What You Need to Know About Vitiligo: Dermatologist Guide | Dermatologist in Southlake, TX

Vitiligo is a skin condition that occurs when your skin loses its natural color or pigment and you would notice that patches of lighter skin appear. De-pigmentation can happen anywhere on your body. it is common to have Vitiligo on your hands. The skin condition varies among different people as some may develop larger patches, indicating that they are losing more color, whereas others may develop only a few patches. The condition can extend to other part of the body and even result in a portion of your hair turning white. People could start losing color around their eyes or inside their mouths. Dermatologist in Southlake is equipped to provide appropriate treatment according to the severity of your skin condition.

Vitiligo happens when melanocytes in the body, the cells that give you your hair and skin color, die. Scientists haven’t determined what causes the cells to die.

There is still no proven cause for Vitiligo. What you need to understand is that Vitiligo is not contagious or life-threatening. If you have started noticing lighter patches on the skin or someone you know is experiencing it, now is a good time to contact Dermatologist in Southlake urgently. Even though Vitiligo is not fatal, it could drastically affect other facets of your life, such as your self-confidence. You may no longer want to be in front of people or you could gradually start experiencing depressive moods. For certain people, Vitiligo might progress and become a lifetime condition, for which they would need to become resilient and develop effective coping mechanisms. For others, it is important to seek profession advice frequently. Dermatologist in Southlake can provide sufficient information on how to deal with the disease and possibly receive some medication.

Learning about Vitiligo is an effective coping mechanism, which Dermatologist in Southlake can help you with. While you could seek counseling with others who also have Vitiligo, there could be chances of preventing progression of the disease if you seek guidance from Dermatologist in Southlake. Also, Vitiligo does not affect your physical health.

Vitiligo is categorized into subtypes. In universal case, you lose most of the pigmentation but this is rare. In a generalized case, you develop patches on separate parts throughout the body. In a localized case, only a few spots appear in one or more areas of the body. Dermatologist in Southlake can help you by providing correct diagnoses and coping method. There is no way to diagnose how much pigmentation a person would lose. There could be no loss of pigmentation for years. The patches could become larger and other patches may appear. In rare cases, the skin patches may vanish on their own without treatment.

How is it diagnosed

Dermatologist in Southlake would examine your medical background and ask whether anyone in your family has Vitiligo. A physical exam could be conducted to assess affected skin. When you or someone you know has Vitiligo, you should discuss treatment options with a dermatologist in Southlake. The aim of treatments is to restore lost skin pigmentation. Dermatologist in Southlake would let you select a treatment option of your preference or one that works best according to your health, age, and the areas of the body where patches appear. Here are your treatment options.

  • You could be given topical medicines to add color to your skin. As a result of this treatment, 45 percent patients confirm regaining color after six months. Some medicines could be combines to increase chances of recovery. Medicines could be effective on people with dark pigmentation. However, medicines could have side effects and cause skin to become thin and dry.
  • Cosmetics could be used to hide lost pigmentation and cold include skin dyes, tanners, or makeup, which is an easy way to camouflage Vitiligo. Even though there are no side effects of using make up, you would need to devote more time to acquire a natural look.
  • You also have PUVA light therapy option to restore lost skin condition. It can treat widespread Vitiligo and is nearly 75 percent effective in restoring lost pigmentation. It may not be as effective for hands and feet. Treatment may be required twice a week for at least a year. Your dermatologist will examine you to check for side effects.
  • The light treatment uses light to restore lost color. You may be required to sit in a lit up box or get laser treatments. It can work effectively on hand and feet. Nonetheless, around 44 percent patients start losing color again after restoration from treatment. Those with darker skin may notice darker patches but the skin tone evens out after a few months. Patients need treatment twice or thrice a week.

It can’t be predicted how your body would respond to the treatment. A single treatment cannot work effectively for everyone. It is also possible that you experience different results on different parts of your body.

Here’s what you go do to manage Vitiligo

  • If you have Vitiligo, protect yourself from the sun because your skin is prone to sunburns. Sunburns could aggravate Vitiligo. Sun rays also lead to spot on your skin, which can only be removed with de-pigmentation. Sun screen should be applied at least half an hour before going out. Moreover, your clothing should protect the skin from the sun. When your shadow is shorter than your frame, that’s when you know the sun is at its peak. Wearing sunscreen would help you feel more comfortable.
  • You could use safe alternatives to add color to your skin, such as makeup, concealers, or dyes. Dermatologists recommend using products with SPF above 30, water-resistant and self-tanners that contain dihydroxyacetone. With time and practice, you can accomplish a natural look with makeup. You could check makeup tutorials online for Vitiligo skin that help get best results. If you feel unsure about the treatment options or how your should be managing your skin condition, interacting face-to-face with a dermatologist in Southlake can help you decide what is right for you. Your dermatologist would know better about Vitiligo and how it could be treated, tailored to your needs.

Dermatologist Tips to Relieve Chapped Skin | Southlake Dermatologist

Xerosis is the medical term used to categorize dry or chapped skin. It is derived from Greek ‘xero’, which means dry and ‘osis,’ which denotes ‘disease’ or ‘medical disorder’.

Most people are vulnerable to Xerosis or dry skin during several stages of their lives. It happens due to lack of moisture in the skin, which could result in aging.

If nothing is done to cure dry, tight or chapped skin, the condition may become worse. If left untreated, your skin becomes rough, flaky, scaly, and itchy. Southlake Dermatology can help you in understanding the various factors behind your skin condition and provide suitable solutions tailored to your skin health and needs, regulate symptoms, improve skin condition and prevent future onset of Xerosis. When you feel uncertain about your skin condition, contact Southlake Dermatology for correct, one-on-one diagnosis and relevant treatment plan.

It’s not a good idea to take everything in your own hands. Using several products for treatment could only exacerbate skin conditions. Southlake Dermatology assesses your skin conditions and health and provides prescription drugs that would be appropriate for your skin type. Not every product would suit your skin. The chemicals and preservatives in products may cause a reaction and aggravate dry skin.

It’s important to understand how dry skin works – what causes it and how it should be treated. If you have naturally dry skin, it means that your skin cannot regulate moisture content as well as normal skin can. There are three factors that affect your skin’s capacity to regulate water content in upper layers: the efficiency of skin’s protective barrier, its ability to minimize water loss due to evaporation, and the effectiveness of molecules in epidermal layers of the skin. Compared to dry skin, normal skin can adapt to the hydration requirements of skin. Southlake Dermatology can help you in determining whether you have naturally dry skin or whether environmental factors caused your skin to become dry. There are endogenous and exogenous factors that can result in the skin becoming dry.

How do I know I have it

People may experience acute or chronic dry skin conditions. There are various factors that can help retain skin moisture. You can tell that your skin is becoming dry when you notice the following signs:

  • Roughness: this happens when your skin cells start dying at a fast rate. You would notice a thick layer of dead cells on the skin’s surface, causing it to feel rough.
  • Flaky skin happens when large scales peel off from the epidermis and resemble dust.
  • Tightness happens when the layer of the skin becomes dry and feels tight, resulting in increased number of dead skin cells.
  • Dryness leads to itchiness due to tight skin. When you feel the need to scratch, it indicates poor functioning skin and extent of dryness.

Some areas of the body tend to dry out faster than the rest of the body areas. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact Southlake Dermatology for correct diagnoses and expert advice.

How did I get it

  • Prolonged exposure to harmful UV radiation intensifies rate of water evaporation from skin and cause skin to dry out. This is why sun exposure could lead to premature aging and prevent cell rejuvenation. Longer hours of sun exposure might result in fine lines and wrinkles. You can protect your skin by limiting your exposure to the sun, avoiding going outdoors when the sun rays are at their peak and wearing good-quality sunblock that suits your skin, for which Southlake Dermatology can provide information. The sun rays interact with melanin – a natural chemical in your skin, which absorbs UV radiation and prevents damage and well as give a skin tan. You get sunburned when sun exposure exceeds the amount of available melanin.
  • Lack of cleansing or exfoliation could damage your skin’s protective layer and remove its natural lipids, which function to retain moisture. Moreover, over-washing or exfoliation also damages the skin’s natural protective barrier.
  • Your skin also tends to become dry due to low humidity levels, which occurs during extremely hot summer seasons or cold winter seasons.
  • As far as endogenous factors are concerned, certain medicines, health disorders, dietary regimen and age cause your skin to become dry. When you are not receiving adequate nutrients, your skin dries out. Dehydration increases chances of your skin drying out at a faster rate.

What can I do?

When it’s a serious condition and keeps getting worse or when no treatment is working, seek consultation with Southlake Dermatology. Southlake Dermatology would assess your background and the possible factors contributing to the dryness. You would also be provided with comprehensive information about the nature of the skin condition and a skincare regimen for cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration.

  • Avoid hot showers. Hot water has calming effects especially if have had a tiring day but it can also dehydrate the skin by removing the natural moisture and affecting the skin’s protective barrier. Rather than potting in moisture, hot water is only pulling out moisture. Prolonged and frequent hot water showers could damage your skin cells and speed up aging.
  • Watch the products that your use. These include your body washes and soaps. Anti-bacterial detergents could in fact strip your skin off its natural, essential oils. Harsh soaps, washes, and detergents could irritate your skin. When it comes to lotions, moisturizers, and body washes, go for mild, light-fragranced products to protect your natural skin.
  • Keep your skin hydrated. Drink adequate water to prevent your skin from drying out. Moisture with good quality products. Seek help from Southlake Dermatology for products that are better suited for your skin. When one product doesn’t work, you quickly switch to other products, preventing the skin from adjusting and increasing risks of dryness. It’s better to have your skin examined and receive proper information from Southlake Dermatology.

Other than that, you could use home-made natural masks of aloe vera, honey or yoghurt to treat dry skin. During winter, keep your skin moisturized, especially the elbows and feet and heels, which are the most neglected body areas. A healthy diet is essential for collagen production, maintaining skin tissues, and enhancing moisture levels. Sleeping well helps your skin cells rejuvenate and prevent aging. If the symptoms start changing, seek help from Southlake Dermatology. When you are not getting relief, seek professional advice. Compassion Dermatology in Southlake, TX can examine your skin and provide the right products for relief.


Dermatologist’s Guide to Healthy Skincare | Dermatologist in Southlake, TX

The skin is the most visible as well as the most exposed part of your body. Wherever you go, you are taking in toxins, pathogens, allergens, and environmental pollutants. There are certain timeless skincare routines that should be taken into consideration to maintain healthy skin and prevent premature aging. The idea of skincare is to be gentle on the skin, use mild and lesser products, remove toxins, dirt, dust and pollutants that clog pores and lead to breakouts and get adequate sleep to allow skins cells to rejuvenate and maintain the natural pH balance. Dermatologist Southlake, TX knows just what you need to keep your skin healthy.

Most people are prone to bad skincare habits that aggravate their skin conditions and speed up signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Regular exfoliation is necessary to remove dirt and pollutants and radiate a natural glow. Healthy diet is a vital factor in maintaining healthy skin. To maintain skin health and prevent skin conditions, it is important to know the type of your skin so that you use products that are most appropriate in order to avoid reactions. Dermatologist Southlake, TX knows more about skincare and can guide you about the most suitable treatment plan.

What you should know about Vaseline: Harmful or Harmless

No doubt your favorite product, right? Have you heard that you could use Vaseline to cure acne? Or that you could use Vaseline to ‘melt’ your blackheads?

Wrong.

You can seek professional advice from Dermatologist Southlake, TX about it. Your skin needs Vitamin D from  sunlight but prolonged exposure is damaging to skin tissues.

Vaseline is not an effective treatment for acne or blackheads. The effects could actually backfire, according to Dermatologist Southlake, TX and you could end up clogging your pores. Letting Vaseline stay under a plastic wrap overnight and using cotton buds to push out sebum is counter-productive. It’s a myth that it’s an easy and safe DIY method to extract blackhead but it could actually end up doing more harm than good. Vaseline can function better on dry, cracked skin. Petroleum jelly penetrates deep into the skin, which could lead to breakouts in some people.

You may think that Vaseline is moisturizing your skin, but it is actually clogging your pores, according to Dermatologist Southlake, TX. Some ingredients in petroleum jelly could be toxic. Vaseline is not water-soluble. Since it is water repellant, it forms a barrier so that moisture remains in the skin. This cause your pores to lock in the dirt.

People with acne or rosacea should avoid Vaseline because the thick texture can exacerbate skin conditions. People tend to use it inside their noses during the cold season, which is risky because if it gets into the respiratory system, you could get pneumonia. Vaseline is meant for external use only. If you are suffering from any skin condition, instead of applying Vaseline, consulting Dermatologist Southlake, TX would be a much better idea for your skin.

Never go to bed with make up on

Let’s face it. All of us are guilty or have been guilty of this at some point. The purpose of sleeping is to let your skin tissues revive and slow down premature aging. Maybe you came back late from a party and just hit the bed. May you were too exhausted after a hectic day to remove makeup. You may brush off the thought of removing makeup before hitting the sack, thinking that you are already consistent with your skincare regimen and take good care to maintain it.

Sleep is an opportunity for your skin to recover from everyday toil. The skin tissues, while you are sleeping, are trying to replenish and remove foreign invaders – dirt, dust, pollutants. If you do it one night, take extra care of your skin in the morning by using a good-quality cleanser, makeup removing solution or exfoliator. Makeup forms a barrier on the skin that could lead to clogged pores, sealing in dirt and causing breakouts. If it becomes a habit, you are really putting your skin into trouble.

Dermatologist Southlake, TX would know better that leaving foundation on would clog your pores. Leaving mascara on could be damaging for your eye heath as mascara particle seep inside the eye. Mascara clogs glands around the eye and might cause inflammation or infections. Try using a quick and effective makeup removing solution that is suitable for your skin, to make the task easier.

Never go out without sunscreen

Sunscreen should be applied half an hour before you step out into the sun. Even if it’s a clear day, do not leave without applying sunscreen because the rays of the sun still shine through the clouds. You would feel the effect after a few hours. UV radiation is notorious for causing various skin illnesses, including cancer. Sun rays speed up your skin’s aging process.

As Dermatologist in Southlake, YX states, the skin’s outer – epidermal – layer comprises of melanin, which protects the skin from harmful UV radiation. Extended exposure to the sun could reduce its elasticity and cause premature aging or appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin produces more melanin while sun-tanning. Sun burn happens when UV radiation seeps deep into the skin and damages or kills skin cells. If you are among those people who have less melanin, you should keep your skin protected with the right sunblock. Contact Dermatologist Southlake, TX to have your skin assessed and get a workable sunscreen for your skin type.

How to control oil

  • Wash your face every morning and evening. Avoid scrubbing as it damages skin layer.
  • Choose mild products. You can get more information from Dermatologist Southlake, TX about the right products for your skin.
  • Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic products. Not all would suit you.

How to relieve dryness

  • Keep your skin hydrated.
  • Choose non-comedogenic moisturizers.
  • Avoid mattifying products.
  • Avoid hot showers as they strip your skin off its natural moisture levels. Hot water is washing off natural essential oils. The longer the bath or shower, the drier your skin gets. That’s why your skin gets red and itchy.
  • Apply a moisturizer immediately after a shower.
  • Choose a mild, and fragrant-free product.

Dermatologist Guide to Getting Rid of Bacne | Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX

What you need to know about bacne

It’s a cruel world we live in. Sadly, your face is not the only place where you get zits or painful pimples. There’s more to the equation. If you consistently notice pimples on your shoulders and back, you’re facing bacne.

Don’t worry. You are not alone in facing this issue. Even if this is not the most talked about issue – because it isn’t really a pleasant topic to talk about now, is it? – there are many people out there facing this common problem. Noticing acne on your thighs, shoulders, and arms are common. Ask a dermatologist, and you’d be surprised to know what you find out.

If you are suffering from face acne, you are also most likely to suffer from body acne. Adolescents and young men tend to be the most affected by bacne. But let’s make that easier for you. Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX can assure you that the acne on your body is the same that appears on your face. You may need to use more or less the same treatment – yes, you can use an acne-control facewash as a body wash as well. There’s a higher chance of the breakouts on your back being as mild as the ones you get on your face. Moreover, the same goes for bacne as it goes for face acne – don’t touch or pop them as you stand a higher risk of causing scars. You may not be able to reach certain areas anyway. So keep your hands off of your bacne.

According to Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX, acne breakouts vary among different people. Therefore, bacne may cause more extreme discomfort to people who are susceptible to hormonal imbalance, or inflammatory acne. If you haven’t been able to treat bacne after trying various methods or don’t know what type of skin condition you have, Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX, can guide you in using the right treatment and products.

You could be on the safe side when you have acne breakouts in the form of whiteheads and blackheads as those do not cause swelling. But if you are having painful red acne, visit Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX, immediately. You don’t want to take that into your own hands.

Causes of bacne

In most cases, the causes of bacne are similar to the causes of facial acne. Your body also comprises of sebaceous glands that produce sebum to shield the skin from toxins, pollutants, and bacterial infections. Sebum forms a protective barrier to keep the microbes out, prevents cells from overlapping, and reduces inflammation.

Acne breakouts result from excessive sebum production and difference in chemical composition. Sebum is why you also get whiteheads or blackheads because oil glands trap dirt, which clogs pores and leads to white- or blackheads. Men, especially athletes, are more likely to suffer from bacne due to sweaty clothes, and frequent contact with sweaty surfaces.

What can I do to get rid of it for good

You know how much care and effort goes into taking care of your face. Since face is the most visible part of the body, we tend to take care of it more and neglect other body parts. It’s equally important to select the right products for your body just like it is for your face. Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX could guide you in selecting the right products according to your skin type.

You need to use gentle and mild products to treat acne because chemicals would only aggravate the condition. Getting the right hair products, face wash, and body wash can work wonders for your skin. The key is to go easy on your skin rather than loading it with multiple products simultaneously. Your skin needs time to adjust to a product and overloading it with toxins would only do more harm than good. Some products could cause your skin to become too dry, irritating your skin further. Here’s what Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX suggests you could do to cure bacne.

  • Your showering techniques could be wrong. And Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX knows about the trouble. It’s easy to treat bacne by changing your showering habits. What you don’t know is that you use shampoo and conditioner then body wash. Since you wash out conditioner after washing body, the conditioner sticks to the skin, leaving an oily residue and causing you to breakout more. Washing your body should be the final step.
  • Wear loose, light clothing, preferably that made of cotton. Cotton helps in absorbing oil and sweat from your back. Therefore, all the oil gets trapped in your clothes instead of pores. Make sure that you wash your clothes after wearing them to avoid bacterial infections. Loose clothes also allow your skin to breathe and lower risks of irritation. Air circulation can help you sweat less. Choose soft, woolen clothes during winter. Moreover, you could take a shower after changing to wash off sweat and bacteria. Wash your clothes with anti-bacterial detergents to wash off all bacteria. Change clothes after working out or returning home after a long day.
  • Use oil-control skin care products and cosmetics. Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX can guide you in selecting products that are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. Certain products may claim to be oil-free but it’s not possible for every product to suit your skin type. Therefore, contact Derma Clinic, Southlake, TX to have your skin type assessed to get the most suitable products that regulate oil production and don’t clog pores. Stop using too many harsh products on your skin as they can exacerbate the condition and lead to other skin problems. The best way to go is to use fragrance-free and mild products on your skin. As a matter of fact, Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX can inform you about anti-bacterial washes and astringents that are actually detrimental for your skin.
  • Last but certainly not the least, shield your skin from the sun because UV radiation can cause acne to become darker and last longer. It’s a myth that the sun reduces acne. Apply sunscreen half an hour before going outdoors. Derma Clinic in Southlake, TX can provide you with the right products including oil-free, non-comedogenic, and broad spectrum sunscreens that can help clear acne.