Dermatologists In Silver Spring Can Help With These 5 Skin Concerns

More and more Americans are dealing with various skin concerns. In 2017, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) then-incoming president Henry Lim stated in a news release that “1 in 4 Americans” are affected by a skin disease. What’s scarier, according to A Burden of Skin Disease report, half of the known skin disease categories are related to mortality. This proves that annual skin check-ups and regular consultations with a board-certified dermatologist are necessary. If you’re located in the DMV, particularly in Silver Spring, the dermatologists in Silver Springs can help you maintain healthy skin while getting the proper treatment for skin-related issues.

What is a board-certified dermatologist, and why would you need to consult one?

Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails, identifying and treating more than 3,000 conditions. They also have advanced knowledge to address cosmetic concerns such as scars, wrinkles, aging skin, and baldness.

You can be assured that your hair, skin, and nails are well cared for with dermatologists because of their many years of education and rigorous training.

In particular, board-certified dermatologists have completed and passed a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the years.

Although your dermatologist can deal with thousands of skin conditions and diseases, these 5 are the most common skin concerns they encounter daily.

1. Acne and Acne Scarring

Acne is the most common skin condition, impacting up to 80% of the American population.

It usually starts at puberty and may continue until the age of 40 and beyond. Furthermore, the occurrence of acne among adults, especially in women, is increasing.

Acne happens when pores become clogged with sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells. It results in whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. They typically appear on the face, chest, back and shoulders. Some cases of acne are caused by hormonal changes, which can happen at various periods in our lives.

Common acne symptoms are usually treatable by over-the-counter solutions. Hormonal acne may need medication to regulate the hormones contributing to acne.

Severe cases of acne, such as cystic acne, may require antibiotics and injections to reduce inflammation, redness and pain.

Your dermatologist can also use a range of in-office procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and dermaplaning. These procedures trigger your skin’s natural regeneration capabilities.

If at-home remedies and skin care products seem futile, it is best to see a dermatologist. We will formulate the best plan to keep your acne in check.

2. Atopic Dermatitis aka Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema appears as red, itchy skin. It is more common in children but may occur at any age. At least 1 in 10 people are likely to experience atopic dermatitis in their lifetime.

Eczema is a chronic condition with occasional flare-ups. Some people may also have a personal or family history of asthma or seasonal allergies. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. However, skin products, self-care practices and prescription medications  may lessen the itchiness and avoid additional outbreaks.

If the condition worsens or becomes so uncomfortable that it affects your daily routine or quality of life, it is best to consult a dermatologist. If you develop a skin infection (red streaks, pus, and yellow scabs), you should seek immediate medical help.

Dermatologists in Silver Spring are adept in prescribing one or more of these treatments:

• Medicated creams to control itching and repair skin.
• Oral antibiotics to help fight infection.
• Oral corticosteroids to control inflammation.
• Or an injectable medication for severe cases.

These solutions are based on your individual needs and will be monitored by your dermatologist over time.

3. Is your hair falling out?

Next, affecting around 80 million Americans  is hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia or hereditary thinning.

Although there are also other potential causes, including:

• Excessive or improper use of hair products
• Hairstyles that tend to pull the hair
• Hair manipulation; shampooing, combing, or brushing the hair
• Some diseases such as thyroid disease or lupus
• Insufficient protein or iron in the body, or eating disorders
• Childbirth, major surgery, high fever, severe infection, stress, or flu
• Some prescription drugs and birth control pills
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy

For hair loss caused by hereditary thinning, your doctor may prescribe Minoxidil or Finasteride to help regrow the hair or slow the rate of hair loss. Certain types of hair loss, like traction alopecia and CCCA are more common in people of African descent.

Some procedures for hair loss include steroid scalp injections, laser therapy or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). PRP is a quick, cutting-edge, and natural treatment that uses your body’s blood plasma to stimulate hair growth.

While it’s common to first try over-the-counter solutions for hair loss, it is best to consult your dermatologist right away. With hair loss, time is of the essence, so the sooner you start treatment, the better your long term results.

4. Worried about your psoriasis? Your dermatologist can help.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes cells to turn over faster than normal; cells turn over within 3-4 days versus 28-30 days natural turnover rate. The thickened skin is red and itchy with scaly patches. Close to 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis.

Like eczema, psoriasis is a chronic condition with no cure. Flare-ups can happen for a few weeks at a time. Psoriasis patches typically cover the lower back, elbows, legs, soles of the feet, scalp, face, and palms. However, they can occur on any area of the skin.

Psoriasis can be quite difficult to treat, but your dermatologist can help. For starters, we will recommend lifestyle habits and coping strategies. The most frequently prescribed topical treatment is steroid cream, ointment, lotion, gel, foam, spray, or shampoo. They are usually applied only during active flares.

Other topical treatments that may be prescribed include Vitamin D, retinoids, salicylic acid or tar regimens. From the variety of drugs and treatments, you may have to work with your dermatologist to find the best treatment that will work for you.

5. Resolving your Rosacea

Like psoriasis, rosacea is a common skin condition among Americans. It is characterized mainly by redness and visible blood vessels on the face. In some cases, rosacea causes small, red pus-filled bumps or swelling and larger bumps on the nose.

Symptoms may flare up for a few weeks or months, then subside. Rosacea also has a range of triggers including food, alcohol, weather, stress, and some medications. Although it is most common among middle-aged women with light complexion, anyone may experience rosacea.

There is no known cure for rosacea, but there are available treatments to control its signs and symptoms. Your dermatologist may prescribe topical medication to lessen the redness, oral antibiotics, or other oral medications for moderate to severe cases. Laser and intense pulse light  devices (IPL) can target the embarrassing redness.

Try a dermatologist in Silver Springs today.

If you live in or near Silver Spring, Maryland, you can find a board-certified dermatologist for help with these five skin conditions and a host of others.

When it comes to skin health, one of the top dermatologists in Silver Spring is Dr. Ife Rodney, a board-certified dermatologist, and dermatopathologist. She is the founder of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics,  and is  expert in skincare, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation for all skin types.

Eternal Dermatology is conveniently located in Fulton, MD, and serves Clarksville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Laurel, Bowie, Silver Spring, and Howard County, Maryland.