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NEWS

Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Patch Testing

Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Patch Testing

Have you ever had an itchy rash that is so uncomfortable it can disturb your sleep? Is this rash persistent or does it come and go, with repetitive outbreaks? Does your rash last for days, weeks, or months? If your answer is yes to one or more of those questions, there is a decent chance that you have allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is exceedingly common—virtually every person will have at least one episode of this rash during their lifetime. Some of us are affected more severely than others.

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Actinic Keratosis: Treatment & Causes

Actinic Keratosis: Treatment & Causes

What is actinic keratosis? Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a spot on the top layer of skin that generally develops in adults and is pre-cancerous. Like many changes in the skin that occur over our lives, sunlight exposure and sun damage will cause these skin growths to appear. Over time, the photons of ultraviolet (UV) light trigger enough damage to the DNA of skin cells that the skin starts to grow more rapidly than it should.

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Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning

We are excited to share with you special cosmetic treatment for both the ladies and the guys which we now offer at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands. The technique of dermaplaning, which involves deep exfoliation treatment of the skin, has been in development for nearly 40 years. Both the tools and the technique have been refined giving us an incredibly effective and very safe procedure that we now offer.

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Body Odor Causes

Body Odor Causes

All humans have body odor to varying degrees. Body odor is an unpleasant, strong smell caused by the combination of sweat and bacteria that live on the skin. Consequently, the industry for products containing fragrances, cleansers, and deodorants as well as antiperspirants is a billion-dollar per year industry. When it comes to body odor, some of the most affected areas that this article focuses on include areas that sweat a lot (the armpits and groin) as well as the hands and feet.

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Skin Itching & Scratching

Skin Itching & Scratching
Skin Itching & Scratching can drive us up a wall. Everyone is itchy from time to time. However, for some of us, itchy skin can be much more severe—to the point of invading all aspects of our lives. Numerous factors can make us develop an itchy rash.

Dry skin, poison ivy, skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis (skin cell build-up), a bug crawling on the skin, malfunctioning nervous system (neuropathy), and other internal diseases (liver disease/kidney disease) can all cause itching. Insect bites, allergic reactions (food allergies) and so many other agents may trigger this itchy feeling as well.

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Itchy Scalp

Itchy Scalp

Why is my scalp so itchy? An itchy scalp is a common problem that can cause frustrating symptoms, such as frequent scratching and discomfort. A variety of medical and skin conditions, as well as other factors, can cause your scalp to itch. These triggers can be broken down into the broad categories of skin diseases of the scalp, allergic reactions to hair care products, and our own actions & hair care practices. The best dermatologists know that the most common cause of itchy scalp is dandruff, and in a more severe form with redness and flaking is referred to as seborrheic dermatitis.

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Corn vs Callus vs Wart vs Other

Corn vs Callus vs Wart vs Other
Our feet endure daily stress, making the skin on the soles of our feet is quite unique. The top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, is thicker on the foot than it is anywhere else on the body! This skin adapts to pressure by thickening, leading to common foot conditions like corns, calluses, and warts. Understanding the differences is essential for proper care.

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Nail Fungus Treatments

Nail Fungus Treatments

Do you have nails that are thick and difficult to trim? Do they have white or yellow discoloration? If the answer to either question is,’ yes’ then you may have nail fungus. Nail fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are extremely common. As people age, the odds steadily increase that a person will have a fungus infection in one or more fingernails or toenails. Learn about treatment for toenail fungus.

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Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is a common fungal infection that we see frequently in our clinics at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, especially in the summertime. The condition is caused by a type of fungus and involves an overgrowth of a yeast organism (Malassezia type) on the skin, which disrupts pigment production temporarily. Tinea versicolor that develops in people with dark skin may result in the loss of skin color, known as hypopigmentation. Depending on the person, skin may appear lighter or darker. This skin infection occurs frequently in teens and young adults, as well as those with weakened immune systems, on the torso, neck, and/or the arms. Though it is very common, the good news is that it is harmless. A common misconception is that it can affect the face when in reality it essentially never shows up in that area.

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How to Save a Life?

How to Save a Life?
On two consecutive days in my dermatology clinic, I met two sets of married couples. They came in for full-body skin examinations. In both cases, the patient’s wife had concerns about a spot on her husband’s skin. She was the one who made the appointments. Without her efforts, the man would likely have never sought dermatology care.

These types of situations are nothing unusual in dermatology. Daily in all our clinics at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands we see loved ones who have appointments together, frequently for skin checks or specific areas of concern. In most of those cases, one of the individuals is particularly concerned about the other. And as I pointed out, without this concern and the effort, it is very likely the appointments never would have been made.

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