Acne ("pimples" or "zits") is common among teenagers but can afflict people in their forties. People who have tried over-the-counter medications, such as benzoyl peroxide (Proactiv, Clearasil) without success should see a dermatologists before the acne leaves permanent scars. Prescription-strength medications, such as Accutane, Differin, Epiduo, Retin A Micro, or Tazorac, can lead to more immediate results and long-term control.
Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are dry, scaly patches that result from chronic sun exposure. Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous and should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Treatment options for actinic keratoses include cryotherapy, excision, and topical medications, such as 5-FU and Aldara (imiquimod) Cream 5%.
Aging Skin is a natural occurrence. Over time, skin becomes thinner, develops fine lines and wrinkles, develops darkened spots, and becomes drier. Treatment options include botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane) chemical peels, and laser & light therapies.
Aldara (imiquimod) Cream 5%. Aldara is a prescription medication used most commonly for the treatment of actinic keratoses (a precancerous lesion), basal cell carcinoma and external genital warts. It works from within the body by activating the immune system to treat disease.
Atopic Dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, affecting more than 1 out of 10 people. Frequent use of moisturizers is a mainstay of eczema treatment. Other treatment options include topical corticosteroids, antihistamines and topical immunomodulators (Elidel, Protopic).
Botox Cosmetic. While other procedures, like laser resurfacing dermabrasion and chemical peeling deal primarily with wrinkled skin at rest (static wrinkles), Botox is considered the treatment of choice for movement-related wrinkles (dynamic wrinkles). Initially used only to treat the so-called "scowl" (frown) lines between the eyes, Botox injections have been found remarkably effective for handling a wide range of facial and neck lines and furrows. Great improvement may be seen in the horizontal "worry" lines of the forehead and the "crow's feet" lines on the sides of the eyes, which in many cases may be eliminated entirely with treatment.
Dermal Fillers. There are now multiple FDA-approved, injectable filling and volumizing agents available for the treatment of fine and moderate wrinkles, correcting sunken areas, recontouring surface irregularities and restoring fullness to the skin. Dermal Fillers include hyaluronic acid products, such as Hylaform, Captique, Elevess, Restylane, and Juvederm, and volumizers, such as Radiesse and Sculptra. Unlike collagen, these substances, largely synthetically produced, do not require any prior allergy testing. This means a person could literally walk in off the street and be treated the same day. What's more, their results last far longer, especially for the volumizers, whose benefits may persist between 12 to 24 months or even longer.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. There are 5 types of psoriasis, with "plaque" type being the most common. There is no cure, but your physician can prescribe a variety of treatment options, including topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, phototherapy, and new biologics, such as Stelara and Vectical.
Rosacea causes redness and swelling of the face. People may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily which may progress to persistent redness, pimples and other changes. There are four subtypes of rosacea and people may have more than one subtype at the same time. Your dermatologist can recommend a variety of treatment options for rosacea, including topical medications (Finacea, MetroGel, Plexion), oral medications (Oracea), and laser and light treatments.
Skin Cancer is usually classified as one of 3 types; basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Basal Cell carcinoma accounts for 80-85 percent of skin cancers. Although the least common, melanoma is the leading cause of death from skin disease. See your dermatologist immediately if you are concerned about the appearance of any skin lesions. Early diagnosis increases the chances of receiving effective treatment. Treatment options include excision, Moh's surgery, and topical medications, such as 5-FU and Aldara.
Skin Care regimens should be kept simple keeping in mind that the skin should never be scrubbed with an abrasive cloth or rough sponge. Wash with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day. Use a moisturizer with a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher in the morning. Use oil-free makeup that is non-comedogenic, so that it will not block pores. Eat well, maintain appropriate body weight, and get plenty of sleep. Use a biologically active cream containing ingredients such as alpha (glycolic) or beta hydroxy acid or antioxidants (Prevage) once or twice a day. A skin care regimen can include using a topical retinoid cream (Retin A, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, or Differin) or another vitamin A derivative (retinol) nightly.
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