Everything You Need to Know About Medical Dermatology

Medical dermatology is an area of medicine entailing the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. Generally, this branch of medicine addresses the underlying causes of skin issues and skin diseases, as well as the symptoms related to these problems. Treatments then aim to manage skin conditions using a variety of treatment options.

Skin testing is one of the most common methods board-certified dermatologists use to check a patient's health and determine the underlying issue.

Medical dermatology helps a patient achieve healthy skin by treating any skin disorders causing discomfort or something potentially more serious. On the other hand, cosmetic dermatology focuses more on modification. A cosmetic dermatologist might use laser resurfacing treatment, for example, to reduce the appearance of fine lines on the face. Sometimes, treatment involves cosmetic dermatology and medical dermatology. For example, acne scars can be significantly lessened with laser therapy, but the patient might be required to take prescription medication to keep their newly clear skin free of moderate or severe acne.

Medical Dermatology Treatment Options

If you are looking to treat a skin condition, then you should reach out to Skincredible Dermatology & Surgery. We are a medical dermatology practice with a reputation for excellent care and success. From laser treatments to skin cancer removal, our double board-certified medical dermatologist Dr. Bobby Awadalla and certified physician's assistant Anissa Mansoori offer a wide range of services to treat skin conditions and diseases.

Skincredible's medical dermatology practice offers some of the most common treatments for skin conditions and diseases. Some of these treatments may be familiar to you, but others may come as a surprise and can assist with treating skin conditions that you or someone you know is experiencing.

Acne

Acne is an extremely common skin ailment that can appear on the face, neck, back, and chest of both men and women. Although some conditions are more serious than others, almost everyone experiences acne at some time in their life. Acne occurs when hair follicles and pores are clogged with dead skin cells and extra sebum and they become small to large bumps with lengthy inflammation.

At Skincredible, we provide a wide range of acne treatments. Our team can offer treatments, from topical applications and oral medications to laser and light therapy, that can assist with a prevalent acne problem—whether it's breakouts or scars resulting from past acne.

Topical Treatment

Retinoids and retinoid-like medicines are topical treatments for acne that can be prescribed by a dermatologist. Moderate acne may be treated with medications that include tretinoin or retinoic acid. These are available in creams, gels, and lotions.

Antibiotics are another treatment option. They function by eradicating extra skin bacteria and lessening the redness and swelling. You can apply both a retinoid and an antibiotic for the first several months of treatment, with the antibiotic in the morning and the retinoid in the evening.

Other topical treatments are azelaic acid and salicylic acid. Azelaic acid is a yeast-derived natural acid that has antibacterial effects. When applied twice a day, an azelaic acid cream or gel is as effective as many traditional acne medications.

Finally, salicylic acid is a topical treatment sometimes prescribed. This may aid in the prevention of blocked pores and is available as wash-off and leave-on treatments. Skin discoloration, as well as minor skin irritation, are possible side effects of salicylic acid.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is a condition that can cause red itchy patches on the skin. It often has no warning signs and some people are never diagnosed with eczema until they have had an outbreak. There is no cure for eczema at this time. The goal of treatment for the condition is to soothe the affected skin and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. A dermatologist will develop a treatment plan based on an individual's age, symptoms, and current state of health.

Treatment for eczema generally includes the following:

  • Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments: Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as corticosteroids, are often used to treat eczema. These medications should help relieve the most common symptoms of eczema, such as skin irritation and itching. Corticosteroid creams and ointments can be applied directly to the skin to relieve symptoms.
  • Oral medications: Oral medicines, such as systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, may be given if topical treatments are ineffective. Injections and oral tablets are the two varieties of these medications. However, these medicines are designed for patients to use only for a brief amount of time.

Keep in mind that eczema may go away for some individuals over time, but for others, it is a lifelong skin condition. Furthermore, it is critical to keep an eye on the skin after a region has been treated for eczema since it may easily become irritated again.

Warts

Warts are a form of non-cancerous skin growth that can be annoying to both adults and children. They can appear on almost every part of the body, with the hands and feet being the most common sites. Warts can be difficult to remove, as they may grow back if not treated properly. Dermatologists provide a variety of treatments since various types of warts respond differently to various treatments. Wart removal treatment may include:

Cantharidin

Cantharidin is a blistering agent produced from the dried, powdered blister beetle. The wart is coated with this liquid solution, which causes a blister-like reaction beneath the surface of the wart. This is one of the most common methods for treating warts and molluscum in both adults and children. It's frequently used to treat warts and molluscum in children, especially those who don't respond well to other therapies.

Podophyllin

Podophyllin is a solution that skin care professionals use to remove warts in sensitive areas. This solution is a triple threat, exfoliating to remove warts in sensitive areas while also irritating them and causing an immune reaction that will take care of any leftovers.

In order not to have side effects, a dermatologist must follow proper application procedures along with careful monitoring after treatment has finished.

Cryotherapy

In cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is sprayed onto the wart to destroy its cells. Over time this treatment can cause blisters and scabs that, in some instances, may fall off without leaving behind any trace of what was once there! Cryotherapy may only be done by a dermatologist who is experienced in the technique. Also, keep in mind that repeat treatments are typical.

Surgery

It is no surprise that dermatologists don’t typically recommend surgery for warts. But, in some severe cases where warts are unresponsive to other treatments, surgery may be necessary. There are three types of surgical procedures for warts:

  • Curettage: A medical doctor uses a small, sharp instrument called a curette to scrape the wart off of the skin. It is often done while the patient is under local anesthesia.
  • Electrosurgery: A surgeon uses an electric instrument to burn wart tissue during this technique.
  • Laser treatment: A dermatologist will use a high-powered laser to burn away the wart tissue and remove any residual pieces.

It's essential to remember that surgical methods for warts may leave scars, but warts that naturally vanish do not. The main thing is to be patient and understand that it will eventually go away.

If you are considering surgery to remove your wart, be sure to speak with your dermatologist first. While there are a variety of surgical methods available, each comes with its own set of risks and benefits. Weigh all of your options before making a decision.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis treatment begins with a medical examination of your skin, scalp, and nails by an expert in dermatology. They then might take a small skin sample for a microscopic study that can determine the type or severity level of psoriasis as well as rule out other disorders that may have similar symptoms.

Treatment options for psoriasis include creams and ointments (topical therapy), light therapy (phototherapy), and oral or injected medicines. These are used to prevent skin cells from developing too rapidly and to remove scales.

The type of therapy selected by the dermatologist is determined by how severe your psoriasis is and how well it has responded to past therapies and self-care measures. Finding an effective treatment plan for a disease like psoriasis is rarely straightforward. Many people find that they need to try various medicines or a mix of treatments before discovering the solution that works for them.

Blistering Disorders

Blistering disorders cause patients to have skin and mucous membrane reactions. They are classified into two categories: autoimmune and hereditary.

Autoimmune Blistering Disease

Autoimmune blistering disorders are caused when the body's immune system goes haywire and starts to attack healthy tissue, resulting in blistering and sores, particularly on the skin and mucous membranes. The two most common types are:

  • Pemphigus: Pemphigus is an uncommon and potentially deadly illness that affects the skin and mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, throat, and genitals.
  • Bullous Pemphigoid: This is also a rare and potentially fatal condition that causes hive-like skin lesions, large blisters filled with fluid, or pus surrounded by inflamed red skin.

Treatment

Treatment with medicines that suppress the immune system, such as tetracycline, has shown promise in treating autoimmune blistering diseases, particularly bullous pemphigoid.

Under the care of a dermatologist, a combination of dapsone, tetracycline, or other corticosteroids with immunosuppressants can be given intravenously for the treatment of autoimmune blistering disorders.

Hereditary Blistering Disease

At birth, hereditary blistering illnesses manifest as skin blisters. The following are some of the forms of the condition:

  • Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: This is a hereditary disease characterized by the blistering of the hands, feet, knees, and elbows, as well as other areas of the body in more severe situations.
  • Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex: This is one of the connective tissue disorders that cause skin and mucous membrane blistering.
  • Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa: This is a hereditary condition in which the skin and mucous membranes are fragile and readily blister from contact, rubbing, or minor traumas.

Hereditary blistering diseases such as Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex have no cure and need lifelong care, such as regular bandage replacement. However, pain relief is frequently required. Antidepressants, which are used to treat epilepsy and alleviate discomfort, as well as acetaminophen, can help too.

Skin Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, prompt medical treatment is critical. The disease may be cured with the right therapy, preventing it from spreading. Skincredible is among the top skin cancer treatment clinics, offering Mohs surgery as a treatment option.

Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a cutting-edge surgical technique for removing skin cancer cells. During the surgery, cancerous tissues are removed gradually until only healthy tissue remains.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a refinement of conventional surgery (local excision), which entails removing visible cancer and a tiny margin of healthy tissue all at once. According to skin cancer facts, Mohs surgery allows surgeons to ensure that all cancer cells have been excised during the operation. This improves the possibility of a cure and minimizes the need for additional treatments or procedures.

Dermatology for Adults and Children

When choosing a dermatologist, it is critical to find one who will take their time with you and help ensure that any problems are identified early on and treatment options are tailored specifically to your needs. At Skincredible, we take a personalized approach to all types of skin problems so each of our patients gets the attention and care they deserve.

At our medical dermatology practice, our double board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Bobby Awadalla, has undergone extensive training at a reputable medical school and specializes in various medical dermatology areas. Working alongside Dr. Awadalla, our Certified PA-C, Anissa Mansoori, and our team of skin care experts can treat skin conditions with medicine or recommend surgical or cosmetic treatments.

Schedule a consultation today with one of our specialists, whether it is for regular skin inspections or treatment choices for an itchy rash, irritating bumps, or unsightly brown spots! We'll be pleased to talk with you and let you know what your treatment options are for any skin disorders or conditions.

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