Conditions
As Skin Specialists we have focused our training toward specifically treating conditions that affect the skin. Below are some of the most common conditions we treat—but by no means the limit to our dermatology expertise. We welcome challenging dermatology cases—and work together with primary physicians to provide the most comprehensive care for our patients.
Please call to schedule an appointment with our Dermatologists at AboutSkin Dermatology. Our telephone number is: 303.756.SKIN (7546) and our front office staff will be happy to assist you.
Use the quick links below to learn about each condition:
This common condition can be a concern from the pre-teen years thru adulthood. It is a good idea to see a dermatologist for care of this condition, as if not treated properly, scarring may occur. During your visit for acne, the doctor may recommend a multi-faceted approach to treatment, from cleansers to laser treatments. Luckily, there are many treatments available for acne, but all take time to achieve clearance, so be patient and let the therapy do its job. There are many prescription medications used to target acne ranging from topical therapies including retinoids and benzoyl peroxides with or without topical antibiotics to oral medications such as antibiotics and Accutane.
Currently, there are guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology that recommend that all patients be started on a retinoid as first line therapy for acne, so this is one you can expect to hear during your visit. Examples include: Retin-A, Retin-A micro, Differin, among others. Among the treatment options, laser treatments using our StarLux system by Palomar can also be used to improve areas of active acne as well. Remember that in addition to treating the current acne lesions, we are also interested in the long-term health of your skin, and hope that by excellent treatment, we can avoid unsightly scarring. If you are concerned about acne scarring, we have treatments for that as well. These may include laser procedures using the StarLux system, and sometimes other treatments including “filler agents” like Restylane or Collagen, and occasionally an in-office procedure called “subcision” where the skin is gently lifted from the tissues underneath.
If your children have acne, don’t underestimate the impact it may have on their self-esteem. Dermatologists have abandoned the old philosophies of “I had acne and outgrew it, he will be fine.” Literature now shows that teens are very conscious of their skin, and will avoid social situations if they are particularly concerned about their looks on a certain day. We respect and treat patients of all ages and would be honored to care for your family.
Related Links:
Acne Net
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Rosacea (rose-AY-sha), is a condition that affects women and men often after age 30. Small blood capillaries come to the surface of the skin, where they remain and appear red or “blushed”. This can also cause pore enlargement and redness. Rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and can progress to persistent redness in the center of the face. It may involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It could also involve the ears, chest, back and even the eyes. This condition rarely reverses itself and may last for years. However, with the right treatment this condition can be controlled successfully. Light treatments can often significantly improve the appearance of the facial redness associated with this condition. AboutSkin has one of the leading light devices called the StarLux Laser by Palomar used to treat Rosacea. With minimal downtime, and improved comfort during the treatment thanks to this system’s state of the art cooling system, StarLux can dramatically impact your Rosacea.
Related Links :
Rosacea Net
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We all have moles, but it is sometimes it is difficult to determine which ones are safe and which need to be removed. Moles are usually brown in color and can vary in size and shape. The brown color in moles is caused by special cells containing a pigment called melanin. Dark moles or those without uniform borders or pigmentation are especially concerning as they may progress to melanoma.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everybody have a yearly skin check with a dermatologist. This exam will specifically address any moles you may have and to monitor for skin cancers. This examination includes a “scalp to toe” review of your skin, so be ready to change into a gown after you are placed in the exam room. Skin Cancer is the most common cancer affecting Americans, but with early detection, is often the most curable.
- The sun's peak hours are between 10:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. Be smart and reduce exposure during this period. If you must be in the sun take precautions and make sure that you have the proper gear-
- By proper gear we mean wear,
1) Protective Clothing
2) Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15+ Reapplying every 2 hours while exercising or sweating.
3) Sunglasses
4) Broad brim hat
- Remember that ONE exposure to the sun causing burning and/or blistering increases your chance of developing skin cancer by as much as 50%.
- Never go to tanning booths (UVA rays have now been shown to cause significant cell damage associated with skin cancer as well)
- So, Please Use your sunscreen daily!!
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Dryskin & Eczema
Eczema, or dermatitis, typically presents itself as an inflamed, itchy skin rash that can be limited to a few areas of the body or can become widespread. Eczema can occur at any age but is most common in infants and young adults. Many patients are affected throughout life. A special type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, and is frequently associated with allergies.
Other conditions that fit into this category are allergic contact dermatitis and nummular dermatitis.
For comprehensive on-line eczema information, see the AAD’s website specific for eczema called EczemaNet:
Related Links
Eczema AAD
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Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease in which there are red, thickened area with silvery scales, commonly on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Patients with this chronic skin condition need not suffer. There are medications and treatments available for this condition.
Dermatologist can now help even the most severe cases with the new classes of medications designed to target this challenging condition.
Psoriasis may run in families, but is not contagious. In the United States, two out of every one-hundred people have psoriasis. Often the diagnosis is made clinically, following a complete exam by the dermatologist. In some occasions, a skin biopsy may be indicated.
There are many modalities of treatment that your dermatologist may choose from when designing your personal treatment plan. These may include topical cortisone compounds, synthetic vitamin D analogues, retinoids, tar or anthralin. Occasionally light sources and oral or injectable medications are also part of the treatment plan.
Related Links:
Psoriasis AAD
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A skin tag is a small, brown or flesh-colored flap of skin that is usually narrow at its base and may range in size from very tiny to the size of a pencil eraser tip. These soft, flesh-colored tags of skin are often found around the neck, upper chest and eyelids. Depending on where they are located on the body, they have the potential to become twisted, irritated, or inflamed. There is no known reason for the appearance of skin tags. Skin tags occur most frequently at sites where the skin is rubbed by clothing or other body parts. They tend to show up in hot, moist body creases. Skin tags may appear around the neck, under the arms, under the breasts, in groin creases, and on the inside of the upper thigh area. They can be removed easily, right in our office.
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Fungal infections are one of the more common infections seen. These may be noted as a discolored thick toenail and/or the separation of the nail from the skin. They can be treated with different medications.
Related Links:
Fungal Nail Infections
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Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Warts are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat or smooth. The appearance of a wart depends on where it is growing and which type of virus is causing it.
Warts are passed from person to person, sometimes indirectly. The time from the first contact to the time the warts have grown large enough to be seen is often several months or years. The risk of catching hand, foot, or flat warts from another person is small but there are some warts that are contagious.
Warts in adults often do not disappear as easily or as quickly as they do in children. Warts can be treated with several different therapies, including Skin Specialists' effective laser treatments or other, non-invasive therapies. Other treatments designed for children are also available.
Related Links:
Warts AAD
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