Posts for tag: Acne
When you’re dealing with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis, using the same skincare products that others do may end up being a major no-no. In fact, you need to pay close attention to the products you are currently using. Whether you’re noticing more flare-ups, or you are just concerned about how to care for your delicate skin, a dermatologist can be a helpful doctor to turn to. Here are some other tips that can help.You Have Dry Skin
If you are dealing with very dry, itchy, and flaky skin then baths can actually make dry skin worse. This means that you’ll want to find products that prevent the body’s natural oils from being stripped away. Of course, while you may want to watch the temperature on that bathwater, this doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub. Just look for soaps and bath products that contain coconut milk, which is incredibly hydrating. Not to mention, it will make your skin smell pretty great, too!
You Have Eczema
If you have eczema then bath time might be a real challenge; however, if you haven’t tried it yet you need to look for bath products that contain colloidal oatmeal. Instead of using a bubble bath or other products that could exacerbate eczema, use a colloidal oatmeal bath soak instead. This product is great for itchy, dry, and red skin caused by eczema. It can also be ideal for those with sunburns and poison ivy rashes.
You Have Acne-Prone Skin
Acne doesn’t just appear on the face, you may also notice embarrassing breakouts on your shoulders, back, legs, or other parts of the body, too. If you are prone to breakouts, it’s important to find a product that won’t make acne worse while also removing excess oil from the skin. One option is Epsom salts.
Not only are they great for reducing inflammation but they also help to exfoliate the skin to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which in turn prevents clogged pores. Soaps with tea tree oil, sulfur, or charcoal may also be great for keeping pores clean and removing impurities in the skin.
You Have Psoriasis
When it comes to psoriasis, gentle bath products are key! Look for body wash rather than soap, which can actually alter the pH of the skin and lead to further dryness. Instead, look for a gentle, fragrance-free body wash. You’ll also want to ease off the hot water and instead opt for lukewarm water when bathing or showering. Just like with eczema, colloidal oatmeal can also be soothing for psoriasis plaques.
If in doubt, your dermatologist is a wellspring of information to help you find the ideal products for your skin. A dermatologist will also know what ingredients and products to avoid based on the skin problems you’re facing. Ask your dermatologist today!
One of the biggest obstacles people have when dealing with acne is the number of myths that surround its care. It can make the search for treatment much more difficult than it has to be. It's why it's always best to turn to an expert for help. To learn more reach out to Dr. Paul Kostuchenko of Westgate Dermatology and Laser Center in Winston-Salem, Thomasville, and Kernersville, NC.
Myths About Acne Treatment
Many of the most common myths regarding acne treatment put a lot of needless blame on the sufferer without offering much of a real solution.
For example, many accuse chocolate, and greasy and fried foods of causing acne. But there is no scientific link between these or any other food to the presence of acne.
People who suffer from acne are also sometimes accused of having poor hygiene as if that's to blame for their acne. But simple soap and water alone cannot keep your skin clear.
Lastly, something you may hear a lot is that acne cannot be treated and that the best thing to do is to simply allow it to improve on its own. While it sometimes can, this is not the best advice for everyone, acne is very much a treatable condition. Because not all treatments work the same for everyone and because treating acne is itself a slow process, many just give up. But if your goal is clear skin, you should not.
Acne Treatment in Winston-Salem, Thomasville, and Kernersville, NC
Over-the-counter treatments can in fact be effective, but you should be wary of anything that promises instant results. But if you've not seen the results you've been hoping for then it's time to come into the office and speak with an expert, let them guide you to the best possible treatment. Make an appointment today with Dr. Kostuchenko of Westgate Dermatology and Laser Center by dialing (336) 768-1280 for the Winston-Salem location, (336) 714-0238 for Thomasville, and (336) 768-1280 in Kernersville.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that dermatologists treat. Recommended treatments range from over-the-counter skin products, spot treatment, and light treatment. In reality, the best remedy is prevention. Stopping breakouts before they happen keeps your skin clear and happy. Here are some guidelines to follow for perfect skin.Dermatologists at Westgate Dermatology and Laser Center, located in Kernersville, Thomasville and Winston Salem, NC, understands what it means to have acne. About 5% of adults and 80% of adolescents suffer from acne, which can cripple an individual's confidence.
More About Acne
Secretions from the sebaceous glands provide much needed skin moisture it needs. Naturally, sebum, the oily secretion from the sebaceous glands, moves from the root of the hair follicle to the top. Sebum doesn't reach the surface of skin and creates a blockage consisting of sebum and dead cells when people suffer from acne.
Whiteheads are formed when the opening of the hair follicle is completely blocked. Blackheads, on the other hand, are formed when the hair follicle's pore is still open. The inflammation of whiteheads and blackheads can produce red pustules that, when inflamed, lead to the scarring of the skin.
Acne Treatment Options
Modern-day dermatology aids in acne treatment. Your Kernersville, Thomasville and Winston Salem dermatologist can provide you with some techniques to help treat your problems:
- Mild acne requires Benzoyl Peroxide to reduce blockage of skin pores.
- Antibiotics, both oral and topical, may be important to prevent hair follicle infections.
- Tretinoin, a source of Vitamin A, helps exfoliate blocked pores.
- Whiteheads and blackheads are manually removed using metal instruments.
Acne Scars
It's difficult to keep your skin healthy, even if you wash every day. You may still develop acne and acne scars. Modern technology has several techniques to help reduce or eliminate those scars.
Here are some procedures your dermatologist provides:
- Microneedling
- Chemical peels
- Laser Skin Treatment
Need a consultation?
For more information on acne, acne scars and the various acne treatments, don't hesitate to call your Westgate Dermatology and Laser Center dermatologist in Kernersville (336) 768-1280, Thomasville (336) 714-0238 and Winston Salem (336) 768-1280, NC, today.
Anyone who has ever walked through the skincare aisle of their local drugstore knows that there are tons of acne-fighting products on the market. So, which one is right for you? Should you opt for an acne cleanser or spot treatment, or both? Choosing the right acne treatment can be challenging, to say the least.
While acne is a common problem among teenagers, many people don’t just leave acne behind the minute they toss out those graduation caps. In fact, many adults well into their 20s, 30s and beyond still deal with regular acne outbreaks. So, how do you properly treat acne? There is no singular way to treat acne and the best treatment option for you and your skin will depend on the cause. While you might not know what’s to blame for your acne symptoms a dermatologist certainly can help.
Treating Acne on Your Own
If you are dealing with mild to moderate acne, look for products that contain these powerful acne-fighting ingredients:
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Glycolic acid
- Sulfur
- Retinol
How a Dermatologist Treats Acne
If you’ve tried over-the-counter acne products for more than 12 weeks and aren’t seeing results, or if you are experiencing severe, deep or cystic acne then it’s time to turn to a skin care professional for help. The first thing your dermatologist will do is determine the cause of your acne. From there, one or more of these treatments may be recommended:
Prescription topical medications: Certain topical medications act as an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, which reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne while also removing acne-causing bacteria from the surface of the skin.
A simple extraction: You should never pick at your acne or try to pop a pimple on your own, as you could end up causes further irritation or scarring; however, a dermatologist knows the safest and most effective techniques for extracting blackheads and whiteheads safely.
Birth control pills: For women who notice breakouts that correspond to their menstrual cycle, certain birth control pills may be able to reduce the amount of androgen hormones, which in turn can reduce breakouts. Talk to your dermatologist about the birth control pills that are FDA approved to treat acne.
Isotretinoin: This is an extremely intense oral retinoid that is used for treating severe, cystic acne that isn’t responsive to other treatment options. Isotretinoin is better known as Accutane, and this treatment can take up to nine months to see full results. Some patients will require multiple courses of treatment. Due to the nature of this strong medication, there are some possible side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your dermatologist before beginning Isotretinoin.
If you are having trouble getting your acne under control it’s important that you have a dermatologist that you can turn to for customized care. Take control of your acne once and for all.