Signature Dermatology

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Ingrown Hairs / Folliculitis

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About Ingrown Hairs / Folliculitis

What is it?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become damaged and inflamed. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. At first, it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each hair grows.

Characteristics

  • Red pimples around areas having hair
  • Inflammation of the hair follicles
  • Caused by infection or chemical or physical irritation (e.g., shaving, fabrics)
  • Higher incidence among people with diabetes, the obese, or those with compromised immune systems

Common Treatments

  • Topical antibiotics
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Antifungal medications
  • Eliminating the cause

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how folliculitis can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. Our knowledgeable dermatologic experts work with you to minimize the effects of this condition and offer solutions that can be customized just for you. We’ll also address all of your concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to find out how we can address your condition to improve both your skin and self-esteem.

Hair Loss

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About Hair Loss

What is it?

The average human head has more than 100,000 healthy hairs, and many people have well over 150,000. Typically, you may lose around 50-100 of these hairs every day, which isn’t noticeable. However, once you start to lose well over 100 individual hairs daily, your hair loss starts to affect your appearance. Both men and women are affected by hair loss but in different ways. For example, while it’s common for men to have a noticeable loss on their hairline or crown, women tend to experience thinning hair in a more random, widespread pattern. Women also usually have localized loss because of repeated hair trauma, such as from hair being pulled tightly back in a ponytail or bun.

What causes it?

There are various reasons contributing to the loss of hair. The most common causes include genetics, frequent stress, poor nutrition, certain medications, emotional issues, and trauma or injury.

Common treatments

The hair loss and skin experts at our dermatology practice have the experience and knowledge to provide you with solutions that stabilize hair loss and help stimulate hair growth. Among these options are Minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical lotion that we also offer in prescription strength; Finasteride, an oral medication; and Spironolactone, another oral medication.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand the physical impact that hair loss can have on your appearance and its subsequent effect on your self-esteem. As your community skin and hair experts, we’re here to provide support, strength, and answers to all your questions. We have a variety of trained, experienced dermatologic experts and offer treatment options customized just for you. We’ll be with you every step of the way in diagnosing, treating, and helping you deal with this issue.
Contact us today to learn more about your hair loss treatment options and to start on the road towards an improved appearance and self-confidence.

Cysts

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About Cysts

What is it?

There are many types of cysts that show up on our skin. A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. They can grow almost anywhere in your body or under your skin.
There are many types of cysts. Most cysts are benign, or noncancerous.
Cysts can be small round bumps, usually white or yellow. Can form from blocked oil glands, and commonly appear on the face, back, neck or trunk. If a cyst becomes infected it will feel tender and become red. It can produce a thick yellow discharge when squeezed. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you think you have cysts. They will determine a treatment based on the type of cyst that you have.

What causes it?

Cysts are common and can occur anywhere on the body. They are often a result of infection, clogged sebaceous glands, or piercings.
Some other common causes of cysts include:
  • tumors
  • genetic conditions
  • a defect in the cells
  • chronic inflammatory conditions
  • blockages of ducts in the body that cause fluids to build up
  • a parasite
  • an injury that breaks a vessel
In most cases, it is unusual for cysts to cause pain unless they rupture, become infected, or are inflamed.

Common treatments?

The treatment options for a cyst will depend on a range of factors, including the type of cyst, where it is, its size, and the degree of discomfort it is causing. For very large cysts that are causing symptoms, a doctor may recommend surgical removal.
Sometimes, they might drain or aspirate the cyst by inserting a needle or catheter into the cavity. If the cyst is not easily accessible, they may use radiologic imaging to accurately guide the needle or catheter.
Sometimes, a health professional may examine the removed liquid under a microscope to determine whether or not any cancerous cells are present. If they suspect that the cyst is cancerous, they may suggest surgical removal, order a biopsy of the cyst wall, or both.
Many cysts develop as a result of a chronic or underlying medical condition, as may be the case with fibrocystic breast disease or polycystic ovary syndrome. In such cases, the focus of the treatment will be on the medical condition itself, not the cyst.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Cysts are common and affect each individual differently, therefore it is important that we see patients and assess the proper treatment method. Because cysts can also vary in severity, we are careful to treat each one carefully.
We understand how a cyst can be a physical nuisance and even affect your self-esteem. As your experienced community skin experts, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us if you have a cyst that you want to eliminate so you can have clear, smooth skin once again.

Actinic Keratoses

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About Actinic Keratoses

What is it?

Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. It’s often found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands.
Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40.
You can reduce your risk of this skin condition by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Left untreated, the risk of actinic keratoses turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is about 5% to 10%.

What causes it?

Actinic keratoses vary in appearance. Signs and symptoms include:
  • Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter
  • Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin
  • In some cases, a hard, wartlike surface
  • Color variations, including pink, red or brown
  • Itching, burning, bleeding or crusting
  • New patches or bumps on sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, hands, and forearms

Common Treatments?

  • Freezing (cryotherapy). Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Your doctor applies the substance to the affected skin, which causes blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the damaged cells slough off, allowing new skin to appear. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment. It takes only a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office. Side effects may include blisters, scarring, changes to skin texture, infection, and changes in skin color of the affected area.
  • Scraping (curettage). In this procedure, your doctor uses a device called a curet to scrape off damaged cells. Scraping may be followed by electrosurgery, in which the doctor uses a pencil-shaped instrument to cut and destroy the affected tissue with an electric current. This procedure requires local anesthesia. Side effects may include infection, scarring, and changes in skin color of the affected area.
  • Laser therapy. This technique is increasingly used to treat actinic keratosis. Your doctor uses an ablative laser device to destroy the patch, allowing new skin to appear. Side effects may include scarring and discoloration of the affected skin.
  • Photodynamic therapy. Your doctor might apply a light-sensitive chemical solution to the affected skin and then expose it to a special light that will destroy the actinic keratosis. Side effects may include redness, swelling, and a burning sensation during therapy.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have actinic keratosis so that we can help you.

Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

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About Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

What is it?

We realize that our culture tends to associate suntanned skin with a lifestyle that is healthy and active. Unfortunately, this is a myth that should be retired; sun and age damage go hand in hand and can affect you both physically and psychologically. A “healthy tan” is not good for your skin; any sun exposure, no matter how small, causes irreversible damage. The subsequent damage is not just skin deep, as it alters the DNA of your skin cells. That’s why as much as 90 percent of the signs of aging are related to sun exposure.

The sun gives off ultraviolet light that damages the skin and contributes to premature skin aging, dark spots, and other problematic conditions.

What causes it?

The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of aging, sun-damaged skin. Sun and age damage are linked because they exacerbate one another. Together, they reduce your skin’s elasticity by breaking down collagen while decreasing your skin’s shape and fullness. Telltale signs of sun and age damage include wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest, lines around your mouth and eyes, sagging skin, age spots, and freckles and/or moles.

Common treatments?

At Signature Dermatology, we have a variety of options to address sun and age damage, and we have the knowledge and experience to tailor it to your unique case. However, there are many steps you yourself can take to prevent and even repair your skin. These steps include wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days!), covering up exposed skin when outside, avoiding intense sun between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm, the avoidance of indoor tanning beds, and the use of moisturizing creams and lotions at night.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

At Signature Dermatology, we focus on you as a person. Our compassionate community staff works with you to address your signs of sun and age damage, and you can rely on us to answer your questions and be an integral part of your support system. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice sun and age damage so that we can help you repair and restore your skin.

Alopecia Areata

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About Alopecia Areata

What is it?

Affecting nearly 5 million Americans, alopecia areata is a medical condition in which the hair falls out in patches. It is unpredictable; if you have it, your experience may not be the same as someone else’s. For example, you may have hair loss followed by full regrowth while another person may have only partial regrowth. Or your case may last a few months while someone else’s may last several years. In addition to patchy hair loss, other symptoms of this condition include widespread hair loss, nail irregularities (e.g., splitting or changes in color, texture, shape), and single strands of hair in or near the bald patch(es).

What causes it?

Alopecia areata occurs when your immune system mysteriously attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in clumps. Although the reasons for this are still unclear, it’s thought to be related to genetics.

Common treatments?

Despite there being no known cure for this type of alopecia areata, there are ways to manage the loss of hair and/or help it grow back. Among the options are Minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical lotion also offered in prescription strength; corticosteroids for immune system suppression; Anthralin, a topical medication that disrupts the immune system and promotes hair growth; and Diphencyprone, a topical medication that disturbs the immune system to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize the impact that gradual hair loss can have on both appearance and self-esteem. However, alopecia areata is a different type of hair loss, and as your neighborhood skin and hair experts, we’re here with answers to all your questions about this condition. What sets our skin and hair experts apart is our focus on you as a person. Our neighborhood practitioners customize your treatment, and you can turn to us for compassionate support and advice.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us to know more about alopecia areata and how we can help manage this condition to improve your confidence in your appearance.

Acne/Acne Scars

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About Acne

What is it?

Affecting more than 50 million Americans, acne is the most common skin problem in the country. Acne is the result of clogged pores that eventually become small red bumps, or pimples, which can be characterized as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, and more. While these blemishes commonly appear on your face, they also can develop on the neck, shoulders, upper arms, chest, back, and buttocks.

What causes it?

When the clogging in your pores builds up too much, they become a breeding ground for P. acnes, the bacteria that cause pimples to develop. However, it’s important to remember what doesn’t cause acne: stress, fried foods and other poor diet choices, poor hygiene, and hormones. While it is true that these things can worsen your acne, there is no truth to the myth that they actually cause the condition.

Common treatments?

Many acne treatments are available, but their efficacy can differ from person to person; what works for you may not work for someone else. Furthermore, some medications and treatments are more effective for milder cases of the condition, while other treatments are better for severe breakouts. Mild or moderate cases of acne (i.e., a few blemishes, whiteheads, and/or blackheads) can be erased with simple over-the-counter medications with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid. However, for severe acne cases (red, swollen, often painful blemishes consisting of cysts and/or nodules), an array of treatments can work: these include prescription-strength topical or oral medications, antibiotics to destroy the acne-causing bacteria, a variety of light therapies (including lasers), chemical peels, and drainage and extraction procedures for the most stubborn acne.

Acne Scars

Acne scars are marks left on the skin after acne lesions have healed. They can vary in appearance, depth, and color, and can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Understanding the types of acne scars, their causes, and available treatment options is essential for managing this common skin concern. Here’s a comprehensive overview of acne scars:

Types of Acne Scars:

  1. Atrophic Scars: These are the most common type of acne scars, characterized by a loss of tissue. They can be further categorized into:
    • Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow scars that resemble small puncture wounds.
    • Boxcar Scars: Wide, shallow depressions with steep edges, resembling chickenpox scars.
    • Rolling Scars: Indentations with a wave-like appearance, caused by damage to the skin’s underlying structure.
  2. Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are raised and result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. They may become less pronounced over time but can be persistent.
  3. Keloid Scars: Similar to hypertrophic scars, keloids extend beyond the original injury site and can be larger than the acne lesion itself. They are more common in individuals with darker skin types.

Causes of Acne Scars:

  • Inflammation: Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation. The body’s response to this inflammation can damage surrounding skin tissue, resulting in scars.
  • Severity of Acne: More severe forms of acne, such as cystic acne, are more likely to cause scarring due to the depth and extent of tissue damage.
  • Picking or Squeezing: Manipulating acne lesions can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
  • Delayed Treatment: Not addressing acne promptly or effectively can lead to more extensive damage and a higher likelihood of scarring.

Treatment Options for Acne Scars:

  1. Topical Treatments:
    • Retinoids: Prescription or over-the-counter retinoids can promote cell turnover, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of scars.
    • Chemical Peels: Mild chemical peels can help exfoliate the skin, improving texture and tone.
    • Silicone Gels and Sheets: These can help flatten hypertrophic and keloid scars by hydrating the scar tissue.
  2. Dermal Fillers:
    • Injectable fillers can temporarily plump up atrophic scars, making them less noticeable. The results typically last several months, requiring repeat treatments.
  3. Microneedling:
    • This procedure involves using a device with fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving the appearance of scars over time.
  4. Laser Treatments:
    • Ablative Lasers: These remove the outer layer of skin and are effective for deeper scars.
    • Non-Ablative Lasers: These stimulate collagen production without damaging the surface of the skin, making them suitable for less severe scarring.
  5. Subcision:
    • This minor surgical procedure involves inserting a needle under the skin to break up fibrous bands that tether scars to the underlying tissue, allowing them to rise to the surface.
  6. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:
    • PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood to inject growth factors into the skin, promoting healing and collagen production.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how acne can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. Our knowledgeable dermatologic experts work with you to minimize the effects of this condition and offer solutions that can be customized just for you. We’ll also address all of your concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to find out how we can address your acne condition to improve both your skin and self-esteem.

Psoriasis

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About Psoriasis

What is it?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which your skin produces skin cells much faster than normal. This causes them to build up into thick, flaky, itchy, inflamed patches. There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and several other types that are rare. Common areas of the body where psoriasis develops include the scalp, torso, arms, thighs, armpits, groin, fingernails, and toenails. There’s also very painful psoriatic arthritis, in which both the skin and the nearby joints are stiff and inflamed. While psoriasis most commonly appears in people between the ages of 15 to 35, approximately 10% of people who develop psoriasis will be under the age of 10 when symptoms appear and 4% will have their first sign of psoriasis occur over the age of 60.

External Symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis, especially early on, can be similar to other conditions like eczema or skin allergies. However, as time goes on, the physical symptoms of psoriasis can worsen including itchy, flaking skin that bleeds or cracks and thick, discolored, and/or ridged nails.

Internal Symptoms

Some of the most damaging symptoms of psoriasis occur internally with the emotional distress one faces with psoriasis, as well as psoriatic arthritis which occurs in 30% of people who are affected by the disease. Psoriatic arthritis is painful and affects the joints most commonly in the fingers and toes, feet, and lower back. Also, there is a higher rate of heart disease, stroke, and other internal diseases associated with psoriasis.

What causes it?

Genetics and the immune system function play major roles in the appearance of psoriasis. Instead of the immune system protecting the body from viruses, foreign proteins, and bacteria, the immune system in someone with psoriasis “misfires” and attacks healthy cells. This causes inflammation in the skin leading to more rapid growth of skin cells. The increased growth of skin cells requires more blood circulation to feed the process which results in a multitude of psoriatic symptoms.
The genetic predisposition to psoriasis involves the abnormal function of the inflammatory cells called T-lymphocytes, or “T-cells”. While many people live with these abnormal T-cells without having symptoms of psoriasis, there are many situations that can trigger these cells to create the red, scaly patches of psoriasis.
Common triggers include…

Strep infections

For children ages 10 or younger, the most common trigger for psoriasis is strep infection, the most common of which is strep throat.

Emotional distress

Emotional distress is a common trigger of psoriasis in adults.

The abuse of substances like alcohol and tobacco

Skin irritation

Skin irritations such as scrapes or irritations from getting a tattoo applied are other triggers for psoriasis.

Medications

Certain medications including lithium, antimalarials, Inderal, quinidine, and indomethacin have been associated with triggering psoriasis.

Common treatments

Though psoriasis is not contagious, it is unpredictable. You may heal without warning only to have it return just as quickly or years later. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for psoriasis, but our dermatologists have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you manage your symptoms. Our psoriasis treatment options include topical medications, Vitamin D (steroids or retinol creams/gels), oral treatments, biologic treatments (retinoid pills, chemotherapy medicine), light therapy, and UV-B light (controlled doses of sunlight).

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that an aggressive and troublesome skin condition like psoriasis can affect you both physically and psychologically. As your community skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and answers to questions you may have about this problematic skin issue. Contact us today if you notice symptoms of psoriasis so that we can help you deal with this unpredictable condition. We provide treatment options that can be tailored to suit your needs and goals, and we’ll be by your side each step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing advice and after-care support.

Dysport

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About Dysport

What is it?

Dysport is a brand name for a type of botulinum toxin type A injectable. Like Botox, Dysport is used for cosmetic and medical purposes, primarily for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines by temporarily paralyzing underlying muscles. It works by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract, thus relaxing them and smoothing out wrinkles.

In addition to its cosmetic uses, Dysport is also used medically to treat various conditions, including muscle spasms, cervical dystonia (a neurological movement disorder affecting the neck muscles), and even excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). It’s important to note that Dysport should only be administered by trained medical professionals due to its potency and potential side effects.

What to expect

The actual Dysport procedure is relatively quick and straightforward. Your provider will inject small amounts of Dysport directly into the muscles targeted for treatment using a fine needle. Depending on the areas being treated, the process typically takes around 10 to 30 minutes. ou may start to notice the effects of Dysport within a few days after treatment, with full results typically appearing within 1 to 2 weeks. Dysport temporarily relaxes the muscles, smoothing out wrinkles and lines in the treated areas. The results typically last for several months, after which you may choose to undergo additional treatments to maintain the effects.

After the procedure

Within a week after you should start to notice results, although this can vary from patient to patient. Over the following 3-4 months, the targeted wrinkles gradually vanish, and touch-up injections are suggested every 6 months in order to maintain the rejuvenating effects of the treatment..

Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today for more about Botox and how it can revitalize your appearance.

Kybella

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About Kybella

What is it?

If you’re like many people, you may think that a double chin only affects overweight people and that it can be eliminated with conventional fat loss methods. However, a double chin can develop even if you are in good shape and keep an ideal weight. Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable designed specifically to destroy fat cells in a saggy chin. It consists of synthetic deoxycholic acid, which naturally and easily breaks down and absorbs fat. It’s a minimally-invasive way to eliminate a double chin that does not disappear due to exercise, diet, or regular fat-loss methods.

What to expect

The experts have the experience to administer Kybella treatments that reduce a double chin. One treatment session with our skillful practitioners takes a half hour and depending on your aesthetic goals, you may need one session every 4-6 weeks for about 6 months. Another benefit of Kybella is that the destroyed fat cells will no longer store or accrue fat; it’s a permanent solution that other options cannot duplicate.

After the procedure

The full results of Kybella will be visible within 2-3 weeks after your injections, but results can vary. Downtime is minimal, although you should take it easy for 24-48 hours, and side effects such as swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising are usually mild and subside in 5-7 days.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that changes to your appearance, such as a double chin, can lead to a decrease in self-esteem. We’re here to provide support and offer a variety of treatment options, and what distinguishes our Kybella treatments from others is our focus on you as an individual. Our compassionate staff is here to address your questions and concerns throughout the entire treatment process.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us to find out more about how Kybella can erase your double chin and restore a more attractive profile.