Dermatology encompasses a wide range of conditions, treatments, and procedures spanning cosmetic, medical, and aesthetic dermatology. From diagnosing and treating skin cancer to laser treatments, Botox, body sculpting, anti-aging, rashes, skin disorders and so many others, dermatologists must be knowledgeable in a very large number of conditions, disorders, and treatment options related to our largest organ – the skin.  Dermatologists are required to stay on top of the latest clinical research in the field, learning new therapies and treatment options, and being fully aware of the available products and medications that provide the best results for patients with different skin types. Contact Compassion Dermatology to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Compassion Dermatology strives to provide the best care available in a relaxing setting, with a commitment to patient care. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the skin, hair or nails. Our dermatologists provide a wide range of dermatological services for our patients and their families. Warts are a common complaint that brings patients to a dermatologists office. But are you aware there are different types of warts? In addition, warts may be self-limiting and may not require treatment, especially those children experience. However, when warts are painful, persistent, or numerous in number, we encourage treatment by a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Warts are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths involving the outermost layers of the skin. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can occur on any part of the body and are contagious. They are spread by contact with the wart, or an object or that touched the wart. It is easier to catch the virus that causes warts when there is an injury to the skin. Scratching, nail-biting, and shaving are common ways warts are spread on the body. Anyone can get warts, but children, teens, and people with a weakened immune system are more susceptible than others.

The appearance and where the wart grows on the body determines its sub type.

• Common warts typically grow on the fingers and hands. They are often raised, rough, and may have the appearance of black dots on the surface.
• Plantar warts grow on the bottom of the feet, are usually flat, and grow inward. They can cause pain with walking.
• Flat warts can occur anywhere on the body and grow in large numbers. They are usually skin-colored, slightly elevated, and flat on top. They tend to occur on the face in children, on the legs in women, and in a mans beard area.
• Periungual warts occur around the nails and have a cauliflower-like appearance.
• Genital warts occur on the genitalia of men and women, are sexually transmitted and are highly contagious.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can often determine a wart vs. another type of growth with a visual examination. However, the doctor may want to use one or more of the following techniques:

• Scraping off the top layer of the wart
• Removing a small section of the wart for a biopsy to rule out other types of skin growths

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the type of wart, your age and health. Treatments include cryotherapy (freezing), which may require several treatments. In addition, topical treatments may be used, for example, it is a common treatment for periungal warts, those occurring around the nails. Topical cream may be used for common warts that are difficult to treat, while topical retinoids are useful for flat warts. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX may recommend a chemical peel for numerous warts. Hard to treat warts may be treated with immunotherapy. Other procedures for wart treatment include electrodessication and curettage, laser treatments, and surgical removal of persistent warts.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the virus that causes warts, and they may reoccur or develop in a new area. When they reoccur after treatment, it is often due to the wart shedding new cells in the area.  Prompt treatment of new warts is the best means of preventing additional recurrences.

When to see a dermatologist in Southlake, TX

• When you suspect a growth is not a wart.
• Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma may be confused with a wart. If the growth is red, scaly, crusty or a hard bump see a dermatologist in Southlake, TX for a correct diagnosis and treatment. If your doctor suspects the growth may be cancer, or other conditions requiring treatment, a skin biopsy may be performed.
• A wart on your face or genitals.
• The presence of numerous warts.
• Warts that are painful, itch, burn, or bleed.
• If you have a weakened immune system.
• If you have diabetes, never attempt to remove it yourself. See a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.
• If the wart is bothersome or interferes with activities.
• If you have provided self-treatment and the wart persists, spreads or recurs.

Prevention

To prevent the spread of warts, your dermatologist in Southlake, TX recommends the following:

• Do not scratch or pick at warts.
• Wear flip-flops or pool shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas.
• Wash your hands after using shared equipment in a public gym.
• Do not touch someone’s wart.
• Keep warts on the feet dry to reduce the incidence of spreading.

Contact Compassion Dermatology today, to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.  We provide personalized care for our valued patients, and offer professional services in a relaxing environment with a holistic approach for the best experience possible.

Adult Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of cancer arising from the pigment-producing cells in the uppermost layer of the skin, called melanocytes. Melanoma that originates in the skin is called cutaneous melanoma. The cause is thought to be genetic damage in the melanocytes due to ultraviolet radiation, which is present in sunlight and in tanning beds.  Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to the effects of ultraviolet light. If you suspect melanoma or experience any of the following signs and symptoms, contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule a consultation with our dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

The Signs and Symptoms

Typically, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of an existing mole. Most melanomas have an area that is black or blue-black. Melanoma may also appear as a new, black, abnormal mole. Although rare, melanoma may appear without pigmentation and is more difficult to diagnose. It may also appear as a non-healing ulcer or a new scar-like mass in the skin. Our dermatologist in Southlake, TX will be glad to assist you.

The warning signs are often referred to as ABCDE:

• Asymmetry — Two sides that are not the same
• Border — Borders are irregular, scalloped or vague
• Color — Color is variable, including shades of tan, brown, black, blue, red and white
• Diameter — A lesion that is more than 6 millimeters in diameter,
• Evolution — Lesions that change or evolve

It is important to note that some melanomas differ from the ABCDE rule, so it’s important to be aware of changes in the skin.

Other potential warning signs include:

• A sore that will not heal
• A new growth
• The spread of color from the border of a spot to surrounding skin
• Redness or a new swelling beyond the moles border
• Sensation changes, such as itchiness, tenderness or pain
• Change in a mole’s surface such as scaling, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a bump or nodule

If you note any of these changes, contact a dermatologist in Southlake, TX for a consultation and evaluation.

Diagnosis

A biopsy will be provided for any suspected melanoma, using a local anesthetic. A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present. If identified as cancer, the characteristics of the melanoma will determine the proper treatment, and the likelihood of success.Staging Melanoma

Stage 0

Stage 0 melanomas are confined to the upper layers of the skin (epidermis), called the epidermis, and has not spread any deeper. There is no evidence of spread to lymph nodes or to distant sites (metastasis). Typically, surgical removal of the cancer is effective. However, routine monitoring with your doctor or a dermatologist in Southlake, TX should be provided for the slight risk of recurrence.

Stage I

Stage I melanomas have invaded through the epidermis, and is up to 2 mm thick. Ulceration may or may not be present. In stage I melanoma, there is no evidence the cancer has spread to the lymph glands or metastasized to distant sites.

Stage II

Stage II  melanomas have invaded deeper into the skin. As it becomes deeper, there is a greater risk of its spread to other sites in the body. Sentinel lymph node biopsies may be performed to determine if the cancer has invaded the lymph nodes. Contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule an appointment with our dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Stage III

Stage III melanomas have spread to the local lymph nodes. The risk of recurrence is   high, as well as the risk of invading organs. After surgery, treatment is provided in the attempt to reduce the risk of recurrence.  There is no evidence of distant metastasis.

Stage IV

In stage IV, the cancer has spread from the lymph nodes to distant areas of the body (metastasized). Patients are typically treated with systemic therapy. Each patient’s case is assessed individually to identify the best treatment options. Common sites include the lungs, abdominal organs, bone, brain and soft tissues. It’s best not to wait when suspicious moles or non-healing wounds occur. Contact Compassion Dermatology to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Genetic Mutations

Melanomas are likely to have specific DNA mutations, depending on the location of origin. Identifying the mutations is important as it may be related to a higher response rate in specific treatments.  Surgery is the standard first treatment. The surgery removes the melanoma and some of the surrounding tissue. The may reduce the chance of any remaining cancer. The width and depth of the excision depend on the thickness of the melanoma and the depth of invasion. A  dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide you with the professional consultation you need.

Very thin melanomas may not require additional surgery, whereas the thicker melanomas may require additional surgery and other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy or other forms of treatment. Your doctor or dermatologist in Southlake, TX  can provide the diagnosis you need.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is generally a systemic treatment that kills cancer cells. It may be given orally or into a blood vessel. Depending on the type of medication provided, and your health, chemotherapy may be administered in a doctor’s office, a clinic, hospital or in your home.

Biological Therapy

Biological therapy, also called immunotherapy, is a type of treatment that uses the body’s immune system, to fight cancer or to reduce side effects caused by some forms of cancer treatments. Biological therapy involves the use of  biological response modifiers (BRMs). Produced in small amounts naturally within the body,  BRMs  respond to infection and disease. BRMs are produced in modern laboratories in large amounts for use in the treatment of cancer, and in some cases may prevent melanoma from recurring.

If you have a suspicious mole, unhealing wound, or other skin problems, we can help. Contact Compassion Dermatology today toschedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Hyperpigmentation, Age Spots, & Melasma

Has your skin experienced damage this summer? You may have noticed as your tan deepens, so did your age spots and melasma. Contact Compassion Dermatology to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX if you would like to reduce their appearance.

Use Sunscreens

Use sunscreen every day to prevent further pigmentation. Apply a retinol product to work while you sleep. Retinol stimulates the skin cells to turn over, beginning the process of removing the pigmented cells. As new skin cells are replaced, they should be normally pigmented cells.

Your options for hyperpigmentation treatment vary, ranging from chemical peels to laser treatments. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will determine the most effective treatment based on the cause.

Melasma

Melasma, is often called the “Mask of Pregnancy”, when in fact birth control pills can also cause it. It is a hormone-caused hyperpigmentation that usually causes large patches of brown to gray-brown on the face. It is common on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. However, it can also can appear on other areas of the body that get lots of sun.

Melasma is treated differently than sun damage, so it is important to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

For melasma, prevention with sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat when outdoors can stop further damage. It will typically fade after you give birth, or if birth control pills are stopped.  If the melasma does not fade, or a woman wants to continue taking birth control pills, melasma treatments are available. Your individual treatment plan will depend on a number of factors, such as the skin type, and depth of the melasma, for example. Your  dermatologist in Southlake, TX will design a treatment plan individualized for you.

Age Spots

Brown spots, such as age spots or freckles, are small, flat areas. Your Compassion dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide treatment for lightening or removing them. The pigment is located at the base of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. Therefore, any treatments meant to lighten age spots must penetrate this layer of skin.

Age spots are also often called sun spots. Age spot treatments by your dermatologist in Southlake, TX may include:

1. Medications such as prescription bleaching creams containing hydroquinone. These may be used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and/or a mild steroid to gradually fade the spots over time. It is recommended you use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 if you use medication treatments. Potential side effects include temporary itching, redness or burning.
2. Laser and intense pulse light therapy destroy melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells without damage to the skin’s surface. Two to three sessions may be required. After treatment, the age spots will gradually fade over the next several weeks or months. Sun protection is also necessary after these treatments.
3. Freezing (cryotherapy) uses a cotton swab to apply a freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter. Freezing is typically used on a solitary age spot or a small area with age spots. The treatment may cause temporary irritation and has a slight risk of scarring or discoloration.
4. Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion is the removal of superficial layers of skin with a rapidly revolving tool. As new layers of skin grow, the discoloration is reduced or removed. More than one treatment may be required. Side effects include temporary redness and scab formation.

Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive approach for mild skin blemishes and provides a smoother appearance. Several treatments by your dermatologist in Southlake, TX are typically required over a period of months.

5. A chemical peel uses the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin. As the skin peels, new skin forms. Multiple treatments may be required. Sun protection is required following this treatment. Temporary redness may occur, and there is a slight risk of permanent changes in skin color.

Home Treatments

There are a number of fade creams and lotions for lightening age spots available over the counter. These may or may not help reduce the appearance of age spots.  How dark they are and how often you apply the cream can affect the results. Use will be required over a number of weeks or months before any potential results can be seen. It is important to note that these products may cause skin irritation. Scarring may occur, especially without medical supervision. A Compassion Dermatology, dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide the professional diagnosis, prescribing an individualized treatment plan based  on your skin type, type of age spot and medical supervision providing the best outcome. Over the counter products are not as effective as prescription strength products obtained from your dermatologist.

Skin Biopsy

Sometimes age spots may appear similar to other conditions. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX may perform other tests, such as a skin biopsy, to distinguish an age spot from other conditions, such as a melanoma. In a skin biopsy, your doctor will take a small amount of the skin for microscopic examination. A biopsy is typically done in your doctor’s office, using a local anesthetic.

Contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule a consultation with our dermatologist in Southlake, TX for all your skin concerns. We offer professional service is a compassionate, healing atmosphere ensuring your health and well being.