Services Archive - Page 8 of 8 - Dermatology Consultants of South Florida

Impetigo

About Impetigo

What is it?

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It develops when the bacteria, usually staph or strep, invade injured skin. A scrape on your skin is often enough to get infected. The bacteria may also get in through a cut, insect bite, or anything else that damages the skin. Once inside, the bacteria cause an infection in the top layers of the skin. Sometimes, the bacteria invade uninjured skin and cause impetigo.

What you see and feel differs with the type of impetigo.

There are several types of Impetigo, non-bullous, bulls, and ecthyma. Non-bullous is the most common type. It starts with one or more sores, which are often itchy, the sores quickly burst, and the skin can be red or raw where the sores have broken open. Your glands near the sores may feel swollen and crusts, usually honey-colored, form. The skin heals without scarring unless scratching cuts deep into the skin

The infection can spread to other areas of the body, where you’ll see this process begin all over again. This is one reason treatment is so important.

Bullous impetigo causes fluid-filled blisters, but without redness on the surrounding skin. When a person has bullous impetigo, you’ll see it progress as blisters that contain a cloudy or yellow fluid. The blisters become limp and transparent and then break open. A crusty sore can form where the blisters have broken open.

Ecthyma can develop when impetigo goes untreated because it goes deeper into the skin.

The difference is the blisters are painful and can turn into open sores that are deep. Thick crusts develop, often with redness on the surrounding skin

Because the infection goes deeper into the skin, you may see scars once the skin heals.

If notice any of these signs on your child’s skin (or your own skin), you should call your dermatologist and make an appointment for treatment.

All types of impetigo are very contagious. Treatment can help clear the infection and prevent the infection from spreading to others.

What causes it?

Impetigo is a common skin infection, especially in children. It is caused by bacteria. Children aged 2 to 5 years old are most likely to get this extremely contagious skin infection. However, anyone can get impetigo. Older children and adults get it and often catch impetigo from an infected child. Some athletes have a higher risk of catching it, because of the skin-to-skin contact in sports like wrestling and football. The bacteria that cause impetigo thrive in warm, humid places, so swimmers also have an increased risk.

Most people develop it when the bacteria, usually staph or strep, invade injured skin. The bacteria can get in through a cut, an insect bite, or anything else that damages the skin. Once inside, the bacteria cause an infection in the top layers of the skin.

Common treatments

Our team of dermatologists recommends treating impetigo, especially because it is highly contagious. Treatment will depend on your doctor and also the type of impetigo that you have. Most are easily treatable with topical antibiotics. Without treatment, impetigo often clears on its own in two to four weeks. During this time, there is a greater risk of developing complications. You may see new blisters and sores.

It’s also possible for the infection to go deeper into the skin if you don’t treat it. If this happens, you can develop ecthyma. This infection goes deeper into the skin than impetigo. As the skin heals from ecthyma, scars can form. Ecthyma is more common in children, the elderly, and people who have diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and help you feel better faster.

Schedule an appointment today using our easy online platform, or call us so that we can help you start feeling better.

Dry Skin

About Dry Skin

What is it?

Dry skin is when your skin dries out because it doesn’t have enough moisture. It isn’t usually serious, but it can be irritating. If your dry skin is severe, you should see a doctor.

There are many causes of dry skin — from the temperature outside to how much moisture is in the air.

What causes it?

Dry skin can be different for everyone since the symptoms will depend on things like your health, your age, and the cause of your dry skin. When you have dry skin, you could have symptoms like cracked skin, itching, peeling, flaking, or scaling. Even more redness than usual, your skin can feel rough, and tight which can occur after bathing or swimming.

Common treatments?

When it comes to household skin irritants, the list is practically endless. It includes cleaning products, floor polishes, air fresheners, and laundry detergent, just to name a few. These products strip the skin of water and oils it needs, leading to dryness and irritation. For some people, dry skin can progress to more serious conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Always make sure that you stay hydrated, and when doing housework use gloves.

A good body moisturizer is always key, as well as a good facial care regimen that hydrates as well. Ask your dermatologist about what skin care products are best for your skin type to avoid getting dry skin.

We offer all lines of dermatologist-recommended skin care products at the Dermatology Consultants of South Florida, P.A. store online, and products are also available in many clinics, just ask us.

We always want to make sure that you are looking and feeling your best, after all, Healthy Skin is Our Passion.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that dry, lax, and wrinkled skin on your face or body can make appear older, which can impact your self-esteem. This is why, as your local skin specialists, we offer innovative skincare products to improve your skin and reinvigorate your overall appearance.

Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about skincare products and how they can help provide you with a rejuvenated and youthful appearance

Fungal Infections of the Skin

About Fungal Infection of the Skin

What is it?

Tinea versicolor, sometimes called pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal/yeast skin infection that causes small oval discolored patches to develop on the skin. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. This fungal skin infection occurs most frequently in teens and young adults and sun exposure may make it more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness. Tinea versicolor often recurs, especially in warm, humid weather.

What causes it?

We all have yeast living on our skin and when yeast grows out of control, a person can get a skin disease called tinea versicolor. Your dermatologist may tell you that you have a fungal infection on your skin, yeast is a type of fungus. Many people get tinea versicolor and it is one of the most common skin diseases in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The fungus that causes tinea versicolor can be found on healthy skin. It can start causing problems when the fungus starts growing due to a number of factors. This often happens when there is hot, humid weather, oily skin can trigger it, hormonal changes, and even a weakened immune system. The first sign of tinea versicolor is often spots on the skin. These can be lighter (or darker) than your surrounding skin and can be on all parts of your body. They can be dry, scaly, and itchy. If you are tan, they are more noticeable (yeast prevents the skin from tanning). They can even grow together, forming patches of lighter (or darker) skin and disappear when the temperature drops and return in the spring or summer when the air turns warm and humid.

Common treatments

The good news is that is a treatable fungus. Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor. Once you notice that you may have this fungal infection, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Your doctor will prescribe medication that aligns with your skin type. It also depends on where the tinea versicolor appears on your body, how much skin has been infected, how thick the spots have grown, and the climate. From creams to cleansers to anti-fungal pills will all depend on the severity of the fungal infection.

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained dermatologists so that we can help rid you of this skin infection.

Cysts

About Cysts

What is it?

There are many types of cysts that show up on our skin. A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. They can grow almost anywhere in your body or under your skin.

There are many types of cysts. Most cysts are benign, or noncancerous.

Cysts can be small round bumps, usually white or yellow. Can form from blocked oil glands, and commonly appear on the face, back, neck or trunk. If a cyst becomes infected it will feel tender and become red. It can produce a thick yellow discharge when squeezed. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you think you have cysts. They will determine a treatment based on the type of cyst that you have.

What causes it?

Cysts are common and can occur anywhere on the body. They are often a result of infection, clogged sebaceous glands, or piercings.

Some other common causes of cysts include:

tumors
genetic conditions
a defect in the cells
chronic inflammatory conditions
blockages of ducts in the body that cause fluids to build up
a parasite
an injury that breaks a vessel

In most cases, it is unusual for cysts to cause pain unless they rupture, become infected, or are inflamed.

Common treatments?

The treatment options for a cyst will depend on a range of factors, including the type of cyst, where it is, its size, and the degree of discomfort it is causing. For very large cysts that are causing symptoms, a doctor may recommend surgical removal.

Sometimes, they might drain or aspirate the cyst by inserting a needle or catheter into the cavity. If the cyst is not easily accessible, they may use radiologic imaging to accurately guide the needle or catheter.

Sometimes, a health professional may examine the removed liquid under a microscope to determine whether or not any cancerous cells are present. If they suspect that the cyst is cancerous, they may suggest surgical removal, order a biopsy of the cyst wall, or both.

Many cysts develop as a result of a chronic or underlying medical condition, as may be the case with fibrocystic breast disease or polycystic ovary syndrome. In such cases, the focus of the treatment will be on the medical condition itself, not the cyst.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Cysts are common and affect each individual differently, therefore it is important that we see patients and assess the proper treatment method. Because cysts can also vary in severity, we are careful to treat each one carefully.

We understand how a cyst can be a physical nuisance 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 if you have a cyst that you want to eliminate so you can have clear, smooth skin once again.

Cellulitis

About Cellulitis

What is it?

Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. It often appears red, swollen, and can be painful that is warm and tender to the touch. The skin may look pitted, like the peel of an orange, or blisters may appear on the affected skin. Some people may also develop fever and chills. Cellulitis can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the feet and legs. It occurs when a crack or break in your skin allows bacteria to enter.

If left untreated, the infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening.

What causes it?

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.

Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter disrupted areas of skin, such as where you’ve had recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis. Animal bites can cause cellulitis. Bacteria can also enter through areas of dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.

Common treatments?

The great news is cellulitis can be treated in many ways and depends on the type that you have. Your doctor will let you know the best way to get it under control, and quickly. Keeping the area clean and dry is a good idea until it’s treated properly. The area can be treated with oral or topical antibiotics, depending on the severity.

Calluses and Corns

About Calluses and Corns

What is it?

Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. They most often develop on the feet and toes or hands and fingers. Corns and calluses can be unsightly.

If you’re healthy, you need treatment for corns and calluses only if they cause discomfort. For most people, simply eliminating the source of friction or pressure makes corns and calluses disappear.

If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, you’re at greater risk of complications from corns and calluses. Seek your doctor’s advice on proper care for corns and calluses if you have such a condition.

What causes it?

You may have a corn or a callus if you notice:

A thick, rough area of skin
A hardened, raised bump
Tenderness or pain under your skin
Flaky, dry, or waxy skin

Corns and calluses are not the same things.

Corns are smaller than calluses and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns tend to develop on parts of your feet that don’t bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. They can also be found in weight-bearing areas. Corns can be painful when pressed.
Calluses are rarely painful. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.

Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. Some sources of this pressure and friction include:

Wearing ill-fitting shoes. Tight shoes and high heels can compress areas of your feet. When footwear is too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe.
Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can cause friction on your feet. Socks that don’t fit properly also can be a problem.
Playing instruments or using hand tools. Calluses on your hands may result from the repeated pressure of playing instruments, using hand tools, or even writing.

Common treatments?

Treatment for corns and calluses usually involves avoiding the repetitive actions that caused them to develop. You can help resolve them by wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective pads, and taking other self-care measures.

If a corn or callus persists or becomes painful despite your self-care efforts, medical treatments can provide relief:

Trimming away excess skin. Your doctor can pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel, usually during an office visit. Don’t try this yourself because it could lead to an infection.
Callus-removing medication. Your doctor may also apply a patch containing 40 percent salicylic acid (Clear Away, MediPlast, others). Such patches are available without a prescription. Your doctor will let you know how often you need to replace this patch. He or she may recommend that you use a pumice stone, nail file or emery board to smooth away dead skin before applying a new patch. You can also get a prescription for salicylic acid in gel form to apply on larger areas.
Shoe inserts. If you have an underlying foot deformity, your doctor may prescribe custom-made padded shoe inserts (orthotics) to prevent recurring corns or calluses.
Surgery. In rare instances, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the alignment of a bone causing friction.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have calluses or corns so that we can help you deal with this often embarrassing condition.

Alopecia Areata

About Alopecia Areata

What is it?

Affecting nearly 5 million Americans, alopecia areata is a medical condition in which the hair falls out in patches. It is unpredictable; if you have it, your experience may not be the same as someone else’s. For example, you may have hair loss followed by full regrowth while another person may have only partial regrowth. Or your case may last a few months while someone else’s may last several years. In addition to patchy hair loss, other symptoms of this condition include widespread hair loss, nail irregularities (e.g., splitting or changes in color, texture, shape), and single strands of hair in or near the bald patch(es).

What causes it?

Alopecia areata occurs when your immune system mysteriously attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in clumps. Although the reasons for this are still unclear, it’s thought to be related to genetics.

Common treatments?

Despite there being no known cure for this type of alopecia areata, there are ways to manage the loss of hair and/or help it grow back. Among the options are Minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical lotion also offered in prescription strength; corticosteroids for immune system suppression; Anthralin, a topical medication that disrupts the immune system and promotes hair growth; and Diphencyprone, a topical medication that disturbs the immune system to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize the impact that gradual hair loss can have on both appearance and self-esteem. However, alopecia areata is a different type of hair loss, and as your neighborhood skin and hair experts, we’re here with answers to all your questions about this condition. What sets our skin and hair experts apart is our focus on you as a person. Our neighborhood practitioners customize your treatment, and you can turn to us for compassionate support and advice.

Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us to know more about alopecia areata and how we can help manage this condition to improve your confidence in your appearance.

Botox

About Botox

What is it?

Botox is an extremely popular wrinkle treatment that’s ideal for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that form over time from repeated movements, such as smiling or frowning). Derived from Botulinum toxin, Botox is injected through a very fine needle into a muscle underlying a bothersome wrinkle. This process blocks the nerve impulses that move the muscle, causing it to relax. The result is a smoother wrinkle and a softer-looking appearance. Since only the targeted muscle is affected, surrounding muscles continue to move freely, allowing your facial expressions to be easily shown and avoiding the dreaded “frozen face” look when performed by an experienced dermatologist. Botox is ideal for the upper half of the face, including the areas around the eyes, the upper nose, forehead, cheeks, and jaw.

What to expect

A single Botox injection session often lasts under an hour and is virtually painless. You may feel a tingling sensation during the process, but there is no downtime; you can go about your daily routine afterward. Side effects are typically mild and typically include tenderness at the injection site, muscle stiffness or weakness, bruising, itchiness, and swelling.

After the procedure

Within a week after your Botox injections, you should start to notice results, although this can vary from patient to patient. Over the following 3-4 months, the targeted wrinkles gradually vanish, and touch-up injections are suggested every 6 months in order to maintain the rejuvenating effects of the treatment.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We recognize that troublesome facial creases, lines, and wrinkles can impact your appearance and self-esteem, which is why our experienced community skin experts provide one of the safest, most popular wrinkle treatments in the world: Botox. Botox treatment at our center is unique. Practitioner experience and skill are critical in getting safe, effective results. Our experts are trained to administer the precise dosage at the precise location, ensuring a safe procedure and natural-looking results that meet your aesthetic goals.

Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today for more about Botox and how it can revitalize your appearance.

Kybella

About Kybella

What is it?

If you’re like many people, you may think that a double chin only affects overweight people and that it can be eliminated with conventional fat loss methods. However, a double chin can develop even if you are in good shape and keep an ideal weight. Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable designed specifically to destroy fat cells in a saggy chin. It consists of synthetic deoxycholic acid, which naturally and easily breaks down and absorbs fat. It’s a minimally-invasive way to eliminate a double chin that does not disappear due to exercise, diet, or regular fat-loss methods.

What to expect

The experts have the experience to administer Kybella treatments that reduce a double chin. One treatment session with our skillful practitioners takes a half hour and depending on your aesthetic goals, you may need one session every 4-6 weeks for about 6 months. Another benefit of Kybella is that the destroyed fat cells will no longer store or accrue fat; it’s a permanent solution that other options cannot duplicate.

After the procedure

The full results of Kybella will be visible within 2-3 weeks after your injections, but results can vary. Downtime is minimal, although you should take it easy for 24-48 hours, and side effects such as swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising are usually mild and subside in 5-7 days.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that changes to your appearance, such as a double chin, can lead to a decrease in self-esteem. We’re here to provide support and offer a variety of treatment options, and what distinguishes our Kybella treatments from others is our focus on you as an individual. Our compassionate staff is here to address your questions and concerns throughout the entire treatment process.

Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us to find out more about how Kybella can erase your double chin and restore a more attractive profile.

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