Cosmetic Dermatology vs Medical Dermatology?

What are the key differences between cosmetic dermatology and medical dermatology? For one thing, cosmetic dermatology can help patients look younger or help patients attain more alluring, flawless skin. On the other hand, medical dermatology is a field dedicated to helping patients treat health issues related to the skin.

In real life, there isn’t so much of a clear-cut distinction; many experts in medical dermatology use their vast knowledge and training to deliver aesthetics with great skill. And while some practices focus on one or the other, there are practices who are passionate enough about providing comprehensive care that they offer both—like the Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena.

What’s Cosmetic Dermatology?

Cosmetic dermatology consists of nonsurgical aesthetic treatments performed by dermatologists—and it’s a field that’s growing quickly. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery collected data over the years and found that over 11,674,754 nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2016—and the number is only going up. Today, more and more cosmetic treatments are being developed, allowing patients to choose from countless of different procedures for all sorts of skin conditions and signs of aging. From laser treatments to powerful skin care products, cosmetic dermatologists have the experience and knowledge of the skin to help patients achieve real results.

Skin Care Products

Cosmetic dermatologists can offer medical grade skin care to help patients achieve flawless, younger looking skin. Over-the-counter products do have active ingredients, but in order to make them safe for the general public, the active ingredients are very much diluted. Because medical grade skin care is given by a medical professional, they have the proper concentrations of active ingredients to create real results.

Injectables

Injectables are specially formulated solutions that are injected into the skin. They can be divided into dermal fillers, which are a kind of smooth gel that lifts the skin or smooths out deep wrinkles, and neuromodulators like Botox^®, which reduces the appearance of certain wrinkles.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments use either laser or light energy to remove unsightly blemishes from the skin or rebuild the skin into a younger, smoother form. Laser energy can also be used for long-lasting hair reduction and for removing unsightly redness and veins from the face and legs.

Vein Removal

Cosmetic dermatologists can soften the appearance of large, unsightly veins using sclerotherapy, a treatment that injects a solution into the vasculature to collapse overly-dilated veins.

What’s Medical Dermatology?

Medical dermatology is usually what we think of when we think of dermatology. Dermatologists analyze, diagnose, and treat patients for various medical disorders of the skin. These conditions can range from the harmless, like eczema, to the life threatening, like skin cancer. Dermatologists need years of training and experience to treat such a wide range of conditions: for instance, dermatologists need to complete four years of medical school, one year of internship, and three years of training in a specialized field.

Just a few of the conditions that medical dermatology can treat include:

Skin Cancer

Medical dermatologists can analyze suspected skin cancer, perform a biopsy, and plan a treatment for removing the skin cancer. Dermatologists are also trained to remove skin cancer in a way that doesn’t result in deformities.

Chronic Acne

Chronic adult acne can cause years of frustration and embarrassment, and it’s often impervious to over-the-counter treatments or changes in lifestyle. Dermatologists can recommend a number of treatments from topical medications, oral medications, to steroid injections to help patients achieve smooth skin once and for all.

Eczema

Eczema is a type of skin condition that causes itchy, dry, red patches to appear on the skin. It’s caused by certain overactive skin cells creating too many skin cells at a time. Eczema is seen as unsightly by some patients, but it can also lead to painful blistering. Dermatologists can treat eczema with powerful steroidal creams, antibacterial medication, and certain lotions. Dermatologists can also treat eczema with phototherapy, a nonsurgical treatment that uses light energy to suppress the overactive skin cells responsible for eczema.

Rosacea

This chronic skin condition causes patients to have perpetually red, flushed faces. It’s triggered by certain situations, but as of today there is no known cure. Dermatologists, however, can prescribe powerful treatments to help patients manage and mitigate rosacea.

In the end, patients shouldn’t have to choose between the aesthetic and the medical; it’s why at the Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena, patients can have a medical treatment that results in clearer, healthier skin and have powerful aesthetic treatments that actually work. If you want to learn more about our treatments, contact us now for a consultation.

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If you watched HBO’s recent crime series The Night Of, you saw an extreme portrait of the atopic dermatitis sufferer in John Turturro’s lawyer character, John Stone. Stone’s weekly battles to deal with his incessantly itching feet and legs, along with his vain efforts to seek a cure through all manner of bizarre treatments, provided a kind of comic relief from the series’ dark subject matter. But viewers who share the character’s desperation weren’t laughing.

Fortunately, the real-life outlook for many atopic dermatitis patients is much clearer. As a new video from the American Academy of Dermatology shows, doctors are benefiting from ongoing research that offers patients faster diagnoses and a much wider range of treatment options — including empowering patients to manage their condition through lifestyle changes.

The key is the growing understanding of the link between atopic dermatitis and other immunological disturbances such as allergies. In fact, atopic dermatitis is often called “skin asthma,” because it reflects the same immunological overrreacton to environmental and emotional stimuli as the respiratory triggers of asthma. Like asthma and allergies, atopic dermatitis frequently has a genetic connection, with the susceptibility running in families.

Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes of the skin symptoms and testing thoroughly for allergies and other triggers. These vary from patient to patient, and even for the same patient over a lifetime. Treatment involves managing the immune response through a combination of medical treatments  (ranging from topical emollients to light therapy to injectable biologic treatments) and lifestyle changes (avoidance of triggers, stress management, healthy nutritional and activity choices) tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Atopic dermatitis cannot be completely cured, though it can be managed, and in many cases brought into remission.

If you suspect you are dealing with atopic dermatitis or are troubled by recurring bouts of skin itching, redness, inflammation, and infection from scratching (or know someone who is), watch the American Academy of Dermatology video below. Then contact us for an appointment. Our Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena physicians and physician assistants are ready to be your partner in an itch-free, clearer skin future!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLxM3pJUj_M

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Acne can continue to, recur at, or even appear for the first time in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Here are some of the reasons adult acne might crop up:

Hormone-level changes. This is the primary reason that adult acne is more of a problem for women than for men. Both sexes tend to develop acne at equal rates during puberty, when levels of make and female hormones surge and ebb erratically. But women continue to experience hormonal changes at other times during adult life. Pregnancy, menstruation, starting or stopping hormonal contraception, and peri-menopause or menopause can all trigger adult acne in women. Men who take testosterone supplements for growth or performance enhancement (not merely to replace age-related loss) can also experience hormone-related acne outbreaks.

Genetics. Like being female, this is one factor in adult acne susceptibility you can’t do much to change. If others in your family have had adult acne, you might have a greater tendency to develop it due to a genetic predisposition.

Stress. Researchers have found a strong link between stress and adult acne (as well as rosacea). The culprit is largely hormonal. Stress stimulates overproduction of the male hormone androgen in both men and women. Androgen, in turn, ramps up the production of skin oils and the growth of hair, both of which can clog pores and make them breeding grounds for the bacteria that causes most acne. Stress also depletes the immune system, leading to high levels of inflammation, another contributor to acne flares. Stress management should be your first line of adult acne defense.

Skin care products. You might be doing your adult acne more harm than good if you fall back on using the same treatment products you relied on as a teenager. Older skin is less resilient and more sensitive. Stay away from harsh cleansers and drying agents unless your dermatologist prescribes them. Use makeup, skin care products, and sunscreens you trust to be non-comedogenic and gentle. (“Natural” isn’t always a guarantee. Many essential oils are too harsh to be applied topically.) Of course you should always use clean sponges and applicators, and toss all dated or contaminated products.

Medications and diseases. Adult acne can also be triggered by medications you take for other conditions, and in rare cases it can be a symptom of an underlying illness. Always let your dermatologist know what other conditions you’re being treated for.

The good news is that there are treatments available (many used in combination) to help manage and clear your adult acne, no matter what the cause. At Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena we offer a full range of acne treatments for women and men of all ages — from refreshing anti-acne facials and our own portable Acne Treatment Kits to chemical peels, steroid injections, and prescription topical or oral antibiotic treatments. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines Levulan, a topical medication. with Blu-U laser light to treat acne. We also offer treatments to minimize the appearance of acne scars and marks.

So put down that cover stick and contact us today! Thank goodness, it’s not high school all over again.

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Yada yada yada sunscreen. We know, you’re tired of hearing it. But if you won’t listen to us, how about a sunscreen public service announcement from Wolverine? Or Jean Valjean?

The actor Hugh Jackman is known for his rugged Aussie good looks, his superhero physique, and his Broadway show-stopping musical pipes. But in the past couple of weeks it’s Jackman’s skin that’s made news, as the Golden Globe and Tony award winner took to Instagram with a selfie of his bandaged nose. Confessing he’d just had surgery to remove a fifth basal cell carcinoma, Jackman took the opportunity to plead with his fans and followers: “PLEASE USE SUNSCREEN and get regular checkups.”

We applaud Jackman and second his appeal. And we want to take an opportunity of our own to dispel a couple of sunscreen myths that showed up, unfortunately, in the comments under his Instagram post.

Myth #1. Real men don’t use sunscreen. Jackman has confessed to falling for this one. In his home country of Australia (which has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world) the outdoor lifestyle and tough-guy Ozzie spirit don’t put much stock in UV protection or skin care. Jackman is hoping his example will help change that.

Myth #2. Sunscreen causes cancer. This dangerous myth showed up far too frequently among responses to Jackman’s plea. Commenters claimed skin cancer rates have only begun increasing since sunscreen use has been recommended. Wrong! More awareness and more frequent skin checks, with earlier diagnosis and treatments, are what’s behind rising skin cancer rates–and cures. Also, the damage now showing up as skin cancer in adults was more than likely done years ago, before sunscreen use was popular. There is also a lot of dangerous misinformation out there about the chemicals contained in sunscreens. Contrary to myth, these are not carcinogenic! You may have a sensitivity to particular chemicals that causes irritation or an allergic reaction. In that case, choose what’s called a physical sunscreen–one that uses minerals to block sun damage without irritating sensitive skin.

Myth #3. The best sunscreen is “natural” coconut oil. Coconut oil is indeed natural, and contains lots of good fats. But slathering fat on your skin doesn’t protect it from UV damage any more than slathering olive oil on chicken breasts before grilling them protects the meat from cooking. Back in the day, when tanning was in dangerous fashion, sunbathers often used coconut oil, cocoa butter, baby oil (mineral oil), and other fats to speed the browning of skin. All tanning did, though, is damage–leaving behind premature aging, wrinkling, dark spots, and a highly increased risk of developing the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma. (Myth #3a–that skin cancer can be cured by applying a paste of coconut oil and baking soda to the lesions–is an even more dangerous offshoot of this misinformation.)

So take it from Hugh Jackman. Please use sunscreen (talk to us about the product that’s right for you, and how to apply it effectively) and get regular checkups (call us now, so you don’t forget). Wolverine’s nose knows!

Image source: Wolverine promotional poster, Marvel Entertainment

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Who Needs PDT?

PDT has a variety of applications in dermatology, but today we’re talking about its use in the elimination of the precancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses (AKs). AKs, which are more common in light-complexioned people with a higher tendency to sunburn, are spots of UV-damaged skin. They appear as reddish, brown, or tan bumps on frequently exposed skin such as the face, lips, scalp, and hands. The lesions may scale or crust over, and they don’t heal or go away by themselves. Untreated AKs have a high potential to become cancerous–and there’s no way to predict whether that development will be swift or slow.

What Is Photodynamic Therapy?

PDT uses a combination of a topical solution and exposure to blue light to destroy the damaged cells that make up AKs. The solution, Levulan Kerastick, is applied directly to the areas of skin damage. As it is absorbed into the skin’s layers, the solution forms a chemical that makes the damaged areas particularly sensitive to light. Then the patient (wearing eye protection) is exposed to BLU-U blue light for about 17 minutes. The blue light targets the sensitized areas and destroys them, leaving healthy surrounding skin unaffected and clearing the way for healthy new cell growth.

The most common side effects of PDT are stinging, burning, and peeling at the treatment site, similar to the effects of a bad sunburn. To avoid or minimize these effects, the patient must avoid exposure to visible light for 48 hours before and after treatment. That means covering up completely when you have go outside, and keeping the lights low inside. Sunscreens are not effective protection against the light sensitivity PDT creates.

The PDT Bonus

In addition to its cancer-prevention power, Photodynamic Therapy leaves skin healthier and younger looking. And unlike many cosmetic treatments, PDT for the destruction of precancerous lesions is a medical procedure covered by most health insurance plans. To learn more about PDT and actinic keratoses, and to see a video about the treatment, click here. And contact us today to learn whether you are a candidate for PDT, or to find out more about its uses in treating acne and rosacea and in cosmetic rejuvenation.

Manage your skin damage today, before the clock springs ahead!

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Most of us think of melanoma when we hear “skin cancer.” It’s the form of skin cancer with the deadliest potential to metastasize, or spread, to other organs. But non-melanoma skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are even more common, and can be painful and disfiguring.

The good news on the skin cancer front is that, in all its forms, skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. (That’s why we nag about using sunscreen and practicing other UV protection techniques on a daily basis.) There have also been great advances in the treatment of skin cancer, especially with early detection. (That’s why we urge you to schedule an annual full-body skin check–more often, if you are at higher risk–and remind you to familiarize yourself with the early signs of skin cancer.) With techniques like PDT (photodynamic therapy), for example, we can address pre-cancerous lesions (known as actinic keratoses) before they have a chance to develop into full-blown skin cancers.

So You’ve Been Diagnosed

If you have received a diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer, you will most likely be recommended for Mohs micrographic surgery, the most successful technique for removing skin cancer while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. The surgery involves taking very thin excisions of tissue and using a microscope to check each excision for cancer cells under a microscope. When an excision shows no cancer, the surgery is complete.

Mohs micrographic surgery is particularly suited for excising skin cancers from the face, hands, and other areas where deep scarring is undesirable. When many layers must be excised to ensure no cancer cells remain, a Mohs micrographic surgeon can perform Mohs reconstruction, using plastic surgery techniques to restore the function, shape, contour, and appearance of the area where the Mohs surgery was performed.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Comprehensive Dermatology of Pasadena

Our Dr. Han Lee has performed hundreds of Mohs micrographic surgeries and is an expert in Mohs reconstruction. Mohs surgeries are performed here in the comfort of our office, with Mohs reconstruction usually done at the same time. Click here to learn more, to view a video of Dr. Lee conducting Mohs micrographic surgery, and to download a patient brochure on the procedure.

Skin cancer can be scary. But we’re here to help you prevent, diagnose, and treat it–for a healthy, beautiful, no-fears future. Call or email us today to schedule your full-body skin check or to assess any changes in your skin.

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Sunscreen: The Prescription Nobody Follows

As well advertised as the benefits of sun protection are, many of us still haven’t caught on. In a Centers for Disease Control survey shared by the American Academy of Dermatology in 2015, only 43% of US women and 18% of US men reported using sunscreen regularly on their faces. When it comes to applying sunscreen to other exposed skin, men did a better job than women (though the overall percentage of use is still less than 1 in 5). Women seem to be getting and paying attention to the message that UV radiation advances skin aging as well as contributing to the epidemic of skin cancer, but all of us–women and men–have a long way to go in doing what we need to do to protect our skin.

Don’t Just Say You’re Using Sunscreen; Do It, and Do It Right

Even those of us who claim to be faithful practitioners of sun protection often fall short. So make it your New Year’s resolution to up your sunscreen knowledge and use, starting today. Don’t just skim these AAD guidelines; post them on your mirror, and follow them.

1. Choose a broad-spectrum (effective against both UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
2. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minute before sun exposure.
3. Use enough sunscreen to cover your whole body (about an ounce for most adults), and apply it to all exposed areas, including the ears, scalp, tops of the feet and legs.
4. Ask someone else to help you apply sunscreen on hard-to-reach spots like your back.
5. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

This means, by the way, you–whatever your age, gender, or skin tone. And it means every day, in every kind of weather. Children, the elderly, people with previous incidence of skin cancer, those who work outdoors, and people who’ve had recent cosmetic procedures or who use certain skin care products like retinols need to take special precautions.

Let Us Help You Keep Your Sunscreen Resolution

At Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena, we see daily the effects of not keeping the sunscreen resolution. So we want to be your partner in healthy skin and beautiful skin all year long. We carry a wide line of physician-approved sunscreens for every skin type, including those formulated for special circumstances such as post-procedure protection. To help make your daily UV protection a breeze, we recommend combination products like Revision’s Intellishade tinted moisturizer, which offers daily moisturizing, skin-matched tinting, and broad-spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen in one application. You can also find stylish, packable sun hats with built-in UPF 50 protection.

For advice on the best sunscreen for you, call or email our cosmetic consultant Mary Lou. And remember that we also offer a full array solutions for addressing existing UV damage and reversing signs of aging, as well as superb medical diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers–we’d just rather not have to use them so often for such a preventable problem.

Happy New Year. Now go slather!

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Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers; basal cell and squamous cell cancers affect more than one million Americans each year and the number is rising. Because ultraviolet light can damage DNA, exposing the skin to sunlight increases the risk for an individual to develop skin cancer. Skin type is a very important factor in the development of skin cancer. Fair-skinned individuals who tend to burn easily and tan poorly are at the greatest risk while dark skinned people are at a reduced risk.

What are the signs of cancer?

A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an old growth. Not all skin cancers look the same and you should inspect your skin periodically and become familiar with all spots and moles and pay special attention to their sizes, shapes, edges, and color.

Some of the skin changes to watch for are:

• A skin growth that bleeds spontaneously or with minimal trauma.
• A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, irregular, brown, black, or multicolored.
• A mole or birthmark that changes in color or texture, bleeds, or increases in size or thickness.
• A spot or growth that continues to itch, hurt, crust, erode, or bleed.
• An open sore or wound on the skin that lasts for four weeks and does not heal.
• A sore that heals and then reopens.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment for a checkup with your dermatologist. Most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early.

A formula has been created to help you remember how to detect cancer.

The ABCDE’s of cancer are:

• Asymmetry: Most melanomas are asymmetrical; a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.
• Border Irregularity: The borders of melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smoother more even borders.
• Color Variability: Varied shades of brown, tan, or black are often the first sign of Melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white, and blue may appear. Common moles are usually a single shade of brown.
• Diameter: Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles; generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser (6mm) but they can be smaller.
• Evolving: Any evolution or change in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or a new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting points to danger.

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be 1 million new cases of skin cancer this year. When diagnosed and treated early, they are 95% curable. Malignant Melanoma is more serious as it has a propensity to metastasize to other areas of the body. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, it is important to minimize sun exposure, wear sun protection daily, and have full body skin examinations yearly to recognize the signs and symptoms of skin cancer.
A dermatology biopsy is the only way to correctly diagnose skin cancer. The biopsy results will help your dermatologist make a diagnosis and plan your treatment. If your biopsy shows that you have cancer, your dermatologist will need to know the extent or stage of your disease. The stage is based on the size of the growth, how deeply it has grown beneath the top layer of skin, and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.

Dr. Neda Black Shows How You Can Spot the Signs of Melanomas

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

It is very difficult to deal with the emotions that flood our minds after we have been diagnosed with skin cancer. It is important however to stay calm and clear our minds so we can learn what to do and the best way to take care of it. At Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena, we can help you through this difficult process and together we can determine what treatment procedure is best for you. Most skin cancers, even malignant melanoma, can be cured if discovered early enough. This is why attention to symptoms and regular self-examination is highly recommended. When cancers of the skin are discovered early, there are a variety of treatment possibilities.

Sometimes all of the cancer is removed during the biopsy and in this case, you will not need further treatment. Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of your disease, the size and place of growth, and your general health and medical history. In most cases, the aim of treatment is to remove or destroy the cancer completely.

Some of the options available to treat your skin cancer are:

• Radiation Therapy
• Topical Immuno-Modulating Agents
• Topical Chemotherapy
• Freezing
• Electrodessication and Curettage
• Skin Cancer Surgery
• Cryosurgery
• Laser Surgery
• Excisional Surgery
• Mohs Surgery

The best way to protect yourself from future skin cancers is to make a serious attempt at reducing the amount of sunlight you are exposed to. You don’t have to change your entire lifestyle but you should alter it intelligently and take the proper precautions. An unfortunate statistic is that 50% of people who develop a skin cancer will develop skin cancer again within five years.

Our skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects us against heat, light, injury, and infection. It helps control our body temperature and it stores water and fat. Our skin is good to us so we need return the favor by checking our skin regularly. Once you learn what is normal for you, if you find anything unusual you should call your dermatologist and set up an appointment right away. The World Health Organization estimates that over 65,000 people die each year from skin cancer. To keep that from happening to you, take care of your skin and it will take care of you.

Skin Cancer in Pasadena, CA FAQs

How often should I schedule full-body skin exams if I have a history of skin cancer?

Patients with a personal history of skin cancer are often seen more frequently than once a year so that new or recurrent lesions can be detected as early as possible. Your dermatologist will recommend a customized follow-up schedule based on your past cancers, family history, skin type, and how much sun damage you have.

What should I expect during a dedicated skin cancer follow-up visit in Pasadena?

During a follow-up visit, your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin from head to toe, paying special attention to any previous treatment sites and new or changing spots. You will also have the chance to discuss any symptoms or concerns, review biopsy results if needed, and update your prevention plan, including sun protection and home skin checks.

How can I perform an effective at-home skin cancer self-exam between dermatologist visits?

Choose good lighting and a full-length mirror, then slowly scan your skin from your scalp to the soles of your feet, using a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas like your backsidea. Make note of any new or changing spots, as well as places that are not healing, and take clear photos over time so you can show any changes to your dermatologist at your next visit.

What questions should I ask my dermatologist after a skin cancer diagnosis?

It is helpful to ask about the exact type of skin cancer, whether it was caught early, and what treatment options are recommended in your specific case. You can also ask about the expected recovery, scarring, risk of recurrence, and what steps you should take to reduce your chances of developing additional skin cancers in the future.

How do I know which skin cancer treatment option is best for my specific lesion?

The best treatment depends on the skin cancer type, size, depth, and location, as well as your general health and any previous treatments. Your dermatologist will explain why a particular approach, such as surgery, topical therapy, or other methods, offers the right balance of cure rate, safety, and cosmetic outcome for your situation.

What can I do to support healing and minimize scarring after skin cancer treatment?

Following your aftercare instructions precisely, keeping the area clean, and protecting it from the sun are essential for healthy healing and smoother scars. Avoid picking at scabs, use recommended ointments or dressings, and ask your dermatologist about scar management options, such as silicone gels or laser treatments, if needed.

How does having one skin cancer affect my risk of getting another?

Once you have had one skin cancer, your risk of developing another increases, especially if you have significant sun damage or a fair skin type. This is why ongoing professional skin exams, strict sun protection, and regular self-checks are critical parts of long-term care after your first diagnosis.

Are there specific sun protection strategies recommended for life in Southern California?

In addition to daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, patients in sunny climates benefit from seeking shade during midday hours and wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing. Keeping sun protection items in your car, bag, or office can make it easier to stay consistent when you are out in Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area.

How can I involve my family in skin cancer prevention and early detection?

You can encourage family members to learn the ABCDEs, or guidelines for identifying suspicious moles or lesions, share your dermatologist’s recommendations, and model good habits, like sunscreen use and sun-safe clothing. For partners or close relatives, doing mutual back and scalp checks a few times a year can help catch unusual spots in areas that are hard to see on your own.

What lifestyle changes can lower my long-term risk after skin cancer treatment?

In addition to sun protection, avoiding tanning beds and smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing other medical conditions can all support skin and immune health. Staying consistent with follow-up visits and promptly scheduling an appointment if you notice a worrisome change are also key parts of your long-term prevention plan.

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What Are the Symptoms of Rosacea?

There are many warning signs giving you a signal to see your dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment before your symptoms get worse.

Some of the signs of rosacea are:

• Redness on your cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead.
• Small, visible blood vessels on your face.
• Red bumps or pimples on your face.
• Watery or irritated eyes.
• Facial flushing or blushing
• Small cysts
• Burning

Typical signs and symptoms of rosacea tend to come and go. Your skin may be clear for weeks, months, or even years before erupting again. Rosacea rarely reverses itself and tends to evolve in stages typically causing inflammation of the skin on the face.

What Causes Rosacea?

While the basic process of rosacea seems to involve dilation of the small blood vessels of the face, the exact cause of rosacea is still unknown and remains a mystery.

Some of the suspected causes of rosacea are:

• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• A mite sometimes found in hair follicles called Demodex Folliculorum
• The bacteria associated with stomach ulcers known as Helicobacter Pylori
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Medications that cause blood vessels to widen

There seems to be a hereditary component to rosacea in a large number of people as often people have close family members with this disorder. Rosacea tends to affect the “blush” areas of the face and is more common in people who flush easily.

A variety of triggers that are known to cause rosacea are:

• Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, fear, and embarrassment
• Changes in the weather like wind and humidity
• Sun exposure
• Sun-damaged skin is especially susceptible to rosacea
• Alcohol consumption
• Exercise
• Emotional upsets
• Spicy foods
• Bathing and cleansing
• Drugs
• Skin care products
• Cosmetics
• Medical conditions

Rosacea Treatments

Rosacea cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. There are many treatment choices for rosacea depending on the severity and extent of your symptoms.

Available medical treatments include:

• Oral medications
• Antibacterial washes
• Topical creams
• Antibiotic pills
• Lasers
• Pulsed-light Therapies
• Photodynamic Therapy
• Isotretinoin
• VBeam treatments

Take the Next Step and Schedule Your Rosacea Consultation

If you’re ready to get your rosacea under control, scheduling a personalized consultation at our Pasadena dermatology center is the best next step. During your visit, our team will evaluate your skin, identify your triggers, and create a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle. Many patients begin seeing meaningful improvement after just a few visits.

Rosacea Treatments FAQs

What are some early signs of rosacea that people often miss or overlook?

Many people miss the subtle early symptoms of rosacea, such as frequent flushing, increased warmth in the cheeks, or a tendency to blush more easily than others. These early signs can appear months or even years before persistent redness or bumps develop, making early recognition important for long‑term skin health.

Can rosacea affect areas other than the face?

Although rosacea most commonly shows up on the central face, it can also appear on the neck, chest, scalp, and ears. These areas may show redness, sensitivity, or flushing, especially in individuals with more advanced symptoms or with rosacea that has gone untreated.

Is rosacea linked to gut health or digestive issues?

Research has suggested that there is a possible association between rosacea and certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO) or inflammatory gut disorders. While the connection isn’t fully understood, improving gut health may help some individuals reduce flare ups.

Does rosacea get worse with age?

Rosacea can gradually worsen over time if left untreated, and flare ups can become more frequent or intense. An early diagnosis by a licensed dermatologist and consistent management can help slow progression and maintain calmer skin.

Can rosacea cause permanent skin changes?

Long‑term inflammation can lead to visible blood vessels, persistent redness, or thickened skin, especially around the nose, a condition known as rhinophyma. When you become proactive about your rosacea diagnosis and pursue early treatment, it is more likely that you can help prevent or minimize these permanent changes.

Is rosacea more common in certain skin tones?

Rosacea is often underdiagnosed in medium to darker skin tones because redness is commonly less visible. However, people of all skin types can develop rosacea, and symptoms may appear as warmth, swelling, or darkened patches rather than classic redness.

Can stress trigger rosacea flare ups?

Emotional stress is one of the most common rosacea triggers. When the body experiences stress, it releases hormones that increase blood flow to the skin, which can lead to flushing, warmth, and inflammation. Some common stress management techniques that may reduce the frequency or severity of flare-ups include:

• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Mindfulness and meditation practices during stressful situations
• Gentle physical activities like walking, yoga, or stretching
• Take more frequent breaks during stressful tasks
• Improving sleep habits
• Setting boundaries to reduce emotional strain

Is rosacea related to hormonal changes?

Hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause, pregnancy, or changes in birth control may worsen rosacea symptoms for some individuals. These shifts can increase flushing, sensitivity, and inflammatory bumps. However, rosacea symptoms can go away on their own once you give birth and your hormones become regulated.

Can exercise make rosacea worse?

High‑intensity workouts can cause overheating and facial flushing, which may trigger rosacea flare ups. Many people find relief by exercising in cooler environments, taking more frequent breaks, or choosing lower‑intensity activities.

Is rosacea contagious?

Rosacea is not contagious and cannot be spread through skin contact, shared items, or airborne exposure. It is a chronic inflammatory condition influenced by your personal genetics, environmental triggers, and skin sensitivity.

Can rosacea affect eye health?

Ocular rosacea can cause symptoms such as dryness, burning, redness, or a gritty sensation in the eyes. Because untreated ocular rosacea may lead to complications, it’s important to talk to your doctor if eye symptoms develop.

Does diet play a role in rosacea flare ups?

Many people with rosacea find that certain foods, including spicy dishes, alcohol, hot beverages, and histamine‑rich foods can be major triggers for flare ups. It can be helpful to keep a food diary to identify personal dietary triggers and avoid them.

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Psoriasis is a genetic skin disease, so people are more likely to develop psoriasis than others if there is someone else in their family who has it. Psoriasis is often triggered by events like throat infection, stress or an injury to the skin, or dry weather. There is no psoriasis treatment that results in a permanent cure. However, there are effective psoriasis treatments that can control the signs and symptoms of this condition.

When you have psoriasis, your new skin cells form in days instead of weeks, and your body cannot shed these excess cells. The rapid cell reproduction then piles up on the surface of your skin resulting in red or pink areas of raised, dry, silvery patches or thickened plaques of raised skin. It might also have the appearance of flattened bumps or dry skin with large flakes.

Psoriasis commonly affects the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp, but it can be found anywhere on the body. It is also common in areas of repeated rubbing and constant use.

If you suffer from this frustrating skin condition and wish to start psoriasis treatment, call our Pasadena office at (626) 793.7790 or contact us here.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several different types of psoriasis, and some people get more than one type. Some patients start with one type of psoriasis but it can later change to a different type.

• Plaque or psoriasis vulgaris—The most common type of psoriasis characterized by thick, red patches of skin covered by flaky, silver-white scales.
• Guttate Psoriasis—Small, pink-red spots on the skin.
• Inverse Psoriasis (also known as Flexural Psoriasis or Intertriginous Psoriasis)—Skin redness and irritation on the armpits, groin, navel, buttocks, and in between overlapping skin.
• Pustular Psoriasis—White blisters surrounded by red, irritated skin, and small, liquid-filled, yellowish blisters.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis—Very intense skin redness covering a large area.
• Palmoplantar Psoriasis—A separate entity is often affecting the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

About 80% of people living with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis can appear slowly or suddenly. In many cases, the condition goes away and flares up again repeatedly over time.

Symptoms of psoriasis may include:

• Itching where the psoriasis patches are located
• Joint pain or arthritis
• Nail changes
• Severe dandruff
• Genital lesions

The first symptoms of plaque psoriasis appear as very small red dots. These eruptions slowly get larger, producing a silvery white surface scale that sheds easily. The patches are typically spread over wide expanses of skin and are intensely itchy, painful, dry or cracking, and swollen.

Psoriasis Treatments

Thanks to ongoing research, there are many psoriasis treatments available today. Some people see their skin clear completely after their psoriasis treatment.

Every psoriasis treatment has benefits, drawbacks, and possible side effects, but our dermatologists at Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. We can help you find a psoriasis treatment that works for you and fits your lifestyle.

Some topical or skin applied medications include:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Vitamin D analogue creams such as Dovonex
• Topical retinoids such as Tazorac
• Moisturizers
• Topical immunomodulators such as Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus

Some oral medications useful in treating psoriasis are:

• Acitretin or Soriatane
• Cyclosporine
• Methotrexate
• Mycophenolate Mofetil
• Oral Prednisone
• Otezla

There is no known way to prevent psoriasis, but keeping the skin clean and moist and avoiding your specific psoriasis triggers may help reduce the number of flare-ups. Although your dermatologist recommends daily baths or showers, you shouldn’t scrub too hard since this can irritate the skin and trigger a psoriasis attack. Your dermatologist will usually begin with the mildest therapy and work up to the most effective psoriasis treatment to help you clear up your psoriasis.

Psoriasis Treatment – Biologics

Biologics are a type of treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis that’s delivered via injection or IV. These drugs are protein-based and created using live cultures. Unlike oral medications that enter all the body systems, biologics target special parts of the immune system. This form of psoriasis treatment blocks specific types of cells or proteins in the immune system that are known to be involved in the development of psoriasis. They are often combined with other treatments.

Some of the most common biologics include:

• Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade, which all block TNF-alpha, a protein that causes inflammation in the body. For people with psoriasis, there is an excessive amount of TNF-alpha that causes the condition’s rapid cell growth.
• Stelara targets specific proteins called IL-12 and IL-23 that are known to cause the inflammation of psoriasis. A doctor or nurse at our center injects this drug under the skin.
• Cosentyx inhibits a particular protein called IL-17A that causes the plaque associated with psoriasis when there is too much of it in the immune system. We inject under the skin at our center like Stelara, Cosentyx.

Narrow Band UV Psoriasis Treatment

UV psoriasis treatment is sometimes called phototherapy and light therapy. These psoriasis treatments essentially expose the skin to therapeutic ultraviolet light. Repetition is the key. With regular treatments, the UVB rays slow the cell growth which leads to psoriasis eruptions.

Narrow band UV psoriasis treatment refers to a small range of ultraviolet light. There are broad band psoriasis treatments as well, but narrow band tends to work more quickly and last longer. The light is administered in a small booth several times per week for short periods. This psoriasis treatment can cause redness and itching for a short time after the first appointments.

We often combine UV psoriasis treatment with other types of treatments. Note that the narrow band UV psoriasis treatment is not the same as tanning, and tanning beds are not a substitute for an effective psoriasis treatment.

If you suffer from this frustrating skin disease and wish to start psoriasis treatment, call our Pasadena office at (626) 793.7790 or contact us here.

Psoriasis FAQs

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, often hereditary autoimmune condition that causes new skin cells to form faster than your body can shed them. People with psoriasis have an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Doctors have yet to pinpoint a cause, but most believe it is due to a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors.

What triggers psoriasis?

Several triggers can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, including stress, infections, specific medications, smoking, alcohol consumption, dry weather, and skin injuries. If you have psoriasis, avoiding these triggers may help clear your skin and improve your quality of life.

Is psoriasis fungal?

No, psoriasis is not a fungal infection. It is an autoimmune illness that causes rapid skin cell turnover and characteristic symptoms like red or pink areas of raised, dry, silvery patches or thickened plaques of raised skin.

What is the cure for psoriasis?

There is currently no permanent solution for psoriasis, but you can manage it with treatments like oral and topical medications, injectable biologics, phototherapy, and lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Can psoriasis go away on its own?

As a chronic condition, psoriasis typically does not go away by itself. While your symptoms may improve or go into remission for periods, ongoing management is usually necessary to control the disease.

Is psoriasis an allergic reaction?

No, psoriasis is not an allergy. It is an autoimmune disease.

Though autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions both involve an overactive immune system response, the difference is that psoriasis results from your immune system attacking your body from within, while an allergy involves your immune system reacting to otherwise harmless environmental substances like pollen and pet dander.

Can stress cause psoriasis?

Yes, stress can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis by causing the release of hormones like cortisol, resulting in heightened inflammation and immune system dysregulation. Stress can also disrupt your skin barrier function and delay the healing of psoriatic lesions, making it more challenging to manage your symptoms.

Managing stress with relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices can control your psoriasis symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Does psoriasis spread?

Psoriasis is not contagious, so you cannot give it to someone else. However, the condition can spread to new areas of your body, especially if you leave it untreated.

Can sunlight worsen psoriasis?

Moderate sunlight exposure benefits many people with psoriasis by slowing down skin cell growth and reducing inflammation. However, excessive sun exposure and sunburn can worsen symptoms, so you should find a balance and always protect your skin with sunscreen.

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