General Dermatology

 
Acne   Eczema   Melasma   Moles   Psoriasis   Rosacea   Warts

At South Texas Dermatology we offer advanced medical care for all skin ailments and ages. Our Board Certified Dermatologists have decades of experience diagnosing the root causes of problematic skin conditions, as well as developing powerful and effective treatment plans that target those conditions at their source. In many cases, problems on the surface of the skin are only the most visible markers of medical concerns deep within the tissues of the skin or the body. We will take the time to properly diagnose the underlying causes of those visible symptoms and tailor the treatment approach to ensure that those underlying causes are addressed as completely, effectively, and permanently as possible. 

We offer a full range of dermatological services, such as treatment for:

 

ACNE

 

Acne affects almost everyone — more than 90% of all adolescents, nearly 50% of all adult women and 25% of all adults. – Acne.com

What It Is

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin’s oil glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are the anaerobic bacterium that causes acne. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring.

 

ECZEMA

 

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin’s oil glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are the anaerobic bacterium that causes acne. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring.

Eczema (name most people use).
Dermatitis
Atopic (a-top-ic) eczema.
Atopic dermatitis.

 

To avoid confusion, we’ll use the medical term atopic dermatitis.

Children often get atopic dermatitis (AD) during their first year of life. If a child gets AD during this time, dry and scaly patches appear on the skin. These patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face. These patches are very common on the cheeks.

No matter where it appears, AD is often very itchy. Infants may rub their skin against bedding or carpeting to relieve the itch.

In children of all ages, the itch can be so intense that a child cannot sleep. Scratching can lead to a skin infection.

Because atopic dermatitis can be long lasting, it is important to learn how to take care of the skin. Treatment and good skin care can alleviate much of the discomfort.

Types of Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis:

Children, especially babies, are most likely to get this type of eczema, which begins with very itchy skin. Scratching causes the rash.

Contact Dermatitis:

Objects that touch our skin cause this type of eczema. The skin may become irritated or develop an allergic reaction. Many people develop contact dermatitis when jewelry that contains nickel touches their skin.

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis:

Found only on the hands or feet, this eczema often causes a burning or itching sensation and a blistering rash.

Hand Eczema:

Any type of eczema that forms on the hands can be called hand eczema. A patient may have atopic dermatitis or any other type of eczema.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Melasma

 

Melasma is most common in women 20-50 years of age. Over 90% of those with melasma are women. – MedicineNet

What It Is

Melasma (muh-LAZ-muh) is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.

One of the most common treatments for melasma is sun protection. This means wearing sunscreen daily and reapplying the sunscreen every 2 hours. Dermatologists also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside. 

Women are far more likely than men to get melasma. It is so common during pregnancy that some people call it the mask of pregnancy. Hormones seem to trigger melasma.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

 

Moles

 

Moles, also known as Nevi, are common. Almost every adult has a few moles. Adults who have light skin often have more moles. They may have 10 to 40 moles on their skin. This is normal.

 

You should not be overly worried about your moles. But you should know:

  1. A type of skin cancer, melanoma, can grow in or near a mole.
  2. Caught early and treated, melanoma can be cured.
  3. The first sign of melanoma is often a change to a mole — or a new mole on your skin.

Checking your skin can help you find melanoma early. A dermatologist can show you how to examine your skin and tell you how often you should check your skin.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Learn more about 5-Steps of Self Examination and The ABCDE’s of Melanoma

Psoriasis

 

What It Is

Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) is a chronic disease. It develops when a person’s immune system sends faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. New skin cells form in days rather than weeks.

The body does not shed these excess skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.

You cannot get psoriasis from touching someone who has it. To get psoriasis, a person must inherit the genes that cause it.

Types of Psoriasis

Plaque

(also called psoriasis vulgaris)

Guttate

Inverse

(also called flexural psoriasis or intertriginous psoriasis)

Pustular

Erythrodermic

(also called exfoliative psoriasis)

Some people get more than one type. Sometimes a person gets one type of psoriasis, and then the type of psoriasis changes.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

 

Rosacea

 

What It Is

Rosacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha) is a chronic condition and potentially life-disruptive disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Rosacea typically begins as redness on the face across the cheeks, nose, or forehead, but can also affect the neck, chest, ears, and scalp.

 

Warts

 

Warts are benign (not cancerous) skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). You are more likely to get one of these viruses if you cut or damage your skin in some way.

Wart viruses are contagious. Warts can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart.

Warts are often skin-colored and feel rough, but they can be dark (brown or gray-black), flat, and smooth.