Go To Compassion Dermatology For A Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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Many people underestimate the importance of skin. The truth is that the skin is an amazing organ. It is your first line of defense when it comes to disease. It also keeps you warm and cool when necessary, protects all of the other organs in your body, and communicates quite a bit to you about your health. This is why the health of your skin is very important, which necessitates a dermatologist in some cases.

If you are in need of a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, you should see what Compassion Dermatology has to offer.

What Does a Dermatologist Do?

A dermatologist is a type of doctor that specializes in conditions that involve the skin, nails, and hair. They are capable of identifying and treating over 3,000 different conditions. These include psoriasis, skin cancer, and eczema, as well as many other conditions that can affect a person’s health and well-being.

They have gone to school for a minimum of 12 years and have learned to diagnose all of these different types of diseases, as well as different cosmetic concerns. Many people do not believe that cosmetic concerns are significant, but the truth is that they can have a significant effect on a person’s self-esteem. When people experience issues with their skin, even if they are just cosmetic, it can have an impact on their self-worth, comfort level, and in some cases can pose a risk to a person’s life.

They have all the training necessary to address concerns having to do with your skin, nails, and hair. Before they can actually start practicing, they have to go through four years of college in order to earn a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school, an internship that lasts for one year, and then three years of residency. During the residency, they will work with experienced doctors and complete 12,000 to 16,000 hours of patient treatment experience.

After successfully completing his or her residency in dermatology, they can become board-certified as well. This means that they have successfully completed a challenging exam on all of the skills and knowledge that they have acquired during all of their years of training. Board certification can be quite significant. If yours has a board certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, the American Board of Dermatology, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, you will know that you are getting care from someone who has the highest qualification level and has received the most intense education in the field. It is important that if your dermatologist is board-certified, that it comes from one of these organizations. Other certifications will not necessarily reflect the same level of expertise and training.

You will be able to tell if yours is board-certified if you see the letters FAAD after his or her name. This is an acronym for Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Typically, if yours has a website, you will be able to see on the website whether or not this individual is board-certified.

Many people think that they can go to a general practitioner in order to seek help for skin issues. However, it is really better to go to a dermatologist. They treat many different skin conditions, and they treat a wide range of conditions from warts to deadly skin cancers. They can also see connections between skin issues and other issues within your body, such as problems with your immune system, allergic reactions to different substances in your environment, some sort of infection that is caused by a virus or bacterium, or some other issue. They can also help with cosmetic concerns in a more effective way than a general practitioner when it comes to your skin.

After they have become board-certified, in some cases he or she can continue his or her medical training. They can receive advanced training in one of the subspecialties within dermatology. These include pathology, Mohs surgery, and pediatric dermatology.

  • Dermatopathology. A dermatopathologist is a doctor who actually specializes in both pathology and dermatology. If yours sees some sort of concerning issue, they might take a biopsy. This means that they are going to remove a piece of skin and send it to a dermatopathologist in order to confirm whatever they think the diagnosis is. The dermatopathologist will examine and biopsy the skin and provide them with a written report that will tell whether any diseases were found and include any other information that can help them figure out the best possible treatment.

 

  • Mohs surgery. This is a dermatologist that performs a special technique that is referred to as Mohs surgery. This technique treats skin cancer. It involves the removal of thin pieces of skin and examination of each of these sections with a microscope. When they do this examination, he or she can be sure that they are actually taking out all the cancer cells. It can also minimize the removal of healthy skin tissue, since the surgeon is able to stop when they no longer see cancer cells under the microscope. There are many advantages to Mohs surgery, but it is not the best treatment for every skin cancer patient. They will consider many different factors when determining which treatment is going to be best for each patient. These factors include the type of skin cancer, where the skin cancer is located on the body, and whether or not the cancer has spread.

 

  • Pediatric dermatology. A pediatric dermatologist specializes in treating infants and children. Some diseases of the skin, nails, and hair are more common in pediatric patients, and some of these diseases only occur in children.

Conclusion

If you live in the city of Southlake, TX, and you are in need of a good dermatologist, you should feel free to contact the professionals at Compassion Dermatology. They will be able to answer any dermatology-related questions that you might have and potentially schedule an appointment for you in order to discuss your own skin health. If you have a skin issue, you should feel free to get in touch with these individuals at your earliest convenience, so that they will be able to help you or otherwise point you in the right direction.

How Can Dermatology Help With Scars? | Southlake Area

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Almost everyone has scars. Scars consist of fibrous tissues that grow after a skin injury. Every injury doesn’t result in a scar. Wounds usually have to reach deeper than the skin’s outer layer to produce scar tissue. Sometimes scars are barely noticeable, but they can be uncomfortable or emotionally distressing in some cases. Fortunately, dermatology clinics in the Southlake area offer many treatment options for scars.

Types of Scars

The amount of melanin in a person’s skin and the type of scar often determines whether scars are white, red, or dark brown. Deeply red scars are described as hyper-vascular, while hyper-pigmented scars are very dark. Sometimes skin surrounding scars becomes darker due to inflammation.

Scars are a natural part of healing, but they can have negative effects. Highly noticeable or large scars can cause anxiety and lower self-esteem. Physical side effects of scars include tenderness, pain, and itching. Large or thick scars can interfere with flexibility and cause discomfort during certain movements. Wound healing can happen quickly, but large or deep wounds may need up to a year to fully heal. This means that the full extent of potential scarring isn’t always known immediately.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic and keloid scars are the two most common types. Frequent causes of hypertrophic and keloid scars include tattoos, acne, surgical wounds, piercings, and small skin injuries such as cuts or punctures.

A hypertrophic scar appears as thick, raised tissue that forms when too much collagen is produced at the wound site. Most hypertrophic scar tissue remains within the original wound borders. Although hypertrophic scars appear red or dark brown initially, the color often fades over time.

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars can be itchy or painful. They usually grow large enough to spread outside of the original wounded area. The most common sites of keloid scars include the chest, upper back, arms, shoulders, and earlobes. They’re normally round or have irregular shapes, and people with dark skin are more likely to develop keloids. Melanin gives keloid scars a reddish color.

Contractures

Contracture scars occur after damage to a large area of skin, such as a burn or abrasion. These scars can be very deep, and they pull and tighten surrounding skin. Sometimes contracture scars can limit movement.

Surgical Scars and Stretch Marks

Typical surgical scars can be thin, white lines or thick and wide raised lines. Pitting or small depressions occur when supportive tissue underneath the skin is lost or removed. Stretch marks are scars formed by rapid stretching of the skin. They’re often associated with pregnancy and weight gain. Although stretch marks aren’t surgical scars, but they share many characteristics. Dermatology treatments for surgical scars improve visual appearance by reducing redness and thickness.

Atrophic

Atrophic scarring is characterized by sunken areas and small divots in skin. It is commonly caused by acne or chickenpox. Acne often results in three types of atrophic scars. Rolling scars are wide raised areas. A boxcar scar has a hard, thick center and pulls on the skin around it. Icepick scars tend to be very narrow, but the scar tissue can be very deep.

Scar Treatment

Effective scar treatment depends on scar type, shape, size and location. Sometimes dermatology clinics combine multiple types of treatment to obtain the best results. Dermatology professionals can also help you minimize scarring during wound healing. It’s impossible to prevent scars, but keeping wounds clean and moisturized can limit production of scar tissue. Keep wounds covered to prevent excessive exposure to sunlight.

Dermatology professionals often recommend topical creams, collagen induction therapies, injectable fillers, and laser treatments to reduce the appearance of atrophic scars. The first step in reducing acne scars is treating acne itself. Attempts to reduce scarring while acne is still active can trigger a severe outbreak, and treatment isn’t very effective if new scars form immediately afterwards.

Retinoids and Injectable Fillers

Retinoids are a topical treatment meant to encourage cell turnover, which means the dead or damaged cells are replaced by new, healthy cells. This process can improve skin texture and encourage cells to fill divots. Injectable fillers, such as Bellafill or hyaluronic acid also fill in divots and depressions. Collagen induction is also known as micro needling. A series of very small needles make tiny wounds in the skin to promote collagen replacement. Micro needling may also enhance skin strength and elasticity.

Fractionated Laser Resurfacing

Fractionated laser resurfacing is another potential treatment for scars. Laser removal is noninvasive and tends to be very effective for reducing surgical scars. Dermatology clinicians use the intense light produced by lasers to reduce a scar’s color, size and shape. Laser resurfacing removes a layer of skin cells. The procedure reduces scarring by eradicating layers of scar tissue in small increments so new skin cells can grow instead. Sometimes radio frequency devices are used in a similar manner.

Surgery

Surgical procedures can reduce the size of a scar or graft skin from another area of the body onto the scar to make it less visible. Surgery is the most invasive type of scar treatment, so surgeons carefully evaluate scars and assess risk of possible complications before considering a procedure.

Chemical Peels and Dermabrasion

Chemical peels are done in dermatology clinics in the area. A clinician applies a chemical solution to an area of skin where scarring exists. The top layer of skin is lifted away when the chemical peel is removed. The procedure should leave skin smoother as new skin cells reach the surface. Multiple chemical peels are usually necessary, especially for thick scars.

A small machine resembling a sander removes the top layer of skin through a process called dermabrasion. The procedure smoothes over thick, raised scar tissue. Thick scars may need repeated treatments.

Contact Compassion Dermatology in the Southlake area if you’re concerned about scarring. Experienced dermatology professionals can answer your skincare questions and help you explore potential scar treatment options.

How To Locate Quality Dermatology Services | Southlake Area

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Dermatology services in the area are easy to find. You just need to know where to look for the best and most reliable ones. If you’re new to the area or switching dermatologists for the first time, it can be challenging to know what to do next. Luckily, we’ve all been where you are at the moment and can provide a helping hand on the subject.

Where to Find the Best Dermatologists in the Area

This guide helps you discover the best dermatologist in the area to meet your specific needs. It provides you with valuable advice that makes your search fast and easy. By the time you’ve finished doing your research, you’ll be well-versed on the subject. You can help your friends and family find dermatologic services because of the experience you received from our guide.

Here is how to locate quality dermatologic services in the Southlake area:

  • Have someone refer you to a dermatologist. Your doctor can make the recommendation for you. You can also consult someone you know that has experience working with a dermatologist in the past. They can point you in the right direction so that you’re able to get the help that you need right away. You can get the assistance you require by working with a dermatologist exclusively once you know that their dermatologic services benefit you. When you have a referral, you know that the person referring you has checked out the services of the dermatologist they’re recommending. They either know them personally or have benefitted from being a patient of theirs. It can be a big help to learn what the skin doctor can do for you.

 

  • Get online and do some cyber-sleuthing. Use your favorite web browser and review site to get a comprehensive picture of the company you’re considering using. Take time to look up local businesses in the area and then read the reviews that people have shared about them. Get to know what makes one dermatology practice better than another. You can then start calling to see who is accepting new patients at the time of your initial inquiry. You’ll learn very quickly which service provider to use based on what you’ve read and heard about them online. It’s a very effective way of finding the right doctor to go to and get assistance.

 

  • Respond to an email or advertisement that you’ve read or seen. You can take advantage of a new service or a promotion offered by the dermatology clinic. It’s an effective way of knowing who in town is accepting new patients, too. You can hear an ad on the radio or see it on TV and want to know more about the company and what it has to offer you. You can mention that you read an ad or saw one on TV. It helps the dermatologist know which means of advertising are the most effective. It gives them a chance to perfect their brand’s messaging.

 

  • Use the local phonebook for inspiration. It’s a more old-fashioned approach to finding businesses in the area, but it’s still very effective. You can count on locating several companies in very little time that you’re able to reach out to right away. You can learn more about what they have to offer by calling them and speaking to a company representative. Once you have a feel for whether or not they can help you with your skin issue, you can book their dermatology services or move on to another company in the area.

Locating dermatology services in the Southlake area takes no time at all. In fact, once you’ve read through this guide from start to finish, you’ll be well-versed on the subject. You’re able to get the assistance that you need in record time and have your skin looking its best with a custom treatment plan offered by your dermatologist. Best of all, you’ll have a trained professional with years of expertise by your side whenever you need dermatological services.

Beautiful skin is achievable no matter what’s going on in your life at the moment. Investing in dermatologic services is something we highly recommend. You’ll feel so much better knowing that you’ve taken the time to take good care of your skin. You’ll avoid many of the problems people face as they grow older, too, with explicit instructions from your dermatologist.

How You Know You Hired the Right Company to Assist You with Your Needs

The right dermatologic company goes above and beyond what you need them to do for you. They take time to get to know you as a patient and your greatest concerns with your skin. The dermatologist provides you with many solutions to meet your needs so that you can have choices that make things easier for you. That means less stress and greater comfort when having treatments done. You’ll be able to get the help that you need without delay.

The best companies to get dermatologic services from take time to personalize every visit. The dermatologist treats you with respect. They get to know your needs, so they’re able to offer you the best options available. When you leave each appointment, you feel empowered to take good care of your skin per the doctor’s instructions.

Visit Our Dermatology Practice for a Variety of Services and Treatment Options

Set up an appointment today with Compassion Dermatology at 817-380-5911 with your service request. We go the extra mile to ensure that you and your skin are taken care of with the utmost care. We want you to feel comfortable with our services from the moment you walk into our dermatology practice. Let us know what we can do to improve your experience, and we’ll work hard to make it happen for you.

Beautiful skin needs TLC. By regularly visiting a dermatologist, you’re letting your brain know that all parts of your body deserve special attention. When your skin looks great, you feel great. It’s one of the many benefits of dermatology services because you ultimately get what you pay for each visit you make.

4 Ingredients That Treat Hyperpigmentation | Southlake Area

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Hyper pigmentation is a type of skin condition that causes dark spots to appear on the skin. It usually isn’t anything that you have to worry about health-wise. However, some people simply don’t like the way that hyperpigmented skin looks. Fortunately, there are many different types of skincare products that can brighten your skin and treat uneven complexion.

With so many skincare products touting amazing results on the market, it can be difficult to find a product that actually works for you. In order to narrow down your search, you should look at the type of ingredients that each skin care product contains. Some ingredients are more beneficial for your skin than others.

We’ll look at several of these ingredients in this article. To figure out which ingredient may be best suited for your skin type, speak to a dermatologist. Some dermatologists may recommend different types of dermatology treatments in addition to the skincare products.

Vitamin C

One of the main ingredients that can treat an even complexion as vitamin C. Vitamin C works by preventing tyrosinase production, which is an enzyme that your body uses to produce melanin.

Regular use of a skincare cream that contains vitamin C will make your skin look brighter and smoother. In fact, a study published in 2004 found that just 5% of vitamin C in a cream is necessary to treat uneven complexions like hyperpigmentation. This vitamin is also an antioxidant and will help delay ageing and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The only issue with vitamin C is that it is a bit aggressive. When you apply creams and serums with this ingredient, you’ll notice some tingling. If you have sensitive skin, that tingling could be almost painful. At the very least, it’ll be uncomfortable. It can take some time to get used to this ingredient, and you will only see results if you use skincare products with this ingredient regularly.

Retinol or Vitamin A

Other than vitamin C, another ingredient that you should look for is retinol, otherwise known as vitamin A. Many dermatologists recommend retinol for treating uneven complexions. It’s also a great ingredient to have in your skincare products overall, as it can improve overall skin texture and vibrancy. It’s also a gentle exfoliant that can give your skin a beautiful glow and shine.

Unlike vitamin C, retinal will not block any enzyme production or action. Instead, it encourages your body to produce more skin cells. This means that healthier, newer skin cells emerge, effectively getting rid of any old skin cells that are hyperpigmented.

Retinol can be found in many different types of skin care products. Some dermatology treatments will also incorporate some type of retinol serum. For example, it’s not unusual for a retinol serums to be used in microneedling treatments. This allows the retinol to easily seep into your skin, which allows for optimal effectiveness.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is particularly useful if your hyperpigmentation is caused by acne. This acid will not only reduce the amount of acne that you have, but it will also brighten your skin and reduce skin inflammation. It’s often studied in cases related to acne issues, and can be prescribed for anyone struggling with these types of skin disorders.

This type of acid can be found in over the counter skin care products. However, it’s most often used in chemical peels. If you’re interested in this ingredient, you should talk to a dermatologist first. You definitely don’t want to try out a new chemical peel by yourself at home. Rely on professional treatments, as misuse of this acid could end up damaging your skin.

Mandelic acid can also help exfoliate the skin and increase overall hydration and firmness. It promotes collagen production, which can greatly improve the overall texture of your skin. With that said, results will vary from one individual to another. Some people see results in just several days while others will see results after a couple of weeks.

Azelaic Acid

Last but not least, we have azelaic acid. This is an organic type of acid that is often found in barley and rye. Like vitamin C, it can control melanin production in your skin. This acid is sometimes recommended over mandelic acid because it’s gentler on the skin.

Unlike mandelic acid, however, this acid is not often found in chemical peels. In fact, you’ll often find it in creams and prescription gels. For a more concentrated serum, you’ll need to speak with a dermatologist who can come up with a personalized dermatology treatment for you.

One of the many benefits of this type of acid is that it is suitable for all skin types and can even be used by pregnant women. In fact, this acid is highly recommended to women who have pigmentation caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy. Although it’s not as recommended for acne, this acid can also kill off bacteria that cause acne.

Dermatological Services Can Help!

If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, finding a dermatologist can help. The art of dermatology can not only figure out why you struggle with hyperpigmentation, but can also treat the condition. Various dermatology treatments may help. One of the most commonly recommended services by Compassion Dermatology, which services the Southlake area, is hydrafacial.

Hydra facial is suitable for all skin types. It not only gets rid of hyperpigmentation, but can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This type of dermatology treatment can also improve overall elasticity and firmness, as well as skin tone evenness and vibrancy. It’s definitely worth checking out.

The team at Compassion Dermatology offers a wide range of services for those who reside in the Southlake area. We build relationships with every patient to ensure that they get the personalized care that they need. To find out more about the types of dermatology treatments that we offer for those in the area, give us a call at 817-380-5911.

Why You Might Need A Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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When it comes to dermatology there are plenty of different services that you may want to look into. After all, there are plenty of different ways that you can choose to improve on your own look and to make yourself look the way that you want. Whether you want minor work to emphasize your current look or something major that will change the way you look entirely, there’s a dermatologist who can take care of those wishes for you. All you need to do is think about what you’re looking for.

Skin Evaluation

One of the first things that you’re going to want with a dermatologist is a skin evaluation. With this, you’re going to find out more about the quality of your skin and whether you already have any kind of moles, pigment changes or other negative conditions including inflammation. The plan is to find any area that might have imperfections and give you the opportunity to recognize those areas and decide what you may or may not want to do about them. After all, it’s entirely up to you which areas of your skin you decide to change.

Treatment of Conditions

Once those areas have been determined you can choose to treat any or all of them with your dermatologist. This is important with pre cancer or actual cancer spots. It can also include things like dysplastic moles and melanoma. What’s even better for you is there are several different types of treatment available for these types of marks including topical medications and Blue Light. With any of these methods you’ll likely be able to have a biopsy performed on the mark to see what it is. You can also get full surgical excision where required to make sure that it’s gone completely.

Cosmetic Procedures

When a lot of people think of going to the dermatologist the first thing they think about is cosmetic procedures. This is definitely a big part of what you can get done, but it’s not the only thing. If you are interested in minor or even slightly more extensive procedures you’re definitely going to want to look into this area. You can get chemical peels and Botox injections to help improve the look and quality of your skin. These can be less invasive but can give you good results on a more temporary basis.

On the other hand you can also choose from other procedures which can be a little more extensive. Such as sculpsure, which gives you a laser treatment to help remove some of the extra fat around the thighs and abdomen. This procedure is FDA approved and the first of its kind to be. It also takes very little time and it’s all about light technology, which makes it safer than other surgical methods of fat removal. And it works to permanently remove those targeted cells so they’re not going to come back and you can enjoy the look of your body the way you want it.

ICON is another procedure that you can have done that’s all about improving the skin. It can help with clearing vessels and pigments, acne cars, stretch marks, wrinkles and even help remove unwanted hair permanently. All of these different processes help you to get the look that you want and make sure that your skin is going to reflect what you want it to. The procedure uses a cooling process and a melanin reader that offers you the fastest treatments without getting too invasive and while providing you with excellent results as well.

HydraFacial procedures give you the improved skin healing and health that you’re looking for. They can help even out your skin tone, improve hyperpigmentation, decrease enlarged pores or oily and congested skin and even erase fine lines and wrinkles. All of this and they are designed to feel great at the same time. So why wouldn’t you want to get a great facial and see what kind of benefits you can get while you’re at it? Especially when it even helps with skin evenness and vibrancy and with the signs of aging that you likely don’t want.

For those in Southlake, TX who want some resurfacing but want as little invasive procedures as possible, there are different types of micro needling with a dermatologist. These can be used to improve the look of your skin and to reduce overall signs of aging. They can also help remove fine lines, acne scars and stretch marks as well. You can even add in PRP or platelet rich plasma while you’re doing micro needling, which can help to improve the collagen release and the healing time from the procedure. You end up with even better results, even faster by adding your own plasma into the mix. It even works for hair restoration and thinning hair.

Getting the Help You Want

When it comes to working with a dermatologist to get the results you’re looking for the most important thing is to think about what you really want. Do you want a procedure that’s going to be non-invasive but still give you good results? Or are you looking for something that is going to give you the absolute best results, even if it is an invasive procedure? The end result is going to be up to you and your dermatologist and whatever process you decide to choose. So why not make an appointment with a doctor and find out more about what’s available to you?

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or if you’re interested in finding out more about the options, call Compassion Dermatology and set up an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. You’ll be able to get all of your questions answered and find out which procedure is going to give you the right combination of what you’re looking for. You might even find yourself surprised with the different choices that are out there and the way that you can get the look that you’ve always wanted. With the right dermatologist, it’s all about pulling out the beauty within.

Signs You Should Schedule A Dermatologist Appointment | Southlake, TX

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Your skin is your largest organ and one of the first things people see when they look at you. If there are any issues with your skin’s appearance or if a skin condition is making you feel uncomfortable, you should see a dermatologist. There are several telltale signs that it is time to schedule an appointment with a doctor.

#1 A Changing Mole

Most moles are harmless. Some people are born with moles or develop them during infancy, and they don’t cause any issues. Some people develop moles later on in life, and these can be harmless as well. If you have a mole, it is essential that you check it often for any changes. If the mole has changed in shape or size, it should be checked by a dermatologist. The same is true if the mole gets itchy, starts to bleed, causes stabbing or pain, or becomes an open sore. These can all be signs of cancer and should be looked at right away.

#2 Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can make you very uncomfortable. Itching can be caused by a rash and dry skin and can be treated by a doctor. You can be prescribed a prescription-strength cream that can treat the condition and relieve the itch. Constantly itchy skin can also be a sign of a health condition and even cancer. This is why it is essential that you have your skin checked by a professional if the itching doesn’t stop.

#3 Visible Scars

It is a good thing if you are able to embrace scars on your body and see them as a sign of strength. Unfortunately, many people hate their scars, particularly the ones on their faces. If you have a scar that makes you insecure about your appearance, you should call a dermatologist. If the scars are new and still red, there are treatment options available to reduce the appearance of the scars, making you feel better about yourself. It is essential that you contact a professional as soon as the scars begin to appear because the sooner you begin treatment, the better the chances are that the treatment will be effective.

#4 You Have a Very Painful Sunburn

If you are planning to spend time in the sun, it is essential that you wear sunscreen. This is even more important if you are prone to sunburns. If you forget to apply sunscreen or it washes off, you can develop a sunburn. Most sunburns are painful; however, if you develop a very painful sunburn along with blisters, red streaks and you develop a fever, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist right away. These are all signs that you have developed an infection, and scarring is possible. A doctor can treat the infection and the symptoms associated with it.

#5 Unexplained Redness

If you develop unexplained red marks on your skin, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. The unexplained red marks could mean that you have psoriasis or you are beginning to develop it. This is a genetic condition that often occurs after a period of stress when you are in your ’20s. If you don’t get treatment for this skin condition, it can develop into a painful condition called psoriatic arthritis later on. This is a chronic condition, but if you begin treatment with a doctor early, you can get control of the condition.

#6 Brown Spots On The Skin

Brown spots on your skin can make you insecure, particularly if they are on your face. These spots are commonly caused by sun damage or aging. They can also be a symptom of a hormone imbalance. If you have dark spots on your skin that are getting darker, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor.

First, your dermatologist will examine your skin and run tests to determine the cause of the brown spots. If it is a hormonal issue, they can have you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to change your birth control or begin treatment to balance out your hormones. If the cause of the brown spots is sun damage, your doctor can prescribe a powerful bleaching cream to lighten the spots or laser treatment to remove them altogether.

#7 A Red, Itchy Scalp

If your scalp is red and itchy, it can be very annoying and uncomfortable. If the redness and itching are due to a skin condition, the symptoms won’t go away on their own. Instead, the redness and itching will get worse, and over time, it can affect your entire scalp. It is best to schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as the symptoms begin.

#8 New Skin Growth

If you notice a new skin growth that lasts for longer than three weeks, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. They will be able to figure out what is causing the new skin growth and create a treatment plan based on the cause of the growth.

#9 Severe Acne

Most people will develop a pimple or two from time to time. However, if you have a severe acne outbreak, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. Severe acne often cannot be treated using over the counter products, and if the acne isn’t treated, it can leave permanent scars on your skin. A doctor will be able to prescribe a powerful prescription medication designed to treat severe acne.

#10 Unexplained Hair Loss

If your hair starts falling out and you don’t know why, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. A doctor can provide treatment to prevent bald spots on your head. They can also figure out what is causing your hair loss. If there is an underlying cause for the condition, it can be treated.

Why Choose Compassion Dermatology?

If you develop pain, itching, or changes in your skin, schedule an appointment with Compassion Dermatology. Our dermatologists are highly-trained and skilled and are compassionate when it comes to skin, hair, and nail conditions, which is where we got our name.

To schedule an appointment, give us a call today.

Winter Skin Care Tips From Your Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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We’re in the middle of winter here in Southlake, TX, simply dreaming of the days we can be out wandering the parks in the warm spring air. During the colder weather, our skin quickly dries out and becomes irritated, but with some simple skin care tips from your dermatologist, you can still look and feel your best even when the weather isn’t.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

One of the best things you can do for your skin during winter is to moisturize, particularly if you often suffer from dry skin. Regularly applying thick moisturizers, in the form of creams and ointments, can do wonders for skin of all types. There are many different moisturizers on the market, however, so it can seem very confusing if you’ve not invested in this product type before. If you’re unsure which skin type you have or what products may be best, an appointment to discuss this with a dermatologist will help set you on the right path. While you’re waiting for your appointment, here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Water-based moisturizers are great for oily skin. If you’re looking for a new moisturizer, try to select one that advertises itself as non-comedogenic. A non-comedogenic moisturizer is one that will help you to avoid clogged pores and breakouts. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding thicker lotions as these may irritate your skin.

 

  • Oil-based moisturizers are better for aging skin. Mature skin is naturally drier than younger skin and benefits from oil-based creams rather than water-based. A dermatologist may recommend those with a petroleum base or added antioxidants to keep aging skin looking and feeling healthier in winter. Lotions containing rosehip, hazelnut oil, or avocado may also provide relief during winter and improve overall skin texture.

 

  • Oil-based moisturizers are also suitable for naturally dry skin. Heavier oil-based moisturizers can rejuvenate dry skin, especially if they are petroleum-based, as these are designed to prevent water from evaporating from your pores. Most often, a dermatologist will recommend heavier creams and ointments for night-time use rather than daytime. You may find that products that contain mineral oils and lanolin particularly soothing.

 

  • The best moisturizers for sensitive skin are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oil-free. Aloe and chamomile can soothe especially sensitive skin and are excellent ingredients to look out for.

 

  • Use moisturizers at least once daily, whether it’s part of your morning routine or evening; regular moisturization with the right product is an essential part of winter skin care. While routine hand washing and sanitization is a daily challenge at the moment, using a moisturizing cream or oil-based cream can help to reduce flare-ups of skin conditions after you’ve done so can help to relieve dryness.

Avoid Alcohol-Based Skin Care Products

While you may want to treat yourself to the occasional mask, peel, or toner to cheer yourself up during these trying times, avoid using any with an alcohol base. These products can remove natural oils and make dry, wintry skin much worse.

Take Shorter Showers

One way to avoid drying your skin out further in winter is to take shorter showers than you might usually. While a long, hot shower can feel incredibly relaxing, standing under hot water for an overly long length of time can contribute to dry skin. You might not be aware, but hot showers, in fact, play a large role in stripping away the natural oil barriers that keep your skin moisturized. Don’t be surprised when your dermatologist recommends changing your shower routine! Long showers and baths can increase the dryness and itchiness of the skin, so it’s best to avoid them in winter if you can. Keeping the door closed to trap humidity in the bathroom while you towel dry your skin and then immediately apply your chosen moisturizer can aid rehydration.

Protect Exposed Skin While Outdoors

It may seem an odd recommendation, but wearing sunscreen on your hands, face, and any other areas of your body that are exposed while you’re outdoors is one way that you can go about preventing excessive irritation and dryness. Dry, chapped lips are also something you’re incredibly familiar with; a simple application of petroleum jelly may help lock in moisture. Wearing gloves is not just great for keeping your hands warm; they can also keep your skin from drying out. Removing wet clothing, such as gloves and socks, once you get back indoors after being out in the rain will also prevent dry skin on your hands and feet from becoming unnecessarily worse.

Add Gentle Cleansers To Your Arsenal

Harsh facial cleansers, exfoliators, and peels can have the opposite effect that you want. In winter, they can dry out and even irritate your skin. Fragrance-free and soap-free cleansing choices can be used to heal your skin in winter, particularly in the cold, harsh winters we often experience here in Southlake, TX. Even the regular use of hand soap can cause unwanted effects; pick a soap designed for more sensitive occasions to avoid unnecessary winter damage.

If you’ve previously been diagnosed with skin conditions like eczema, it’s vitally important that you stick to the gentle skin cleansing routine and moisture-retentive skin care routine that your dermatologist recommends. Where possible, your dermatologist will recommend transitioning your skin care routine to one that lends itself to benefitting your skin in winter. Still, it’s never too late to make the right changes to your regimen.

Your dermatologist can develop personalized skincare routines for you. Request an appointment online at Compassion Dermatology to be put in contact with someone who can help you create a routine that works for you throughout the winter and beyond. Compassion Dermatology offers complete skin evaluations, even looking at your hair and nails and how you can improve on any concerns that you have. Moles, pigment changes, growths, and inflammations, as well as your skin condition, can all be assessed by your dermatologist before a plan is formulated.

Consult A Dermatologist Before Trying Natural Remedies | Southlake, TX

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Preference for natural and organic products is an ongoing trend in Southlake, TX, and across the country. The ill-defined terms natural and organic are often used interchangeably. Certified organic products in the United States must meet stringent requirements, but general discussions of organic beauty treatments usually have nothing to do with legal definitions.

A belief that natural treatments and products are always better can have negative consequences. Consulting a dermatologist for skin care advice is safer and more effective than random information from questionable online sources. Trending natural beauty recommendations can be slightly effective, completely ineffective, or actively harmful to your skin and overall health.

Lemon and Lime Juice

Another common natural beauty trend is squirting lemon or lime juice on skin blemishes, such as acnes scars or areas of hyperpigmentation. Acidic fruit juices have some exfoliating properties, but they can’t lighten dark spots or remove scar tissue. Lemon or lime juice burns when it is placed on open areas, such as small cuts or inflamed acne.

Highly concentrated acidic preparations can cause second-degree burns on delicate skin. Substances called psoralens in lemons and limes can trigger a phototoxic reaction upon exposure to UV light. This means you could end up with a phytophotodermatitis rash resulting in large, painful blisters that can take more than a month to heal. Consult a dermatologist immediately if you’re experiencing a rash or any other symptoms after exposure to sunlight.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has even become part of the natural beauty trend. This spice is most notably associated with the ‘cinna-mask,’ along with claims that it purifies skin. Unfortunately, this particular trend can have painful results. Cinnamon is an irritating substance almost guaranteed to cause a slight burning sensation and mild redness.

Reactions can go beyond mild irritation into actual burns, which easily turn into facial scarring. Some spices, including cinnamon, have antimicrobial properties, but spices used in wound healing are carefully handled and prepared. Dried cinnamon and cinnamon oils are too harsh to use undiluted, and many people can develop an allergy to cinnamon. Even people that have eaten cinnamon safely all their lives can experience hypersensitivity to a spice directly applied to skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar Cure-All

Apple cider vinegar is recommended for everything from housecleaning to managing medical conditions in the world of natural remedies. Proponents of apple cider vinegar in skin care claim that it heals acne, relieves blemishes and scars, cures warts, and makes moles disappear.

Vinegar is acidic and quite caustic if it isn’t diluted. Long-term use on skin can lead to inflammation and burns. Never apply vinegar to wounds. Its corrosive properties will cause pain and damage tissue in the wound bed. The most serious concern is letting illnesses or disorders go untreated due to belief in vinegar’s greatly exaggerated curative properties.

You should always see a dermatologist if you’re concerned about a mole. A biopsy may be necessary for suspicious moles, and dermatologists in Southlake, TX, offer plenty of options to remove moles and treat warts.

Oil and Alcohol

Suggestions for natural moisturizers making the rounds include olive oil, coconut oil, and even mayonnaise. These substances probably won’t cause any harm, unless someone has an allergy, but slathering thick, fatty oils on your face can clog pores and lead to acne. Make an appointment with your local dermatologist to ask about helpful, safe products.

On the other hand, alcohol wipes and even rubbing alcohol have been suggested for oily skin. Applying alcohol to your face is just a bad idea the entire way around. It certainly will cause dry skin, but this is not a good outcome. Alcohol is too harsh and strips skin of protective fatty acids and protein. Destruction of beneficial lipids and proteins leaves skin in a fragile, weakened state that is prone to inflammation and infection.

Beneficial Natural Substances

Of course, many natural substances do have beneficial properties. Common natural ingredients found in skin care products include aloe vera, argan and avocado oil, chamomile, rose hip oil, green tea, and shea butter. The way these substances are prepared, handled, and used plays a large role in their effectiveness. Everyone’s skin is different.

Sometimes visible, obvious skin issues, such as acne, dryness, inflammation, or dark spots, have an underlying cause. Treating symptoms without addressing their cause is not effective in the long run. Consult your dermatologist to discuss skin health concerns. If you want to use natural remedies alone instead of prepared products, ask your dermatologist how to do so safely.

Consult Compassion Dermatology to keep your skin healthy and smooth. An experienced, professional dermatologist can help you find appropriate products and develop healthy skin care routines so your skin glows.

What Is The Role Of Dermatology In The Pandemic? | Southlake Area

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COVID-19 has dominated news cycles and headlines in the area and across the United States since it was first identified. The sheer volume of media output concerning COVID is astounding. Even with all this information, the field of dermatology barely gets a nod. This relative lack of information can be misleading. Dermatology has an important role in managing the pandemic.

Dermatology Symptoms of COVID-19

A COVID-induced rash usually occurs at the same time as other symptoms, but it has been reported as the first symptom in a minority of cases. The most commonly reported skin condition is a rash resembling measles. Most cases are associated with moderate COVID infections.

A symptom known as “COVID toes” is characterized by itchy red or purple bumps on toes, fingers, or heels. This symptom is associated with mild viral infections and seems to develop after the affected skin was exposed to cold surfaces or air.

A net-like rash called retiform purpura is the most severe COVID-related symptom. The rash may not look serious, but its appearance is the result of blood clots in small vessels beneath the skin. Reported cases of retiform purpura have only been observed in people that were already hospitalized with severe illness. You will want to contact a dermatology expert.

Secondary Relationships Between COVID and Dermatology

Hand hygiene awareness has reached new heights since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The CDC recommends frequent hand washing to slow transmission of the virus. Health care workers and other ‘front-line’ and essential employees with a variety of job functions are very focused on strict hand washing procedures. This is necessary to slow or prevent COVID infections, but constant hand washing, sometimes with harsh products, can alter or damage skin integrity.

Dermatitis and the Skin Barrier

Healthy skin is a barrier between the body and harmful substances and pathogens in the environment. The stratum corneum, a layer of keratin and lipids, is the major component of a healthy skin barrier.

The American Contact Dermatitis Society predicts an increasing number of irritant contact and allergic contact hand dermatitis cases related to hand hygiene. Effects of frequent hand washing are an indirect, but very important, link between dermatology and the COVID pandemic. Symptoms of both types of contact dermatitis include

  • red rash
  • mild to severe itching
  • dry, cracked or flaky skin
  • swelling
  • burning
  • blisters
  • lichenification (thickening skin with leathery texture and appearance)
  • fluid-filled bumps
  • tenderness and soreness when moving hands or fingers

Hand Hygiene Products

Various types of hand hygiene products include liquid or bar soaps, antiseptic hand washes, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and synthetic detergents. There are hundreds upon hundreds of hand hygiene products available in the Southlake area, and some products may affect skin negatively.

Soap

The term ‘soap’ is frequently used to describe any cleanser, but true soap is made of lye and fats. Soap has pH levels of 9 to 10.6. It removes dirt, breaks down grease, and deactivates viruses by destroying lipid membranes. Washing hands with soap and warm water has an added benefit of physically removing dirt particles and pathogens from the skin’s surface. Unfortunately, soap also disrupts protective lipids in our skin.

Synthetic Detergent

Synthetic detergents are a mixture of petrolatum derivatives and chemical surfactants. They have a pH between 5.5 to 7, which is similar to pH levels of healthy skin. Chemical surfactants function like soap and deactivate viruses by disrupting lipid membranes. Not all viruses have lipid membranes, but COVID does. Synthetic detergents, like soap, deplete skin’s beneficial lipids.

Antiseptic Hand Wash

Antiseptic hand washes are synthetic detergents or soaps with additional antimicrobial ingredients. Antimicrobials damage viral membranes, which deactivates viruses. Bleach, alcohol, and povidone iodine are effective against bacteria and viruses.

Disinfectant Wipes

Disinfectant wipes usually contain alcohol or other antimicrobial ingredients. Pay close attention to labels when purchasing wipes. Hand wipes and baby wipes are designed for use on skin, while disinfectant wipes are formulated to disinfect surfaces.

Harsh chemicals in disinfectant wipes aren’t safe for skin and may cause severe irritation. Alcohols dissolve lipids, and several types of antimicrobial ingredients can denature proteins, so these wipes present a combined threat to protective components of our skin.

Treat and Prevent Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis develops when skin experiences sensitization to an allergen. Initial exposure to the allergen may not trigger a reaction, but repeated exposure results in inflammation and other dermatitis symptoms. People can develop allergies to many components of hand hygiene products, such as preservatives, surfactants, and antimicrobial substances. Other additives, including perfumes, moisturizing agents, and dyes, are also potential allergens. A dermatology expert can help you.

Many products contain multiple ingredients, so it can be difficult to pinpoint the allergen. People experiencing dermatitis may switch products, but the alternative product might contain the same allergen. Visit your local dermatology clinic to identify the causative substance so you can avoid products with that ingredient in the future.

It isn’t uncommon to develop sensitization to more than one component in hygiene formulations, which can make it difficult to find acceptable products. Your dermatologist can help you find appropriate cleaners and sanitizers.

Irritant contact dermatitis, ICD, isn’t an allergic reaction. Our skin possesses an ‘acid mantle’ to act as a buffer against harsh substances that disrupt protective lipids and proteins. ICD occurs when protective elements in our skin deteriorate. Examples of potentially harmful substances and conditions include alkaline soaps or detergents, hot water, extremely cold water, constant glove use, low humidity, and friction.

Moisturizers can prevent and treat contact dermatitis to some extent. General categories of moisturizers include ointments, lotions, creams, and gels. Many hand hygiene products contain moisturizing ingredients, such as beeswax, petrolatum, glycerin, or emollients. Emollients are fats and oils to replenish lipids in skin. Some moisturizing products contain protein rejuvenators, such as keratin and collagen, to replenish protein as well.

Make an appointment at Compassion Dermatology in the Southlake area if you’re experiencing symptoms of dermatitis. Caring and knowledgeable professionals can help you figure out the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment and prevention plan.

Should I See A Dermatologist For Poison Ivy? | Southlake, TX

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We’ve all heard of poison ivy. Many people have an allergic reaction, also known as contact dermatitis, after contact with poison ivy plants. Poison sumac and poison oak cause the same reaction. The resin of all three plants contains an oily substance called urushiol, which is responsible for allergic reactions. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the most common cause of allergic reactions in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology states that up to 50 million urushiol-induced allergic reactions occur every year.

Most dermatologists are very familiar with urushiol reactions because the causative plants grow all over the country, including Southlake, TX. Poison oak is more common than poison ivy in the western and southern parts of the country, but this is a relative comparison. There is no shortage of poison ivy in Texas. The roots, stems, and leaves of these plants contain resin, commonly known as sap, which means contact with any part can trigger a reaction. Sap is colorless or pale yellow with an oily, and very sticky, consistency.

Exposure and Allergic Reaction

Urushiol is present on the surface of intact plants, but much more of the oil is released when plants are crushed or damaged. Damaged plants may have black spots because urushiol turns black after exposure to air. Never burn poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac. Airborne urushiol particles from burning plants create an inhalation risk. A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction can occur in the trachea or lungs.

An allergic reaction to urushiol doesn’t usually result in rash immediately. Reactions generally occur within 12-21 days after the first exposure, but the rash appears only 12-72 hours after repeated exposures. This type of allergy is described as delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Allergic reactions vary between individuals, depending on sensitivity and strength of immune responses. Approximately 15% to 30% of people are not allergic to urushiol, so they don’t develop a rash or any other symptoms after exposure. On the other hand, approximately 25% of the population can experience a severe allergic reaction.

Common signs and symptoms of a reaction to urushiol include:

  • Intense itching
  • rash
  • red, swollen lines on the skin with streaks or patches
  • blisters
  • hives
  • small, fluid-filled red bumps
  • swelling

No one can ‘catch’ a rash or any other symptoms of an allergic reaction from another person. It may seem like the rash can spread to other parts of the body, but this is a misleading impression. Urushiol may penetrate thick or calloused skin at a slower rate, so a rash develops a little later. Talk to your dermatologist if new rashes appear and you aren’t sure of the source.

The most likely cause of new rashes on different parts of the body is fresh contact with urushiol oil that is still present somewhere. The sticky oil is easily transferred from one surface to another. Plant resin sticks to skin, clothing, tools, and even animal fur. Urushiol is an impressive, if extremely irritating, substance. It can stay active for over a year.

Prevention

There is no cure for a rash caused by poison ivy. Prevention is the best treatment. Anyone that spends a lot of time outdoors in Southlake, TX, should learn to identify potentially toxic plants. ‘Outdoors’ doesn’t just refer to camping or hiking. Poison ivy and poison oak can grow in an average backyard. Poison sumac could grow in a person’s yard, but trees are more noticeable than plants that blend into undergrowth or bushes. All three plants produce resin all year round, whether leaves are present or not.

Sometimes a rash can be prevented after contact with poison ivy. Remove oils from your skin immediately after contact with the plant. Ordinary soap is fine for washing exposed skin, but be careful with bar soaps.

Rinse your skin with lukewarm water before using a soap bar so the oil won’t stick to the bar and spread to other parts of your body. Use caution with wash cloths, sponges and loofahs that may pick up oil from your skin. Wash these items thoroughly or dispose of them immediately after bathing to make sure the oil won’t spread.

Alcohol wipes work when you don’t have immediate access to a shower or soap and water. Wash all exposed areas three times to make sure the sticky resin is gone. Even a tiny amount of urushiol may trigger a reaction.

Dermatologists recommend washing clothes, shoes and anything else you were wearing or carrying after contact with poison ivy. The same advice applies to poison oak or poison sumac. Regular laundry detergent removes urushiol from most clothing, but it isn’t effective for suede or leather. Bleach deactivates the oil on clothing and most surfaces.

Treatment Options

Most cases of poison ivy reactions don’t require a visit to a dermatologist. Leave blisters intact to heal on their own, even if they begin oozing or form a crust. Breaking blisters creates a very inviting entry point for bacteria that cause infection.

Unmedicated hand lotion, ice, and cold water aren’t effective against an allergic rash, but cooling the rash and surrounding skin might reduce inflammation and swelling. Most reactions heal within 10 to 14 days.

You can always visit a dermatologist for help. Burning and itching aren’t pleasant, and a dermatologist can help you manage symptoms. Dermatologists may recommend over-the-counter creams and baking soda or oatmeal baths. Other options include oral medications to counteract severe itching and steroid creams or injections to relieving itching, swelling, and inflammation.

Severe allergic reactions or an accompanying fever above 100 degrees F do require medical help. Always consult a dermatologist if bumps or blisters contain white, yellow or thick fluid that indicate infection. Untreated infected rashes can leave scars and may cause a systemic infection.

Contact Compassion Dermatology if you have a urushiol-induced rash. Sometimes we can brush up against a toxic plant or encounter sticky resin without realizing it. A dermatologist can help if you aren’t sure what caused a rash.