Skin care – Associated Dermatologist

How Do Dermatologists Remove Warts?

Associated Dermatologists — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:55:43 +0000

While having warts can be annoying, even embarrassing, they are often not harmful and treatable.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), Dermatologists have many treatments for warts depending on the patient’s age and health as well as the type of wart. Common warts are small, grainy skin growths that occur most often on fingers or hands. They are rough to touch and often feature a pattern of tiny black dots that are small, clotted blood vessels.

Common warts are caused by a virus and transmitted by touch and according to AADA, it can take a wart as long as two to six months to develop after the skin has been exposed to the virus. They are usually harmless and can eventually disappear on their own, but again, people choose to remove them mainly because they are bothersome.

Dermatologists typically diagnose warts by examining the suspected wart and observing small, rough bumps that appear individually or in clusters. These most often develop near broken skin, such as near fingernails and cuticles that have been bitten or picked.

Most warts tend to go away without treatment. Although most warts are harmless, dermatologists do treat them.

Treatments for Warts Include:

A dermatologist may treat a wart in the office by applying cantharidin which causes a blister to form beneath the wart. A return visit may be necessary as the dermatologist will clip away the dead wart;
Cryotherapy is used to treat common warts in adults and older children. The treatment is not too painful and will possibly require repeated treatments;
Electrosurgery (burning) and curettage (scraping off) are often used together.
Excision is another method of treatment a dermatologist may use which involves cutting out the wart

There is no cure for the wart virus and warts can return at the same site or appear in another area. The best way to prevent the reoccurrence of a wart is to have your dermatologist treat new warts as soon as they appear.

When to See a Dermatologist

The growths are painful and change in appearance and color
When warts persist, spread, or recur after home care treatment
Growths become bothersome and interfere with activities
Not sure if growths are warts
Numerous warts appear, which may indicate immune system functionality

About Us

Associated Dermatologists was founded in 1972, and since then we have strived to deliver the most current advances in dermatologic care to Birmingham and the surrounding area. When you visit us, our well-qualified and caring staff is ready to greet you with a smile and take care of your every need in an efficient manner.

The post How Do Dermatologists Remove Warts? appeared first on Associated Dermatologist.

Is there a link between skin cancer and tattoos?

Associated Dermatologists — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:33:12 +0000

Charles Darwin wrote, “No country in the world that did not practice tattooing or some other form of permanent body decoration.”

Tattooing has become more popular, with a Pew Research Center survey reporting that 40% of young adults have at least one. Tattoos appeal to their customized art, which reflects individual personalities or honors others. While each individual has reasons for getting a tattoo, the question arises about its safety.

Truthfully, they are much safer than decades past. The tattooing process involves the artist using a needle that injures the skin while inserting small amounts of color pigments. So if the wound heals properly, the result is a beautiful and permanent skin art.

It is possible, however, that tattoos can lead to several risks, including allergic reactions, scarring, and skin infections. These risks can increase if the wound has healed improperly. Aside from the risks, is there any correlation between skin cancer and tattoo ink? The key to tattoo safety is ensuring the tattoo heals appropriately and using a safe and reputable tattoo artist.

So is there a correlation between tattoos and skin cancer? This has been a question that researchers have been exploring for years. While there is no direct correlation between tattoos and skin cancer, some ingredients found in the tattoo may be linked to cancer.

An article from The National Library of Medicine states that black tattoo ink can be dangerous. The ink contains a high level of benso(a)pyrene, which is listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

A change in skin pigmentation is one of the earliest signs of skin cancer. The cause of concern is when the body is “blacked out” with tattoo ink, individuals may not be able to notice these changes right away. For this reason, tattoos should never be placed over pre-existing moles, birthmarks, or other skin discolorations or abnormalities.

The post Is there a link between skin cancer and tattoos? appeared first on Associated Dermatologist.

Main Causes of Rosacea Flare-Ups

Associated Dermatologists — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:44:08 +0000

Rosacea is a common disorder causing skin to appear flushed with visible blood vessels. Additionally, it may result in tiny, pus-filled pimples. It is often confused with acne, other skin conditions, or ruddiness that occurs naturally. These symptoms and signs may fluctuate for weeks or months before subsiding temporarily.

Rosacea cannot be cured; however, treatment can manage and lessen the symptoms. Anyone can develop rosacea, but women in their middle age have it most frequently.

What Causes Rosacea Flare-Ups?

If you suffer from Rosacea, knowing what causes flare-ups is important. This will allow you to manage symptoms, and prevent it from worsening.

Although triggers may vary, some of the most common causes includes the following:

Sun exposure – The most typical rosacea trigger is sun exposure. When the UV index is high, people with rosacea should take special care to prevent direct sun exposure on their faces by using sunscreen every day, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and remaining inside or in the shade;
Demodex folliculorum, a mite that is typically found on everyone’s nose and cheeks, may be overabundant or induce hypersensitivity in some individuals. According to studies, numerous rosacea sufferers have been shown to carry these mites, but is still under investigation as to whether it promotes Rosacea flare-ups;
Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria has been confirmed to increase your risk of developing rosacea. According to research, this bacteria triggers the immune system to produce huge amounts of inflammatory mediators that can result in Rosacea flare-ups;
Certain foods such as dairy products, citrus fruits, chocolate, vinegar, soy sauce, beans and spicy foods.
Beverages such as red wine, beer, gin, vodka, hot drinks (such as tea or coffee) and sparkling wines are also said to trigger flare-ups on some people.
Medical Conditions such as chronic cough, menopause, and caffeine withdrawal can also cause your Rosacea to flare-ups.
Other causes include stress, anxiety, medications, exercise, and strenuous activities.

How to Prevent Rosacea Flare-Ups?

Now that you know the causes of Rosacea flare-ups, the next important point is how to prevent it. Below are some of the ways to prevent or at least minimize the occurrence of Rosacea.

Use skin care products that are gentle, fragrance- and alcohol-free.
Use a mild cleanser or a soap replacement to gently wash your face, then pat the skin dry. Abrasive cleaning and rubbing should be avoided because they can irritate the skin.
Apply moisturizer; choose one that is “oil-free,” “fragrance-free,” and “non-comedogenic.” Regularly moisturize your face to help avoid dryness and irritation.
Seek out shade, put on a hat with a wide brim, wear sunglasses, and stay out of the midday sun.
It is strongly recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before exposure to outdoor elements.

How to Cure Rosacea?

Although Rosacea cannot be cured permanently, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible since the condition worsens over time. For those who suffer from minor symptoms, dermatologist prescribed outpatient therapy is the most common treatment method.
At Associated Dermatologists, we’ve had success using several methods to reduce the signs of Rosacea. When treating your rosacea, we work closely with you to look into every treatment option.

We’ll assist you in identifying your Rosacea triggers and we’ll develop a strategy to prevent them. For most people, the most effective strategy to lessen flare-ups is to apply sunscreen every day, especially when going out since sufferers are sun-sensitive.

What is The Permanent Solution for Rosacea Flare-Up?

Unfortunately, Rosacea cannot be cured; however, there are methods to lessen its recurrence in addition to treatments available. Identifying the causes of your flare-up will greatly influence how effective the strategy will be. The most important thing to remember is to avoid sunlight, heat, or other severe temperatures.

Also, as discussed above wind, exercise, caffeine, spicy foods, stress, alcohol, prescription drugs like steroids, or other irritating topical items are all potential Rosacea causes. Some experimenting may be needed to find out what actually causes flare-ups. Once you’ve identified the triggers, it’s important to avoid those that make your Rosacea worse.

Thank you for reading! If you’re near the Birmingham area and you’d like to schedule an appointment to discuss your Rosacea, reach out to our office at (205) 853-3960 today.

The post Main Causes of Rosacea Flare-Ups appeared first on Associated Dermatologist.

A Winter Skincare Routine That’s Dermatologist Approved

Associated Dermatologists — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 14:58:12 +0000

As the temperature begins to drop and humidity levels start to decrease, many can’t help but notice how the dry winter air draws moisture away from their skin. The combination of harsh winds and indoor heating also contribute to issues you may face like cracked or bleeding skin.

To learn more about how to take care of your skin this winter season consider following a dermatologist approved routine.

How Do I Change My Skincare Routine for Winter?

Do you know why winter weather affects the way your skin looks and feels? Dermatologists recommend you change up your skincare routine as the colder temperatures set in because colder climates lead to dead skin cell buildup as well as breakouts. This buildup causes oil and bacteria to become trapped beneath the skin’s surface. During the colder months, we try escaping the low temperatures by spending lots of time indoors with the central heating on high! Although this may seem like a harmless way to stay warm, this can cause your skin to become dehydrated.

Hydrate Your Skin

If your skin is dehydrated, it can appear flaky and dull. Keeping your skin hydrated is important if you want to have healthy looking and feeling skin. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated so that you experience less breakouts and dry skin. In order to hydrate your skin you must increase its water content. The more hydrated your skin becomes, the more smooth, radiant, and even its tone will be.

To achieve this here are some tips on how to hydrate your skin:

Drink Plenty of Water

Strive to implement foods that are rich in water and drink plenty of fluids each day to ensure our bodies are hydrated.

Use Face Masks/Sheets

By adding a hydrating face mask to your daily skin routine, it can minimize fine lines and dark circles as well as keep your skin plump and moist.

Moisturize Daily

Applying a generous amount of moisturizer throughout the day is a great way to rejuvenate your skin and assist with any dehydration that may occur during any time of the year.

Buy A Home Humidifier

During the winter months the moisture content in the air around you is low. A humidifier can be used to add moisture back into the air and protect your skin from becoming dry and dehydrated.

Wear Sunscreen

Dermatologists recommend the use of sunscreen each day. Using sunscreen has many benefits such as preventing UVA and UVB skin damage as well as protecting the strength and elasticity which causes premature aging.

Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly

Exfoliating your skin eliminates dry patches, dead cells, and anything that has accumulated due to the lack of moisture. You should exfoliate your skin once every 4-5 days because if you over-exfoliate it may disrupt the natural skin barrier. This can lead to moisture loss if not careful.

What Should My Daytime Skin Care Routine Be?

It’s important to always adjust your routine to the climate around you. Adding skincare products to your routine that rehydrate and add moisture back to your skin will allow you to achieve healthy skin during the winter months. Dermatologists recommend adding or continuing to use the following skincare products in order to prevent dry, dehydrated skin.

Gentle Exfoliants

Toning down the strength of your exfoliant can allow you to avoid potential irritation. Winter months can cause your skin to become more sensitive than usual. During the times that your skin may react negatively to a scrub exfoliant, try using a chemical exfoliant instead to help treat tight, flaky skin and to improve moisture retention.

Night Oils and Vitamin C Serum

Night oils are a great way to implement different ingredients that will improve moisture retention. They contain antioxidants that allow your skin to repair itself overnight when you sleep. Multi-oil blends do not just rejuvenate your skin short-term, but they help long-term as well.

Adding vitamin C to your skincare routine will help to stimulate collagen production so that it can better retain moisture. Vitamin C boosts and brightens skin while protecting it from harmful external sources. Throughout the summer months, our skin experiences a higher concentration of harmful UV rays. These UV rays cause premature aging and cause damage to the skin’s texture and tone. Vitamin C serums can be used to give the skin a natural healthy glow and reverse damaged areas.

Cleansing Oil and Balms

The products you use in your winter skincare routine should be safe for sensitive skin. Winter climates can increase the chances for negative reactions to occur from products you normally use during warmer months. Using cleansing oils and balms will prevent oil from being stripped away from your skin compared to foaming or other abrasive cleansers. As temperatures drop, the amount of oil our skin produces begins to decrease. In order to effectively clean pores or remove makeup, try choosing a cream, oil, or balm formula that can safely cleanse the skin without stripping oil from the skin.

Thicker Moisturizers

Moisturizing is a great year round skincare practice and lightweight moisturizers may be enough during the summer since there is more moisture in the air, but cooler temperatures call for a more hydrating moisturizer. Due to how dry the air can be and the harsh central heating we undergo indoors, thicker moisturizers during the winter can help seal in hydration.

Sunscreen

No matter the weather or time of year, always wear sunscreen. Using SPF should be a part of your daily skincare routine that stays consistent. UV rays are harmful to your skin in the winter too. It’s important to apply sunscreen to all areas of the skin that are exposed such as the neck, ears, hands, etc.

Dermatologists Recommend

Specializing in hair, nails, and skin, dermatologists can help recommend products for sensitive skin or skin conditions. It is just as important to have a skincare routine geared towards your skin type as well as the current climate.

Associated Dermatologists are all board-certified specialists, and we want to help YOU fight through your medical dermatology needs. Associated Dermatologists continuously strives to give all our patients the best possible medical care in Birmingham. See our services we offer so that you can achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails today.

The post A Winter Skincare Routine That’s Dermatologist Approved appeared first on Associated Dermatologist.

What Happens at Your First Dermatology Appointment

Associated Dermatologists — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:27:51 +0000

Scheduling regular appointments with a dermatologist is an essential part of taking care of your skin, hair, and nails. Aside from helping you achieve flawless skin, dermatologists have the ability to catch skin cancer at its earliest stages and provide you with helpful resources and treatments.

Why Look For Dermatologists

By having a dermatologist you can benefit from their knowledge in educating, screening, and treating various skin issues. Having a dermatologist enables you to receive prescription treatments that are over-the-counter and present you with the most effective results for your acne. Specialists are trained to identify your skin type and provide you with recommended products and skin treatments that are safe and will work best just for you.

Many patients suffer from eczema, scars, and other types of skin damage. Maintaining healthy skin and preventing more damage can be difficult on your own. A dermatologist can be used as a great way to learn the best practices for taking care of your skin especially if you have experienced problems in the past with acne scars, discoloration of the skin, or stretch marks. Everyone’s skin care routine is different. For example, it can be difficult to find products for those with sensitive skin. Most generic skin care products you find in stores can strip the skin and leave your face dry and irritated.

Visit your dermatologist to get solutions to your skin problems right away and skip the frustration of spending an endless amount of money testing all the skin care products on the market. From cleansers, scrubs, moisturizers, toners, and more, you and your dermatologist can come up with the perfect skin care routine that will keep your skin looking healthy.

Protecting Your Skin

It can be difficult to know where to start when you decide you want to make healthy skin a priority in your life. Thoroughly taking care of your skin for the first time is a lifestyle change and having specialized guidance is crucial to achieving healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Healthy skin doesn’t occur just from having a good skincare routine. Preventative actions also make a difference. If you wear makeup regularly, your dermatologist may recommend you avoid certain products or suggest safer ones to try. Dermatologists can also suggest hypoallergenic makeup brands or brands that are geared more towards sensitive skin. They can educate you about harmful practices you may be unconsciously doing on a regular basis that are damaging your skin overtime.

Sunscreen is a must. Many underestimate its importance and forget to implement it into their daily routine. By using moisturizers and makeup that protects your skin from harmful rays, you can decrease your chances of developing skin cancer and other damage.

Skin Cancer

The rapid growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis is caused by unrepaired DNA damage that triggers mutation. The out-of-control growth can cause tumors to form so it’s important to schedule regular skin check ups or screenings with your dermatologist to ensure you are healthy. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays or tanning beds, it increases the chances of developing skin cancer. However, today’s technology makes it possible to catch skin cancer early and provide patients with special treatments as soon as possible.

Your dermatologist can provide you with resources, information, and the treatment you need to obtain healthy skin. By visiting a dermatologist, you increase your chances of detecting skin cancer in its earliest stages. Moles or certain spots on your skin have the ability to change in color, size, or shape. These signs can be checked by a dermatologist in order to verify if it is a serious matter because these symptoms often point to skin cancer. By catching skin cancer early, you may be able to receive treatments that leave little to no scarring.

What to Expect at Your First Dermatology Appointment

Your first dermatology appointment is all about developing a relationship with your dermatologist. After filling out your paperwork with medical information, you will meet with a dermatologist and discuss potential concerns about your skin, hair, or nails. A full body examination will take place to get a baseline of your skin type. It’s important to identify whether you have sensitive skin, normal skin, dry skin, oily skin, or both. This will allow your dermatologist to recommend treatments and products that best fit you. You will most likely dress down to your underwear and gown to be checked head to toe. Your dermatologist may use a special magnifying glass called a dermatoscope to thoroughly check for skin problems. If there is a suspicion of something serious, a biopsy may be required to investigate the matter in order to stay on top of your health.

With communication being an essential part of your first appointment, it is necessary to be open and express your concerns, and ask lots of questions. Your dermatologist can educate you about treatments, products, and healthy skin care practices that may benefit you and your unique skin type. Dermatologists can also inform you on how to check for warning signs of skin cancer as well. Bring a list of the products you currently use such as makeup, cleansers, and more for your dermatologist to reference when deciding what may be preventing you from having healthy skin you desire.

Preparing For Your Visit

Do you know how to prepare for your first dermatology visit? It is okay if you’re lost. The process can be confusing at first. When taking care of your skin, it is quite common to run into challenges along the way. Luckily, dermatologists are ready to help and assist you through what you may feel is an “uphill battle”.

To prepare for your first visit, you should start by checking with your health insurance plan. This enables you to get an idea of what services are covered or if you need a referral from your primary care doctor before proceeding with setting up an appointment. Upon arrival, make sure you have the necessary identification and medical cards on hand. It is a great idea to make a list of questions for your dermatologist. You should also make note of all medications you take and let your dermatologist know before they move forward with any prescribed drugs. The first visit appointment can be a great way to develop a relationship between you and the dermatologist.

Associated Dermatologists are all board-certified specialists, and we want to help YOU fight through your medical dermatology needs. See all our services we offer so that you can achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails today.

The post What Happens at Your First Dermatology Appointment appeared first on Associated Dermatologist.

How To Correctly Apply Sunscreen

Associated Dermatologists — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 16:02:36 +0000

Skin cancer can be a real thing due to over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Spending too much time in the sun without proper sunscreen or protection can lead to this serious issue. But that’s not the only way, the use of tanning beds and sunlamps can lead to skin cancer as well. While you should avoid tanning beds and sunlamps at all costs, it’s impossible to avoid the sun. How do you prepare for a day outdoors? Follow these simple steps to protect your skin by applying sunscreen the right way before exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

When Should I Apply Sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be worn everyday when you are planning to spend time outside. The sun’s harmful UV rays are emitted no matter the time of day or weather forecast. When spending time in snow, sand, or water the sun’s UV rays are increased because of the reflection. So everyday you are outside, be sure to apply sunscreen to any area that may be exposed no matter what your weather person is calling for on any particular day.

What Sunscreen To Use?

When picking out sunscreen be sure that you pick out one that is 30 SPF or higher. Another thing to look out for is making sure that your sunscreen is broad spectrum. As a general rule you will always be told to let your sunscreen soak in for 15-30 minutes before you get in the water. By following these three simple steps, you will be on the right track for an appropriate sunscreen. Another thing to be aware of is that sunscreen has an expiration date so examine your sunscreen for that date.

Apply Enough Sunscreen

When applying sunscreen on a daily basis, the average person does not apply near enough of the recommended amount. Most people wear less than half of the recommended one ounce of sunscreen for the entire body. It is also important to remember to cover the random parts of your body like the tops of your feet, your ears and your lips. Be sure to apply sunscreen to dry skin, every two hours, when spending time directly in the sun.

Stay In The Shade Or At Home

The shade is your best friend from the sun on a sunny day. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 o’clock in the morning and 2 o’clock in the afternoon. During this time be sure to seek the shade as much as possible. A swim shirt is another way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays if you are at the pool or at the beach during this time.

Different Types Of Sunscreen

First of all, using a lotion or cream is best on your face, especially if you have dry skin. You can also use sticks when applying around your eyes and make sure to use SPF 30 or greater chapstick for your lips. Creams also are preferred on the rest of the body but sprays may be used when needed. When using a spray be careful to apply thoroughly because it is easy to miss areas and always apply more sunscreen than you think you need to be careful and protect your skin with extra coverage.

Is Tanning Oil Bad For You?

Tanning oil can be very dangerous when it’s applied in the wrong way! Tanning oil is designed to make you tan faster but for the most part, it accelerates a burn process. If you feel like you have to use tanning oil, be sure that you also combine a SPF 30 or greater sunscreen with your oil.

15 vs 75 SPF

The higher the SPF number, the stronger your UV protection is and this also decreases the number of times you need to reapply. The sunscreen reapplication process is one step that is forgotten by most people. As a general rule, you should reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours when outdoors.

Sunscreen and Vitamin D

The use of sunscreen does influence the amount of Vitamin D that you are receiving. Sunscreen will reduce your skin’s production of Vitamin D the more sunscreen you wear. Any concerns that you might have about your Vitamin D production should be discussed with your doctor. There are multiple ways to increase vitamin D production without the risk of over-exposure to the sun. Supplementation under the care of a physician is preferred over relying on the sun for your vitamin D. Don’t feel like you have to go outside just to get enough important vitamin D.

Sunburn Treatment Information

Spending a whole day in the sun without sunscreen will definitely lead to a sunburn. When you know that you are burnt, one of the most important things to do is stay out of the sun as much as possible. Be sure to apply plenty of moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, which will help with some of the discomfort. Drink plenty of water and cold showers will also reduce the heat of your skin.

Skin Cancer Awareness

Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and it can be avoided with appropriate sunscreen application. Above is a long list of how to correctly use and apply sunscreen as you spend time outside this summer. If you have any questions regarding the best sunscreen for you or you have dermatological concerns call the professionals at Associated Dermatologists. Our team of experts would be happy to help you with any questions you might have. Call us at 205-853-3960.

The post How To Correctly Apply Sunscreen appeared first on Associated Dermatologist.

Why Do People Get Skin Cancer So Easily?

Associated Dermatologists — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 19:49:12 +0000

Your skin is the canvas that covers your body from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. The last thing you ever want to hear is you have skin cancer! It’s a common problem that affects men and women of all ages though. If you landed on this article, you may wonder why people get this type of cancer so easily and what you can do to prevent it. There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing some form of cancer on the surface of your body at some point in your life. Let’s take a look at those risk factors and some ways you can limit your personal risk of developing skin cancer.

Exposure to Sunlight Poses the Highest Risk

If you have spent a great deal of time in the sun without any type of protection, you may be a candidate for skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays, a small component of sunlight, are damaging to the surface of your body. They are harmful to the DNA found in your skin cells. This can trigger abnormal cell growth on the surface of your body, leading to basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, or melanoma. If you have been sunburned many times over the years, your risk increases. Studies have shown that men tend to be in a higher risk group than women.

The Tone of Your Skin Can Have an Impact on Your Risk

If you are fair and have light colored eyes, your risk of getting skin cancer goes up. Melanin plays a role in skin tone. People with darker tones have larger particles of melanin and a higher number of particles. They also have more of a particular type of melanin known as eumelanin. People with lighter tones have a type of melanin known as pheomelanin. If you are a lighter color, you will burn much more easily, damaging more cells on the surface of the skin. Individuals who are darker are less susceptible to skin cancer, but should still take every precaution like using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged exposure. It is important for all of us to be vigilant and stay on guard for any strange growths or marks on the skin. The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis generally is.

The Risk Increases with Age

If you aren’t diagnosed with cancer on the surface of your body in your younger years, don’t let your guard down! There is an even greater chance it could happen when you get older. At that point in your life, you will have had much more exposure to the sun’s rays than a young person. There is also a chance that a great deal of exposure in your younger years, including serious sunburns, could affect you many years down the line. We may think we’re invincible when we’re young, but that’s definitely not the case!

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Getting this Type of Cancer?

The best thing you can do to avoid cancer like this is to wear a strong sunscreen any time you are going to be outdoors. You can even find it in makeup brands that includes some SPF protection, so there really is no excuse! Wear a hat to shield your face from the sun. Wear long sleeves and pants when possible too. If you are in a bathing suit or something that leaves your body uncovered, limit your time spent outdoors while also using a high SPF sunscreen product that’s waterproof. See a dermatologist regularly to have your body evaluated by a medical professional. Your dermatologist may make a map of your body that highlights any areas of concern for future follow-up visits when they check for skin cancer. Otherwise, pictures may be kept on file. Evaluate yourself often as well. If you see a spot that calls for concern, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

If you’re in Trussville, Birmingham or surrounding areas then you can call Associated Dermatologists and schedule your appointment with us. At Associated Dermatologists, we’re here to bring you advanced and compassionate service in a variety of different ways that can bring you comfort, relief, and peace of mind. We’re constantly working to provide the highest standard of individualized care for one of the most important things – Our Skin!! We strive to always be improving the health of our community by delivering a broad range of services, and we stop at nothing to help you.

The post Why Do People Get Skin Cancer So Easily? appeared first on Associated Dermatologist.

The Common Causes of Dry Skin and How to Treat It

Associated Dermatologists — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 14:12:55 +0000

Whether you seem to have always had it, or it comes on suddenly, dry skin doesn’t just come out of nowhere. There are some very common causes to dry skin and understanding the cause of why you are having this issue is key to getting the right treatment. Here are just a few reasons that you may be experiencing this problem.

Dry skin can impact the quality of your life

For some folks, it may be as simple as feeling some tightness in your skin after you’ve showered, or experiencing some itchiness in certain areas. There are other people who unfortunately experience cracked and irritated skin that bleeds.

If you are affected by dry skin, you don’t have to deal with the pain and discomfort that can sometimes follow. It just so happens that there are a variety of treatments available that can help soothe your skin and leave you with an overall better quality of life. Below is some information about a few common causes of dry skin and some treatments that might help.

What Are Some Common Causes of Dry Skin?

Atopic Dermatitis—This condition is the most common type of eczema diagnosed.
This condition is the result of your skin not holding on to moisture like it should. If you’ve noticed a rash on your hands, feet, face, inside your elbows, or behind your knees, it may be as simple as changing detergents or soaps, or starting to use a moisturizer regularly.
Weather—Have you noticed your skin feeling dry during the winter months? When the humidity and temperatures drop in colder areas, many people can experience the impact of dry skin.
Smoking—People who smoke cigarettes or cigars are doing damage to their skin, in addition to many other potential health hazards. Smoking can affect your blood flow which may, in turn, cause issues with your skin.
Age—As you get older, the glands in your skin won’t be able to keep your skin naturally hydrated with oil as readily. This will mean that, as you enter your 50’s, dry skin may become a more common issue for you.

Dry skin can lead to an abundance of unpleasant side-effects, including infection. Infection is a possibility because cracked and inflamed skin can lead to bacteria finding its way into those fissures and making a home in it.

Treatments and Prevention of Dry Skin

Since our skin is so important to the quality of your life, you must do everything you can to take care of it and prevent some of the associated issues. Below are some treatments and ways you can prevent dry skin from impacting your life.

Moisturize—If you find that your skin is dry, you may want to provide it with a little assistance with some moisturizer. Some experts recommend using one with lactic acid or urea because they will help your skin retain moisture better. They can also help with keeping your body smooth, and soft, as well as protect your skin from cracking. Your dermatologist can help you select a product that is right for you.
Medication—There are times when even over-the-counter moisturizers won’t do the trick. For those times, your dermatologist may call in the big guns. There are different creams, ointments, and corticosteroids that they can prescribe that will help you find relief from the itching, redness, and cracking.
Cover Your Skin in Cold, Dry Weather—As the temperatures drop, make sure that you are covering your skin. Keeping your skin protected from the elements will ensure that you retain as much moisture as possible. It may also be a good idea to invest in a humidifier for those colder, drier months.

See Your Dermatologist

There is no reason that anyone in the Birmingham, AL area should have to suffer from the impacts of dry skin. If you are experiencing any discomfort from this condition, and haven’t been able to solve it with any over-the-counter products, consider making an appointment, or getting a referral from your general practitioner, to visit Associated Dermatologists. You can reach us at (205) 853-3960.

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