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Is It Dandruff or Psoriasis?

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When you see white flakes and spots on your clothing, you probably jump to the assumption that you have regular, run-of-the-mill dandruff.  However, those flakes could be a sign of a more life-impacting skin condition—Psoriasis. So how do you tell the difference? Here are some key clues.

How big are the flakes?

Larger flakes are more likely to be psoriasis than dandruff. Dandruff usually forms due to dry scalp; and when that is the case, changing shampoo is enough to solve the problem. But if the flakes are very large, it is more likely to be a scalp condition such as psoriasis. 

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Living with Rosacea: Treatments to Reduce Symptoms

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Rosacea is not an easy skin condition to live with. Even though it may not cause any irritation or itching, it can be very embarrassing in some situations. You may feel like you can’t control the redness and rash, but in truth there are a lot of different treatments available to clear your skin so you don’t have to rely on camera filters.

At Home Lifestyle Changes

There are some things you can do at home to reduce the symptoms associated with rosacea. These include avoiding triggers such as:

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Common Toenail Conditions and How to Treat Them

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Did you know that we can address nail conditions as well as skin conditions? There are several different toenail conditions that we can treat in our office. Here are a few of the most common.

Toenail Fungus

If your toenails are yellow or dark brown, it could be the first sign of a fungal infection. These infections are most common in people whose feet are in dark, moist environments such as inside your shoe while working or exercising. Toenail fungus can spread to other toes, and it can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Effective treatment usually requires anti-fungal medication.

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Cysts: What They Are, What Causes Them, and How They Are Treated

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The very word “cyst” can make even the bravest man shudder a bit. Most people associate cysts with cancer. The good news is that most cysts aren’t actually cancerous at all, and benign cysts, especially those addressed by a dermatologist, are very easily treated. Here’s what you need to know before heading into your appointment.

Types of Cysts

There are actually a lot of different types of cysts, and not all of them are addressed by dermatologists. However, there are several types of cysts that we do treat. These include:

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How Allergy Patch Testing Works

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If your doctor suspects that your sensitive skin is actually skin inflammation due to allergies, you may need to undergo patch testing to find out what it is that you’re actually allergic to. Patch testing is pretty simple, and it can be conducted easily on an outpatient basis with little supervision. Here’s what you need to know.

Patch testing is just what it sounds like.

The doctor is going to place suspected allergens on patches, which are then attached to your back. You can be tested for many allergens at one time. The patches will need to remain in place for a few days. Your doctor will give you instructions for keeping them dry and in place, as well as schedule a follow up appointment to view results.

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Sensitive Skin or Skin Allergies? How Allergy Testing Gives You Answers

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It can be frustrating to constantly feel like your skin is crawling, itching, or burning. It can also be confusing, especially if you don’t develop much of a rash or any redness at all. That pain can feel like it is coming out of nowhere, and it could be a result of any number of chemicals in your everyday life. 

Some people just have sensitive skin, although this isn’t really a diagnosis. Having sensitive skin just means that you are more prone to developing a reaction to everyday chemicals and compounds that you come into contact with, but it could also mean that you have undiagnosed skin allergies that are recurring simply because they are unidentified.

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Cryosurgery for Mole Removal: What to Expect

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Do you have a troubling, irritating, restricting, or oddly shaped or colored mole? Most of the time moles are harmless and nothing needs to be done to treat them, but sometimes moles can cause problems and need to be removed for health or comfort. Before you head into the doctor for mole removal, understand exactly what you can expect with cryosurgery removal.

Before the Procedure

Your doctor may do a few different things to prepare the area for cryosurgery. The area must first be thoroughly cleansed. If you have sensitive skin or if the mole is already painful, the doctor might apply a topical solution to somewhat numb the area. 

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Your Skincare Routine: Getting Answers to Do It Right

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You know you need to take care of your skin. Not only will it improve your overall health, a good skincare routine can help prevent or slow the signs of aging. Although most people know that good skincare requires sunscreen and daily cleansing, some patients may not be aware of the right way to take care of their skin. Here are some answers to common questions.

What should your skincare regimen include?

At the least, your skincare regimen should include a cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. What type of cleanser you should use depends on your skin type and problem areas. A light moisturizer is usually sufficient for most women. Sunscreen should be at least SPF 50 to reduce the risk of skin cancer and sun damage.

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Reducing Pandemic Stress to Alleviate Chronic Skin Conditions

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Patients with psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema know that certain things can make symptoms worse. One of the worst things for skin conditions is emotional, mental, or physical stress. With the pandemic in full swing and numbers not showing improvement, people are facing more stress than ever. Here are some ways to reduce your stress during the pandemic so that you can alleviate some of your worst symptoms.

Meditation

Regular meditation is a great way to reduce stress. Even if you just do several short meditations each day, meditating daily for 30 minutes has many health benefits, including decreased stress and an increased sense of well-being.

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Telemedicine or In Person Appointment? Here are Some Guidelines

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The coronavirus pandemic has everyone concerned, and most people are trying to stay at home as much as possible. We are actively working to protect our staff and patients through social distancing and disinfecting measures, as well as providing telemedicine services, but there are some conditions that you will need to see a doctor in person. 

Contact Dermatitis

Even if you don’t have a predisposition to allergies, you might still get contact dermatitis. This skin condition presents itself when your skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen. If you have inflammation of the skin that does not go away, the dermatitis should be addressed by a doctor. 

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