Southlake Dermatology

Skin Resurfacing

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Skin Resurfacing Treatments are a skin rejuvenation treatment to reduce the appearance of aging or to treat certain skin conditions.

Skin Resurfacing Treatments can make a dramatic improvement in the way you look. For relatively little effort, you could take years off of your appearance.

Treatment intensity varies and is customized to meet your skin needs. During a consultation, we will review recommendations and options with you.

Southlake Dermatology is proud to offer:

  • Trichloroacetic Acid Peel (TCA)
  • Vitalize Peel
  • SkinPen Micro Therapy
  • Theraplex Salicylic Acne Peel
  • Rejuvenize Peel
  • Plasma IQ

To learn more and see a full list of services, click here.

What are Skin Resurfacing Treatments Used For?

Skin Resurfacing Treatments are used to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin.  They help address for acne, wrinkles, aging and pigmentation.

Skin responds to the chemical ingredients used in the various types of treatments. When a layer of skin is removed, the skin rejuvenates itself and builds a fresh new layer of skin cells. This results in a more youthful appearance that is devoid of the skin imperfections that were targeted.

Among other uses, cosmetic peels are used for:

  • Acne
  • Wrinkles
  • Discoloration
  • Dryness
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Scars

Types of Skin Resurfacing Treatments

Skin Resurfacing Treatments fall under three categories; light, medium, and deep. The variations designate how deeply the ingredients in the peel formulation penetrate the skin.

  • Light treatments. Light treatments remove only the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. This type of treatments treats dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Most dermatologists recommend repeat treatments no more than once every two to five weeks.
  • Medium treatments. Medium treatments penetrate to the depth of the upper layer of the dermis. Medium treatments are used to treat things like acne scars, average wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation brought about by sun damage or other reasons. More than one treatment may be needed to reach full effect.
  • Deep treatments. Even with a deep treatments, the formulation will only reach a safe depth of the skin. Deep treatments may be recommended to treat older, deeper wrinkles, certain benign skin growths, or scars. Typically, only one session of a deep treatments is needed to obtain results.

Am I a Candidate for Skin Resurfacing Treatments?

Young adults and older adults are good candidates for Skin Resurfacing Treatments, as long as there are no underlying skin conditions that could be negatively impacted by the process. For instance, open, blistering acne breakouts would not respond well to these treatments.

Others who may not be a good candidate include anyone who:

  • Has a history of overdevelopment of scar tissue
  • Is pregnant
  • Has chronic cold sore breakouts
  • Takes certain prescription medication

Skin Resurfacing Treatments are done in your dermatologist’s office. They do require some healing time, so this is not a treatment that would be appropriate to have done during your work lunch hour.

After a treatment, the skin will be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Your dermatologist will provide after-care instructions with details.

There is typically a recovery time of up to two weeks, depending upon what type of treatment you received. If you are getting a treatment to improve your appearance for a certain event, such as a wedding, you should schedule your treatment well in advance so that your skin has enough time to heal properly.

Skin Resurfacing Treatments are straightforward treatments and are available at Southlake Dermatology.

Molluscum Contagiosum

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About Molluscum Contagiosum

What is it?

The condition spreads through contact with an infected person or a contaminated object. Though painless, the small bumps might itch. Scratched bumps can spread the infection to the surrounding skin. The bumps usually disappear on their own. In rare cases, the bumps can be removed using medications or other procedures.

What causes it?

This is a very common ailment for children, and from a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is a skin infection.
People catch molluscum contagiosum when they get the virus on their skin. Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has molluscum, touching an object that someone who has molluscum touched. Or, sharing a personal item, such as clothing or a towel.
Anyone can get molluscum contagiosum, some people are more likely to catch it. Children who are 1 to 10 years old are more prone to get this skin infection because they have the most skin-to-skin contact. They seem especially vulnerable if they have eczema. The extremely dry, cracked skin of eczema may make it easier for the virus to infect the skin. Athletes who share equipment, or have skin-to-skin contact. People with compromised immune systems can be more vulnerable to catching this, as well as those who are sexually active.

Common treatments

Several treatment options are available, it’s important to know that there is no one best treatment for molluscum. One of our highly trained dermatologists will choose a treatment based on many considerations, such as overall health, the number of molluscum bumps, and where the bumps appear. No matter which treatment is used, it takes time.
A common treatment is cantharidin (beetle juice). Made from blister beetles, it has been used this to treat warts and molluscum since the 1950s. Your dermatologist will apply it to each bump in such a way that a water blister forms. You should see a blister on each treated bump within 24 to 48 hours. As the skin heals, the bumps clear. This usually occurs within 2 weeks. To be effective, most patients need more than one treatment. This is a safe and effective treatment and is topical.
Other treatments are cryotherapy, an extremely cold substance to each molluscum bump. You will need to return for treatment until the bumps clear. Another is curettage which can be used, this is a simple and effective treatment that causes little or no bleeding. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) may be a treatment option for someone who has many molluscum bumps. It’s also recommended for patients with difficult-to-treat molluscum, such as people with AIDS.
Trust your doctor to advise you on the most effective way to treat your skin, the health of your skin is very important to us.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how molluscum contagiosum can be a physical nuisance, itchy, and even affect your self-esteem. As your experienced community skin experts, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us for an appointment today if you suspect you have molluscum contagiosum.

Actinic Keratoses

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Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by one or more rough, scaly patches as a result of cumulative sun exposure.

Actinic keratosis can occur on any part of the body, but it most often occurs in out-of-the-way areas where a person has omitted using sunblock. This includes the ears, lips, back of the neck or hands, or even the scalp.

Actinic keratosis is sometimes called solar keratosis because it is caused by sun exposure. Those over the age of 40 are more apt to develop this condition since it occurs from the cumulative effects of UV light exposure.

Screening and treatment for actinic keratosis is available at Southlake Dermatology.

What are the Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

Though actinic keratosis can differ from one person to another, the signs and symptoms remain the same across the board. Typically, the most common signs and symptoms include a patch of skin that is dry, rough, or scaly. Most often, this patch of skin is less than one inch in diameter.

Other symptoms include color variations such as brown, red, or pink, itching or burning, crusting or bleeding, a slightly-raised bump on the top layer of skin, and new patches on such sun-exposed areas as hands, neck, head, and forearms.

Types of Actinic Keratosis

There are five different types of actinic keratosis:

  • Hypertrophic
  • Atrophic
  • Bowenoid
  • Acantholytic
  • Pigmented

Of these five, the hypertrophic and atrophic types are the most common.

Also, studies have shown that for those individuals who suffer from hypertrophic actinic keratosis, there is a greater chance it may evolve into a form of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

When an actinic keratosis forms, it is most often due to a person being exposed to intense UV rays on a frequent basis.

While most cases result from overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, many people with this condition have also exposed their skin to the intensity of tanning beds.

While anyone can potentially get actinic keratosis, some have certain risk factors that put them at even greater risk.

These factors include:

  • Having red or blond hair and either blue or light-colored eyes
  • Prior history of bad sunburns
  • Tendency to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
  • Aged 40 or older
  • Working primarily outdoors
  • Possessing a weakened immune system
  • Living in a sunny climate

Treatment for Actinic Keratosis

While a simple examination of your skin may allow a doctor to diagnose actinic keratosis, a skin biopsy may be performed as an added precaution.

Don’t gamble with actinic keratosis, a potential precursor to skin cancer. Entrust your care to our esteemed providers. Schedule an appointment today.

Acne

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Acne is a common, benign skin condition characterized by localized breakouts in the form of postures, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Although acne is most common in teens, adults may also experience episodes of acne breakouts.

The worst part about acne is its appearance. Since acne most frequently occurs on the face, breakouts can cause extreme embarrassment and lead to a lack of self-confidence.

Acne is highly treatable! Come in for a visit with one of our expert providers.

What are the Symptoms of Acne?

Since there are many types of acne, symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity.

Generally, the most common symptoms of acne include:

  • Whiteheads. These are pores that are both closed and plugged.
  • Blackheads. These happen in pores that are plugged, yet still open.
  • Papules. These are small bumps that are red and tender to the touch.
  • Pimples. Commonly known as pustules. These are papules, but they have pus at their tips.
  • Nodules. These are painful lumps under the skin that are solid and typically large.
  • Cystic lesions. These are defined as pus-filled lumps under the skin that are quite painful.

Types of Acne

The two most common forms of acne are:

  • Noninflammatory
  • Inflammatory

Within these categories are subcategories. For example, noninflammatory acne is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, both of which rarely cause swelling and usually respond to over-the-counter medications.

As for inflammatory acne, this includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. This type of acne is more difficult to treat since it involves infections that are deeper underneath the skin.

What Causes Acne?

When acne appears, it is due to four main factors that may work in combination with one another. These include:

  • Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil
  • Excess production of oil
  • Inflammation
  • Bacteria

Along with these factors, other things can trigger an acne attack or worsen existing acne. Among these are:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Medications
  • Stress
  • Diet

When hormonal changes occur during puberty or midlife, androgen production increases and can trigger or worsen acne. Also, medications containing testosterone or corticosteroids can make acne worse.

Treatment for Acne

You may have spent a lot of time trying various treatments to get rid of your acne. But the best treatment for all types of acne is dermatologic treatment.

With our premier dermatology practice, Southlake Dermatology can help end the cycle of acne.

Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is a treatable skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy patches on the surface of the skin.

Psoriasis varies in intensity from individual to individual and from episode to episode. It’s possible to have long intervals of time in between flare-ups.

Treatment for psoriasis is largely centered around the management of symptoms because there is no known cure for this condition. Psoriasis may be experienced along with other conditions associated with immune disorders.

Our compassionate team will work with you to create a management and treatment plan for your psoriasis.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Primary symptoms of psoriasis include:

  • Red patches of skin
  • Dry patches on skin
  • Scaly areas of skin
  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Burning sensation
  • Silvery discoloration on skin

Note that some symptoms can arise out of psoriasis that are not directly connected with the skin. These include:

  • Achy, swollen, and/or stiff joints
  • Thickened finger or toenails
  • Pitted or ridged finger or toenails

Types of Psoriasis

There are many kinds of psoriasis, depending on where it is located on the body, how it presents, and its seriousness.

They are:

  • Plaque psoriasis. Silverish, or white-ish patches over red, inflamed areas of the skin. This is the most common type of psoriasis.
  • Pustular psoriasis. Presents as pus-filled white blisters and wide swaths of red, swollen skin in localized areas.
  • Inverse psoriasis. Shows as bright pink, shiny patches of skin, usually in warm, moist areas like the groin, under the breasts or armpits.
  • Guttate psoriasis. Presents as tiny, flat, pink spots alone or in clusters.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis. This type can be life-threatening. It generally covers large areas of the body and may appear very much like a sunburn. Often accompanied by a fever and a feeling of illness.

Certain types of psoriasis are very benign and go away on their own, while other types can be life-threatening. This is why it’s so important to always have your psoriasis diagnosed and analyzed by your dermatologist.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The symptoms of psoriasis may come and go “mysteriously.” However, with attention and focus, certain life events or behaviors may be found to “trigger” psoriasis episodes.

Common triggers for psoriasis episodes include:

  • Overindulgence in sugary foods and alcohol
  • Increased stress
  • Traumatic events
  • Other illnesses, such as flu or cold

It is thought that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking itself. It is believed that the immune system overreacts to stimuli, resulting in the visible skin outbreaks mentioned above.

Certain people are more likely to develop psoriasis, especially those with:

  • Family history of psoriasis
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Chronic depression
  • Chronic anxiety
  • Psoriatic arthritis

Treatment Options For Psoriasis

Your dermatologist will carefully diagnose and analyze your particular type of psoriasis in order to determine the best treatment for your situation. With proper dermatologic treatment, you could soon enjoy fewer or less severe outbreaks of psoriasis.

Relief is just a visit away. Contact us today for more information!