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Botox

January 3, 2025 by westdermcorp

About Botox

What is it?

Botox is an extremely popular wrinkle treatment that’s ideal for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that form over time from repeated movements, such as smiling or frowning). Derived from Botulinum toxin, Botox is injected through a very fine needle into a muscle underlying a bothersome wrinkle. This process blocks the nerve impulses that move the muscle, causing it to relax. The result is a smoother wrinkle and a softer-looking appearance. Since only the targeted muscle is affected, surrounding muscles continue to move freely, allowing your facial expressions to be easily shown and avoiding the dreaded “frozen face” look when performed by an experienced dermatologist. Botox is ideal for the upper half of the face, including the areas around the eyes, the upper nose, forehead, cheeks, and jaw.

What to expect

A single Botox injection session often lasts under an hour and is virtually painless. You may feel a tingling sensation during the process, but there is no downtime; you can go about your daily routine afterward. Side effects are typically mild and typically include tenderness at the injection site, muscle stiffness or weakness, bruising, itchiness, and swelling.

After the procedure

Within a week after your Botox injections, you should start to notice results, although this can vary from patient to patient. Over the following 3-4 months, the targeted wrinkles gradually vanish, and touch-up injections are suggested every 6 months in order to maintain the rejuvenating effects of the treatment.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We recognize that troublesome facial creases, lines, and wrinkles can impact your appearance and self-esteem, which is why our experienced community skin experts provide one of the safest, most popular wrinkle treatments in the world: Botox. Botox treatment at our center is unique. Practitioner experience and skill are critical in getting safe, effective results. Our experts are trained to administer the precise dosage at the precise location, ensuring a safe procedure and natural-looking results that meet your aesthetic goals.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today for more about Botox and how it can revitalize your appearance.

Pediatric Dermatology

December 10, 2024 by cgeppert

Comprehensive skincare for patients aged 3 and up.

Taking care of young skin is crucial to help ensure a lifetime of healthy skin. As the largest organ of the body, the skin is affected by a vast array of bodily functions and visually exhibits the state of health of the body.

While young skin is incredibly resilient, it is still susceptible to many of the same perils that other bodily organ tissues are vulnerable to, including pitting, scarring, inflammation, discoloration, dehydration, and much more. To help avoid lifelong effects, swift diagnosis and treatment are necessary.

Diagnosing and treating pediatric skin conditions is central to our mission at Texas Dermatology Specialists. That is why we offer comprehensive pediatric dermatology care that covers skin, hair, and nails.

Diagnosis of Pediatric Skin Conditions
A wide variety of skin conditions can benefit from our pediatric dermatology services at Texas Dermatology Specialists. These include:

  • “Baby” eczema
  • Severe/chronic diaper rash
  • Birth injury/lesion
  • “Salmon patches” or “stork bites”
  • Vitiligo
  • White bumps
  • “Cradle cap” (seborrhea)
  • Dandruff
  • Brittle nails
  • Discolored nails
  • Acne (mild to severe)
  • Abnormal hair loss
  • Dermatitis
  • Skin rashes
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Eczema
  • Moles (suspicious)
  • Psoriasis
  • Dermatofibroma
  • Abnormal scarring
  • Sunburn
  • Allergic reactions (poison ivy, poison oak, food-related)
  • Bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections
  • Warts
  • Inherited/genetic skin conditions
  • And more…

As you can see, there are countless reasons why you may need to bring your baby, youngster, or teen in to see one of our professional clinicians.

The key to ensuring expedient and accurate diagnosis and treatment of pediatric skin conditions is to make sure that your child is seen by a professional as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

If you have any doubt regarding whether your child’s condition warrants a visit, just give us a call and one of our friendly and experienced team members will be happy to advise you.

Treatment For Pediatric Dermatology Skin Conditions
After your youngster’s skin condition has been diagnosed, your doctor will provide treatment options to you.

You and your dermatologist will work closely together to ensure that you fully understand the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

As a loving parent or caregiver, your assistance will be integral to the recovery of your child’s skin condition. As such, you will always be fully “in the loop” when it comes to dermatologic care for your infant or adolescent.

Our dermatologists are happy to answer your questions and get you in as soon as possible to have your child’s skin, hair, or nail condition diagnosed and treated.

Vitiligo (Skin Pigment Disorders)

December 10, 2024 by westdermcorp

About Vitiligo and Skin Pigment Disorders

What are they?

Vitiligo is the patchy loss of your skin’s natural color. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that determines your skin’s color, is damaged or destroyed. Although vitiligo can negatively impact your self-esteem, it is physically harmless. Vitiligo affects about 2 percent of Americans and develops in people of all skin colors; however, if you have dark skin, the contrast between the dark skin and the lighter areas of color loss is more noticeable. Moreover, this condition is often unpredictable. You may personally experience only small patches of pigment loss, but for others, the condition may be much more widespread. It can be temporary for some and permanent for others. In extreme cases, it can alter a hair or eye color and/or develop inside the mouth.

What causes it?

The exact causes of vitiligo are unknown, but several possibilities are thought to be major contributors. Among these include immune system dysfunction, certain viruses, stress, sunburn, injury, and exposure to certain chemicals. As mentioned, symptoms include the development of white patches of skin, often with reddish-brown boundaries. These white patches can appear on many areas of the body, including the forehead, eye area, lips, mouth, hands, arms, elbows, underarms, knees, feet, neck, and torso.

Common treatments

Treatment for vitiligo varies and depends on the extent of your specific form of vitiligo. Realistic expectations are important and should include reducing the contrast between your normal skin and the lighter areas and improving your self-esteem and confidence. Effective solutions for vitiligo include topical medications, sun avoidance and/or sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), UV-B light therapy, a combination light, and medication therapy, or, in severe cases, skin grafting.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that sudden or unusual changes in your pigmentation, such as with vitiligo, can cause social and emotional distress. As your knowledgeable community skin healthcare providers, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. We” work with you to find the best solution, and you can lean on us for support in managing this condition.

Rosacea

December 10, 2024 by westdermcorp

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.

Skin Cancer

October 24, 2024 by westdermcorp

Early detection of skin cancer plays a critical role in recovery and survival rates.

Skin cancer is defined as the growth of abnormal cells in the outer layer of the skin. A diagnosis of skin cancer means that a person has out-of-control, malignant skin cell growth.

This condition can ultimately be fatal when left untreated or undiagnosed. Skin cancer can grow unchecked and infiltrate other parts of the body.

A comprehensive skin exam with your dermatologist is the first line of defense against skin cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

The most common type of cancer, skin cancer, can range from very mild types to those that are life-threatening. Because of this, it’s vital to catch it as early as possible.

To do so, you need to know the common symptoms. In most cases, these include:

  • Bleeding sore that heals but then returns
  • Pearly or waxy bump on skin
  • Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
  • Mole that changes color or size
  • Lesions with irregular borders

Since these symptoms can be associated with various types of skin cancers, it is crucial that you not delay in seeking the advice of your Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis.

Types of Skin Cancer

If you are unfamiliar with skin cancer, you should realize there are multiple types of skin cancer, some of which are mild while others are quite serious.

The most common types of skin cancer are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma is usually found on sun-exposed areas such as the neck or face. Signs of this cancer include flat lesions that are flesh-colored or have a scar-like appearance, as well as a sore that won’t heal or heals and then returns.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears on the ears or hands. Characterized by a flat lesion with a scaly and crusty surface, people with darker skin can develop this cancer on areas not often exposed to the sun.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, can affect men and women, and be present on any skin tone.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is very complex and can be caused by many different factors. No matter the type, skin cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, leading to them growing out of control — creating a cancer cell mass.

The main reasons why this occurs are:

  • Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds
  • Exposure to toxic substances or radiation
  • Having a compromised immune system

Other risk factors include having a large number of moles on your body, having a predisposition to sunburns, or having a family history of skin cancer.

Treatment for Skin Cancer

Treatment results can vary. Your dermatologist at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery will advise you as to the appropriate course of treatment based on your individual circumstances and the type of skin cancer that you have.

Due to the seriousness of skin cancer, don’t take chances by delaying your diagnosis and treatment. With skin cancer, early detection plays a critical role in recovery and survival.

Never try to diagnose an unusual-looking mole by yourself at home, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist if you have concerns.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

May 24, 2018 by westdermcorp

Mohs surgery is a special technique that is used by dermatologists to treat certain types of skin cancer.

In Mohs surgery, cancerous skin cells are removed one cell layer at a time. After each layer is removed, it’s examined on the spot under a microscope. Once no more cancerous skin cells are in the removed layer, the surgery is completed.

This technique ensures that benign cells aren’t needlessly removed, while also ensuring that all the malignant cells are excised.

If your dermatologist has recommended Mohs surgery to treat your skin cancer, you should know that this technique was invented all the way back in the 1930s and named after the doctor, Frederick Mohs.

It proved to be so effective that dermatologists still rely on this technique to this day, as a first recourse to remove cancerous skin cells. Mohs surgery often helps patients to avoid more extensive surgery for the treatment of melanoma.

With a modern dermatology clinic a short drive away in Phoenix, our esteemed team of clinicians can help provide guidance about skin cancer and the potential need for and performance of Mohs surgery.

What is Mohs Surgery Used For?

Mohs surgery isn’t for all types of skin cancer. But it offers very positive outcome rates for certain situations, including:

  • Your skin cancer has returned after previous treatment
  • You have a higher vulnerability of having your skin cancer return
  • Your skin cancer is located in a highly visible area of your body
  • Your skin cancer is in an area of the body where healthy tissue is greatly needed
  • Your skin cancer is aggressive or particularly large in size
  • Your skin cancer has poorly defined edges

Types of Mohs Surgery

There is only one type of Mohs Surgery and it’s used to treat melanoma, which is skin cancer. The idea behind this surgery is to keep as much healthy tissue as possible.

Needless tissue removal can cause unnecessary and unsightly scarring in visible areas such as the face and neck. With Mohs surgery, only cancerous cells are removed.

Am I a Candidate For Mohs Surgery?

We recommend Mohs surgery for patients who are not good candidates for more invasive surgery. Since Mohs surgery only necessitates local anesthesia in our office, there’s no need to “go under.” This is optimal for those with heart conditions or other underlying issues.

Whether or not you are a candidate for Mohs surgery also depends upon the nature of your skin cancer and its history. If you have a history of recurring skin cancer in one spot, for example, Mohs surgery may be a great option.

A diagnosis of skin cancer doesn’t have to mean that a large area of skin tissue will be removed from your body. With Mohs surgery, your dermatologist removes only cancerous cells, leaving healthy tissue behind.

In Phoenix, Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery is your destination for comprehensive Mohs surgery services — performing the procedure and delivering comprehensive information. Schedule your appointment today.

Chemical Peels

May 23, 2018 by westdermcorp

Cosmetic peels are a skin rejuvenation treatment to reduce the appearance of aging or to treat certain skin conditions.

Cosmetic peels can make a dramatic improvement in the way you look. For relatively little effort, you could take years off of your appearance.

You can discuss the cosmetic treatments we offer and learn if they are right for you with your dermatologist at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

What are Cosmetic Peels Used For?

Cosmetic peels are used to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin.

Skin responds to the chemical ingredients used in the various types of cosmetic peels. When a layer of skin is removed, the skin rejuvenates itself and builds a fresh new layer of skin cells. This results in a more youthful appearance that is devoid of the skin imperfections that were targeted.

Among other uses, cosmetic peels are used for:

  • Acne
  • Wrinkles
  • Discoloration
  • Dryness
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Scars

Types of Chemical Peels

Cosmetic peels fall under three categories; light, medium, and deep. The variations designate how deeply the ingredients in the peel formulation penetrate the skin.

  • Light cosmetic peel. Light cosmetic peels remove only the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. This type of cosmetic peel treats dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Most dermatologists recommend repeat treatments no more than once every two to five weeks.
  • Medium cosmetic peel. Medium cosmetic peels penetrate to the depth of the upper layer of the dermis. Medium cosmetic peels are used to treat things like acne scars, average wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation brought about by sun damage or other reasons. More than one treatment may be needed to reach full effect.
  • Deep cosmetic peel. Even with a deep cosmetic peel, the formulation will only reach a safe depth of the skin. Deep cosmetic peels may be recommended to treat older, deeper wrinkles, certain benign skin growths, or scars. Typically, only one session of a deep cosmetic peel is needed to obtain results.

Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Peels?

Young adults and older adults are good candidates for cosmetic peels, as long as there are no underlying skin conditions that could be negatively impacted by the process. For instance, open, blistering acne breakouts would not respond well to a cosmetic peel.

Others who may not be a good candidate include anyone who:

  • Has a history of overdevelopment of scar tissue
  • Is pregnant
  • Has chronic cold sore breakouts
  • Takes certain prescription medication

Cosmetic peels are done in your dermatologist’s office. They do require some healing time, so this is not a treatment that would be appropriate to have done during your work lunch hour.

After a cosmetic peel, the skin will be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Your dermatologist will provide after-care instructions with details.

There is typically a recovery time of up to two weeks, depending upon what type of peel you received. If you are getting a cosmetic peel to improve your appearance for a certain event, such as a wedding, you should schedule your cosmetic peel well in advance so that your skin has enough time to heal properly.

Cosmetic peels are straightforward treatments and are available at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

Actinic Keratoses

April 13, 2018 by westdermcorp

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by one or more rough, scaly patches as a result of cumulative sun exposure.

Actinic keratosis can occur on any part of the body, but it most often occurs in out-of-the-way areas where a person has omitted using sunblock. This includes the ears, lips, back of the neck or hands, or even the scalp.

Actinic keratosis is sometimes called solar keratosis because it is caused by sun exposure. Those over the age of 40 are more apt to develop this condition since it occurs from the cumulative effects of UV light exposure.

Screening and treatment for actinic keratosis is available at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery, a short drive away in Phoenix.

What are the Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

Though actinic keratosis can differ from one person to another, the signs and symptoms remain the same across the board. Typically, the most common signs and symptoms include a patch of skin that is dry, rough, or scaly. Most often, this patch of skin is less than one inch in diameter.

Other symptoms include color variations such as brown, red, or pink, itching or burning, crusting or bleeding, a slightly-raised bump on the top layer of skin, and new patches on such sun-exposed areas as hands, neck, head, and forearms.

Types of Actinic Keratosis

There are five different types of actinic keratosis:

  • Hypertrophic
  • Atrophic
  • Bowenoid
  • Acantholytic
  • Pigmented

Of these five, the hypertrophic and atrophic types are the most common.

Also, studies have shown that for those individuals who suffer from hypertrophic actinic keratosis, there is a greater chance it may evolve into a form of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

When an actinic keratosis forms, it is most often due to a person being exposed to intense UV rays on a frequent basis.

While most cases result from overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, many people with this condition have also exposed their skin to the intensity of tanning beds.

While anyone can potentially get an actinic keratosis, some have certain risk factors that put them at even greater risk.

These factors include:

  • Having red or blond hair and either blue or light-colored eyes
  • Prior history of bad sunburns
  • Tendency to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
  • Aged 40 or older
  • Working primarily outdoors
  • Possessing a weakened immune system
  • Living in a sunny climate

Treatment for Actinic Keratosis

While a simple examination of your skin may allow a doctor to diagnose actinic keratosis, a skin biopsy may be performed as an added precaution.

Don’t gamble with actinic keratosis, a potential precursor to skin cancer. Entrust your care to Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery’s esteemed dermatologists, screening and treating keratosis and other skin conditions in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Schedule an appointment today.

Acne

February 27, 2018 by westdermcorp

Acne is a common, benign skin condition characterized by localized breakouts in the form of postures, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Although acne is most common in teens, adults may also experience episodes of acne breakouts.

The worst part about acne is its appearance. Since acne most frequently occurs on the face, breakouts can cause extreme embarrassment and lead to a lack of self-confidence.

Acne is highly treatable by your dermatologist. With our premier private dermatology practice in Phoenix, help for acne is just a short drive away.

What are the Symptoms of Acne?

Since there are many types of acne, symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity.

Generally, the most common symptoms of acne include:

  • Whiteheads. These are pores that are both closed and plugged.
  • Blackheads. These happen in pores that are plugged, yet still open.
  • Papules. These are small bumps that are red and tender to the touch.
  • Pimples. Commonly known as pustules. These are papules, but they have pus at their tips.
  • Nodules. These are painful lumps under the skin that are solid and typically large.
  • Cystic lesions. These are defined as pus-filled lumps under the skin that are quite painful.

Types of Acne

The two most common forms of acne are:

  • Noninflammatory
  • Inflammatory

Within these categories are subcategories. For example, noninflammatory acne is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, both of which rarely cause swelling and usually respond to over-the-counter medications.

As for inflammatory acne, this includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. This type of acne is more difficult to treat since it involves infections that are deeper underneath the skin.

What Causes Acne?

When acne appears, it is due to four main factors that may work in combination with one another. These include:

  • Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil
  • Excess production of oil
  • Inflammation
  • Bacteria

Along with these factors, other things can trigger an acne attack or worsen existing acne. Among these are:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Medications
  • Stress
  • Diet

When hormonal changes occur during puberty or midlife, androgen production increases and can trigger or worsen acne. Also, medications containing testosterone or corticosteroids can make acne worse.

Treatment for Acne

You may have spent a lot of time trying various treatments to get rid of your acne. But the best treatment for all types of acne is dermatologic treatment.

With our premier private dermatology practice in Phoenix, Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery can help end the cycle of acne.

Psoriasis

February 27, 2018 by westdermcorp

Psoriasis is a treatable skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy patches on the surface of the skin.

Psoriasis varies in intensity from individual to individual and from episode to episode. It’s possible to have long intervals of time in between flare-ups.

Treatment for psoriasis is largely centered around the management of symptoms because there is no known cure for this condition. Psoriasis may be experienced along with other conditions associated with immune disorders.

Our compassionate team of dermatologists in Phoenix will work with you to create a management and treatment plan for your psoriasis.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Primary symptoms of psoriasis include:

  • Red patches of skin
  • Dry patches on skin
  • Scaly areas of skin
  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Burning sensation
  • Silvery discoloration on skin

Note that some symptoms can arise out of psoriasis that are not directly connected with the skin. These include:

  • Achy, swollen, and/or stiff joints
  • Thickened finger or toenails
  • Pitted or ridged finger or toenails

Types of Psoriasis

There are many kinds of psoriasis, depending on where it is located on the body, how it presents, and its seriousness. They are:

  • Plaque psoriasis. Silverish, or white-ish patches over red, inflamed areas of the skin. This is the most common type of psoriasis.
  • Pustular psoriasis. Presents as pus-filled white blisters and wide swaths of red, swollen skin in localized areas.
  • Inverse psoriasis. Shows as bright pink, shiny patches of skin, usually in warm, moist areas like the groin, under the breasts or armpits.
  • Guttate psoriasis. Presents as tiny, flat, pink spots alone or in clusters.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis. This type can be life-threatening. It generally covers large areas of the body and may appear very much like a sunburn. Often accompanied by a fever and a feeling of illness.

Certain types of psoriasis are very benign and go away on their own, while other types can be life-threatening. This is why it’s so important to always have your psoriasis diagnosed and analyzed by your dermatologist.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The symptoms of psoriasis may come and go “mysteriously.” However, with attention and focus, certain life events or behaviors may be found to “trigger” psoriasis episodes.

Common triggers for psoriasis episodes include:

  • Overindulgence in sugary foods and alcohol
  • Increased stress
  • Traumatic events
  • Other illnesses, such as flu or cold

It is thought that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking itself. It is believed that the immune system overreacts to stimuli, resulting in the visible skin outbreaks mentioned above.

Certain people are more likely to develop psoriasis, especially those with:

  • Family history of psoriasis
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Chronic depression
  • Chronic anxiety
  • Psoriatic arthritis

Treatment Options For Psoriasis

At our contemporary dermatology clinic in Phoenix, Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery offers insights into diverse psoriasis treatments. Schedule your appointment today for personalized information and care.

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