How to get rid of dandruff for good

Dandruff is an issue that impacts many people, with effects ranging from discomfort to lowered self-esteem and embarrassment. Dandruff is typically characterized by an itchy, flaky scalp and the appearance of white flakes, which can especially make it more difficult to wear darker clothes. Fortunately, there are ways of stopping dandruff, helping you live your life without worrying about flakes coming from your hair.

The most common cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, which is a rash that can happen during both childhood and adulthood. While it is commonly thought that this comes from a dry scalp, that is not the case. It actually is caused by an overreaction to the yeast that is found on the skin, which can cause certain oils to overproduce, causing irritation and the creation of the white flakes.

Though this is the most common cause, it’s not the only possible reason you are experiencing dandruff. Illnesses and other dermatological conditions can also be at fault, as well as everyday things such as stress, hair products, or diet. For these reasons, it is beneficial for those suffering from dandruff to make an appointment to see a skin care specialist to get to the root of the problem.

While your Frisco dermatologist will recommend specific dandruff treatment based on your individual condition, there are a few common remedies. The first is dandruff shampoo, which can help exfoliate, decrease inflammation, or decrease certain types of bacteria and yeast on the scalp. The easiest way to figure out what will help certain symptoms is by reading the labels to search out which ingredients are active in the shampoo. Talk to your dermatologist to determine which ingredients you should be looking for when shopping.

Over the counter medications often help, there are times when a prescription medication is needed to help combat dandruff. One example is a topical steroid solution, such as hydrocortisone, which can decrease scalp inflammation to fight dandruff. Other simple remedies include tea tree oil which can help unclog pores to reduce itchiness and oil. Another possible solution is apple cider vinegar, which can help to diminish the irritation on the skin.

One important note is that many people feel like they should shampoo less often when they have dandruff, but this is not a recommended strategy. Since dandruff is an overproduction of oil, shampooing daily can dry your hair and clear the oil. It can also help to brush your hair a few times per day, which can help distribute the oils.

At Dermatology Consultants of Frisco, we know your skin the best, with comprehensive dermatology services for patients of all ages. If you are suffering from dandruff, contact us or book an appointment right through our website for one of our three locations. Dandruff is not a permanent condition, and there are ways we can help. Let us help you feel confident again that dandruff will not be in control.

Is Your Birthmark a Concern?

Birthmarks come in all forms, with different colors and locations on the skin. Most birthmarks are completely normal, and any concerns are caused by psychological distress that can come from birthmarks in visible areas. However, if you are concerned about one, it can make sense to find a dermatologist in Frisco who can check your birthmark and see if there are any internal conditions associated with it.

There are some situations where a birthmark can cause more concern than normal. One such situation could be port white stains near the eye or on your eyelids, which could lead to a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Hemangiomas can sometimes form on the surface of the skin, and they are a vascular birthmark which can look like a large, red mole. These types of birthmarks are rare, but they do happen.

Often, all that is needed for diagnosis of concerning birthmarks is an examination by a trained dermatologist, who can help determine any concerns based on the appearance. A biopsy can also be performed to identify birthmarks, especially if they are internal. In some cases, additional testing may be required to make sure that the mark isn’t a symptom of a larger issue. Your dermatologist will be able to help determine what course of action, if any, should be taken.

While birthmarks often go away on their own or do not need additional treatment, there are options if something needs to be done. One option is birthmark removal, especially for children who have not yet reached school age, or for those with larger moles or hemangiomas. Depending on the issue and location of the birthmark, other treatment options include topical or oral medication, or rarely, steroid injections which would shrink the birthmark.

After treatment, most birthmarks do not require much in the way of aftercare. If a birthmark has been surgically removed, the patient should be sure keep the area clean, changing bandages regularly.

When looking at your birthmarks, if there is any concern at all, do not try to self-diagnosis your issue, as it can be a complex case. Come meet with a dermatologist who will understand and be able to diagnose any concerns, as well as recommending what treatment options should be undertaken, if any. Do not spend time stressing out about, but talk to a qualified professional about any concerns that you may have.

With locations in Frisco, Denton, and Carrollton, Dermatology Consultants is here to treat your skin care needs! Let our staff of trained doctors help keep you healthy for the long run. We are truly dedicated to the needs of our patients, providing care in comfortable environments. Give us a call or stop by the office today to let us of any needs or concerns you may have about yourself or your family.

Cold Weather & Skin Aggravation 

It’s no secret that when the temperature drops, your skin can take a beating! Many people notice that during the fall and winter season, their skin can get tight, itchy, and prone to painful cracking. While people notice the difference, what is it about the cold weather that messes with your skin? It turns out there are a few reasons.

One reason is simply the harshness of the weather. Many people assume that the summer sun is worse on your skin (and they do carry their own risks), but often there is not enough time spent outside to cause major problems. However, the cold temperatures, high winds, and rain or snow of the winter are very tough on dry skin. The cold temperature can create problems or exacerbate existing problems, causing many to need a skin care specialist to help.

Another major factor is not the cold weather itself, but the central heating that most people use to combat the cold. The heat is often running in the house, care, and office, with the hot air making dry skin even worse. Additionally, the large temperature changes that are often experienced during winter increase damage to the skin.

In addition to the central heating, many people turn to a hot shower to warm up when the weather is cold. However, hot water can strip away the natural oils of the skin, leading to an increased feeling of dryness. Naturally, dry skin will already be struggling to maintain these oils, so the high heat from water simply makes the problem worse. To treat dry skin, try to take showers that are comfortably warm rather than scalding hot. Also, do your best to cut down on shower time, as the longer you stand in the water, the more it will impact your skin.

The winter season is known for being cold and flu season, which is why many people take special care to wash their hands more frequently than normal. While this is a good thing, it can also lead to dried and cracked hands, both from the hot water that people use, as well as from the soaps. Both can strip away skin oils, leaving a raw feeling that is painful, especially when irritated.

Many people who experience acne may also find that it flares up during the cold weather. Mild UV exposure can help to clear acne and help your skin be healthier, which is one benefit of the warmer, sunnier weather. Those getting fewer UV rays in the winter may find it necessary to look for acne treatment in Carrollton, TX, helping combat the cold weather.

If you are looking for a Carrollton dermatologist, contact us at Dermatology Consultants today! We provide comprehensive dermatology care for all of our patients, treating patients of all ages. Our team has been trained at some of the best schools and facilities in the country and is determined to provide our patients with the best possible care.

Treating Hair Loss with Precision Dermatology!

Hair loss, or alopecia, is something that impacts many people, both male and female. Alopecia can cause either partial or full loss of hair, both with and without scarring. Hair loss can cause a lot of stress, especially when it is happening to a female, taking a physiological toll that can seep into all aspects of a person’s life. It can lead to a loss of confidence and self-esteem which has wide-ranging impacts on everyday life.

Fortunately, there are ways of treating hair loss, which is why it is so important to come see your Frisco dermatologist at the first sign of any symptoms. At Precision Dermatology, we start with a physical exam as well as learning about your history, which can help us understand what might be causing this issue. There are many common causes of hair loss, which can range from genetic causes to being induced by stress.

After the physical exam and patient history, we have different combinations of lab tests, as well as a possible biopsy of the scalp, which will help narrow down the specific cause of the hair loss. Once we have the full range of information, we are better able to properly diagnose the cause, which will help us determine correct treatment options that can help in your situation.

Some options include topical medication, prescription medications, or even hair transplantation, with specific options depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Treating hair loss is not something that can be self-diagnosed, but requires the care of a trained, professional dermatologist with experience in skin care and hair loss.

A major reason it is important to see your dermatologist as quickly as possible is that some types of hair loss or reversible, while others are permanent, or can become permanent. The earlier we are able to diagnose and confirm the cause, the better the long-term outlook will be. Our doctors at Precision Dermatology are specially trained to give you the best medical care that you can receive.

If you are looking for hair loss treatment in Frisco, contact Precision Dermatology today. We offer experienced, professional care that puts the needs of our patients first. We know how important skin care is, especially when you are suffering from a condition such as hair loss. Recognizing that all of our patients have different needs and personalities, we treat everyone on an individual basis, working with you for the best long-term health and treatment.

Give us a call or stop by one of our locations to let us help you. Don’t let hair loss take control of your life, but learn your treatment options!

When to see a Dermatologist to treat acne

Most people have experienced some form of acne over the course of their lives, especially as a teen or pre-teen, despite every effort to use good skin care. In addition to the physical aspects, acne can also take a toll on one’s psyche. Untreated acne has many repercussions that are more than skin deep. Acne may cause low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, depression, and thoughts of suicide.

Early acne treatment can keep blemishes under control and reduce the occurrence of future breakouts. Treating acne before it worsens may prevent acne scars and further damage to the skin.

Daily Facial Skin Care

As a general rule of thumb, if skin is oily, wash the face twice a day with a salicylic acid cleanser. If skin dry, use a gentle foaming cleanser.

1. Gently wash your face twice a day.

2. Do spot treatment with 2% salicylic acid after washing your face

3. Apply an oil free or non-comedogenic moisturizer.

If this doesn’t help, it may be time to make an appointment with a skin care specialist who can recommend acne treatment and offer techniques for resolving it in a healthy way. Treating acne by a Denton dermatologist may actually alleviate acne and eliminate negative thoughts and feelings. One visit could with the skin care specialist can actually improve the acne sufferer’s quality of life for years to come.

Causes of Acne

It was once thought that eating foods like french fries, pizza, and chocolate cause acne. Diet is not the cause of acne, but it is known to make the problem worse. The truth is, changing hormones cause acne. Hormones stimulate glands in the skin to make more oil, which can clog pores. Luckily, there are some very good acne treatments available today. There is no need to suffer the embarrassment of acne with modern treatments that are proven to be effective.

Dermatology Consultants, a Dermatologist in Denton, can recommend products which contain ingredients like salicylic acid to help unblock pores. Products with benzoyl peroxide are mild anti-inflammatories and kill or stop bacteria from growing. Avoid picking, scratching or squeezing blemishes as that will make acne worse, and could lead to skin infections that may leave scars.

When to See a Dermatologist

Schedule an appointment with Dermatology Consultants, a Dermatologist in Denton, if a regular skin care regimen does not help acne. Our doctors can prescribe treatments and medication that are often covered by insurance. Our doctors can even use laser and heat treatments to kill bacteria that cause acne, as well as use corticosteroid injections to ease painful acne lesions. For scars from acne, our Denton dermatologist physicians can decrease them with treatments such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, chemical peels,

Some people with darker skin may experience these acne-related problems:

Dark spots. Spots that appear where blemishes have healed usually disappear over time, but it can help speed the process by applying medical grade skin-lightening products. A skin care specialist may also suggest a concealer makeup to cover the spots and make them less apparent.

Keloids. These raised scars are larger than the original blemish and tough to get rid of but it is a good idea to be aggressive in treating acne to prevent these from occurring.

A Word of Advice

Remember, there are no overnight cures for acne. To see real results, a good acne treatment should be prescribed by a dermatologist and used regularly for at least two months. Contact Dermatology Consultants to schedule an appointment to find out how we can help you have brighter, blemish-free skin.

When first visiting a Skin Doctor, a full body examination will take place to map out moles, freckles, and check for other existing skin conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea, or acne. This is to establish a “baseline” and determine what is considered normal for the patient’s skin. From there, subsequent visits will be a comparison of that baseline.

Our skin changes with age and loses important elements like collagen and elastin. It becomes drier and more sensitive to the elements; moles or broken capillaries may gradually appear. Often, treating conditions like these with medical grade topical creams or lasers will prevent them from getting worse over time. Dermatologists have access to clinically proven ingredients that are effective in reducing, for example, signs of aging, treating rosacea or controlling blemishes.

Knowing the condition of the patient’s skin 5 years ago will help a dermatologist determine if they are aging normally and taking good care of their skin as they grow older. Appropriate preventative measures can be discussed, like the use of medical grade sunscreens. From childhood to retirement, a dermatologist can help customize an up to date skin care regimen that is superior to over the counter products and offers the most optimal results for every skin type.

For those in the North Dallas, Collin County or Denton area, when a suspicious mole or itchy rash appears, a trip to a nearby dermatologist in Denton,  Carrolton or Frisco is usually in order. But waiting until a crisis arises is not the best plan of action, as scheduling regular dermatologist visits can actually improve the skin’s condition and help prevent these types of problems from escalating. 

Consider the fact that most people are aware of the need to see a General Practitioner regularly, even if they don’t have pre-existing health concerns. Yearly physicals and scheduled checkups-offer a consistent way to track overall health and establish baselines. Baselines help measure improvements or declines in test results for things like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or weight.

The same is true for dermatology visits and the health of the skin. But, while the skin is the largest organ of the human body, it is also the most often ignored.

Track the Aging Process of the Skin

When first visiting a dermatologist, a full body examination will take place to map out moles, freckles, and check for other existing skin conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea, or acne. This is to establish a “baseline” and determine what is considered normal for the patient’s skin. From there, subsequent visits will be a comparison of that baseline.

Our skin changes with age and loses important elements like collagen and elastin. It becomes drier and more sensitive to the elements; moles or broken capillaries may gradually appear. Often, treating conditions like these with medical grade topical creams or lasers will prevent them from getting worse over time. Dermatologists have access to clinically proven ingredients that are effective in reducing, for example, signs of aging, treating rosacea or controlling blemishes.

Knowing the condition of the patient’s skin 5 years ago will help a dermatologist determine if they are aging normally and taking good care of their skin as they grow older. Appropriate preventative measures can be discussed, like the use of medical grade sunscreens. From childhood to retirement, a dermatologist can help customize an up to date skin care regimen that is superior to over the counter products and offers the most optimal results for every skin type.

Catch Early Warning Signs

Not only do many people have chronic skin conditions like eczema, which can suddenly worsen and become unresponsive to over the counter products, they might not know how to recognize when something is going very wrong with their skin. How would someone notice subtle changes in a mole, indicating potential skin cancer, that is located in the center of their back? Regular visits to the dermatologist will put new or suspicious moles on the “radar” so that any anomalies can be caught early enough to be successfully treated.

Dermatology Consultants 

Dermatology Consultants offers a convenient location for those seeking a dermatologist in Denton,  Carrollton or Frisco. These three convenient locations provide fast access to a north Dallas dermatologist. Contact us today to set up an appointment, and let us help you learn how to take the best care of your skin - it’s the only skin you’ve got!

Warts suck. Bottom line.

A wart is a little rough bump on the skin caused by a viral infection. Most of the time they appear on hands and feet. While mostly harmless, a wart should not be taken lightly either. Though they may resolve themselves in months or years, they can be a nuisance on the skin and some of them may be contagious. Apart from that, other people just find them repulsive. If left untreated, they may even spread to new areas of your skin.

Luckily, several treatments exist for removing a wart. Here are some of the few more common ones.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an acid based (if you haven’t figured that out) solution that can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies. It’s corrosive so it softens the wart on the skin, causing the infected cells to break from the surface when filed off. Application of the substance is normally done through liquid, gel or a patch. Despite its popularity, it’s a relatively slow treatment which takes a few months to complete and may cause skin irritations.

Cryotherapy

It means just like it sounds. Cryotherapy is essentially the act of freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This creates a blister between the wart and the healthy skin causing it to fall off. Be advised that, just like laser treatment, only a doctor can perform this procedure.

Laser Treatment

Apart from melting and freezing the wart, a doctor may also choose to burn it. A CO2 laser is used to vaporize and dry the infected tissue. The treatment does require local anesthetic on the skin and can be expensive. Sometimes more than one treatment may be required.

Of course, it goes without saying that none of these procedures should be done without consulting first with a dermatologist. For those seeking wart removal in the northern Dallas area, Precision Dermatology has clinics in Carrolton, Denton, and Frisco where an experienced dermatologist can help you rid yourself of a wart infection.