time, however, there are others that will never fade or go away. Birthmark removal offers a solution to people who are self-conscious about their appearance and even help reduce the possibility of health risks associated with certain moles.
Treatments Available
- Pigment-specific Laser Treatment
- Vascular-specific Laser Treatment
- Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment
- Chemical Peel
2. Acne Treatment
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It is caused by the p.acnes bacteria, which occur normally in the body and are usually released when your skin sheds the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Sometimes, however, the bacteria become trapped within the skin and a pimple forms.
Common forms include moderate and inflammatory acne. Whiteheads, blackhead and pustules, after treatment often leave acne scars which can be just as devastating to the patient as was the acne it replaced.
Treatments Available
- Antibiotics
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Contraceptive Pills
- Proactiv Solution
- Tretinoin
- Isotretinoin
- Adapalene
- Salicylic Acid
- Blue Light Therapy
- Laser Treatment
- Herbal Remedies
These are birthmarks caused by malformed pigment cells. Sometimes, there is too much melanin thereby giving the skin its brown color. Pigmented lesions include moles, coffee-cream spots and Mongolian spots. Mole is a nonspecific term for nevus, which is a pigmented skin spot. While most moles pose no health risks, some large nevi may have cancerous effects later on during one’s life. Coffee-cream spots are caused by too much pigment in the skin. They do not fade away, but do not require treatment. Mongolian spots are flat, slate blue-grey patches commonly found in children. These birthmarks usually disappear when children reach school age.
Treatments Available
Nail avulsion is when the whole or part of the nail is removed from its bed. It is possible however, to regrow the nail for as long as the root of the nail is intact. The nail should be replaced on its bed to serve as a splint if it is available. However, if the bed is split, it would be necessary to realign the wound. By using partial-thickness skin grafts, tissue in the nail bed can be regained .
The ingrown toenail can also be surgically treated and is usually performed in the doctor’s office.
Treatments Available
A. Nonpermanent treatment
1. A simple nail avulsion with or without the use of antibiotic treatment.
2. Incision and drainage (I&D) of the soft tissue next to the nail.
3. A simple nail avulsion combined with debridement of the nearby soft tissue.
B. Surgical procedure for ingrown toenails – may be used alone or in combination:
1. Surgical removal of the matrix.
2. Use of chemicals such as phenol or sodium hydroxide in treatment.
3. Bone surgery is indicated when treating ingrown toenails with pain upon putting downward pressure. It is also utilized in the presence of subungual exostosis (benign tumor of the distal phalanx occurring beneath or adjacent to the nail) or when there is osteomyelitis.
4. Laser and/or radiowave matricectomy
5. Repair of hypertrophic ungualabia.
6. Treatment of mild to moderate non-infected nail by utilizing avulsion of the offending portion of the nail and if the nail is thick, debridement of this.
C. The patient may be instructed to the following:
1. Proper shoe wear.
2. Home soaks.
3. Use of topical antibiotics.
4. Use of oral antibiotics.
5. Proper nail trimming technique.
Any trauma to our skin can cause formation of scar tissue. It can sometimes be very small and easy to hide or it can be downright unsightly. The truth is a scar will never completely go away, but there are some methods that can help reduce its size and appearance.
There are several types of scars:
Keloid scars - These scars are the result of an overly aggressive healing process. These scars extend beyond the original injury. Over time, a keloid scar may affect mobility. Possible treatments include surgical removal, or injections with steroids. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloid formation by using pressure treatment or gel pads with silicone when you sustain an injury.
Contracture scars - If your skin has been burned, you may have a contracture scar, which causes tightening of skin that can impair your ability to move; additionally, this type of scar may go deeper to affect muscles and nerves.
Hypertrophic scars - Raised and red scars that are similar to keloids, but do not breach the boundaries of the injury site. Possible treatments can include injections of steroids to reduce inflammation.
Acne scars - If you've had severe acne, you probably have the scars to prove it. There are many types of acne scars, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance. Possible treatments will depend on the types of acne scars you have.
Treatments Available
- Vascular-specific Laser Treatment
- Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment
- Non-ablative Laser Treatment
A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope.
Several different methods may be used to obtain a skin sample, depending on the size and location of the abnormal area of skin, called a skin lesion. The skin sample is placed in a solution, such as formaldehyde, or in a sterile container if infection is suspected. In each of these procedures, the tissue is processed and then examined under a microscope.
Skin biopsies most often are done to diagnose skin cancer, which may be suspected when an abnormal area of skin has changed color, shape, size, or appearance or has not healed after an injury. Skin cancers are the most common type of cancers.
Early diagnosis of a suspicious skin lesion and skin biopsy can help identify skin cancers and lead to early treatment.
Treatments Available
- Incision
- Excision
- Curette biopsy
- Punch biopsy
- Scissors biopsy
- Shave biopsy
- Fusiform or elliptical biopsy
There are two types of leg veins: spider veins and varicose veins.
Spider veins are small, red, blue, or purple blood vessels that lie close to the skin. Spider veins can appear in a spider-like shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point. They may also appear as tiny-branch like shapes, or appear as linear spider veins on our thighs, calves and ankles. These are caused by a number of factors, including heredity and pregnancy.
Varicose veins, on the other hand, are different from spider veins because they are larger, darker in color, and tend to bulge. Varicose veins are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders. While sclerotherapy can treat certain cases of varicose veins, surgical treatment is often necessary.
Treatments Available
- Vascular Specific Laser Treatment
- Sclerotherapy
We see hair on our head, eyebrows and other common places - almost our entire body is covered with hair. Most of it is fine and pale, and not visible to the naked eye. However, some people have darker, coarse hair in places they wouldn’t want hair, or don’t expect to have hair. These places include neck, arms, breasts, back and other places. It makes people self-conscious and find this excess body hair embarrassing and bothersome. So many of us spend time removing unwanted hair. Whether it is shaving, cutting, or waxing, these are only temporary solutions to the problem. Some spend money on products that also leave temporary results. However, hair removal techniques provide a way to save time and help people gain the appearance they desire.
Treatments Available
- Laser-assisted Hair Removal
Cellulite is a cosmetic condition many women experience on their thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. Its appearance is that of bumpy, uneven skin resulting from displaced fat and toxins trapped above the fibrous bands of connective tissue in the dermal layer of skin. (Connective tissue is what keeps fat evenly distributed below the skin.) As a result, tissue becomes compressed and hardened, making blood circulation difficult, resulting in cellulite. Predominately found in women, cellulite is rarely ever found in males. Even though cellulite is fat, it is actually not a symptom of obesity. This condition can easily occur in thin as well as overweight women. Total amount of body fat, as well as age, hormones, diet, smoking, and genetics can all play a part in the cellulite found. This unattractive skin appearance has been called rippling, or more commonly “cottage cheese.”
Treatments Available
- Electrotherapy
- Endermologie (a patented technology using a mechanized device with two motorized rollers and regulated suction)
- Massage Treatments
- Creams and Body Wraps
- Dietary Supplements
- Herbal Supplements
Tattoos are injections of colored ink into the skin, resulting in permanent decorative images. Some people have one small tattoo, while others literally cover their body, to symbolize their love of something, or someone. Others get tattoos because they think they look cool, or to show off. There are many reasons why people choose to decorate their skin with tattoos. On the other hand, there are many reasons why people choose to remove the tattoo.
Treatments Available
- Pigment Specific Laser Treatment
