Archive for the ‘Utah Dermatology’ Category

If you’re looking for a Utah dermatologist, there are some things we recommend you take in to consideration.

First off, how long have you been researching your options?

Consumers are often perplexed about whether or not they really require a dermatologist. They’re just not convinced their skin care issue is bad enough to require dermatologist in Utah. Taking advantage of this guide should provide you with a better idea if a dermatologist is necessary for you.

• You’re seriously affected by your skin abrasion. No matter how bad your problem may appear, if you find that it falls into your every day processes, makes you think twice or be self conscious when talking to people, you must approach a dermatologist. This is unfortunate but there is really little you can do about it besides go to a professional and get the issue eradicated.
• Harshness of your problem. If you have acne, but only a few pimples, you probably do not have to have laser treatment with an expert. However, if your acne envelops your head and is a large factor for your lack of self esteem or unhappiness, seeing a dermatologist for an assessment is a smart idea.

• A permanent skin issue. This is where dermatologists are a necessity. If you have a scar, tattoo, birthmark, stretch mark, etc., dermatologists are experts at taking off or seriously decreasing the concern and breaking it down significantly.

• You have insurance and cash to spare. Dermatologists are not necessarily overly costly, but they are still in the medical industry, and expenses can mount up. You must have the resources to utilize to make sure that you can afford a surgery or procedure that is not definitively needed for your well being.

As you think about these issues, make sure to contact Aspen Dermatology. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and take care of your skin care needs.

• What makes my acne worse or better?
• What treatment options do I have for acne?
• How can I keep my acne under control?
• What specific things can I do to take care of or prevent acne?

This is part 2 of a 2 part series on the basics of acne.

What factors make acne worse?

Acne lesions can come and go. These factors can cause acne to flare:

• Changing hormone levels in women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period, during pregnancy, or when starting or stopping birth control pills
• Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease in the workplace (for example, a kitchen with fry vats)
• Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight uniforms
• Environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
• Squeezing or picking at blemishes
• Hard scrubbing of the skin

What are the treatment options for acne?

Almost all cases of acne can be effectively treated. Treatment goals are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, and prevent scarring.

Acne treatments aim to control one or more of the underlying causes of acne. For instance, topical retinoids, such as Differin or Retin A Micro, may help unclog sebaceous glands and keep pores open. Antibiotics may be used to fight the P. acnes bacteria. Accutane or hormonal agents, such as birth control pills, may be used to reduce sebum (oil) production.

Your doctor will recommend a treatment based on these factors:

• Severity of your acne. Mild acne may respond well to a topical retinoid alone. Moderate acne may respond better to a combination of topical retinoid with an antibiotic or other medication. Severe acne with scarring may need treatment with an oral retinoid (Accutane, Sotret).
• Results of previous treatments. Medications may be added in a step-wise fashion, only if previous treatments are found to be ineffective.
• Degree of scarring. More aggressive therapies may be started earlier if acne scars have already started developing.
• Gender. Some treatments are available only for females, such as birth control pills.

Whatever your treatment plan, it is important that you give it enough time to work. This may mean waiting 6 to 8 weeks to see results. While the older acne lesions are healing, the medication is hard at work keeping new lesions from forming. Staying on your medication is the most important step to getting acne under control.

How can I keep my acne under control?

After your acne clears, your doctor may recommend that you continue therapy with a topical retinoid to keep it under control. It is always a good idea to maintain good skin care and use skin care products labeled as “non-comedogenic” (do not promote acne)

What about self care and prevention?

For ongoing acne skin care and prevention of acne, follow a few simple guidelines:

• Clean skin gently—Use a mild skin cleanser twice a day, and pat skin dry. Harsh cleansers and astringents can actually worsen acne.
• Do not pop, squeeze, or pick at acne lesions, as this can promote inflammation and infection. Keep hands away from your face and other acne-prone parts of the skin.
• Limit sun exposure—Tanning only masks acne at best. At worst, sun exposure can lead to skin damage, especially if you are using an acne treatment that makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and UV rays (this includes tanning booths).
• Choose cosmetics with care—As mentioned above, choose non-greasy skin products, and look for words like “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” and “water-based.” Some facial products contain active acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, to help keep mild acne at bay.
• Be patient with your treatment—Find out how much time it should take for your acne treatment to work (generally 6-8 weeks) and then stick with it. Stopping treatment early may prevent you from seeing good results or even cause a relapse of symptoms. Your skin may look worse before it begins to improve. You may need to try more than one type of treatment.

Do you have questions like these?

• What causes acne?
• What are the different types of acne?
• Why do I get acne?
• What makes my acne worse or better?
• What treatment options do I have for acne?
• How can I keep my acne under control?
• What specific things can I do to take care of or prevent acne?

If you do have these questions, you’re definitely not alone. These are questions we are asked all the time as Utah dermatologists.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll answer these questions in depth for you.

Acne is a skin problem that is very common. It shows up as outbreaks of bumps called pimples or zits. These usually appear on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne can be a source of emotional distress, and severe cases can lead to permanent scarring.

What causes acne?

Acne begins when the pores in the skin become clogged and can no longer drain sebum (an oil made by the sebaceous glands that protects and moisturizes the skin.) The sebum build-up causes the surrounding hair follicle to swell.

Hair follicles swollen with sebum are called comedones. If the sebum stays beneath the skin, the comedones produce white bumps called whiteheads. If the sebum reaches the surface of the skin, the comedones produce darkened bumps called blackheads. This black discoloration is due to sebum darkening when it is exposed to air. It is not due to dirt. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.

Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the top of the skin can enter the clogged pores and infect the sebum. This causes the skin to become swollen, red, and painful.

Infected sebaceous glands may burst, releasing sebum and bacteria into the surrounding skin, creating additional inflammation. In severe cases, larger nodules and cysts may form in the deeper layers of the skin.

What are the different types of acne?

Acne can be categorized by its severity:

1. Mild acne: a few scattered whiteheads or blackheads with minimal inflammation.
2. Moderate acne: a denser collection of whiteheads or blackheads as well as red, inflamed, pus-filled lesions.
3. Severe acne: also called nodular or cystic acne, describes widespread and deep lesions that are painful, inflamed, and red. This form of acne is likely to lead to scarring if left untreated.

Why do I get acne?

Anyone can get acne, but acne in teenagers, whose surging levels of androgen (a type of hormone) create larger and more active sebaceous glands. Acne may continue for people in their twenties and thirties, and even women over forty. Acne also appears more commonly in people whose parents had acne.

More to come on Acne Basics

These are the topics will cover next time about acne causes and treatments in Utah.

• What makes my acne worse or better?
• What treatment options do I have for acne?
• How can I keep my acne under control?
• What specific things can I do to take care of or prevent acne?

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Attention Utah Women!

Interested in waxing, pedicures, facials, and makeup?

MyAspenDerm.com is having a Girls Night Out!

When:

March 4th at 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.

Where:

Aspen Dermatology
114 E 800 N
Spanish Fork, UT 84660

What:

Waxing, pedicures, facials, and makeup $35, must R.S.V.P.

Bring a friend!

Food and beverages will be provided.

Post a comment with any questions.

Call 801-794-1490 to R.S.V.P.

Are you looking for a Utah Dermatologist?

Dermatologists in Utah are often consulted for conditions such as acne, rashes, questionable moles or cosmetic procedures. Acne is often bothersome and can make you feel self-conscious. It is in your best interest to consult a dermatologist to help alleviate the symptoms and avoid unnecessary self-consciousness.

Dermatologists are doctors that treat skin conditions and often will take biopsies to get further answers. A Utah dermatologist should always be sensitive to your fears regarding the treatment, and be willing to explain just how his treatment will work. He will also let you know how long it will take, and what you should expect.

Usually, people who look for dermatology treatments are those who have a bothersome skin condition or wish to improve their appearance with a wrinkle reducer or collagen filler application. For acne the problems can include blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pimples. A dermatologist will examine the problem and decide on a treatment. Rashes can require a number of follow up visits as they may be difficult to diagnose right away, require biopsies and possibly allergy testing.

Utah Dermatologist: Factors to Consider

• The level of comfort you have when speaking with the doctor.
• The doctor should treat you with respect.
• The doctor should be willing to listen to all of your issues to come up with a solution that will make you happier.
• You want a doctor that will promptly return your calls and answer all of your questions.

For those with a rash, it can be difficult to show the problem to someone and if it is in private areas the patient can feel awkward.

Other Things to Consider

Ask about the dermatology fees at the beginning, as many doctors are willing to make adjustments for those whose needs outweigh their ability to pay. A friend of mine went to a dermatologist for a few shots of botox to enhance her appearance. The dermatologist a few minutes later asked her if she wanted a few additional injections. My friend assumed these were free, but in fact she was charged for each one. This is something to clarify at the time of appointment as you need to know what you are spending and what is included in the treatment. Because she was given an initial estimate for the injection spots, she assumed his additional botox sites that he added during treatment were not going to cost her anything additional. Speak with the office manager before the appointment to avoid any misunderstandings.

Are you wondering about whether or not you need a Utah dermatologist?

How long have you been researching your options?

Consumers are often perplexed about whether or not they really require a dermatologist. They’re just not convinced their skin care issue is bad enough to require dermatologist in Utah. Taking advantage of this guide should provide you with a better idea if a dermatologist is necessary for you.

• Harshness of your problem. If you have acne, but only a few pimples, you probably do not have to have laser treatment with an expert. However, if your acne envelops your head and is a large factor for your lack of self esteem or unhappiness, seeing a dermatologist for an assessment is a smart idea.

• A permanent skin issue. This is where dermatologists are a necessity. If you have a scar, tattoo, birthmark, stretch mark, etc., dermatologists are experts at taking off or seriously decreasing the concern and breaking it down significantly.

• You’re seriously affected by your skin abrasion. No matter how bad your problem may appear, if you find that it falls into your every day processes, makes you think twice or be self conscious when talking to people, you must approach a dermatologist. This is unfortunate but there is really little you can do about it besides go to a professional and get the issue eradicated.

• You have insurance and cash to spare. Dermatologists are not necessarily overly costly, but they are still in the medical industry, and expenses can mount up. You must have the resources to utilize to make sure that you can afford a surgery or procedure that is not definitively needed for your well being.

In a recent post about skin care in Utah, we talked about doing self-examinations for moles on your skin.

Per the request of clients at Aspen Dermatology, here is a bit more information about checking for moles.

If you notice a mole that is different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6 millimeter, see your Utah skin doctor.

CHECK YOURSELF FROM HEAD TO TOE.

1. Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so you can see better. You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your hair because this is difficult to do yourself.
2. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
3. Bend your elbows and look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.
4. Examine the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also look between your buttocks and around your genital area.
5. Sit and closely examine your feet, including the toenails, the soles, and the spaces between the toes.

By checking your skin regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal for you. It may be helpful to record the dates of your skin exams and write notes about the way your skin looks. If you find anything unusual, see your Utah dermatologist right away.

Always tell your Utah skin doctor if:

• You have any new or unusual sores or spots on your skin.
• A mole or skin lesion changes in size, color, or texture.
• You have a sore that does not heal.
  

How often do you check for new or odd shaped moles?

When was the last time you had a complete skin examination by a Utah skin care professional?

Are moles something that worry you?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people perform a skin self-exam once a month.

The best time to examine your skin is immediately after a shower or bath. Check your skin in a well-lighted room using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It’s best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes are and what they usually look and feel like. Have someone you trust help by examining hard-to-see areas.

Check for anything new:

• A sore that does not heal
• A new mole (that looks abnormal)

Keep in mind the “ABCDs of melanoma detection”

Do not use the following pictures to try to diagnose melanoma yourself. Pictures are useful examples, but they cannot take the place of a Utah skin doctor’s examination.

A for Asymmetry: Does one half of a mole look different from the other?

B for Border: Is the edge (border) of the mole ragged, notched, or blurred?

C for Color: Does the mole have a variety of hues or colors within the same lesion? (The color is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, grey, red, pink, or blue also may be seen.)

D for Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas are usually larger than the eraser of a pencil (1/4 inch or 5 millimeters).

Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look. Many show all of the ABCD features. However, some may show changes or abnormalities in only one or two of the ABCD features.

Stay tune for more information on moles and skin care.

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Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

Vivacare public information from The National Cancer Institute

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

Are you searching for an answer on how to get rid of acne?

Does your acne embarrass you to the point where you don’t even want to go out?

Here are a few tips to help you get rid of acne, or at least tame it down.

1. TOOTHPASTE

This is very effective if you have a zit pop up over night and it’s horribly red and swollen in the morning. Simply dab a bit of toothpaste on the area and let it sit for about an hour or so. You will notice the swelling and redness has disappeared and it will soon go away.

2. VISION EYE DROPS

This is to take away redness in your pimples and acne. It will not clear it up, but it will lessen the appearance of it and make it easier to conceal. Add a drop or two to the area (a q-tip or cotton ball works great) and leave it on for about 30 minutes.

3. NEOSPOPIN

This is an antibiotic, which will help kill the bacteria that causes acne. Apply before bed and your pimple will have a much shorter life.

4. HONEY

Honey has antibacterial properties to it that make it perfect for a gentle and natural acne healer. If acne is a regular problem, you can use this for a mask weekly.

5.  BAKING SODA

Make a baking soda paste, add a couple drops of water at a time to a small scoop of baking soda. Stir until it’s a thick paste. Apply it to your pimple and let it dry before rinsing off.

6.BASIL

Basil is known for it’s toning properties in at-home facials. Boil some water and add a bail leaf. Let it cool and apply to your face to get rid of blackheads and heal acne faster.

7. A QUALITY UTAH DERMATOLOGIST

There are many “quick fixes” out there.  At Aspen Dermatology our goal is to take the best care of you and help you get the results you want.  Contact us today for more information on getting rid of your acne!

Have you ever wondered why skin changes colors?

Why do moles have a different tint than other parts of the skin?

Are moles something you should be concerned about?

Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken. Sometimes, clusters of melanocytes and surrounding tissue form noncancerous growths called moles. (A mole is also called a nevus, or the plural, nevi.)

Moles are very common. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles. Moles may be pink, tan, brown, or a color that is very close to the person’s normal skin tone.

People who have dark skin tend to have dark moles. Moles can be flat or raised and may darken during pregnancy or after sun exposure. Flat moles are called junctional nevi and  raised moles are called compound nevi. They are usually round or oval and smaller than a pencil eraser. They may be present at birth or may appear later on—usually before age 40. They tend to fade away in older people. When moles are surgically removed, they normally do not return.

A halo nevus occurs when the skin surrounding a mole loses its pigmentation or color.  This is benign and often the central mole and white ring will disappear with time.  Halo nevi are most common in children and teenagers.

Most moles are harmless and do not require treatment. If you have moles, keep an inventory of their number and appearance. Change in size, shape or color of a mole is cause for medical evaluation. Moles that develop in adult life should also be evaluated.

Sun protection with appropriate clothing and sunscreen are the best way to avoid mole development.

Public information from The National Cancer Institute

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Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your Utah skin care specialist or health care professional. Communicate promptly with any health-related questions or concerns.