Skin Condition & Treatments available.

Skin conditions affect almost everyone at some point during life. Whether it’s eczema you develop as a baby, acne you struggle with as a teen, or age spots you fight as you mature, there is an answer for each condition.

Acne

Stating that acne is the most common skin condition doesn’t make it any less frustrating to those it affects. Even more frustrating is the fact that everyone seems to have a different opinion of what causes acne and how to stop it. Acne is a fairly common problem experienced by a majority of adolescents and adults at some point during life. While not a serious health condition, the cosmetic symptoms of acne can be troublesome. The most common causes of acne are dead skin cells, excessive sebum production (usually caused by hormones), or bacteria growth. Sebum is natural oil produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. Sebum production usually increases when a person hits puberty.

Common acne treatments:

•Benzoyl Peroxide — the active ingredient in most over-the-counter acne medicines, benzoyl peroxide works to limit the bacteria that cause acne.

•Antibiotics — Topical or oral antibiotics, usually derived from erythromycin or tetracycline, can be prescribed to treat acne, but immunity to the antibiotic may eventually lessen its effectiveness.

•Salicylic Acid — this beta hydroxyl acid is a commonly found in over-the-counter acne medicines, and works to correct acne by penetrating through the follicle and clearing it of dead cells and other acne-causing debris.

•Retinoids — derived from vitamin A, topical or oral retinoids can treat mild to moderate acne by unclogging pores and preventing new blemishes from forming. Isotretinoin (Accutane), a member of the retinoid family, is prescribed by your Dermatologist for very severe acne cases. Although Accutane has a bad reputation for its harsh side effects, it is the most powerful severe acne treatment, so your dermatologist will only prescribe Accutane to those patients whose acne does not clear up with other treatment methods.

•Laser treatments — Laser treatments can help even out the skin tone, while also eliminating acne scarring.

•Birth Control Pills — certain birth control pills contain active ingredients that may help regulate certain types of acne, talk to your GP or Dermatologist.

•Skin Care Products — some of our skin care products can also help certain types of acne. After a consultation, we can prescribe and/or recommend prevention and treatment products based on your condition.Skinceutical Blemish and Age Range.

Microdermabrasion — Depending on your specific type of acne, a microdermabrasion treatment may help purify your skin of pore-clogging, acne-causing skin cells.

Chemical Peels — Chemical peels, work to repair the skin’s surface damage, and in some cases, and  help reduce and correct the appearance of acne.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a pre-cancerous condition of damaged skin that could eventually lead to sqaumous cell carcinoma. It is marked by thick, scaly patches of skin that can eventually grow to be bumpy, tough, and wart-like. Actinic keratosis is most common in fair skinned people and happens most frequently in sun-exposed areas of the body (face, neck, and forearms). Because actinic keratosis can eventually become cancerous, if you suspect it somewhere on your body, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Other forms of keratosis include keratosis pilaris often referred to as “chicken skin” or the bumpy texture on hair follicles and seborrheic keratosis, noncancerous skin growths that come with advancing age, can also be treated by our board certified dermatologists.

Age Spots/ Liver Spots

Also known as sun spots, solar lentigines, liver spots, or freckles, age spots occur in response to cumulative sun exposure. However, they get the name “age spots” because they usually start becoming more visible with age (commonly in the 40s). Not to be confused with ephelides (the tan freckles that appear in the summer and disappear by winter), age spots are permanent dark areas that do not fade over time. While they are not a health concern, some forms of skin cancer look like age spots when they first appear, so it’s important to monitor any new spots. If you’ve noticed any questionable or changing skin lesions, it’s important to have them checked by a dermatologist. Skin cancer caught early responds best to treatment.

What causes age spots?

The skin’s surface layer is called the epidermis, and just below that is the dermis. Melanin gives the skin its colour, or pigmentation. Sun exposure causes the body to produce more melanin, which is why we get tan. However, with extended sun exposure, the specialised cells (melanocytes) that produce the pigment may produce too much melanin, creating age spots. Certain people are more prone to age spots because of genetics, but most occur due to age and sun exposure.

How can age spots be prevented?

The best way to prevent age spots is to limit sun exposure. Since that’s not always possible, wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher (we typically recommend at least SPF 30) that has UVA and UVB protection. The problem with preventing age spots is that any sun damage that’s already been accumulated earlier in life can still cause age spots. However, prevention methods will help reduce additional damage and your chances of skin cancer.

 How do you treat age spots?

Although age spots are not hazardous to your health, they can become a cosmetic concern and contribute to a matured appearance. There are multiple treatment methods for age spots. Age Spots are commonly treated with laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and topical creams. A consultation with your Dermatologist will help you decide which treatment method will best suit you.

Wrinkles

Time marches on and never stops; but we can help you catch up with it and always look your best. We have a wide array of procedures and skincare to force time to take a breather and to help you look as young as you feel. For regular skin care maintenance we also have our Skin professionals where you can take a more proactive and relaxing route to a younger look. Using a full line of skin care products, chemical peels, Jet Peel, Micro current and Microdermabrasion facials etc, can give you an alternative method to dealing with wrinkles and acne, or simply help give your face a smooth, youthful glow.

Fraxel Laser Treatment

Fraxel Laser Treatment produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in your skin, known as microscopic treatment zones. This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigmented cells. It also penetrates deep into the dermis. Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fraxel laser leaves untouched. For every microscopic zone the laser targets and treats intensively, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This “fractional” treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using the body’s natural healing process to create new, healthy tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections. This is offered through your Dermatologist.

 Eczema/ Dermatitis

Eczema is a very common, chronic skin condition that’s distinguished by irritated, inflamed, and itchy patches of skin. Eczema is not threatening but can cause itching, which typically induces scratching that can produce infection: making the condition more serious than a regular rash.

Commonly referred to as dermatitis, the causes of eczema can vary. Dermatitis is believed to occur because of an overactive immune response, but other theories state that it’s caused by an overly sensitive epidermis.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is the most common type of eczema. Genetics, the environment, skin cell renewal rate, and an overactive immune system are all factors that can contribute to atopic dermatitis. Most of our people experience this particular type of eczema before the age of 5, but it can occur and/or reoccur at any time in life.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis (contact eczema) develops as an immune response to substances that bother the skin. There are two sub-categories of contact dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis (i.e. - chemicals) and allergic contact dermatitis (i.e. - poison ivy).

Eczema Treatment

With the exception of allergic contact dermatitis, which will clear up if the allergen is eliminated, eczema is a condition that is difficult to eliminate completely. However, eczema’s symptoms can be treated as they appear. The most important thing to remember if you suffer from eczema is do not scratch as scratching can further irritate the skin and can even cause skin breakage that leads to infection. Below are some treatments that may help alleviating your eczema symptoms; although, it’s important to be seen by a dermatologist so they can prescribe the best treatment for your individual needs.

•Lukewarm bath (extreme temperature may irritate the skin)

•Specific body washes and moisturisers

•Cold compress

•Apply lotion directly after bathing

•Antihistamines

•Pastes or creams with anti-itch components

•Custom prescription compounds

•Light therapy (Laser treatment)

•Antibiotics (if infection is present)

• Immunosuppressant to reduce allergies if other treatments do not help.

Eczema symptoms may clear up for a while; however, eczema may not ever completely go away, so controlling symptoms is the best treatment goal. Schedule an appointment with a certified dermatologist. 

Hair Loss

Not all hair loss conditions are genetic in nature, so it is important to make sure your hair loss problem is properly diagnosed in order to determine how to treat it.

A Dermatologist who specialises in problems with the skin, hair and nails can best determine your hair loss cause and will determine if you need hair restoration surgery or prescribe the best hair loss treatment for your needs.

Hair loss conditions can be frustrating for anyone and everyone who encounters such issues, including men, women, and even children.

Hair Loss Causes

Determining the cause of hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be difficult; as there are countless variables to the condition. However, with help from a good doctor, you can determine the cause(s) of your hair loss. Dermatologists who specialise in hair loss disorders are usually a good source to determine the root of the problem.

Sudden, temporary hair loss may occur due to flu, pneumonia, stress, systemic disorders of pituitary gland, low thyroid activity, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, tuberculosis, or cancer. Sudden hair loss is frightening, but in most cases, hair returns once the illness is gone or managed.

Scarring, accidents, burns, scars, and cosmetic surgery (if scars are placed in hairline) can also cause hair loss. Hot oil treatments, hair care chemicals, and low protein diets can make hair fragile and eventually lead to hair loss.

Alopecia areata is another common cause of hair loss. It is a disease that causes the body to form antibodies against its own follicles. Alopecia areata causes sudden hair loss in smooth, circular patterns on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows, and can be the result of stress, genetics, or immune system deficiencies.

Traction alopecia is caused by certain hairstyles if hair is pulled too tightly. Traction alopecia can cause scarring of the scalp and can eventually lead to permanent hair loss.

While there are numerous causes for hair loss disorders, the most common cause is patterned baldness. There are many myths about patterned baldness, but genes for baldness are equally passed from both parents to all children.

Hair Loss Prevention

The onset of hair loss is difficult to prevent because no one knows when and if they will experience hair loss. However, once you’ve realised that your hair is thinning, there are hair loss medications that are proven to help prevent further hair loss including: Rogaine (5% minoxidil). Rogaine is the only topical drug proven effective for treating hair loss, but is more efficient in slowing down hair loss than re-growing hair. Oral medications show better results when used in conjunction with topical medications.  Treating the scalp with a suitable shampoo can also help - Nizoral shampoo contains the active ingredient ketoconazole, which is a type of medicine called an antifungal. It is used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts.

Melasma / hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition in which the body over-produces the pigment melanin causing the appearance of dark, blotchy patches of skin. Hyperpigmentation occurs most commonly in on areas of the face including the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and chin. Typically after the age of thirty, hyperpigmentation becomes more visible on areas of the body in the form of age spots. Often the result of overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, hyperpigmentation has no other symptoms but is often the cause of cosmetic anxiety.

Types and Causes

There are several types of hyperpigmentation including sun induced, hormone induced, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Sun - or UV- induced hyperpigmentation is the result of overexposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays. Hormonally-induced hyperpigmentation if most often seen in women, especially those who are pregnant or taking birth control. It is the result of a body’s reaction to the estrogen and progesterone. This hyperpigmentation in women is called melasma. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation includes acne scarring and can also be the result of incorrectly administered chemical peels or aggressive IPL treatment.

Symptoms

Blotchy patches of dark skin across the face and areas of the body including the chin, cheeks, forehead, upper lip, hands, chest and legs.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options

Prevention of sun-induced hyperpigmentation is as easy as wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, long clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat. Preventing the sun’s harmful rays from reaching the skin is the best way to avoid hyperpigmentation caused by the sun.

The use of cosmetics and over the counter creams used to lighten skin is the non-aggressive and least intense form of treatment for hyperpigmentation. Cosmetics like concealer and foundation work to cover up the patches of darker skin while lightening creams use chemicals to produce a more even complexion. Skinceutical Advanced Pigment Corrector is clinically proven and tested on all ethnicities to help correct and prevent unwanted pigmentation. This powerful multi-layer treatment is a highly effective, safe, full-facial approach to reducing stubborn discolorations and preventing reoccurrence. In addition to its efficacy on the appearance of skin discolorations and dark spots, Advanced Pigment Corrector boosts skin tone evenness and radiance.

Psoriasis

Millions of patients suffer silently with the pain of psoriasis and often feel a diminished level in their quality of life. They know that treatments for this condition are difficult to apply, expensive, and frequently ineffective. Oral medicines alone usually have toxic side effects. Topical steroids provide only temporary relief. The condition is not life-threatening, but when patients are embarrassed to be seen in public due to it, they will hunt for a cure. Talk to  a Dermatologist.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterised by an appearance of redness or inflammation, broken blood vessels, and acne-like pimples on the central face including the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. In rare cases, the symptoms of rosacea are visible on the neck, ears, chest, and scalp. Rosacea typically manifests itself in Caucasian adults over 30 years of age. It is most common in women, but it can be present in people of any race or ethnicity, sex, and age.Certain triggers, which vary by individual, are known to aggravate the symptoms of rosacea. These triggers can include sun exposure, specific foods, stress, heavy exercise, and extreme temperatures.

Those who suffer from rosacea may feel embarrassed or self-conscious of their appearances due to the irregularities that the condition causes in their skin. While the condition is not curable, rosacea can be regulated various treatments like Foto Facial and Laser Technologies as well as prescription medicines prescribed by your Dermatologist.

Symptoms of rosacea include the following:

•Frequent blushing or flushing

•Persistent appearance of inflammation or redness

•Acne-like pimples

•Visible spider-like blood vessels

•Swelling

•Burning or stinging sensation across affected areas

•Bloodshot, watery, and irritated eyes

Treatment Options

While there is no known cure for rosacea, the condition can be controlled with treatment.

Medical treatments

Oral and topical antibiotics have proven to be effective treatments of the symptoms of rosacea. While short-term use of antibiotics treat the symptoms of rosacea, antibiotics often cause side effects and can lose efficacy as the bacteria in the skin becomes immune to the drug. However, antibiotics are believed to be effective in treating rosacea due to their anti-inflammatory effect.

Topical antibiotics kill the bacteria on the surface of the skin and diminish the physical appearance of rosacea.

Laser treatments

IPL Treatment is available through your Dermatologist which helps reduce the inflammation and other symptoms associated with rosacea. The lasers penetrate the skin’s outer surface and impair the blood vessels within the skin allowing the body to absorb them, therefore reducing the appearance of redness and inflammation, as well as the many other symptoms associated with rosacea. Laser treatments are the most effective long-term treatment available, though periodic follow-up treatments will be necessary to eliminate newly-formed blood vessels.

Skin Cancer

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancers. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year.” The sooner preventative measures are taken; the better your chances are it won’t spread. With that in mind, we offer a wide range of skin cancer treatments to eliminate this disease. Mole removal with Cryosurgery, Photodynamic therapy, lasers, and medications are just some of the alternatives available to treat skin cancers and pre-cancers. Please contact your Dermatologist for your annual skin cancer body check or to discuss treatment of any skin condition.

Recognising the Different Types of Skin Cancer:

Skin cancer is not reserved just for those who spend weeks in tanning salons. In fact, many types of skin cancers develop as a result of cumulative sun exposure. Even those times when you became just a little sun burnt can be damaging. The three most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Named to reflect the layer of the dermis and types of skin cells they affect, the carcinomas are easily treatable and rarely advance into a state dangerous to your health. Melanomas, however, should be taken care of immediately because once it spreads it could lead to serious complications. Skin biopsies, such as mole removal, are the only way to truly diagnose a potentially cancerous portion of your skin. To prevent you from undergoing multiple skin biopsies, a few tell-tale signs of the common skin cancers should be considered.

Skin Cancer Types and Skin Cancer Symptoms

Basal Cell Carcinoma: Lookout for raised, smooth, pearly bumps around the head, neck, or shoulder areas. It often resembles a sore, but fails to heal.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Look for red, scaling, thickening patches of skin in sun-exposed areas.

Melanoma: Melanoma appears as dark, either brown or black, lesions. Be observant of any moles changing size, shape, elevation, or colour.

Treatment for skin cancer available with your Dermatologist.

Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen and the extreme cold it produces to destroy abnormal tissue and skin lesions. Cryosurgery is applied directly on the skin and is used to treat basal cell carcinoma and sqaumous cell carcinoma. Cryosurgery is also effective in the treatment of pre-cancerous skin growths like actinic keratosis.

Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery: Mohs surgery is the most technically advanced treatment for skin cancer and is effective in the treatment of melanoma. In Mohs surgery, physicians remove the lesion layer by layer. This accurate, micrographically controlled procedure is meant to completely remove the cancerous tissue, without harming the surrounding tissue. Mohs surgery is the most precise and effective method for removing problem areas and is especially effective for removing tissue on sensitive areas, like the face, with little chance of regrowth and disfigurement.

Sunburn

Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to too much sun without the protection of clothing or sunscreen. Sunburn is the result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damaging the skin because it cannot produce its defensive pigment, melanin, fast enough to protect itself from the damaging rays. Though it is more frequently seen in persons who have less pigment in their skin, even patients with darker skin tones can get sunburned.

Sunburn increases the risk of long-term skin conditions such as premature wrinkles, dark spots, pre-cancers called actinic keratosis, as well as more serious problems like skin cancer. Therefore, before extended sun exposure (anything over 15 minutes) it is important to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. UV rays penetrate the earth’s atmosphere, including clouds, which is why it’s important to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.