Medical Dermatology

Seborrhea, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects areas of the body rich in sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. It manifests as red, scaly, itchy patches and is often associated with dandruff when it occurs on the scalp.

Causes and Risk Factors:

1. Overproduction of Sebum: Excessive oil production by sebaceous glands.
2. Malassezia Yeast: An overgrowth of this yeast, which naturally lives on the skin, can trigger inflammation.
3. Genetic Predisposition: A tendency to develop seborrhea can run in families.
4. Environmental Factors: Stress, cold weather, and changes in humidity can exacerbate symptoms.
5. Health Conditions: More common in people with certain neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease) or immune system disorders (e.g., HIV/AIDS).

Symptoms:

1. Scaly Patches: Greasy, yellow or white scales on the skin.
2. Redness: Inflamed, red skin in affected areas.
3. Itching: Itchy skin that can become quite uncomfortable.
4. Affected Areas: Commonly affects the scalp (leading to dandruff), face (especially around the nose, eyebrows, and behind the ears), chest, and other areas with high oil gland concentration.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Based on the appearance and location of the symptoms.
• Skin Biopsy: Rarely necessary but can be done to rule out other conditions.

Treatment:

1. Medicated Shampoos: Anti-dandruff shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.
2. Topical Antifungals: Creams or lotions containing antifungal agents to reduce Malassezia yeast.
3. Corticosteroids: Topical steroids to reduce inflammation and itching.
4. Calcineurin Inhibitors: Topical medications like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus for sensitive areas such as the face.
5. Hygiene and Skincare: Regular cleansing with gentle, non-irritating products.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, itching, and sometimes blistering or oozing of the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the face, hands, feet, elbows, and behind the knees. Eczema is often itchy and can be quite uncomfortable, sometimes leading to skin infections if scratched excessively.

The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with eczema often have a hypersensitive immune system that reacts to certain triggers such as irritants, allergens, dry skin, stress, or changes in temperature.

Acrochordons, commonly known as skin tags, are small, benign growths that typically occur in areas where the skin folds or rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts. They are composed of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels covered by a layer of skin. Skin tags are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

The exact cause of skin tags is not fully understood, but they are thought to develop due to friction or rubbing between the skin surfaces. Factors such as obesity, genetics, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy), and age may also contribute to their formation.

Skin tags are generally harmless and painless, although they may become irritated if they rub against clothing or jewelry. While skin tags can be bothersome from a cosmetic perspective, they do not typically require medical treatment unless they cause discomfort or are cosmetically undesirable.

Before and After

About Brachytherapy

What is it?

Brachytherapy provides a faster skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team is able to remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

Brachytherapy benefits

• Short, non‐invasive procedure with no hospital stay
• Minimal side effects
• Exceptional cosmetic outcomes in a relatively short timeframe
• Ideal alternative for patients not interested in surgery or on a blood thinning medication (i.e. baby aspirin)

A different way to treat skin cancer

How Does HDR Brachytherapy Work?

Treatment Process

About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What are they?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) range from viral infections to bacterial infections. They’re most often caused by sexual intercourse, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Common STDs include bacterial STDs (such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea), viral STDs (including hepatitis, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV, and HIV), and parasitic STDs (such as trichomoniasis).

What causes them?

Although the most common way to get an STD is via some of form of sexual intercourse, some forms, such as trichomoniasis, can be contracted through skin contact with damp, moist objects like towels, clothing, and seats. In general, typical risk factors for STDs include the following: multiple sexual partners, intercourse with someone who’s had multiple partners, intercourse without a condom, and the sharing drug of needles.

Common treatments

Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases depends on the specific type of STD you have. In general, typical treatment plans are as follows: 1) Antibiotics, such as penicillin, for bacterial STDs, 2) Cryotherapy, topical medications, or even surgery for genital warts, and 3) Antiviral medications for viral STDs. Keep in mind that for viral STDs, there is no cure; any treatment you take is to manage the symptoms and keep the virus contained.

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About Allergies

What are they?

Allergies occur when the body overreacts to a foreign invader, or allergens, such as pet hair, pollen, pollutants, and more. Often, allergic reactions occur on the skin, but allergies are not just a cosmetic issue: they can be uncomfortable and even painful for certain individuals. Symptoms of allergies can vary, but some of the most common symptoms include the following: fatigue, sneezing or other sinus issues, headaches, itchy (or burning) eyes, shortness of breath, and coughing and/or wheezing. Skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and hives can also result due to allergies.

What causes Allergies?

There are various causes for allergies. Some of the most common include pets or pet hair, pollutants and chemicals, pollen and other natural irritants, cigarette smoke, certain foods and drinks, powders, and fabrics and fibers. If you have allergies but aren’t aware of your risk factors, contact our dermatologists today, who will help you identify, manage, and treat your allergic symptoms.

Common treatments?

The best method for dealing with allergies is to avoid them in the first place, which means avoiding your risk factors – that’s why it’s important that you know them. Even then, they can cause problems. If you have allergy symptoms despite your best efforts to avoid them, various treatments can be effective. These treatments include topical medications, such as hydrocortisone cream, oral medications (such as antibiotics), antihistamines, and moisturizing creams and/or lotions. Depending on the severity of your allergies and their causes, these treatments can help you overcome your symptoms outright or at least make them manageable.

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