Paradise Valley Dermatology

Pityriasis Rosea

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About Pityriasis Rosea

What is it?

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin disease and appears as a rash that can last from several weeks to several months. It most often develops in the spring and the fall, is more prevalent in adolescents or young adults, and is uncommon in those over 60. Usually, there are no permanent marks as a result of this disease, although some darker-skinned persons may develop long-lasting flat brown spots.
The skin rash follows a very distinctive pattern and varies from person to person. In most cases, a single, isolated oval scaly patch (the “herald patch”) appears on the body, particularly the upper part of the body, but again every individual reacts differently. This is often mistaken for ringworm or eczema. More pink patches can occur on different parts of the body, but rarely on the face.

What causes it?

There is no proven cause for this skin disease. It’s not caused by a fungus or bacterial infection or any known type of allergic reaction and is not a sign of any type of internal disease. It is neither contagious nor sexually transmitted, so there is no reason to avoid close or intimate contact when someone has it If you suspect that you might have this skin disease, it’s best to make an appointment with your dermatologist who will be able to diagnose your condition upon an examination.
It is thought that it may be caused by a virus since the rash resembles certain viral illnesses, and occasionally a person feels slightly ill for a short while just before the rash appears. Pityriasis rosea does not seem to spread from person to person and it usually occurs only once in a lifetime.

Common treatments

Your dermatologist will be able to diagnose it by sight. For confirmation, they may order a blood test, a scraping, or a biopsy. The only reason for tests is to rule out other types of skin problems, like eczema, ringworm, or psoriasis. Usually, pityriasis rosea clears up in a few weeks. If you are experiencing itching, your doctor may recommend topical medications such as calamine lotion, an antihistamine, or even a steroid cream.
All medications will depend on your diagnosis, which is why is important to book your appointment today with your dermatologist so that you will be on your road to recovery soon.

Poison Ivy

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About Poison Ivy

What is it?

Poison ivy is a common plant from the Toxicodendron species of plants. If you’ve ever had poison ivy, you know the symptoms, which can include continuous itching, skin irritation, and redness and inflammation. Most people know they shouldn’t scratch the rash, but the incessant itching makes it difficult to stop. Although scratching doesn’t cause the rash to spread, it can prolong the symptoms, and delay healing. and even cause a secondary infection.

What causes it?

Coming into contact with poison ivy – as well as its relatives poison oak or poison sumac – results is a common rash called Toxicodendron dermatitis, which is caused by an oil in the plant. Even though the rash itself isn’t contagious, you can get poison ivy from touching anything else that has touched the plant, such as a toy, pet, or clothing.

Common treatments

Over-the-counter medications are usually enough to contain and relieve the itching and irritation caused by poison ivy, including calamine lotion, antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl), cool showers, a baking soda/water mixture for the skin, or OTC topical corticosteroids. Poison ivy symptoms usually run their course in about 2-3 weeks. although we recommend seeing a dermatologist before then. However, if the rash is located near your mouth, throat, eyes, or groin, we suggest seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible, as you may need a prescription oral corticosteroid or even an injection.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how uncomfortable poison ivy can be, as the incessant itching can make it hard to concentrate on anything else. As your neighborhood skin experts, our staff of dermatologic specialists has the experience and knowledge to help you deal with this troublesome condition. Contact an office today if you notice symptoms of poison ivy so that we can help you manage this troublesome condition.

Rashes

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About Rashes

What are they?

The term “rash” covers a wide range of skin conditions, usually referring to changes in the skin that manifest as bumps, blisters, or red patches. Most of these are harmless, but they can be indications of other skin problems or health issues. Common types of rashes include chronic skin problems, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and viral infections.

What causes them?

There are many reasons why you could develop a rash, and some of the most common factors include the following: stress, allergies, genetics, food or drink, various infections, certain medications, insect bites or stings, and sun or heat exposure. If you have a rash that does not disappear after 1-2 weeks, be sure to schedule an appointment to discuss your condition, receive a proper diagnosis, and learn more about your available treatment options.

Common treatments

Skin rash treatments vary widely depending on the type, causes, and symptoms. The skin rash experts at West Dermatology have the knowledge and experience needed to examine you visually and determine exactly the type of rash you have. Once your rash have been identified, we’ll determine a proper treatment for your particular rash. Rash treatments offered at our center include moisturizing lotions and/or creams, topical anti-itch medications, oral antihistamines, topical anti-fungal medications, and light therapy.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Skin rashes can be troublesome, as they not only itch but can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your neighborhood skin expert, West Dermatology has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you manage this condition. Contact an office today if you notice a rash that isn’t being controlled easily so that we can address your particular skin issue

Rosacea

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About Rosacea

What is it?

Rosacea is characterized by persistent skin redness, the prominence of blood vessels, blotchiness, and reddish bumps or pimples on the face; it’s as if you have the inclination to blush or flush quickly and without reason. In particular, it commonly develops in the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, ears, and neck.

What causes it?

The exact causes of rosacea are unknown, although genetics, problem blood vessels, and irregular immune system function are thought to contribute. There are, however, known common triggers that you should avoid, such as sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, and hot liquids.

Common treatments

There is no outright “cure” for rosacea and it is often unpredictable; even if you avoid triggers and follow a treatment plan that eliminates the symptoms, it can return without warning. However, the skin experts at our dermatology practice can help you manage the condition by minimizing symptoms as much as possible. For milder cases, topical medications can reduce redness while oral medications can shrink bumps and pimples. For more severe symptoms, laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy is effective for improving blood vessels and/or reducing blushing and flushing.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand the effects that rosacea can have on you, both physically and psychologically, due to characteristics that make you feel self-conscious. As your neighborhood skin experts, we have the experience and knowledge to provide support and encouragement as well as answer questions you may have about this bothersome skin issue. Because you always have a say in your treatment, we provide customized solutions to meet your needs and goals. We’re beside you every step of the way, addressing your concerns with advice and after-care guidance.
Contact an office today if you notice rosacea characteristics so that we can help you combat this condition.

Lichen Planus

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About Lichen Planus

What is it?

Many people get lichen planus. This disease can develop in one or several parts of the body. It can appear on the skin or inside the mouth. Sometimes, it appears in both places. Lichen planus can even change the way a person’s fingernails or toenails look. It also can appear on the genitals or a person’s scalp.
Lichen planus is not contagious. You cannot get this disease from someone else, and you cannot give it to anyone. Lichen planus is not a type of cancer.

What causes it?

Anyone can get lichen planus. It is most common in middle-aged adults. Women get lichen planus in their mouths more often than men do. What causes most cases of lichen planus remains unclear.
Lichen planus often causes bumps that are shiny, firm, and reddish purple on the skin. Sometimes the bumps have tiny white lines running through them, these lines are called Wickham’s striae.
You can get a few or many bumps, which can appear on different parts of the body. The most common places for these bumps to appear are the wrists, lower back, and ankles, but they can appear anywhere on the skin, including the genitals.
On the legs, the bumps tend to be darker, new bumps may appear as older bumps clear. When lichen planus develops on the skin, a person can have patches of rough, scaly skin, and are most common on the shins and around the ankles. The bumps can itch, even blister at times, and can be painful.
A simple rash might look like lichen planus, which is why it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you think you might have this.

Common treatments

A dermatologist often can tell whether you have lichen planus by looking at your skin, nails, and mouth. To make sure that you have lichen planus, your dermatologist may do a skin biopsy. There are many different ways to treat this, and your doctor will walk you through what these are, based on your diagnosis. Options can be as simple as taking an antihistamine, a topical ointment, or prednisone in pill form. All treatments depend on your diagnosis, so schedule an appointment today if you are concerned that you have lichen planus.

Lupus

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About Lupus

What is it?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can last weeks, months, or even years. It affects not only your skin but also your joints and organs – and frequently all three at the same time. There are two common types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can affect your joints, organs, and skin, and discoid lupus, which is characterized by skin rash flare-ups on your face, neck, and scalp. The signs and symptoms of lupus are unpredictable and vary from person to person, but they commonly include recurring fevers, debilitating fatigue, skin rashes (particularly spreading across your nose and cheeks as well as under the eyes, known as “butterfly rash”), hair loss, skin lesions, swollen joints, thyroid issues, and heartburn, acid indigestion, and other GI tract issues.

What causes it?

Although the exact cause of lupus is not clear, there is strong evidence that hormones and genetics play a major role in the development of this condition. Environmental factors are also believed to contribute, including, viruses, stress, fatigue, UV rays, smoking, injury, antibiotics, and dust and dirt.

Common treatments

There is no known cure for lupus, therefore our goal is to manage your condition by preventing flare-ups, reducing pain and swelling, and mitigating the potential damage to your organs, joints, and other areas that can be affected by this condition. Our dermatologists and staff work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that could include corticosteroids as well as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medications. You can rely on us to be an integral part of your support in managing this disorder.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that lupus can have a significant impact on you, both physically and emotionally. As your community skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and answer questions you may have about this potentially dangerous condition. We have skilled dermatologic experts with the knowledge and experience to advise you of treatment options that can be tailored to meet your needs. We’ll also be by your side to address your concerns as well as provide advice and support. Get in touch with us today if you notice symptoms of lupus so that we can help you manage this unpredictable condition.

Melanoma

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About Melanoma

What is it?

The most common type of cancer in the country is skin cancer, and melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In general, melanoma and other skin cancers – squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – form due to negative mutations of skin cell DNA in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The spread of these mutations to adjacent cells, particularly when uncontrolled and rapid, raises the risk of malignancy. Melanoma develops when mutations occur in melanocyte cells, which are skin cells located in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Melanomas frequently form in areas that don’t get much sun exposure and often start out as a mole, a large brown spot, or an irregular lesion.

What causes it?

Melanoma can occur regardless of your ethnicity, race, skin type, or skin color. The damage accumulation from years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the biggest cause of melanoma. Other causes include a compromised immune system or exposure to toxins, radiation, and other harmful substances Additionally, there are several risk factors associated with melanoma. These risk factors include the following: family history of skin cancer, fair skin, numerous sunburns through the years, sunny climates, locations at high altitude, moles, and precancerous lesions (e.g., actinic keratosis).

Common treatments

If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma, the following treatment options are very effective: topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), Mohs micrographic surgery, surgical excision procedure, photodynamic therapy (PDT), cryotherapy, and electrodesiccation and curettage. Not all of these options are available at all offices. Please call to check.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how a diagnosis of melanoma can impact your life. That’s why, as your local skin experts, we’re here with the knowledge and training to help you overcome this disease. We offer solutions tailored to suit your health needs and goals, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis and prognosis to compassionate aftercare support. If you have melanoma symptoms or are regularly exposed to risk factors, you should schedule a screening with our knowledgeable skin cancer experts. Our neighborhood staff offers compassionate support while working to find the best solution for you.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about melanoma and the treatment options we provide for this condition.

Molluscum Contagiosum

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About Molluscum Contagiosum

What is it?

The condition spreads through contact with an infected person or a contaminated object. Though painless, the small bumps might itch. Scratched bumps can spread the infection to the surrounding skin. The bumps usually disappear on their own. In rare cases, the bumps can be removed using medications or other procedures.

What causes it?

This is a very common ailment for children, and from a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is a skin infection.
People catch molluscum contagiosum when they get the virus on their skin. Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has molluscum, touching an object that someone who has molluscum touched. Or, sharing a personal item, such as clothing or a towel.
Anyone can get molluscum contagiosum, some people are more likely to catch it. Children who are 1 to 10 years old are more prone to get this skin infection because they have the most skin-to-skin contact. They seem especially vulnerable if they have eczema. The extremely dry, cracked skin of eczema may make it easier for the virus to infect the skin. Athletes who share equipment, or have skin-to-skin contact. People with compromised immune systems can be more vulnerable to catching this, as well as those who are sexually active.

Common treatments

Several treatment options are available, it’s important to know that there is no one best treatment for molluscum. One of our highly trained dermatologists will choose a treatment based on many considerations, such as overall health, the number of molluscum bumps, and where the bumps appear. No matter which treatment is used, it takes time.
A common treatment is cantharidin (beetle juice). Made from blister beetles, it has been used this to treat warts and molluscum since the 1950s. Your dermatologist will apply it to each bump in such a way that a water blister forms. You should see a blister on each treated bump within 24 to 48 hours. As the skin heals, the bumps clear. This usually occurs within 2 weeks. To be effective, most patients need more than one treatment. This is a safe and effective treatment and is topical.
Other treatments are cryotherapy, an extremely cold substance to each molluscum bump. You will need to return for treatment until the bumps clear. Another is curettage which can be used, this is a simple and effective treatment that causes little or no bleeding. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) may be a treatment option for someone who has many molluscum bumps. It’s also recommended for patients with difficult-to-treat molluscum, such as people with AIDS.
Trust your doctor to advise you on the most effective way to treat your skin, the health of your skin is very important to us.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how molluscum contagiosum can be a physical nuisance, itchy, 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 for an appointment today if you suspect you have molluscum contagiosum.

Lentigo (Age Spots)

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About Lentigo (Age Spots)

What is it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body. It can be found on any part of your body and is most often caused by sun damage or exposure to radiation. There are numerous types of lentigo, but the most common type is called lentigo simplex.
Lentigo maligna is a type of growth that develops in areas of long-term sun exposure, such as your face, arms, or legs. Lentigo starts as a brown flat spot with an irregular shape that slowly gets bigger. Eventually, the spot may develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins in the top layer of skin and then invades the underlying skin layer. See your doctor if you notice:
  • A new skin growth
  • A change in an existing mole
  • Any skin changes that seem unusual

What causes it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body.
Ultraviolet radiation breaks down the connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers — that lies in the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). Without the supportive connective tissue, the skin loses its elastic quality. This condition, known as solar elastosis (e-las-TOE-sis), is characterized by yellowed, thickened skin with deep wrinkles that don’t disappear with stretching.

Common treatments

Lentigo doesn’t usually cause pain or itchiness. The spots are also non-cancerous, but they can resemble other types of spots that can be cancerous. It’s a good idea to get them checked out by a dermatologist. Common treatments are listed below and offered at most of our clinics, just ask.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel is used to removed damaged skin cells on your hands, face, or neck. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to your lentigo. The chemicals exfoliate your skin spot to uncover healthy skin underneath.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a method of freezing your skin spot with liquid nitrogen. It’s used for abnormal skin spots that are non-cancerous or precancerous. The treatment takes up to 10 days to heal from and usually doesn’t leave a scar.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy involves using beams of light to remove your lentigo skin spot. Laster therapy allows for a more precise removal than with traditional surgery. Many people who undergo laser surgery also have quicker recovery times.

Keratosis Pilaris

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About Keratosis Pilaris

What is it?

Keratosis pilaris, sometimes called “chicken skin,” is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough-feeling bumps to appear on the skin. Also known as follicular keratosis, this is a hereditary skin disorder that causes goosebump-like lesions on the back of the arms, thighs, or buttocks. The patches of bumps tend to get dry and itchy, particularly during the winter months. Keratosis pilaris occurs at any age. Because it is hereditary, there is no method of prevention. In some cases, it goes away on its own over time; in other cases, the condition is chronic.
Keratosis pilaris is caused by a build-up of keratin, a protein in the skin that protects it from infection. Keratin plugs up hair follicles causing the rough, bumpy rash.
If the itch, dryness, or the appearance of your skin bothers you, treatment can help. A dermatologist can create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Common treatments

Treatment options include prescriptions for:
  • Medicated creams or lotions with 12 percent ammonium lactate soften the affected skin.
  • Moisturizers (urea) help loosen and remove dead skin cells.
  • Topical corticosteroids for short-term, temporary relief of symptoms.
  • Topical retinoids increase cell turnover, which reduces the plugging of hair follicles.
To help alleviate symptoms, be sure to keep the affected area moistened at all times and avoid harsh soaps.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how keratosis pilaris can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. Our knowledgeable dermatologic experts work with you to minimize the effects of this condition and offer solutions that can be customized just for you. We’ll also address all of your concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to find out how we can address your condition to improve both your skin and self-esteem.