Dermatologist Tips: 3 Ways To Clear Up Psoriasis | Southlake, TX

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Psoriasis is a skin disorder where a person’s skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This causes the skin to take on a scaly, patchy appearance that’s also red and itchy. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease; however, there are various treatments that can help ease symptoms and reduce flareups.

Figuring out a skincare regimen that works for you in treating psoriasis can be difficult. Trying out treatments that haven’t been endorsed by dermatologists can end with poor results. Not only may you make the situation a lot worse, but you could also feel a lot worse. Getting a skin evaluation from a professional in Southlake, TX will provide you with some insight into your skin type and what treatments may be most effective for your situation. Here are some of the most recommended treatments by experts for easing psoriasis symptoms.

Try Topical Therapies

The most popular remedies for clearing up psoriasis are topical therapies. In most cases, you’ll need to speak with your dermatologist to get a prescription. Many of these topical ointments contain medications or active ingredients that are not available over-the-counter. Some of the more popular topical therapies include:

  • Corticosteroids, which are by far the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. These medications are available in many different forms, like creams, gels, ointments, and more. In most cases, your dermatology expert will recommend that you apply the corticosteroid once a day during flares and maybe every other day for maintenance. It’s important to note that long-term use or overuse of corticosteroids can thin the skin. As a result, it’s vital that you are under medical supervision if you start a treatment or regimen.

 

  • Retinoids, which are available as gels and creams. These are meant to be applied once or twice a day. Unfortunately, these topical ointments also come with side effects like skin irritation and increased sensitivity to light.

It’s not unusual for a dermatologist to recommend several topical therapies at once or to recommend that you try the topical therapies with other types of treatments and alternative medicines.

Consider Light Therapies

Another very popular treatment is light therapy. This is normally used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis and can be used as a treatment by itself or can be combined with the use of medications. Light therapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of light, whether it be natural or artificial. It’s important to note that results don’t appear immediately and repeated treatments will be necessary. Some common types of light therapies that are used to treat psoriasis include:

  • Sunlight. That’s right! Natural light can be effective at treating psoriasis. All you have to do is sunbathe a bit every day; however, speak to your dermatologist in order to get a more detailed plan.

 

  • UVB broadband can treat single patches of psoriasis. Usually, this treatment is only recommended after the patient has tried topical treatments. Although this treatment can be quite effective, it comes with some short-term effects, like redness, itching, and dry skin. To combat these side effects, we highly recommend that you moisturize regularly. You can also speak with your dermatologist for more information on what you can do to lessen the side effects.

 

  • UVB narrowband. This is a bit different from UVB broadband treatment. It’s needed more frequently (approximately 2 to 3 times a week and then needed for maintenance), and can also cause long-lasting burns, which is why you need to speak with your dermatologist first before proceeding.

There are many other types of light therapies that can be recommended by your dermatologist. It’s important to schedule a consultation with them. After a skin evaluation and assessment, they’ll be able to provide you with a treatment regimen that is most suitable for your skin type.

Seek Our Alternative Medicines

Last but not least, it might be worth it to try out alternative therapies that claim to ease symptoms of psoriasis. It’s important to note that these treatments haven’t been proven to be effective; however, they are generally safe and can aid in the treatment of psoriasis, so there’s no harm in giving it a try.

Some of the more popular alternative medicines include:

  • Aloe extract cream, which comes from the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera has already been touted as having anti-inflammatory properties and can ease skin irritation. Some people claim that aloe extract cream can reduce redness, scaling, and itching associated with psoriasis.

 

  • Fish oil supplements. Some people also claim that taking fish oil supplements with light therapy can also aid in treating symptoms.

 

For more information on which alternative medicines might be beneficial or suitable for you, speak with our dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

We Can Help!

If you are struggling with psoriasis, seek medical attention and help. You are not alone and this skin disorder affects a lot of other people. With the right type of treatment and therapies, you can prevent flare-ups and maintain your skin’s condition. This will not only make you feel more comfortable in your own skin but will also reduce the amount of work and time that goes into taking care of your skin. A lot of the treatments recommended by others online may not always be effective and may be counterproductive.

Take proactive measures and speak with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX today. Here, at Compassion Dermatology, we are one of the top dermatology clinics in the area. We provide a wide range of different treatments and can evaluate your skin in order to help you figure out what’s the best thing you can do for your situation. Our team will stay with you during your treatment and every step of the way, so we can tailor the treatment to your body’s responses and needs.

For more information, give us a call today at 817-380-5911.

5 Dermatology Tips Giving Your Skin A Healthy Glow | Southlake Area

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Having radiant, flawless skin doesn’t have to be a dream. With the right dermatology clinic in the Southlake area, you too can have the skin that you’ve always dreamed of. Oftentimes, we simply aren’t aware of the type of nutrients or skincare that our skin needs. As a result, the dryness that you experience or the redness that you have is merely a byproduct of a poor diet or bad lifestyle habits.

A dermatology clinic in the Southlake area can break down your lifestyle in order to figure out what you need to achieve your goals. We offer a wide range of different dermatology treatments that can help boost your skin’s nutrients or condition. The treatments can improve elasticity, remove wrinkles and fine lines and boost collagen levels, all of which can improve your skin’s appearance.

If you’re looking to make a change in your life, here are 5 tips commonly recommended by experts. If you are seeking any treatments, look for a dermatology clinic near you.

#1. Try a HydraFacial

HydraFacials are becoming more and more popular. They are some of the most popular dermatology treatments around lately and for good reason. These facials are able to get rid of impurities and dead skin cells while hydrating your skin and quenching it with antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. It’s great for eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, improving overall elasticity and firmness and improving the tone and vibrancy of your skin.

The good news about getting a HydraFacial is that it doesn’t come with any side effects or complications. At most, you’ll feel light pressure from the wand. Unlike other treatments, this facial won’t cause any pain or redness. As a result, it’s one of the most beloved treatments at our dermatology clinic. You should see the results almost immediately.

#2. Microneedling

Another way to really rejuvenate your skin and boost collagen levels is to go for microneedling. This cosmetic procedure involves pricking the skin with thousands of tiny, sterilized needles. The wound is temporary and will boost collagen production at the deeper level of the skin.

Microneedling is great for not only giving your skin that radiant, dewy appearance that you crave, but also getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles and reducing the appearance of pores. It’s important that you find a licensed and experienced dermatology clinic in the Southlake area for this treatment, as you need to make sure that the practitioner is experienced. If the practitioner is not experienced, they could end up going too deep or not deep enough.

It’s important to note that you will experience some downtime with microneedling. For one, the process does hurt a bit, so the dermatology clinic will need to apply a numbing cream to your face first. Second, it takes about a week for your skin to fully recover. The area that was treated will begin to flake and peel off. Once that’s happened, the radiant skin underneath will be exposed.

#3. Moisturizer Daily

Another critical key to having good skin is to moisturize daily. Make sure that you have a good moisturizer that’s well-suited for your skin type. When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, it’s better to purchase one that’s recommended by a dermatology clinic rather than one that you find at a supermarket (although there’s nothing wrong with a supermarket brand if you’re using one and find that it works for you).

The ones that are recommended by an expert tend to have higher quality ingredients, and this will show with long-term use of the moisturizer. You’ll notice that your skin will look more supple and refreshed. A lot of these moisturizers contain essential vitamins and minerals that are good for your skin. Some experts recommend using a heavier moisturizer at night and a lighter one during the day. You’ll need to speak with a dermatologist to get a better idea of what your skin needs.

#4. Exfoliate

If there is a bunch of dead skin cells layered on your face, there’s no way that the radiant skin underneath can shine through. So, it’s important that you exfoliate once a week in order to get rid of dead skin cells. This is not only great for your skin but also your pores, as dead skin cells can end up plugging the pores and causing you to have more acne or other issues.

Most experts recommend that you avoid strong peels and scrubs. Instead, consider using something that’s gentler on your skin, like enzymatic peels. If you’re not sure which product you should use, speak with a dermatologist. They’ll be able to help you come up with a good game plan for your skin.

#5. Give Your Foundation a Dewy Finish

Last but not least, if you’re someone who heavily relies on your foundation, you can artificially give your skin that boost of radiance that you’re seeking by adding a luminizer to your foundation or moisturizer. Basically, it makes your foundation or moisturizer look a bit mode wire. It’s a bit more natural than if you were to apply the luminizer directly on your face as a highlighter.

You’re Just One Call Away from Radiant, Healthy Skin

If you’ve always dreamed of having radiant, dewy skin or if you’re prepping your skin for a special occasion, give Compassion Dermatology a call at 817-380-5911. We would be happy to perform a skin evaluation for you in order to get a better understanding of your skin type and the types of concerns that you should be aware of.

We’ll walk you through various options that you can choose from and help you come up with a tailored game plan that fits your needs and budget. More importantly, our specialists will remain by your side through all of your treatments, so they can quickly respond to the way your skin responds to the various treatments. Our goal is to help you achieve radiant, dewy skin in no time!

6 Surprising Issues Treated By A Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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When most people think of dermatologists they think of wrinkles or acne, and while you can get care for both at a dermatology office, you might be surprised to hear that the average practice treats much more. In fact, they are trained to treat everything on the skin including hair and nails as well. Therefore, if you are suffering from hair loss or dealing with brittle nails you actually might need to head to your local Southlake, TX dermatology office for help. The truth is that dermatologists do much more than pop pimples and administer Botox, your local dermatology expert can explain all the options they provide. 

They are medically trained doctors who attend medical school for the same length of time as any other doctor and are tasked with knowing thousands of skin diseases. A lot of things can go wrong with your skin, as it is the largest organ in your body, and they have to know how to treat each and every one of them. The following is a quick list of some of the most surprising things that are treated at a dermatology office. Keep reading because you may be surprised to find that the answer to your health problems is actually on this list.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers and it is rising every year. The good news is that most skin cancers can be treated easily if they are caught before they spread. Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, but even it can be treated if caught in the early stages before it metastasizes. A simple visit to a dermatology office once a year for a full-body exam is all it takes to stay ahead of potential skin cancer issues. During the checkup, the dermatologist will inspect you from head to toe to look for lesions and warts or areas of skin that are changing in size, color, texture, or shape.

Hair Loss

Chances are if you are losing your hair you are not thinking about going to the dermatologist, but this is exactly who you should see if thinning hair is becoming a problem. It is completely normal for people to shed as many as 100 hairs each day, but when hair loss gets excessive it is usually a sign of an underlying problem. Stress, pregnancy, malnourishment, and many other health issues can lead to your falling out or even bald patches throughout your head.

The best way to get to the bottom of the issue is to schedule a visit at the local dermatologist’s office. The doctor will likely examine your scalp carefully under a high-powered microscope so that they can see if there are any skin conditions on your head that might be prompting the hair loss. They will then run some blood tests to look for markers that could explain your hair loss if necessary. There are many options for treating hair loss, so if you are dealing with thinning hair or a bald spot there is no need to suffer. From laser treatments to medications and surgical procedures there are solutions depending on the cause.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes people to look flushed or red in the face for no apparent reason. Many people describe it as looking embarrassed on a constant basis, but it can also be embarrassing for some people who experience skin bumps and swelling along with red skin along the chin, nose, and cheeks. Rosacea tends to be more common in people who have lighter skin and women, but anyone can develop it.

Doctors are not positive what causes rosacea to occur in some people but they theorize that it could be because blood vessels quickly expand as a result of stress, alcohol, sunlight, heat, cold, wind, and exercise. It also could be that it occurs on its own, but all of these actions make it worse. While there is no cure, a dermatologist can help treat rosacea by offering you laser therapy or medication along with suggestions to adjust your lifestyle to help prevent it from occurring as frequently.

Infections

As the largest organ on your body, there is a lot of room for infections to form, and just like any infection, if you suspect that your skin is infected you need to see a doctor. There is a wide range of things that can cause an infection to form including bacteria, fungus, yeast, and viruses. All of them are equally annoying and most cause some form of irritation such as itching and rashes. Some common skin infections include athlete’s foot, herpes, warts, cellulitis, and life. If you suspect that any area of your skin is inflamed and infected then the smart move is to schedule a visit with a dermatologist. Some skin infections like cellulitis can be deadly if left untreated for too long.

Varicose Veins

As we age, the veins in our body often become swollen, twisted, and even painful. This results in what many people call spider veins or varicose veins. They often look like they are rolling and raised above the skin level. Even if they are not painful, they can increase the risk of skin sores and blood clots as you age which is why it is important to have a dermatologist look at them in Southlake, TX. At the very least, they are generally not attractive and bother many people who have to deal with red and blue lines plastering their skin. Hormonal changes, blood backup, and excessive sun exposure can all lead to varicose veins.

Poison Ivy

If you have a bad case of poison ivy, then you are going to need help from a dermatologist. Poison ivy, sumac, and oak contain an allergen that can cause your skin to become inflamed, itchy, and covered in a tell-tale rash. It can take as much as 72 hours to appear after contact, but when it does some people will suffer from open blisters that can then become infected. A doctor is the best person to visit for relief from this painful acute skin condition.

If you suffer from any of the above conditions or have another skin issue that needs to be looked at, contact Compassion Dermatology of Southlake, TX. We can set up an appointment and help you find relief from whatever skin or hair issue is currently causing you stress and/or pain.

4 Most Common Reasons To Go To A Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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Dermatology is actually a very exciting field. A lot of people think that dermatology is just about treating wrinkles and acne, and while it certainly does include these two things there is a lot more to it. At its most basic, dermatology involves treating the skin, but the skin is very complex and as the largest organ on the body involves a highly intricate treatment plan. There are thousands of things that can happen to your skin, and a dermatologist goes through extensive training to ensure that they can spot, identify, and then treat each and every single one of those things.

Therefore there is a good chance that at some point in your life you will need to see a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. These professionals go through medical school and then specialize in dermatology once they begin their residencies. They receive the same education as any other type of doctor, and rightfully so since they have to deal with such an extensive organ. In general, there are two types of dermatologists: medical and cosmetic. There is overlap between the two so many dermatology offices actually offer a combination of both services although for specific procedures you will want to choose the office that caters to your needs.

Wondering if you need to see a dermatologist for a health issue that you are facing that deals with your skin? Like most things, a great place to start is always your primary care doctor who can refer you to a local dermatology office if need be, but if your insurance does not require a referral then you can make your own appointment. Most insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures, so if you are in search of cosmetic procedures you can begin your search for a dermatology practice on your own.

Most cosmetic dermatology offices offer free consultations so that customers can talk about what their options are for dealing with bothersome conditions, and then discuss the process of curing or fixing skin ailments. If you are thinking about a cosmetic procedure, it is best to go ahead and schedule your consultation. You will never know if something is an option for you until you speak to a medical professional about it, and you have nothing to lose by meeting with a doctor to see if you are comfortable with their services or not. Here are just a few of the things that you may want to see a Southlake, TX dermatologist about.

Acne: AKA Pimples

While it is true that dermatologists can treat a number of different diseases, acne is still one of the most common. In fact, acne is one of the most common skin affiliations facing people in the US. Not only can acne and blackheads be painful when they form on your face, but they are usually extremely annoying and they cause blemishes that are hard to hide from the world. A lot of people think that acne only happens to teenagers, but the truth is that you can get it at any age, and a lot of people battle with it throughout their lives.

While acne is not a life-threatening skin disorder, it can ruin your self-confidence and can lead to scars that you will carry on your face for the rest of your life. For this reason, proper acne treatment can be a lifesaver for many teenagers and adults who constantly battle with insidious skin disease.

Eczema

Eczema is somewhat a catch-all phrase for skin conditions that cause the skin to swell and rash. Most people consider eczema to be a rash that causes itchy skin, but in reality, it is actually inflamed skin that can become so agitated that it actually starts to leak fluids. This makes the skin susceptible to infection and can interfere with sleeping and other daily tasks.

Depending on the location of eczema and its severity, a dermatologist might decide to prescribe prescription creams and/or steroids. In some cases over the counter creams can be used in conjunction with these products to help keep skin inflammation at a minimum. Most dermatology practices will also help you learn healthy skincare to help prevent flares from occurring in the future.

Combat Signs of Aging

No one wants to look old. The skin is the number one thing that will reveal your age because it starts to dry out, discolor, and wrinkle as you get older. Even if you manage to stay in shape and maintain a good physical shape your skin can give you away. Therefore, it is only natural to want to seek out help to help reverse the signs of aging.

You can help prevent sun damage by staying out of the sun, avoiding tanning beds, and quitting smoking. A healthy diet can also improve the health of your skin, but all of these things can only go so far. For more help with your skin, you need to see a professional who can assess the shape of your skin and potentially offer treatments that help to tighten the skin to reduce and smooth our wrinkles. They also have tools at their disposal that can address the color and texture of skin such as Botox injections, chemical peels, wrinkle fillers, and laser therapy.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but it is also the most treatable if it is caught early enough. Anyone with prolonged sun exposure, which is almost everyone, should see a dermatologist at least once a year for a full-body exam. During the visit, the doctor will look over your skin from head to toe to look for signs of cancer. Regular examinations can help catch skin cancer before it has the chance to develop into something more threatening.

If you are looking for a new dermatologist in Southlake, TX, call Compassion Dermatology to set up a consultation and see what we can do to improve the health and appearance of your skin.