Skin Growths Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Spokane Dermatologist

Actinic Keratosis

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of rough, scaly patches on the skin that have been damaged by repeated exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. These patches are usually red, pink, or skin-colored, and may be precancerous, meaning that they can develop into skin cancer if left untreated. Actinic keratosis is commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms.

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What are the causes of Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is caused by damage to the skin from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV radiation from the sun can cause changes in the skin cells, leading to the development of rough, scaly patches. People who have had a lot of sun exposure over their lifetime, especially those who have fair skin, are at a higher risk of developing actinic keratosis. Additionally, factors such as advancing age, certain medical conditions, and taking certain medications can increase a person’s risk of developing this condition.

What are the symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis typically presents as small, rough, scaly patches on the skin that are red, pink, or skin-colored. They are usually found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. Other symptoms of actinic keratosis include:

A dry, scaly texture to the affected skin
A rough, gritty feeling when rubbing the skin
A slightly raised or flat appearance
A sore that does not heal
A discolored area that is different from the surrounding skinIt’s important to note that not all actinic keratoses are visible or have symptoms. Some may be detected during a routine skin examination.

It’s important to note that not all actinic keratoses are visible or have symptoms. Some may be detected during a routine skin examination.

What treatments are available for Actinic Keratosis?

There are several treatment options available for actinic keratosis, including:

Topical creams and gels: Medications applied directly to the skin can help to remove actinic keratoses. Some of these medications cause the skin to peel, while others are designed to destroy the abnormal cells.
Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the affected skin with liquid nitrogen, causing the actinic keratosis to peel off.
Surgical procedures: In more severe cases, actinic keratosis may be removed with a surgical procedure such as curettage (scraping) or electrodessication (burning).
Light-based treatments: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a procedure that uses a photosensitizing medication and a special light source to destroy actinic keratosis cells.
Systemic therapy: In rare cases, a doctor may prescribe oral medications to help treat actinic keratosis.

The choice of treatment will depend on several factors, including the size, number, and location of the actinic keratoses, as well as the overall health of the patient. A dermatologist or skin care professional can help to determine the best treatment plan for each individual case.

How to Help Prevent Actinic Keratosis?

There are several steps you can take to help prevent actinic keratosis:

Protect your skin from the sun: Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Seek shade: Avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight, especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can damage your skin and increase your risk of actinic keratosis and skin cancer.
Get regular skin exams: Early detection and treatment of actinic keratosis can help to prevent the development of skin cancer. It’s important to have regular skin exams by a dermatologist or skin care professional.

By following these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of developing actinic keratosis and protect your skin from further damage.

FAQ About Actinic Keratosis

Who is at risk for actinic keratosis?

People who have had a lot of sun exposure over their lifetime, especially those with fair skin, are at a higher risk of developing actinic keratosis.

Can actinic keratosis turn into skin cancer?

Yes, actinic keratosis can develop into skin cancer if left untreated.

What should I do if I have actinic keratosis?

If you have actinic keratosis, it’s important to see a dermatologist or skin care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Is actinic keratosis contagious?

No, actinic keratosis is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Spokane that offers treatment for actinic keratosis?

Yes. At our Spokane dermatology office we offers treatment for actinic keratosis to patients from Spokane and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Hives (Urticaria)

What are Hives?

Hives are raised red bumps (welts) or splotches on the skin that are usually very itchy. They are a type of swelling on the surface of your skin that happen when your body has an allergic reaction to something.

What are the signs and symptoms of Hives?

Individual hives can take from 30 minutes to 36 hours to disappear. Chronic hives, referred to as urticaria, last longer than six weeks to go away, but frequently reoccur. If swelling occurs below the surface of the skin, a condition called angioedema, you should seek medical attention because angioedema can affect the internal organs.

Signs of hives include:

Developing in batches
Often raised
Small, round rings or large patches with a red flare
Usually itch

What are the causes of Hives?

Hives develop when mast cells release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, causing small blood vessels to leak. Generally, hives are an allergic reaction to a food, animal or medication. Sun exposure, stress, excessive perspiration and other more serious conditions, like lupus, can bring on hives.

What treatments are available at the dermatologist for Hives?

Our dermatologist may recommend various treatments and strategies to help manage and alleviate hives, depending on the severity and underlying causes.

Here are some common treatments available at the dermatologist’s office:

Antihistamines: Non-prescription (over-the-counter) antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra) can help relieve itching and reduce the severity of hives. Dermatologists may also prescribe stronger prescription antihistamines.
Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments can be applied directly to the affected skin to reduce inflammation and itching. Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe cases of hives or when topical treatments are not effective.
Epinephrine (EpiPen): In rare cases of severe hives accompanied by anaphylaxis or difficulty breathing, an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) may be prescribed to quickly relieve symptoms.
Immune-suppressing medications: For chronic or severe cases of hives that do not respond to other treatments, dermatologists may prescribe medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine or omalizumab (Xolair).
Triggers identification and avoidance: Dermatologists may work with patients to identify and avoid triggers that can exacerbate hives. Common triggers include certain foods, medications, insect stings, physical stimuli (like heat, cold, or pressure), and stress.
Physical therapies: For certain types of hives, such as cold urticaria or pressure urticaria, dermatologists may recommend physical therapies like cold packs or pressure-reducing strategies to manage symptoms.
Allergy testing: If an allergic trigger is suspected, allergen testing may be conducted to identify specific allergens responsible for hives. This can help with avoidance strategies.

FAQ About Hives

Are hives contagious?

Hives are not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person through direct contact.

How long do hives last?

Hives can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days or even weeks. They can be chronic, or recurring, in some cases.

Can hives lead to more serious conditions?

In some cases, hives can be a symptom of a more serious allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis. If hives are accompanied by difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a rapid heartbeat, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Spokane that offers treatment for hives?

Yes. At our Spokane dermatology office we offer treatment for hives to patients from Spokane and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Scabies

What are Scabies?

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite burrows into the skin and lays its eggs, leading to intense itching and skin rashes. The itching and rashes are a result of an allergic reaction to the mites and their waste products.

What causes Scabies?

Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The mite burrows into the skin and lays its eggs, causing an allergic reaction and intense itching. Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, as well as through contact with infested clothing, bedding, and towels.

What treatments are available for Scabies?

Treatment for scabies typically involves prescription medications to kill the mites. The most commonly used medications for scabies are:

Permethrin cream: This topical medication is applied to the entire body from the neck down and left on for 8-14 hours before being washed off.
Ivermectin pills: This oral medication is taken as a single dose, and is effective in treating scabies in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Lindane lotion: This topical medication is used in some cases, but is not recommended as a first-line treatment due to potential toxic side effects.

In addition to treating the affected individual, all close contacts should also be treated to prevent re-infestation. After treatment, itching and skin rashes may persist for several weeks, but should eventually subside.

It is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment of scabies, as well as to rule out any other skin conditions that may mimic scabies. Over-the-counter treatments and home remedies are not recommended for scabies, as they are often not effective and can cause skin irritation.

FAQ About Scabies

How is scabies diagnosed?

A dermatologist can diagnose scabies by examining the skin and performing a skin scraping to look for mites, eggs, or mite feces.

Is scabies curable?

Yes, scabies is curable with proper treatment.

How long does it take for scabies to go away?

With proper treatment, scabies can go away within several days to several weeks. However, itching and skin rashes may persist for several weeks after treatment.

Can scabies be spread through bedding and clothing?

Yes, scabies can be spread through bedding, clothing, and towels, which is why it is important to wash these items in hot water and dry on a hot setting.

Is it safe to return to school or work after being treated for scabies?

Yes, it is safe to return to school or work after being treated for scabies, as long as all close contacts have also been treated.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Spokane that offers treatment for scabies?

Yes. At our Spokane dermatology office we offers treatment for scabies to patients from Spokane and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Eczema (Dermatitis)

What is Eczema?

Affecting between nine and thirty percent of the U.S. population, eczema refers to inflammation of the skin. The term eczema actually covers many various skin conditions that produce itchy, dry skin patches. Although it can appear anywhere on the body, eczema usually appears on the creases on the face, arms and legs. Because of the intense itching that accompanies eczema, people often scratch the skin which leads to crusting and oozing.

A non-contagious skin condition, eczema has no known cause. It does appear to have a hereditary component. Certain things, such as stress, weather and environmental factors can trigger a flare-up of eczema. People with eczema often live with cycles of flare-ups and remissions.

In mild cases of eczema, over-the-counter topical creams and antihistamines can relieve the symptoms. More severe eczema may require stronger medications, such as steroid creams, oral steroids (corticosteroids), and antibiotic pills or antifungal creams to treat any potential infection. Using mild cleansers and keeping skin moist can help control your eczema.

What are the signs and symptoms of Eczema?

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed. The signs and symptoms of eczema can vary depending on the type, severity and stage of the condition. Some common signs and symptoms of eczema are:

Dry, cracked, scaly or flaky skin
Red, pink, purple, brown or gray patches of skin
Itching, which may be worse at night or during flare-ups
Small, raised bumps that may ooze or crust over
Thickened, leathery or discolored skin from scratching
Swelling or inflammation of the skin
Rash on the face, neck, hands, elbows, knees, ankles, feet or other areas of the body

What are the causes of Eczema?

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed. The causes of eczema are not fully understood, but they may include:

A genetic variation that affects the skin’s ability to provide protection from bacteria, irritants, allergens and environmental factors.
An imbalance of the bacteria on the skin, which disrupts the skin’s barrier function and triggers an immune system response.
A contact with a trigger in your environment, such as dry weather, fabrics, makeup, smoke, soaps or detergents.
A history or diagnosis of dermatitis, allergies, hay fever or asthma.
A physical or emotional stress, which can cause inflammation in the body.

What treatments are available at the dermatologist for Eczema?

There are different treatments available at the dermatologist for eczema, depending on the type, severity and cause of the condition.

Some of the possible treatments are:

Medicated creams or ointments that control itching, inflammation and infection. These may include corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antibiotics or antifungals.
Oral medications that suppress the immune system or reduce inflammation. These may include cyclosporine, methotrexate, prednisone, azathioprine or biologics.
Phototherapy or light therapy, which uses ultraviolet (UV) rays to improve the skin’s condition and reduce symptoms.
Patch testing or allergy testing, which helps identify specific substances that trigger or worsen eczema.
Wet wraps or paste bandages, which cover the skin with moist dressings to soothe and protect it.
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers, moisturizing regularly, using gentle skin care products and managing stress.

The best treatment for eczema depends on your individual situation and preferences. Your dermatologist can help you find the most suitable and effective treatment for your eczema.

How to Avoid Common Eczema Triggers and Irritants

Use a thick moisturizer (emollient) as a soap substitute when washing your body or hands. Avoid soap, bubble bath and shower gel completely, as they can remove the natural oils from your skin and make it dry and itchy.
Wear cotton clothes next to your skin rather than potentially irritating fabrics such as wool. Wash your clothes with non-biological detergents and rinse them well. Avoid fabric conditioners, as they can also cause eczema to flare up.
Keep your skin moisturized regularly, especially after bathing or showering. Apply a non-fragranced, dye-free cream or ointment to lock in the moisture and protect your skin barrier.
Avoid contact with irritating chemicals and substances, such as fragrances, dyes, perfumes, alcohols, soaps and detergents. Wear rubber gloves with a cotton lining when using these products or working with similar chemicals.

The Benefits of Phototherapy for Eczema

Phototherapy is a treatment option that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to improve the symptoms of eczema, such as redness, itching, inflammation and infection. Some of the benefits of phototherapy for eczema are:

It may help clear your skin by reducing the inflammation and destroying the bacteria that cause eczema.
You may experience fewer eczema rashes in the future by strengthening your skin barrier and preventing the entry of external triggers.
It may decrease the need for using topical medications, which can have side effects or lose effectiveness over time.
It may also improve your mood and quality of life by relieving the discomfort and stress caused by eczema.

FAQ About Eczema

Are there different types of eczema?

There are different types of eczema, based on the age of onset and severity of symptoms. The most common type is known as “atopic dermatitis” and it usually begins in infancy and improves or resolves by the age of 6. Another type is “contact dermatitis” which is caused by an allergic reaction to a specific substance.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include: dry, itchy skin, redness and swelling, scaling, cracking, and even bleeding.

How is eczema diagnosed?

Eczema is typically diagnosed by a dermatologist, who will examine the skin and ask about the patient’s symptoms and medical history. A skin biopsy may be done in some cases to rule out other skin conditions.

Can eczema affect other parts of the body besides the skin?

Eczema can affect the eyes, ears, and scalp. In some cases, eczema can also lead to complications such as asthma, allergies, and sleep disturbances.

Can certain foods trigger eczema?

Certain foods, such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat, can trigger eczema in some people. It’s important for individuals with eczema to work with a dermatologist or a dietitian to identify any specific food triggers and to develop a diet plan that works best for them.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Spokane that offers treatment for exzema?

Yes. At our Spokane dermatology office we offer treatment for eczema to patients from Spokane and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

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