Archives: Blogs

While we continue to transition into cooler weather, you may notice some changes in your skin. Dryness, irritation, redness, or maybe even some new signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. As dermatologists, we are skincare experts and here for your every need. This month is National Healthy Skin Month, and a great time to think about your skin’s health and how to have glowing, hydrated skin all year round so you can keep looking and feeling at your best.

Invest in Your Skin

We all have different skin types, needs, and concerns so invest in your skin by learning about it! If you are unsure what your skin needs, schedule an appointment with us so we can evaluate your skin’s health and guide you towards products that will work wonders for your skin. Often, it can be easy to grab the cheapest product off the shelf, but in skincare, you often get what you pay for. Allow us to create a customized skincare routine with selected products that can help you to reach your goals of treatment and heal your skin so that you can feel and look radiant.

Wash & Moisturize Daily

Self-care is important not just for your physical health, but also emotional and mental. Aside from washing your face twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser, showering or bathing daily using a soap or body wash formulated for your skin type can keep your skin clean and healthy. Keep in mind that your skin’s needs change with the seasons, as it gets colder and dryer you may need to consider products with more moisturizing ingredients. We also recommend washing after exercise, sweating excessively, and swimming.

Practice good shaving techniques, wet your skin and hair to soften the area, and use moisturizing shaving cream, lathering it well on your body before shaving in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after every stroke and change blades after several uses. These tips can minimize your risk of irritation, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs.

After you shower or bathe, apply a moisturizing ointment, cream, or lotion immediately after washing to help trap in remaining moisture to your skin. Ointments and creams can be more effective at times compared to lotion and are good to use before bed.

Protect Your Skin

The sun’s intense UV rays can lead to early signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines as well unwanted changes in pigmentation like dark spots. By using sunscreen daily, you can protect against the sun’s harmful rays and lower your risk of developing skin cancer. Apply sunscreen all year round. The American Academy of Dermatology highly recommends an SPF of 30 or higher with UVA protection. Be sure to reapply every four hours if you know you will be outside for a while. Sunglasses and protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants can also go a long way in protecting your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.

Conducting monthly self-examinations of your skin is another great way to protect and maintain your skin’s health. Use a full-length mirror to check your front, back, and sides with your arms raised. Be sure to scan over your forearms, underarms, palms, and elbows. Don’t forget to check your legs, toes, and soles of your feet. A hand mirror can help you examine other areas such as your neck, scalp, back, and buttocks.

Look for any asymmetrical shapes, uneven skin, spots with bumpy borders, different colored areas, or spots that might be changing in size, shape, and color. We know it may seem like a lot, but it is important to check regularly and look for any changes in your skin.

Treat Yourself

You may not think we care about cosmetic treatments, but cosmetic dermatology is still dermatology! Take time this month to treat your skin with one of our amazing treatment options. Chemical peels, photofacials, microneedling, laser therapy, soft tissue fillers, and skin tightening are just a few of the services we provide to give you better-looking and feeling skin.

Lower Your Stress

Excess stress can increase your risk of breakouts, unwanted blemishes, and acne. A healthy lifestyle will lead to healthy skin. A well-balanced diet accompanied by regular exercise can help to lower your stress levels while fueling your skin’s needs. Getting consistent sleep, staying hydrated, taking vitamins, and practicing stress relief techniques such as mediation, journaling, and yoga can also lower your stress levels and lead to fewer stress-related breakouts.

November is also a great time to schedule a screening and have your skin evaluated by a medical professional. During your appointment, we can look for any irregularities and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your skin or skincare products. By visiting us annually, we can monitor your skin for changes or signs of cancer. For more information on how to keep your skin clear and healthy, contact The Pearl Dermatology today.

Though not considered a medical emergency, warts are a common ailment. Some warts may even cause pain and negatively impact your quality of life. At our office, we are proud to provide several treatment options to help you get you on the path towards clear skin once again.

What are Warts?

Warts are benign or non-cancerous skin growths that develop when your skin becomes infected by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus can penetrate your skin through a small cut or scrape. The virus triggers extra cell growth and creates a raised bump, where the skin becomes thick and hard.

Warts are contagious and are typically passed through direct skin-to-skin contact but can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces. The hands and feet are the most common areas where warts develop but can appear on other areas of the body as well. Anyone can get warts, however, children and those with weakened immune systems can be at an increased risk.

Common Types of Warts

Warts are often skin-colored, but can appear darker in hues such as brown or grayish black. Some are raised and rough like a callus, while others may be flat and smooth. You may notice small black dots on the wart, commonly known as wart seeds, which are small, clotted blood vessels.

There are several kinds of warts. The type of wart you have depends on where it develops on the body and what it looks like. Common types of warts include:

• Common Warts – These warts often appear on your hands, fingers, and around the nail area. They are often small rough bumps.
• Filiform Wart – Filiform warts grow on fingers as long threads and can grow and multiply very quickly. They are generally painless. If they develop in a sensitive area such as skin folds, they may cause itching, irritation, bleeding, and soreness.
• Flat Warts – Flat warts can appear anywhere on the body including the face and tend to grow in large numbers. They are smaller and smoother than common warts, about the size of a pinhead.
• Genital Warts – Genital warts are caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that spreads through unprotected sexual activity. For men, genital warts can develop on the penis, scrotum, and anus. Women can develop genital warts on the outside of the genitals but also within the vagina and on the cervix. You can also develop genital warts in the mouth or throat. These warts may cause itching or discomfort as well as bleeding during intercourse.
• Plantar Warts – Plantar warts form on the soles of your feet, around the heel, or ball of the foot. They tend to grow in clusters and often callus over. Plantar warts are often flat or grow inward due to pressure. Standing or walking for long periods can become painful when you have plantar warts.

Diagnosis

In many cases, we can determine whether you have a wart or not by examining the area and growth. However, in some cases, we may need to perform a skin biopsy to be certain. During a biopsy, a small piece of the wart is removed and sent to a lab to be analyzed under a microscope.

Treatment Options

Some warts may disappear without needing any treatment at all or with at-home remedies. Please schedule an appointment if you notice any suspicious growths or if your warts begin to hurt, interfere with daily activities, or start to rapidly increase in size or spread. We are proud to offer several wart removal treatment options. During your consultation, we will discuss what treatment options are best for your situation.

• Cryotherapy – Using liquid nitrogen, your doctor will apply the chemical to your wart. This causes a blister to form as the cells are burnt and the blood supply cut off, killing the infection. After a week or so, the dead skin will slough off. This treatment can be painful like a minor burn, so your doctor may recommend administering a numbing agent to the area.
• Electrocautery – With electrocautery, an electric needle is used to remove the wart surgically. Both the virus and the wart are treated. Before the procedure, the area is numbed.
• Laser Therapy – Laser removal is a more highly effective, minimally invasive, and speedy treatment option. A high-powered laser cuts off the blood supply from the wart while eliminating the virus from your body. After treatment, the wart dies and sloughs off within a week.
• Salicylic Acid – Similar to chemical peels, salicylic acid works by removing layers of your wart at a time. This topical medication is a stronger dose than products that can be bought over-the-counter.

Depending on the severity of your wart or warts, multiple treatment sessions may be needed to completely remove the wart.

If you know someone who has a wart or if you have one, avoid touching it as it spreads easily from direct contact. Wear footwear in public showers, locker rooms, decks, and gyms as these are popular breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Remember to wash your hands often. Keep your warts covered until you can come into our office for your consultation. For more information on warts and our treatment options or to schedule an appointment, contact The Pearl Dermatology today.

Do you struggle with acne breakouts despite having tried several over-the-counter products? Maybe you tried an acne-free skincare routine you saw online, only to still have stubborn spots?
While some people experience breakouts that come and go without leaving a trace, sometimes acne can leave scars that may take weeks or months to fade–if they fade at all. Acne breakouts can be frustrating enough, but the scars they might leave behind can be even more aggravating.

Fortunately, just like acne, even the most stubborn acne scars are treatable. With today’s medicine, there are many treatments available that can help to remove and fade blemishes, making them less noticeable. However, before treating acne scars it is important to have your acne under control to avoid future scarring. Though there are hundreds of over-the-counter products available to help, it is easy to forget that acne is not merely cosmetic. Acne is a medical condition best treated by professionals. Our dermatologists are experts in skincare and know that with the right treatment and skincare routine, anyone and everyone can achieve clear skin.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne scars typically form from acne penetrating deep into the skin and damaging the tissues beneath the surface. Acne is an inflammatory condition and scarring occurs depending on the extent and duration of inflammation. Scarring generally occurs when there is either too little or too much collagen produced during the healing process of the breakout. Acne scarring can be worsened if the acne lesion is picked, popped, or manipulated. Our dermatologists recommend to not manipulate your acne lesions.

Type of Scars

There are a variety of acne scars that develop, but all can generally be broken into three categories:

• Depressed Scars, also known as atrophic scars, are scars that sit below the surface of the skin and develop from a lack of collagen during the healing process or from thick collagen pulling the skin surface downward.. These depressions can vary in shape and depth.
• Raised scars, also known as hypertrophic scars, stand above the surface and are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. They are generally red, purple, or skin-colored enlarged, firm growths.
• Dark spots are scars left behind once the zit has cleared. They can range in colors from light tan, dark brown, red, and purple and often fade on their own after several months to years.

How Do Dermatologists Treat Acne Scars?

Before we can treat your scars, it is important to have your acne under control and treated. Additionally, it is also good to know what type of acne you have and what type of scars are left as a result. Each type and color of acne scars responds to treatment(s) differently and some treatments may be better suited for particular types of acne. Your dermatologist will conduct a thorough examination of your skin, noting where the breakouts occur and what type of acne and acne scars are present.

By undergoing this exam, we will be able to determine whether you have acne or another skin condition and create a treatment plan customized for your individual needs. We will also take into account your lifestyle, age, skin type, diet, stressors, and previous treatments you may have tried to ensure successful treatment. Your treatment will be unique to your skincare needs.

Treatment Options

Some acne scars may fade over time. For those that remain even after trying over-the-counter products, professional treatment by your board-certified dermatologist can help. Treatment will depend on the type of scar and severity. In some cases, several types of treatment may be needed for the patient’s desired results. Common acne scar treatments may include:

• Laser or light energy resurfacing
• Microdermabrasion
• Microneedling
• Microneedling with Radiofrequency treatment
• Topical prescription medication
• Chemical peels
• Corticosteroid injections
• Dermal fillers

Most treatments are successful in reducing the size and visibility of acne scars. As dermatologists, we can help you to find the treatment option for your needs so you can get back to looking and feeling like the most confident version of yourself. For more information on acne scars and our treatment options or to schedule a consultation, contact The Pearl Dermatology today.

The cold,dry, outdoor air combined with indoor heating can cause your lips to become severely dried out and chapped. Add in harsh winds to a cold day and your lips are at a higher risk for ending up chapped, dry, cracked, and red. Though chapped lips are common during the dry winter months, that doesn’t mean you have to wait for spring to have supple, smooth lips. The delicate skin of your lips needs extra care during winter to stay hydrated, so use these tips to keep your lips hydrated and supple this winter.

Combat Chapped Lips

Lip Balm

Make a habit of using a hydrating lip balm daily. Reapply throughout the day as necessary and once before going to sleep. A lot of people sleep with their mouths open which can dry out the lips.

There are many lip balms to choose from, so you may need to experiment and find what works best for you or ask your dermatologist for suggestions. We recommend products that use petroleum jelly or shea butter to lock in moisture and heal cracks.

Hydrate

The most common reason for chapped lips is a lack of moisture. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and lips hydrated.

Don’t Bite

We understand that dry lips can cause flaking and peeling which may be uncomfortable, but it’s best not to bite or pick at the peeling skin. This can irritate your lips more leading to cracks, splits, bleeding, and sores. Instead, use a heavy ointment-based balm to heal your lips.

Don’t Bite

We understand that dry lips can cause flaking and peeling which may be uncomfortable, but it’s best not to bite or pick at the peeling skin. This can irritate your lips more leading to cracks, splits, bleeding, and sores. Instead, use a heavy ointment-based balm to heal your lips. You can even try making a “lip mask” by applying Avene Cicalfate cream to the lips in a thick layer and sleep with it on all night.

We also recommend using a humidifier in your home, especially at night, if your house is dry from the heat. Don’t forget to cover your lips when you bundle up to brace for the cold outside!

Try to add these lip care tips as part of your morning, bedtime, and outdoor routines to fight off chapped lips this winter. For more information on chapped lips or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of the coronavirus. However, these masks can also irritate your skin, clog pores, and cause flare-ups and breakouts. This reaction can be more than just a few pimples as patients are also reporting peeling skin, rashes, and raw skin as a result of wearing masks frequently. To help reduce your risk of developing mask-related skin problems, we recommend these steps to protect your skin.

How do face masks affect our skin?

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone wear a mask while in public areas and caused many to notice the toll of wearing a face mask daily. However, even before the pandemic it was widely known from healthcare workers that the constant use of a face mask can cause skin irritation.

There are three main ways that your face mask can damage your skin, including:

• Rubbing – Masks can irritate your skin through friction leading to chafing and exposing raw skin, similar to a rug burn. The areas that are most commonly affected include the bridge of the nose and where the bands rub behind the ears. Over time, tight-fitting masks can cause the skin to break and become inflamed.
• Irritation – Aside from contact irritation, your mask may also absorb natural oils or debris from outside that can irritate your skin leading to skin sensitivity or dryness. Residue from detergents or fabric softeners may also cause inflammation or irritation as the skin on your face can be more sensitive to chemicals. Those with skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema may experience occasional flare-ups as a result of wearing face masks frequently.
• Clogged Pores – Facial mask also can limit the breathability of your pores increasing the risk of them becoming clogged and leading to breakouts. Masks can also create a perfect humid environment for bacteria to grow which can also contribute to breakouts and clogged pores.

What makes a good mask?

The CDC recommends that healthcare workers wear surgical masks and N95s, while the public wears cloth masks. The material of your mask affects how well it can protect you from the virus as well as how well you can breathe through it.

The best choice for your skin is a tightly woven natural fiber such as cotton as it is effective while still being gentle on your skin providing an excellent balance of protection and comfort. Your mask should fit snugly over your nose and mouth, but also comfortably.

Treating mask-related skin problems

If your skin is experiencing the effects of a face mask, here is what you can do for the most common problems.

Dryness and peelings can be the first signs of mask irritation. Over time your skin can become sensitive, red, and inflamed. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face after each use and don’t forget to apply a moisturizer and/or ointment afterward to rehydrate and soothe your skin. Applying moisturizer or petroleum jelly before wearing your mask can also help to provide an extra layer against friction, chafing, and dryness.

If you begin to notice raw skin, breaks, or fissures, apply an over-the-counter ointment and dressing bandage to the area before putting your mask back on. This will help to prevent further skin damage. Remember to also apply the ointment at night or when you are not wearing the mask to protect and heal your skin.

Mild breakouts can often be treated with classic over-the-counter acne treatments, so most patients will be able to continue using their go-to products. Keep in mind that both prescription and over-the-counter acne remedies can be irritating to the skin due to frequent mask usage, even if you didn’t experience irritation in those areas before the pandemic. In these cases, you may need to use your treatment less frequently or adjust the amount used to help your skin.

If you are unable to find relief with these methods or if the symptoms worsen, please contact our office to schedule an appointment so that we can help you find the right treatment option for you.

Ways to prevent mask-related skin issues

As masks continue to be an essential part of our daily attire, here are some helpful tips to prevent skin problems from developing underneath your mask.

• Avoid wearing makeup beneath your mask as multiple layers of product can clog your pores or soil your mask leading to breakouts.
• Continue to follow your treatment plan if you have prior skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis unless otherwise advised by your dermatologist.
• Don’t start a new skincare routine unless otherwise instructed by your doctor as wearing a mask even for a short time can make your skin sensitive and react adversely to new products leading to irritation or breakouts.
• Regularly clean your cloth masks to prevent bacteria, dirt, and debris from building up on your mask. Keep a rotation of masks on hand and wash them after every use.
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser daily and always apply a moisturizer formulated for your skin type after.

For more information on how to handle mask-related skin conditions or to schedule an appointment with our office, please contact The Pearl Dermatology today.

Do you ever find that though you often wear makeup to help enhance your features, you end up having worse skin than if you had gone without wearing any? It is true that some cosmetics can cause acne, and we usually refer to this kind of acne as acne cosmetica. However, not all makeup is bad for your skin. The key to enjoying the art of makeup and maintaining healthy skin is finding a product that is right for your skin type and contains ingredients that are not harmful to your skin.

Identifying the culprit

Acne cosmetica is usually characterized by small bumps on the cheeks, chin, or forehead, and some experience whiteheads and pimples. Identifying the products used around the affected area is key to finding the culprit(s) of your acne. Take note of any changes in the products you are using, as it can take anywhere from a few days to 6 months for a reaction to occur. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep a skin care diary so you can accurately determine any patterns and make note of the ingredients in each of your products. If blemishes seem to reappear and seem to worsen, discontinue wearing makeup for a while. Oftentimes the makeup you use to cover the blemishes can make the inflammation and irritation worse.

Recovering From Acne Cosmetica Breakouts

In addition to discontinuing the use of those makeup products that seem to be the culprit of your breakout, follow these tips to help clear up your skin:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser at least twice a day, and after exercising or any activity that would cause you to sweat. Be sure to use a cleanser that includes the words “oil-free”, “won’t clog pores”, or “non-comedogenic” on the label. Avoid any abrasive tools used to clean your face. Instead, just use your fingertips and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Always remove all makeup before going to bed with a gentle, oil-free makeup remover and then wash your face.
• If you choose to continue wearing makeup, apply it very gently. Consider using makeup brushes to help control the force you use during application.
• If you use makeup brushes, clean them on a regular basis and do not share them with others.
• Do not share makeup.
• If irritation continues, consider using an over-the-counter medication to help treat and heal the affected area. Look for products that contain one or more of the following ingredients:

• • Benzoyl peroxide (fights acne-causing bacteria)
  • Salicylic acid (helps unclog pores)
  • Adapalene (helps unclog pores)

If acne persists, you will want to see your dermatologist here at The Pearl  Dermatology to help sort out other factors that could be causing your acne.

For more information about acne cosmetica or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.

With warmer weather and summer on the horizon, it is important to go over proper skincare. In addition to our usual concern for protecting our skin from the sun’s rays, we also need to be aware of some threats we may encounter in the great outdoors such as bug bites and stings.

Though many of the bites and stings can be bothersome, they are mostly harmless, however, certain bugs can spread infectious diseases such as Zika Virus, Lyme Disease, Dengue fever, and Malaria. Whether a bee sting or mosquito bite, it is important to understand what to do to properly treat and prevent these irritations.

Identifying common bug bites

It can be tricky telling what insect bit you if you weren’t aware at the time. Here are some ways to help pinpoint what summer bug might have bitten you.

• Bed Bugs leave large circles of bites often in groups of three’s that cause itching, redness, swelling, and even blisters. Bed bugs can live in beddings, chairs, couches, curtains, and many other fabrics, including clothing.
• Chiggers are not insects, but a common summer pest found in the outdoors. They are painless biters, but produce itchy raised red bumps that appear on the lower legs.
• Fire Ants have both a bite and sting. These usually have a red center surrounded by lighter colored rings. Pus may develop inside the bites.
• Fleas are common if you live with pets. Their bites begin as an itchy rash of tiny bumps often on the lower legs. The area may swell or turn white when touched.
• Mosquito bites can be severely itchy and cause mild to moderate swelling of the skin. Mosquito bites typically have a small puncture at the center. Mosquitoes often lurk in humid, shaded areas near bodies of standing water such as pools, ponds, and lakes.
• Ticks can pass numerous illnesses. If bitten, be sure to remove the tick if possible and watch for symptoms such as rashes, headaches, or fever which may be signs of tick-related diseases.

Common symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of insect that bit you, however common bug bites or sting symptoms may include:

• A small raised or red bump(s)
• Pain
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blistering

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to bug bites or stings, which is most common in stings from bees and wasps. Others may develop a more severe reaction that may require immediate medical attention. Signs of severe reactions include:

• Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or increased heart rate
• Hives on areas of your skin where you were not bitten
• Headaches or dizziness
• Nausea, cramps, or vomiting
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, lips, or face

Symptoms felt as a result of a bite or sting typically resolve within a few days if treated properly. If symptoms worsen or you do not experience relief after treatment, contact your doctor.

Prevention Tips

Use Bug Repellent
Protect against bugs by using an insect repellent that contains at least 20-30% DEET. Spray the repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Follow the instructions on the label and reapply as
directed. Avoid using sunscreen that contains insect repellent as sunscreen must be applied liberally and often as opposed to insect repellent which should be applied sparingly.

You can pretreat clothing with insect repellent ahead of time if you plan on being out in the woods or after dark. Follow instructions carefully and allow clothes to dry for at least 2 hours before wearing them.

Wear Appropriate Clothing
If you are going into wooded areas or spending the day outside, wear the right type of clothing.

Wear light clothing that is moisture-wicking to prevent overheating, and cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes. For additional protection, pull your socks over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants. If possible, tie back your hair or cover your head with a hat.

Use A Bed Net
During the spring and summer, many of us may consider spending the night outside. Whether in a tent or cabin, protect yourself as you sleep with a bed net. Purchase a net that has been
pre-treated with insect repellent. If it is not large enough to reach the floor, secure it underneath your mattress.

Treatment Tricks

Sometimes despite our best efforts on prevention, bug bites may still occur. Thankfully though, most bug bites and stings can be treated safely at home.

For painful bites or stings, we recommend taking an over-the-counter pain killer, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to always follow the instructions and use the correct dosage.

Bites that itch can be some of the most bothersome, so in these cases you can apply an ice pack to the area or an over-the-counter anti-itch cream such as hydrocortisone. Another option can be to take an oral antihistamine bought from a local store.

Swelling is a common symptom of bug bites and stings and a cold compress can reduce pain and swelling.

For more information on how to prevent and treat bug bites and stings, please contact The Pearl Dermatology today.