Why do I have acne and what can be done to treat it?
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and other types of debris. Acne creates whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and painful cysts. Although acne is more common in teens, you can develop the skin condition at any age.
Numerous things cause or worsen acne, including:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Bacteria
- Excess oil production
- Stress
- Certain medications
Treatment options include topical and oral medications, antibiotics, salicylic acid or azelaic acid products, and hormonal birth control. Therapies like chemical peels, steroid injections, and light therapy also help address both active acne and scarring.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common skin disorder in which your skin cells multiply at an accelerated rate. Your body can’t shed those new cells quickly enough, so they back up, creating flaky, scale-like patches on the surface of your skin.
Symptoms include red or scaly patches, itching, sensitivity, burning sensations, and stiff or swollen joints. There are various types of psoriasis that affect different areas of your body, including your mouth, nails, and genitals.
Researchers aren’t sure of the exact cause of psoriasis, but believe it’s related to your immune function. There’s no cure, but it is possible to manage the condition.
Treatment options include topical corticosteroids, topical medications, moisturizers, and oral medications. Some men and women achieve impressive results through light-based therapies.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes visible blood vessels, redness, and small bumps. Researchers believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors are to blame for rosacea.
Laser therapy helps reduce the appearance of enlarged blood vessels, and medications help with redness. Using sunscreen and embracing a gentle skin care routine also help.
What causes patches of pigmentation loss?
If you notice patches of skin that are noticeably lighter than normal, you may have a condition called vitiligo. This disease can affect any area of your body and changes the color of small or large patches of skin. Sometimes the patches remain the same size, but more often they spread to eventually cover most of your body.
Vitiligo occurs when you lose melanocytes, the cells that create melanin in your skin. Certain creams and ointments help restore a degree of skin tone, and light therapy also helps. If your vitiligo is widespread, depigmentation therapy helps lighten the unaffected skin to help the patches blend in.
Should I have moles removed?
Moles are common, and are usually nothing to worry about. They are clusters of highly pigmented cells that they often fade away over time. A small percentage of moles become cancerous, so it’s important to watch for changes in size, shape, color, or border irregularities.
If your mole displays signs of skin cancer, removal might be necessary. You can also opt for removal if a mole is large, bleeds easily, or for aesthetic purposes.
For more information on treatment for these and other skin disorders, schedule an appointment at Perri Skin Care online or by phone.
