Years of sun exposure can eventually lead to damaged skin. Areas of the skin that have sustained sun damage often appear dry in comparison to healthy skin and have more lines and wrinkles. There are steps you can take to prevent sun damage, such as applying sunscreen before going outdoors. For individuals with sun damage, there are dermatology treatments that can help. The experienced providers at Westgate Dermatology and Laser Center in Winston Salem, NC, can help with the treatment and prevention of sun damage.

Signs of Sun Damage

Sun damage can affect the skin in many ways. One sign of sun damage is the development of age spots, which are areas of skin with increased pigmentation. Some common signs of sun damage include:

• Skin that appears dry
• Uneven pigmentation
• Sunspots or age spots
• Lines, creases, and wrinkles
• Sunburn

It is best to seek treatment if you have any of the signs of sun damage. One of the skilled providers at our office in Winston Salem, NC, can discuss treatment options with you for restoring the health of your skin.

Preventing Sun Damage

Some precautions can be taken to prevent sun damage. Protecting your skin from the sun can also help prevent skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer to affect adults in the U.S. Some tips for protecting your skin and preventing sun damage include:

• Avoiding exposure to the sun during peak hours, which are between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm
• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days
• Wearing a hat and protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, in the sun
• Refraining from using tanning beds or sun lamps that give off UVA or UVB rays
• Wear sunglasses to protect the skin around the eyes

Treatments for Sun Damage

It is always best to take precautions to protect your skin and prevent sun damage. However, dermatology treatments are available for helping minimize or reverse some of the visible signs of sun damage. Our knowledgeable dermatology team can recommend specific treatments to rejuvenate sun-damaged skin.

Protecting your skin when in the sun will help prevent sun damage. For more guidance on preventing sun damage or to learn about treatment options, schedule an appointment with one of our providers by calling Westgate Dermatology and Laser Center in Winston Salem, NC, at (336) 768-1280. We also have offices in Thomasville, (336) 714-0238, and Kernersville, (336) 768-1280.

Lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder that attacks both the skin and mucous membranes inside the mouth. This chronic condition causes flat, itchy reddish-purple bumps to develop on the skin (mostly the wrists, ankles, and forearm) and white, painful sores to develop within the mouth and sometimes the genitals. This condition cannot be spread from person to person and mild itching and other symptoms are often managed through simple home care; however, if you are dealing with severe symptoms it’s important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

• Certain OTC pain medications (e.g. ibuprofen)
• Medications used for arthritis, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease
• Hepatitis C
• Viral infections
• Certain allergens
• Genetics
• Stress
• Certain chemicals or metals

• Antihistamines: To help with itching
• Corticosteroid creams: To reduce inflammation and redness
• Oral or injectable steroids: This treatment is more effective for persistent, recurring, or more severe bumps
• Photochemotherapy: Light therapy can be effective for treating oral lichen planus

As kids, we dealt with that notoriously itchy rash caused by chickenpox. Unfortunately, as we get older, the same virus that caused our childhood chickenpox can also cause shingles. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, then that same virus is lying dormant within the body. This means that at some point during your lifetime, the virus does have the ability to reactivate, causing a painful, blistering rash on the stomach and sides. This is known as shingles.

• Applying cold compresses to the rash
• Soaking in a cool oatmeal bath
• Wearing light, loose-fitted clothing that won’t rub against the rash
• Applying calamine lotion to reduce itching
• Managing stress effectively and finding ways to help you relax
• Eating healthy, balanced meals
• Getting good quality sleep every night

Dandruff is a common problem and one that you may not worry too much about if you deal with minor flaking every once in a while; however, severe dandruff can be embarrassing. First, it’s important to know whether you’re dealing with dandruff or a dry scalp, as these are two different problems that can result in the same itching and flaking symptoms. Since dandruff is caused by excess scalp oil, which is the opposite of dry scalp, you may want to turn to a dermatologist to confirm your condition.

• Dandruff will produce large, oily flakes that are often yellow or white in appearance while the dry scalp is more likely to produce a lot of dry little flakes.
• Dandruff may cause a red, scaly scalp while someone with dry scalp is more likely to experience dry skin on other parts of their body
• The only symptom that both dandruff and dry scalp have in common is an itchy scalp

• Wash your hair every day to reduce excess oil on the scalp
• Use a shampoo that contains coal tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or tea tree oil (a natural alternative)
• Stay away from any har products that contain alcohols or bleach, as well as oily hair products that will only cause more oil to buildup on the scalp
• Find ways to effectively manage stress, which can trigger or exacerbate dandruff
• Get a small amount of sun exposure every day (just a couple of minutes), which could help get your symptoms under control (talk to your dermatologist before doing so, as excess sun exposure can be harmful)
• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin B, zinc, and healthy fats

If your teen years brought about painful, cystic acne then you may have the scarring to prove it. These scars, particularly on the face, can not only affect a person’s appearance but also their self-confidence. While treating the acne is the best way to prevent scarring from occurring, if you’re already dealing with scars know that there are ways to reduce and perhaps even eliminate these scars.

• Chemical peels: This treatment, which is often used for cosmetic reasons, can also reduce the appearance of acne scars. Chemical peels remove the outermost layer of the skin to reveal healthy new skin underneath.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion offers similar results as a chemical peel, but instead of applying a chemical solution to the skin, microdermabrasion often uses a handheld device with a diamond or crystal tip at the end to blast away the outer layer of the skin.
• Laser skin resurfacing: This laser treatment will also remove the outermost layer of the skin, which is the most damaged layer, while also tightening the brand-new skin that’s revealed. The skin is numbed before treatment and the recovery time can take up to 10 days.
• Fractional laser therapy: Are you dealing with deeper acne scars? If so, then laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion may not give you the results you’re looking; however, your dermatologist may recommend fractional laser therapy, as this targets deeper levels of tissue.