Paradise Valley Dermatology

Warts

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About Warts

What are they?

A wart is harmless, though contagious, skin growth that feels rough to the touch and is often characterized by minuscule clotted blood vessels that resemble tiny black dots. Though not a health risk, you may wish to have it removed because of social embarrassment. Warts can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which are the following: common – gray or brown growths with a round top that grow anywhere, particularly on the fingers or toes; plantar – growing into your skin, rather than protruding from it, they are hardened growths on the soles of your feet, making walking difficult and painful; flat – small, flat growths that can be pink, yellow, or brown, and which often develop on the face, arms, or thighs, filiform – small, flesh-colored skin flaps on your nose or around the mouth, chin, or neck; and periungual – painful growths under or around your nails, often inhibiting nail growth.

What causes them?

Warts are caused by HPV, the human papillomavirus. Through a tiny cut or scratch in your skin, this virus will attack skin cells, causing rapid growth that becomes warts. These warts can easily spread via direct skin-to-skin contact, although indirect means are also common, such as touching a towel or clothing that also has touched a wart. They can also spread on your own body once a single one forms.

Common treatments

We offer treatment options tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals., and we’re here to address your concerns and provide support throughout the process. When treating warts, the goal is to destroy the growths themselves or fight off HPV. Either way, our dermatology specialists will work with you to find the best solution for your unique conditions. In many cases, warts simply disappear on their own, though this may take years. For immediate treatment, we offer several effective methods: prescription-strength salicylic, bichloroacetic, or trichloroacetic acids; pulse-dyed lasers; and cryotherapy. Our neighborhood practitioners urge patience when treating warts, as it can take weeks or even months to produce results.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how warts can be a physical nuisance and even affect your self-esteem. As your experienced community skin experts, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us if you have a wart that you want to eliminate so you can have clear, smooth skin once again.

Vitiligo (Skin Pigment Disorders)

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About Vitiligo and Skin Pigment Disorders

What are they?

Vitiligo is the patchy loss of your skin’s natural color. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that determines your skin’s color, is damaged or destroyed. Although vitiligo can negatively impact your self-esteem, it is physically harmless. Vitiligo affects about 2 percent of Americans and develops in people of all skin colors; however, if you have dark skin, the contrast between the dark skin and the lighter areas of color loss is more noticeable. Moreover, this condition is often unpredictable. You may personally experience only small patches of pigment loss, but for others, the condition may be much more widespread. It can be temporary for some and permanent for others. In extreme cases, it can alter a hair or eye color and/or develop inside the mouth.

What causes it?

The exact causes of vitiligo are unknown, but several possibilities are thought to be major contributors. Among these include immune system dysfunction, certain viruses, stress, sunburn, injury, and exposure to certain chemicals. As mentioned, symptoms include the development of white patches of skin, often with reddish-brown boundaries. These white patches can appear on many areas of the body, including the forehead, eye area, lips, mouth, hands, arms, elbows, underarms, knees, feet, neck, and torso.

Common treatments

Treatment for vitiligo varies and depends on the extent of your specific form of vitiligo. Realistic expectations are important and should include reducing the contrast between your normal skin and the lighter areas and improving your self-esteem and confidence. Effective solutions for vitiligo include topical medications, sun avoidance and/or sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), UV-B light therapy, a combination light, and medication therapy, or, in severe cases, skin grafting.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that sudden or unusual changes in your pigmentation, such as with vitiligo, can cause social and emotional distress. As your knowledgeable community skin healthcare providers, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. We” work with you to find the best solution, and you can lean on us for support in managing this condition.

Spider Veins

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About Spider Veins

What are they?

Varicose and spider veins are damaged veins, which develop when tiny, one-way valves inside the veins weaken. In healthy veins, these valves push blood in one direction, back to our heart. When these valves weaken, some blood flows backward and accumulates in the vein. Extra blood in the vein puts pressure on the walls of the vein, with continual pressure, the vein walls can weaken and possibly bulge. Over time, a varicose or spider vein can start to be visible on the skin.
Some people are genetically disposed to develop these veins. If someone in your family has visible veins, you have a higher risk of also developing these. Many people get them because they sit or stand for long periods most days of the week. These veins also become more common with age and can occur during pregnancy. Spider veins can also be caused by sunlight, hormonal changes, or an injury.

What causes them?

Varicose and spider veins are enlarged veins that often twist and can bulge above the surface of the skin. They may be blue, red, or flesh-colored. Spider veins often look like webs. There are several ways that you may develop veins that are visible on the top layer of your skin. Genetics can play a part, if your family has a tendency to develop visible spider veins, then you might also get these. Another is due to work environments, if you tend to stand or sit too much you can possibly develop these over time. There are many reasons why our bodies react or develop things, regardless, the good news is that they are treatable.

Common treatments

The good news is there are a lot of ways that spider veins can be treated. The first step is seeing your dermatologist to decide if leg vein treatment is safe for you. During your exam, your doctor will look closely at your leg veins and ask about your medical history. Non-invasive tests that look at the veins in your legs may also be necessary, which will also help with determining how your circulation is.
After reviewing all of the information, your dermatologist can tell you if vein treatment is right for you and which treatment would be most effective. Sometimes, more than one type of treatment will be recommended to give you the best results and reduce side effects.
Trust your demonologist to come up with the best treatment plan for the health of your skin, and also your body. Recommendations for treatment could be simple, like wearing compression bandages or a support hose. Treatments that might be recommended are Sclerotherapy which is a safe treatment for spider veins and causes minimal discomfort. A concentrated salt (saline) or specially developed chemical solution is injected with a very small needle into the spider vein. This pickles the inside of the vein so it closes up and later collapses and becomes scar tissue that eventually is absorbed by the body. This treatment usually requires multiple sessions. Lasers have been used successfully as well, and are a good solution for veins on your face. These are just a few of the options your doctor might talk to you about. Our goal is to help you be the best version of yourself so call an office today and make an appointment.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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About Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is it?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in skin cell DNA, which then spreads to surrounding cells. SCC occurs in the squamous layer found at the top of the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis). Symptoms of SCC typically include a scaly, firm reddish nodule on the skin or a flat, crusty skin lesion. It usually develops where the skin is frequently exposed to the sun, particularly the face, ears, hands, neck, and scalp.

What causes it?

If you have fair skin and/or spend a lot of time in the sun, the risk of developing SCC greatly increases, although there are other common risk factors as well. Some of these additional risk factors include living in sunny climates or high-altitude locales, having a family history of skin cancer, and having a history of frequent sunburns. Though less common than basal cell carcinoma and rarely life-threatening, SCC should not be dismissed. We urge you to contact your neighborhood skin healthcare provider if and when you notice unusual skin lesions, discolorations, bumps, and other abnormalities.

Common treatments

We know how apprehensive squamous cell carcinoma can make you. As your community skin cancer experts, we realize it can even be traumatic emotionally and physically, which is why we’re here with comprehensive advice and solutions to overcome this condition. Our skin cancer experts have the knowledge and experience to address squamous cell carcinoma. We urge you to undergo regular skin cancer screenings, especially if the above risk factors apply to you. If it is determined that you have squamous cell carcinoma, we offer an assortment of treatment options, including topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), excision surgery, electrodesiccation with curettage, photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and cryotherapy.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

What distinguishes our skincare from others is our attention to you as a person. Our expert practitioners are here to alleviate your concerns and provide compassionate support. With your input, we will find the solution that best addresses your condition.

Tattoo Removal

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About Tattoo Removal

What is it?

Tattoo removal is the erasure of unwanted skin art, almost exclusively through the use of a laser. It is a safe, effective, and minimally-invasive method of eradicating skin ink. In general, lasers remove unwanted ink by emitting pulses of energy into the skin. The pulses penetrate the top layers of the skin for absorption by the ink. The pigment breaks down into tiny particles that your body absorbs and then safely removes, all without harming adjacent, un-inked skin. Because some colors are more difficult to remove than others, we use a variety of the latest, most state-of-the-art lasers for tattoo removal. These include lasers with gemstones such as ruby or with fractional CO2 technology.

What to expect

One obvious benefit of tattoo removal is the reappearance of clear, unmarked skin. For some individuals, tattoo removal helps erase unwanted reminders of the past, similar to closing a chapter on part of your life. Tattoo removal is virtually painless, and results in little risk of scarring and downtime. The number of treatments required depends on your tattoo size, the colors used in the tattoo, and the tattoo’s complexity. For example, darker ink colors like black and dark red are easier to remove, while lighter colors like green or light blue may require additional laser sessions. The ink type and depth, as well as your skin tone, are also factors to consider. On average, most individuals need 5-10 treatments to thoroughly erase their tattoo, with these treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart.

After the procedure

Side effects of laser tattoo removal are generally mild and temporary and could include swelling, redness, and a sunburn-like sensation. A “white frosting” may appear over the treated area, as well. Most of these should subside within a few hours after your procedure, although it could take up to 3-5 days for some individuals.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know skin art can be an unwanted reminder of the past or an obstacle to professional progress. For this reason, our trained experts offer various tattoo removal options to erase your art and restore clear, unmarked skin. What makes us unique our focus on you as a person. Our practitioners tailor tattoo removal to fit your unique needs and will provide compassionate support throughout the process.

Vascular Birthmarks

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About Vascular Birthmarks

What are they?

Birthmarks are common. Research shows that about 10% of babies are born with a type of birthmark known as hemangioma (he-man-gio-ma). Vascular malformations are benign (non-cancerous) lesions, are present at birth and grow with the child. They do not have a rapid growth cycle and then suddenly stop growing, they continue to slowly grow throughout life. Birthmarks vary in size and can range in color from brown to blue to shades of red or pink. Although in some children a birthmark is a minor flaw that they can live with, some children with a birthmark will require treatment.

What causes them?

Currently, there are no known causes or risk factors for developing vascular birthmarks. Some initial research shows a potential genetic link, but this is inconclusive at this time.

Common treatments

Not every person or birthmark is the same. When you come to see one of our highly trained doctors you will get a personalized treatment catered to your specific needs. We will determine which method is the best to remove birthmarks and how we can minimize scarring. We may use a laser, IPL, or standard removal to remove your birthmark. When you come in for a consultation, we will assess you and provide our treatment recommendation.

Scabies

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About Scabies

What is it?

A mite is the cause of this common skin condition and it is so small that you cannot see it on the skin. People get scabies when the mite burrows into the top layer of skin. When the skin reacts to the mite, an extremely itchy rash develops. Worldwide, there are millions of cases of scabies each year.
Mites travel from person to person and most people get scabies from skin-to-skin contact. Sometimes people get mites from infested items such as bedding, clothes, and furniture and can survive for about three to four days without being on a human. Anyone can get scabies, people of all ages, races, etc. People who are very clean and neat can get scabies, which is similar to head lice. It tends to spread easily in nursing homes and extended-care facilities. The good news is that a dermatologist can successfully diagnose and treat scabies and today’s treatments for scabies are quick.

What causes it?

Commonly known as the human itch mite is what causes scabies. People get scabies when the mite burrows into the skin, from either direct skin contact, or from a towel, clothing, or even furniture. You cannot get scabies from an animal that has mites, only humans get this type of scabies. Most people will not get scabies from a handshake or hug. The skin-to-skin contact must be longer for a mite to crawl from one person to another. Adults often get scabies through sexual contact.
Anyone from Children, adults, old or young, people in healthcare facilities can get this. Having a weakened immune system also increases the risk of getting scabies. The elderly and people who have a weak immune system due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS, lymphoma, or leukemia have an increased risk. People who received organ transplants also have a higher risk.
Crusted scabies is especially contagious, which is when a crust filled with mites falls off. This shed crust can provide food and protection for the mites, allowing them to live for as long as one week without human contact on surfaces. Scabies among people in nursing homes and extended-care facilities has become a common problem. Scabies can spread when people do not have any signs or symptoms.

Common treatments

The good news with this skin ailment is that it is easily treatable. Once your doctor diagnoses you, they will prescribe a treatment for you and will also recommend that anyone you have been in contact be treated as well. Even people who do not have any signs or symptoms must be treated, this is the only way to prevent new outbreaks of scabies weeks later.
The majority of people can be cured with a topical medicine that they apply to their skin. Your dermatologist will provide specific instructions to follow, and for how long you will need to continue treatment. It’s important to follow their instructions, as over-treating can cause even more irritation. There are many different prescription creams that will be considered, so put your trust in your highly trained doctor to know what will work best for your skin type.

Seborrheic Keratosis

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About Seborrheic Keratosis

What is it?

Also known as seborrheic verruca, most people will develop at least one seborrheic keratosis during a lifetime. Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin growth. It may seem worrisome because it can look like a wart, pre-cancerous skin growth (actinic keratosis), or skin cancer. Despite their appearance, they are harmless, benign, and don’t become cancerous. They are characterized as brown, black or yellow growths that grow singly or in groups and are flat or slightly elevated. Often they are mistaken for warts and generally no treatment is required unless the growth becomes irritated. However, because it looks similar in appearance to precancerous growths, your dermatologist might biopsy the tissue to confirm the diagnosis.

What causes it?

People who are prone to develop these harmless growths tend to have fair skin, and they can also be hereditary, so check with family members if you are worried. These growths also develop in people with medium to dark skin and tend to be smaller and around the eye area. If you are pregnant or had estrogen replacement therapy, people have been known to develop these. Most people develop seborrheic keratoses later in life. People who have had a lot of sun exposure tend to develop more of these. These are not contagious, and if you are getting more of them, it’s usually due to age.

Common treatments

Trust your dermatologist to tell if your skin growth is a seborrheic keratosis or skin cancer. If there is any question we will remove the growth and do a biopsy. Most seborrheic keratoses are harmless like skin tags, and might not need treatment. Talk with your dermatologist if you have any concerns, or if they are getting irritated from rubbing or clothing. A common way of treating these is with cryotherapy, your dermatologist will apply liquid nitrogen to the growth, and will tend to fall off in a few days. There are other ways as well, and depending on your skin type your dermatologist will recommend the best solution for you. After removal, it usually does not return. We offer treatment options tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals, and we’re here to address your concerns and provide support throughout the process. Call an office today and make an appointment if you are concerned you have seborrheic keratosis.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

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About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

What is it?

Shingles is the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and can occur anywhere on your body but most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of your torso. The virus isn’t life-threatening, but it can be very painful. Early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles.
A few days before the rash appears, you may have pain, burning, or tingling on an area of your skin where the rash will develop. Some people say they felt an “electrical sensation” on their skin before getting the rash. Some people get more blisters after the rash appears, so it can seem that the rash is spreading and developing in other areas.

What causes it?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus can go dormant in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. You can catch this virus again, but as an adult, it becomes the shingles. This virus is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be very painful and last for a long period of time. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles and it’s severity, also early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and then can become blisters. Although shingles can occur anywhere on your body, it most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of your torso. If you think you have shingles, call us today for an appointment, as early treatment can lessen the effects.

Common treatments

The good news about Shingles is that it’s not life-threatening and can be treated. If you think you have this virus, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist as soon as possible. Catching the virus in the first 3 days can reduce the effects significantly like pain, lessen the amount of time you have it, and lower the risk of developing other health conditions. Prescription antiviral medication may be used and will reduce the severity of the rash, and possibly the length it stays active. Common medications that are prescribed can be acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. If you are experiencing severe pain let your doctor know, and they will either prescribe medication to reduce the inflammation and pain or suggest over-the-counter medication like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. Always check with your doctor first before using any medication.
The majority of people get shingles once, but it’s possible to get it again. If you are healthy and have a strong immune system, the blisters tend to clear in 7 to 10 days. Rashes tend to go away completely within 2 — 4 weeks, check with your dermatologist on how to treat the blisters so they don’t scar. The pain may last longer than the blisters but usually stops in a couple of months. Be sure to communicate with your doctor if you continue to have pain or blisters. The key to this virus is catching it as soon as you think you have it, this will reduce the effects of the virus. If you think you have shingles call an office today and make an appointment.

Skin Tags

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About Skin Tags

What are they?

Skin tags are usually harmless and painless. Skin tags, also called acrochordons, soft fibromas, or fibroepithelial polyps, are small noncancerous, or benign, skin growths. They are often flesh-colored bumps of tissue connected to the skin’s surface by a narrow stalk. The color, texture, size, and width of the base can vary. As we age, and if we are prone to skin tags, they become more common as we advance in years. It is not known what causes skin tags, but the good news is they are not cancerous and do not pose other health concerns. The main symptom is a growth on the skin, often on the neck, upper chest, underarms, and eyelids. They may become irritated from rubbing against clothing. Most skin tags don’t require treatment. If a skin tag is irritated or its appearance is bothersome, a doctor can remove it.

What causes them?

Most skin tags don’t cause symptoms unless they are repeatedly irritated by rubbing against jewelry, clothing, or other items. The tags are harmless, but they won’t go away without treatment. A reason for treatment may include irritation or if you don’t like the way the skin tag looks. Friction can also play a role in the development of skin tags. Frequently, they develop on the neck, underarms, and eyelids, as well as within body folds, such as under the breasts or in the groin area. In some cases, skin tags seem to be associated with obesity, and genetic factors also appear to play a role. Unfortunately, there’s no way to minimize the risk of developing skin tags.

Common treatments

If you have skin tags that are irritated, or you just don’t like where they have developed, we are here to help. Skin tags can be removed in several ways, they can be cut off with scissors or excision, but minor bleeding could occur. Freezing or burning, the skin tag may require a short time to fall off, and these procedures have a risk of skin discoloration, darkening, or lightening, following the procedure. Sometimes, repeat treatments are necessary if the tag doesn’t fall off or it grows back, or if new tags grow in other areas. If you are concerned about your skin tags ask your dermatologist about how to treat your skin. Our goal is that you look your best, so make an appointment today if you have skin tags and want to remove them.