At Bellaire Dermatology, we treat the entire spectrum of medical dermatologic problems. From acne and eczema, to excessive sweating, to warts and skin infections, Bellaire Dermatology’s physicians confidently treat conditions in all age groups. Other conditions we treat include brown spots, moles, migraines, rashes, sagging skin, eczema, hair loss, melasma, itching, fine lines and wrinkles.
Athlete’s foot is a very common skin condition that can be easily treated. This fungal infection can grow and multiply on human skin, especially the feet. Simple cases can be treated with anti-fungal creams that relieve symptoms such as burning and itching fairly quickly. In more severe cases, antifungal pills may be prescribed. You can help prevent athlete’s foot by washing and drying your feet, avoiding tight footwear, and wearing cotton socks.
Hair loss can affect anyone and is often very stressful. After diagnosing the underlying reason for your hair loss, BDA can discuss a multitude of treatment options to consider and reach a result that makes you comfortable. Bellaire Dermatology has opened the
Hair Loss Clinic to provide more availability to patients suffering from hair loss.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of the hair follicles. Most patients will experience painful boils like lumps or abscesses under their skin and mostly in areas where skin most commonly rubs together. The most common areas affected are the armpits, groin, between the buttocks, and under breasts. It is not uncommon for HS to appear in other parts of the body as well. These painful lumps form pathways under the skin and eventually break open to drain. HS is a disease that is rare and affects 0.1 – 1% of the population and is seen most commonly in women than in men. Because this disease is rare, it is often times misdiagnosed. Without seeking the appropriate medical provider, it can take patients an average of 7 years to get accurately diagnosed with HS.
At this time, experts are still identifying causes of HS. It is known that most patients with HS have similar characteristics such as: irregular hormones, metabolic syndrome, genetic predispositions, a dysregulated immune response, smoking and excess body weight. Patients have experienced a variety of these symptoms mildly to severely. The disease causes a cycle of bumps similar to boils, blackheads, cysts and scars that grow in size, drain, heal, scar and grow back bigger and more painful. Unfortunately, this cycle continues repeatedly.
As you can imagine, HS takes a toll on patients both mentally and physically. However, our team of providers at Bellaire Dermatology have been able to quickly assess and treatment patients with this painful disease. Our team of providers have specialized training to help patients find better relief.
Excessive Sweating: Hyperhidrosis is the excessive sweating of the face, hands, feet, and underarms, stemming from the production of perspiration beyond what is necessary to cool the body. The condition can be debilitating, uncomfortable, and embarrassing, however it is easy to treat. At BDA we have helped many patients who suffer from this condition, all of who spoke of renewed confidence and comfort in their daily lives. There are two main treatment regimens for hyperhidrosis: Botox®, which reduces excessive sweating, can dramatically improve quality of life, and topical agents may also be used for less severe cases. Our specialists will help you identify which treatments will benefit you most upon exam.
Lichen planus is a rather common inflammatory disease that affects the skin, mouth, or both. Lichen planus of the skin is characterized by reddish-purple, flat-topped bumps that may be very itchy. Oral lichen planus typically appears as patches of fine white lines and dots in the mouth.
Melasma is a very common disorder that presents with irregular-shaped brown spots or patches of varying shades on both sides of the face, especially on the forehead, nose, cheeks, upper lip, chin, and other sun-exposed areas of the body. It is capable of spreading over time, and worsens with continued sun exposure. Melasma mostly occurs in women and can also be associated with pregnancy. It is essential to use sunscreens and to discontinue using any products that irritate the skin. Topical agents such as bleaching creams and minimally invasive treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser surgery may be used to successfully treat this condition.
Moles are specific pigmented spots on the skin that are usually benign, but should be checked by a dermatologist to rule out any form of cancer or precancerous growth. Some people are born with moles, and others develop them due to sun exposure or hereditary factors. They can be easily removed by excision. Monthly skin exams are crucial to detect moles in their early stages that can transform to melanoma.
Here are some quick tips for doing at home mole exams. If you have any questions or concerns about the appearance of moles, schedule a consultation with one of our Board Certified Dermatologists today!
Perioral dermatitis is a common skin problem that results in a combination of a red rash and acne around the mouth. It affects mainly young women. A variety of treatments can help with this often-stubborn problem.
Poikiloderma refers to increased pigmentation, producing reddish-brown skin, usually on the sides and front of the neck and chest. Sun protection is the best preventative measure for poikiloderma. However, an intense pulsed light procedure (fotofacial) will reduce the coloration over several treatments. The laser light source works by emitting intense, but gentle light bursts that target abnormal tissue and leave the surrounding tissue untouched.
Port Wine Stains/Vasular Birthmarks
Port wine stains are vascular lesions that appear at birth and appear as reddish marks caused by an abundance of blood vessels. They can become larger and more apparent over time. However, cutting edge laser treatments can be tailored to treat the dilated birthmark and not affect the surrounding skin. Specifically, the YAG, KTP, or IPL lasers provide relief by penetrating deep into the skin, targeting the blood vessels, and eliminating the affected tissues. Several laser treatments are usually required.
Prurigo Nodularis is a skin disease that causes crusty lumps on the patient’s skin that have severe irritation. Each patients’ symptoms can be more inflamed at more times than others such as a constant itch, mostly at night, or when something comes in contact with the nodules. The nodules in this disease are normally about half of an inch in width, rough, dry, and can open when scratched. Unfortunately, patients only get relief from the itching and irritation when the lumps are consistently scratched causing them to bleed. While this may provide short term relief, scratching these spots will only cause the cycle of the nodules to start over. Prurigo Nodularis is commonly seen on the arms, shoulders, and legs in patches with few or dozens.
The most difficult part of this disease is managing the symptom of itching. Once itching begins, it’s hard to stop the sensation. The constant itching that is associated with PN causes many lesions, pain, burning, bleeding, anxiety, and lack of sleep. While PN can be difficult to manage, our team at Bellaire Dermatology has decades of experience treating patients with this horrible disease. There a variety of treatments available to help manage outbreaks that our team can discuss with you. BDA is also currently enrolling participants for a variety of clinical research trials for treatments that will hopefully be available to the public soon. To learn more about available trials for Prurigo Nodularis, click here.
Pruritus is the medical word for itch. Itching can be a significant source of frustration and discomfort for patients. Pruritus can be a symptom of certain skin diseases, or internal conditions. In other patients, pruritus may be due to faulty processing of the itch sensation within the nervous system. At BDA, we are attuned to the myriad of reasons for itching and will be able to identify the cause. Our therapeutic expertise will bring control and relief to your symptoms.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that can be easily treated. This condition is a red, scaly rash most commonly seen on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, skin behind the ears, and middle of the chest. Mild topical creams or shampoos may be used to treat affected areas.
Seborrheic keratoses are non-cancerous growths that look similar to warts. Pigmented seborrheic keratoses can mimic skin cancer. The condition is extremely common, genetic in origin and easily treated. Treatment options include liquid nitrogen, hyfrecation and shave removal. The KTP laser can treat some flat seborrheic keratoses.
Tinea Versicolor is a common skin condition that results from a proliferation of yeast on the skin’s surface. The condition presents as uneven skin color and scaling that sometimes itches. However, it is easily treated with topical or oral medications as well as shampoos.
Vitiligo is a common skin condition caused by a loss of pigment that results in symmetrical white patchy areas. There are several ways to treat vitiligo, including topical and oral medications, as well as light therapy (narrow band UVB). Vitiligo affects between 0.5 to 1% worldwide population. It commonly occurs between the ages of 10-30 and rarely appears in very pediatric or geriatric patients.
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. They are generally skin-colored and feel rough, but can also be dark, flat and smooth. Warts are passed from person to person, and most commonly found on the hands and feet. Various treatments including prescription creams, injectables, cryotheraphy, or lasers are used to eliminate them. Most warts will persist if left untreated. Occasionally they will resolve on their own. Warts can spread easily if picked at.
