Who Can Develop a Scar?

The short answer to this is… everyone!

Creating a scar is a natural and necessary part of your body’s healing process as it works to repair any damaged structures. The type of scar you will end up with could be flat and a similar color to the rest of your skin. It may be a thin line or a wider, shiny scar. Some people can even be prone to developing keloids, which are a large and bulbous type of scar that can expand well beyond the borders of the original injury.

Types of Scarring – Get Rid of Scars

When your skin is injured, your body will do its best to close the area and repair any damaged structures. As a result, there are a few types of scars that someone can experience. In fact, someone can have multiple types of scars on their body depending on how their body reacted to the injury and whether or not it was closed professionally with stitches.

Vascular scarring occurs when scars are excessively red due to them containing a lot of blood vessels.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when a dark scar develops after inflammation from an injury. Many people experience this type of scarring as a result of acne.

Keloids, or hypertrophic scars, occur as a result of the body producing too much collagen during the healing process. The result is a scar that is raised and oftentimes darker than the surrounding area. Keloids can continue to grow past the size of the original injury and may require dermatological treatment.

Sunken scars occur when the underlying structures that support the skin are lost or damaged and the skin appears sunken or pitted. Most often, people with acne or who have undergone a surgical procedure get this type of scarring.

Stretched scars occur as a result of the skin stretching rapidly as a result of weight gain or pregnancy. This type of scarring is commonly known as stretch marks and almost everyone gets this type of scarring during growth spurts.

Treatment Options for Scars

Though scars are natural, many people find them unsightly and prefer to have them treated to completely remove or improve their appearance. Dr. Ip will examine each scar and talk to you about the potential treatment options available for you.

In the case of vascular scarring, Dr. Ip typically recommends sun protection to reduce the likelihood that a scar will become more red. When vascular scarring persists for more than six months, laser treatments may be a good option.

For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, time may be all that’s needed to improve the appearance of this type of scar. If this condition persists, topical medications, chemical peels, and laser treatments can greatly improve the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Treating keloids can be difficult as they are treatment-resistant and prone to coming back. It is important for anyone that is prone to developing keloid scars to talk to their doctor about this before any surgical procedure. Dr. Ip will work with you to discuss the treatment options available for keloids, including silicone dressings and other procedures.

Another type of procedure, known as scar removal or scar revision, may be an option for people who do not have raised scars. To improve the look of a scar, scar removal will use dermabrasion, microneedling, and laser resurfacing to help the scar blend in.

Fillers are also a surprising way to treat scarring, especially those with sunken scars since these injectables can help fill and smooth the scarred area.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Scars are a natural part of healing, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with a scar that is causing you some frustration or discomfort. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Who Can Develop Nail Fungus?

The short answer to this question is that anyone who has fingernails or toenails can develop nail fungus therefore nail fungus treatment was born.

However, there are certain groups of people who are more prone to develop nail fungus. This includes people who are immunosuppressed and diabetic.

Additionally, women who get manicures and pedicures at unclean beauty spas are at an increased risk for developing nail fungus as the tools used may not be properly sanitized. The use of acrylic and fake nails can also contribute to the development of nail fungus. This is why it is especially important to understand the cleaning procedures of your favorite nail spot as well as the risks that fake nails can pose.

Types of Nail Fungus

While there are many different types of nail fungus, there are four main types of nail fungus. These major types of nail fungus are named for the area where they develop.

Distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO) is caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot to develop. This type of fungus infects the skin near the nail bed before traveling to the nailbed and causing the nail to turn yellow or white. Over time, debris from the fungus begins to build up under the nail and cause it to crack or become crumbly and painful.

Candida onychomycosis is a type of yeast infection that affects the nail. This is an uncommon type of nail fungus that is painful and causes the nail to separate from the nail bed. It can also cause the nail to become severely discolored or abnormal in shape. People with this nail fungus may also experience swelling and tenderness in the skin surrounding the nail.

White superficial onychomycosis (WSO) is a common nail fungus that first affects the top layer of the nail. This fungus causes white spots to develop on the nail prior to the entire nail becoming covered in a powder-like cover.

Proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) is a type of nail fungus most commonly found in patients with HIV. This fungus is caused by dermatophytes that cause the nail to separate from the nail bed as a result of a thickening of the skin in the area. Surrounding areas of the skin may also be infected and the nails can become white or opaque as a result of this fungus.

Causes of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is caused by an overgrowth of fungi, yeast, and molds in, around, and underneath the nail.

These conditions are most commonly transmitted through contact and through the use of non-sterilized mani/pedi equipment. Additionally, people can contract nail fungus after going barefoot in a public shower.

Treatment Options for Nail Fungus

Because of how common nail fungus is, there are many treatment options available to alleviate these conditions and try to return the nail to a healthy state.

Treatment options for nail fungus include using a topical antifungal and taking oral medications.

Depending on the depth of infection, topical antifungals may not be effective and can take up to a year to see improvement. Oral antifungals tend to be more effective, but the use of them require close monitoring due to the potential risk of side effects.

In some severe cases, surgery or laser treatments may be needed to treat nail fungus.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Nail fungus can be an uncomfortable and unsightly condition that requires medical treatment in order to restore the health of your fingernails and toenails. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin and nails, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today at Vibrant Dermatology. 

Who Can Develop Lipomas?

Men and women of any age can develop lipomas, but they are commonly experienced by people who have a family history of lipomas. However, people who experience impact injuries to a fatty area can also develop lipomas.

On top of that, people with certain medical conditions may also be more likely to develop lipomas, such as those diagnosed with Gardner Syndrome.

What Causes Lipomas?

Though the exact cause of lipomas isn’t known, we do know that lipomas tend to run in families This points to a genetic factor in lipoma development in some individuals.

Lipomas are also thought to develop from trauma in the affected area.

Certain conditions are connected to lipomas, such as Gardner Syndrome. This syndrome can affect the skin and cause lipomas to form alongside other growths. Another condition, known as Madelung’s Disease, is marked by the development of lipomatosis and lipomas.

Treatment Options for Lipomas

Since lipomas are rarely a serious medical condition, treatment options for having lipomas removed are straight-forward and relatively fast procedures. Though there is no way to prevent lipomas from developing, patients who have lipomas that bother them or that are painful can have it excised.

The dermatologist will perform an outpatient procedure to carefully remove the lipoma, check to make sure all of the lipoma has been removed, and then close the area with stitches.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Even though lipomas are most commonly benign, many people wish to have them removed for cosmetic and comfort reasons. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Here’s you need to know about Hives Cure

 

Who Can Experience Hives?

Men and women of all ages can experience hives regardless of their race or ethnicity. In fact, around one in five people will develop hives at some point in their life – especially since hives can develop as a reaction to a huge variety of causes and factors.

Types of Hives

Though hives generally appear as red splotches of skin with raised sections that may or may not be itchy, warm, swollen, and/or painful, there are several diagnoses that can come from hives. These distinctions are key in treating the reaction to try and control future breakouts.

Acute urticaria refers to hives that appear suddenly as a reaction to allergens or infections. Typically, these hives will dissipate in a few hours or after the person takes an antihistamine medication. Acute urticaria, however, can last for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the cause and strength of reaction.

Chronic urticaria are hives that last for six weeks or longer. Though some cases of chronic urticaria can be caused by allergens and irritants, these hives can point to an autoimmune disorder, viral infections, and other serious conditions.

Physical urticaria are hives that are caused by physical circumstances, especially hot and cold temperatures or quick changes in temperature. Sunlight, sweat, and exercise can all cause physical urticaria to develop.

What Causes Hives

Like other allergic reactions, hives are most commonly caused by your body’s response to an irritant.

For hives to develop, the localized release of histamines leads your body to slow blood flow and allow fluid to pass outside of your vessels into nearby tissues. This causes the telltale swelling, itching, and redness that is typically seen in hives.

Treatment Options for Hives natural cure

When it comes to treating hives natural cure, taking antihistamines can be a useful first step in controlling the reaction. If you are someone who frequently experiences allergies and hives, taking an antihistamine medication on a regular basis (regardless of whether or not you’re actively having a reaction) is best.

Avoiding the things that trigger hives to develop is key, but it is not always possible since it’s hard to avoid common allergens or an allergen you don’t yet know about. For this reason, some people benefit from taking corticosteroids or biologic drugs to better control chronic cases of hives.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Hives are a serious and uncomfortable skin condition that should be treated by a dermatologist to best control this condition. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Who can Develop Eczema?

Though anyone could potentially develop eczema, people with skin allergies and a family history of eczema are the most prone to developing this condition.

Having skin allergies does not mean that you will develop eczema; studies have shown that individuals lacking the protein filaggrin can experience a weakened skin barrier that leaves them more prone to eczema.

Types of Eczema

There are several different types of eczema, though some are experienced more commonly than others.

Atopic (dermatitis) most commonly occurs in individuals with a family history of eczema or allergic reactions. With atopic eczema, people may experience flare-ups of their condition as a result of pollen or pet dander, or from contact with cleaning solutions or other irritants.

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs when an individual comes into contact with something that irritates their skin. There are two main categories for contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs in the area where someone has touched an irritant, such as chemicals or cleaners. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs in an area where someone has touched something they are allergic to, such as someone with a grass allergy developing a reaction on the back of their legs after they sat in the grass.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body in adults and children. Though the exact cause of this type of eczema isn’t clear, it’s thought to be an “overreaction” that the body has to certain flora on the skin.

Discoid eczema is a type of eczema that occurs less commonly than those previously mentioned. The manifestations of discoid eczema on the skin are striking and typically look “coin shaped.” When someone experiences a breakout of discoid eczema, they will experience redness and itching in addition to oozing, crusting, and scaliness in the area.

Pompholyx eczema is a type of eczema that is confined to the hands and feet. Unlike other types of eczema, pompholyx eczema appears as itchy, red, and watery blisters. This type of eczema is often linked to stress, heat, and sweat.

Asteatotic eczema refers to a type of eczema that is most often found in individuals over the age of 60. This condition manifests as extremely dry and irritated skin that is pink or red with visible “cracks” in the skin. As we age, oil production in our skin begins to decrease, leaving us susceptible to dryness from our environment and activities, such as long baths that dry the skin.

What Causes Eczema or Rashes?

The cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but there are several triggers that are known to make eczema worse. For example, consuming certain foods or coming into contact with irritants can cause an eczema flareup or make the condition worse.

Other possible triggers for eczema include irritating soaps or detergents, wool clothing, jewelry, perfume, and event stress. Eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis, also commonly occurs in people who have asthma and seasonal allergies known as hay fever.

Treatment Options for Eczema

In most cases, eczema is treated with topic corticosteroids. Antihistamines can also be used to reduce the amount of itching and discomfort that an individual is experiencing, especially since itching at night can impact their sleep quality.

Since eczema points to a weakened skin barrier and people often scratch at their eczema with unclean fingernails, antibiotics may also be used when an infection is present.

Though there is no way to completely prevent or cure eczema, some patients may benefit from allergy testing to help identify food and environmental factors that can trigger their eczema.

Additionally, there are several gentle skincare methods that can protect your skin and help prevent eczema flares, such as:

1. Taking short showers that are under 10 minutes long and only use lukewarm water.
2. Using soap that is mild and fragrance-free.
3. Pat drying after a shower, rather than wiping water away with a rough towel.
4. Applying a mild and fragrance-free moisturizer to damp skin.
5. Using hypoallergenic and mild detergents.
6. Avoiding fabric softener.
7. Discontinuing use of perfume and other body sprays.
8. Avoiding irritating fabrics, like wool.
9. Using a humidifier during dry or cold months.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Eczema is a common skin condition that should be treated by a professional to help prevent flareups and discomfort. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Who Can Develop Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is most commonly experienced by older adults. However, the way that this condition appears can change amongst different populations. For example, those with fair skin and family histories of seborrheic keratosis are more likely to develop this condition within their lifetime. If you fall into this category, you may experience growths that appear across your body.

People of color also experience seborrheic keratosis, though they are more likely to notice smaller seborrheic keratoses appearing around their eyes. Pregnant women and individuals that take medication to replace estrogen are also likely to develop this condition.

What Causes Seborrheic Keratosis?

While some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop seborrheic keratosis, the majority of people will develop these growths as a result of aging. In fact, alternative names for these growths include “senile warts” and “barnacles of aging” because older men and women are likely to develop multiple seborrheic keratoses.

Specific causes of seborrheic keratoses are unclear, aside from maturity, as people who are exposed to the sun will still develop these growths on areas of skin that were typically covered.

Other Types of Benign Skin Growths

During the course of your life, chances are that you’ll develop one type of skin growth or another. While it is important to keep an eye on all current skin growths and have new growths examined by a dermatologist, the majority of these conditions are benign.

Skin tags are benign growths that are skin-colored or brown in color. Most commonly, skin tags appear on the neck, armpit, or groin and it is believed that they develop as a result of friction over time. People with diabetes and who are overweight are also more likely to develop skin tags.

Moles are also considered benign skin growths, though they should be taken seriously and examined by a dermatologist because they can become cancerous, unlike seborrheic keratoses and skin tags.

Treatment Options for Seborrheic Keratosis and Benign Skin Growths

While medical intervention is not necessary, many people prefer to have skin tags removed for aesthetic purposes.

Thankfully, removing skin tags is a straight-forward and relatively painless procedure where the tag is removed in a small surgical procedure or through freezing (cryosurgery) or burning (electrodesiccation).

Removing a benign skin growth is a fast procedure that can be done during the same appointment as the examination.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Benign skin growths are common, yet they must be examined by a professional to rule out other skin conditions that may look similar to benign growths. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

What is Acne?

Acne is the most common skin conditions experienced in the United States. In actuality, around 80% of the world’s population will experience acne at some point in their lifetime.

This condition is marked by irritated (overactive) sebaceous glands across the body, though many develop acne on their facial skin. These glands are responsible for sweat and oil production; when they become clogged or infected, we experience those pesky pimples that can range in color from red, yellow, to white.

While some people experience acne as a result of their genetics, or during puberty, many people can develop acne due to stress or poor dietary habits that can cause breakouts all over the body. Breakouts can also occur as a result of pregnancy and even certain medications. Acne can be painful and leave scarring, in addition to becoming a point of insecurity of many men and women.

Treatments to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Many people think that acne is only a condition that affects teens due to the changes in their hormones. The truth, however, is that acne can affect men and women well into their 30’s and 40s – and beyond!

Some people may grow out of their acne with age, while others struggle with cystic acne or occasional breakouts well past adulthood.

Types of Acne

There are many types of acne, each with potential difference causes and treatment options. Not all acne is created equal, and certain types are more likely to scar or difficult to control without dermatological care.

Acne can present in many forms and variations including:

Whiteheads

These pesky pimples are instantly recognizable for the bubble of sebum and dead skin cells that usually rests in the center of a red, irritated lump. Whiteheads are common, but people with oil-prone skin are more likely to develop this type of acne.

Blackheads

The result of a clogged pore, blackheads are filled with oxidized sebum that blocks and enlarges the pore over time. Many people choose to try and pop out blackheads at home or use pore strips to reduce their appearance, but they are a persistent problem that the majority of people experience.

Pustules

Pustules are a type of acne that commonly gets confused for whiteheads. This type of acne is recognizable for red bumps that are filled with pus – rather than a white bubble on a red lump. Similarly to whiteheads, many people try to pop pustules at home, though this is not recommended as it can lead to further infection and scarring.

Cysts

Cysts are a severe type of acne that causes infection to occur deep within the skin, resulting in pain, redness, inflammation, and a large bump appearing on the skin. This type of acne is likely to persist past someone’s teenage years and can occur across the face, chest, arms, back, and neck. Those with cystic acne are more prone to developing scarring.

Hormonal Acne

Experienced by teenagers, for the most part, hormonal acne is caused by changes in hormone levels and an increase in testosterone. Trans individuals, however, can also develop hormonal acne as a result of HRT. People with hormonal acne can experience whiteheads, blackheads, and other types of acne.

Pregnancy Acne

Similar to hormonal acne, pregnancy acne is caused by the fluctuations in hormones that women experience. Women most commonly develop pregnancy acne during the first and second trimester as a result of increased androgens in the body.

What Causes Acne?

Each sebaceous gland is connected to a hair follicle, leaving it prone to becoming clogged. Typically, dead skin cells can obstruct the follicle and create whiteheads or blackheads since the oil has nowhere to escape to.

Everyone has a bacteria known as P. acnes that live on our skin. Once a pore is blocked, these bacteria begin to feed on the dead skin cells while emitting toxic acids that create an inflammatory reaction. The result of this is the creation of a pustule.

Hormonal changes, dietary problems, stress, medications, the products you use, and genetics can all cause acne to develop as well.

Treatment Options for Acne

When it comes to treating acne, thankfully, there are a lot of options available to you. Here are some of the most common acne treatments recommended by Dr. Ip at Vibrant Dermatology:

• Acne Extraction: This treatment gives your skin an added boost by removing the pore plugs that prevent you from effectively cleansing the skin. With the comedones gone, your skincare routine will be much more effective, as any cleansers you use will be able to penetrate more deeply and destroy acne-causing bacteria.
• Chemical Peels: Some chemical peels, like the glycolic acid peel, can be very effective as part of an acne treatment routine. These peels reduce acne by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores in a safe way.
• Topical Treatments: For many patients, topical treatments can be an effective option for getting their acne under control. Unfortunately, over-the-counter brands may not have active ingredient concentrations that are strong enough to clear the pores and reduce inflammation. In such cases, prescription-strength creams may be a viable option. Further, anti-bacterial creams may also be a good solution for some patients.
• Skin Care Routine: In some cases, the patient’s acne can be partly the result of a poorly-designed skincare routine. To help you control your acne, one of our expert providers can help you assess your current skincare routine and figure out how it can be improved.
• Prescription Medication: Patients struggling with severe acne, like cystic acne, may need a more aggressive form of treatment that involves oral medication.
• Laser treatments: We offer the state of the art NeoSKin laser treatment. The NeoSkin Laser suppresses sebum production, kills P. acnes bacteria, and reduces inflammation. The results of this laser can be as effective as a 5-month course of Accutane.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Acne is a common condition that requires professional care to treat in order to avoid scarring and worsening of your symptoms. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.