Dermatological Skin Care

There are certain conditions that a person can suffer from which need more than an over the counter lotion or remedy.  There are certain skin conditions which can be helped only by a dermatologist.  Certain typical skin conditions such as acne or dry skin can be so severe that a dermatologist may need to prescribe a prescription strength medication. 

A dermatologist is a doctor who cures conditions of the skin.  A dermatologist can deal with something as minor as acne or something as serious as skin cancer.

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Dry Skin and Acne

Normally, dry skin and acne are skin problems which can be treated with a medication purchased over the counter.  Occasionally, however, the acne or dry skin can be severe.  In this case, it may be necessary to have a dermatologist prescribe something. 

There are several medications that your dermatologist can prescribe which can be used to treat severe acne.  There are lotions and gels which be prescribed.  The most popular treatment however is Accutane.  Accutane is an oral medication. 

It is proven the most effective for severe acne.  When this medication is used girls and women of child bearing age, it is absolutely necessary for the woman to be on a foolproof birth control plan.  Accutane can cause severe birth defects to an unborn fetus.

If you have an everyday skin problem that is not getting any better using an everyday, over the counter medication, calling a dermatologist is your best bet.

Eczema

Eczema is also knows as atopic dermatatitis.  No one really knows the cause of eczema.  When a person has eczema, the barrier function of the epidermis is reduced.  This causes all of the moisture to leave the skin causing a rash which looks like severe dry skin.  This skin disorder is thought to be genetic.
 
Dry skin is a trigger for eczema.  When your skin begins to dry out, eczema can develop quickly.  When a person has an eczema flare up, the skin becomes incredibly inflamed. 
Family history has a role in a person developing eczema.  If one parent has eczema, their children have a fifty percent chance of developing it.  If both parents have eczema, the children have an eighty percent chance of developing it.
 
If you notice a flare up of your eczema, using hydrocortisone can be very effective.  Hydrocortisone is available without a prescription and can be used for mild flare ups.  If the eczema begins to worsen, if it spreads or begins to leak, you should consult your dermatologist immediately. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, reoccurring skin disorder which causes red, scaly, well defined patches of skin.  Psoriasis can develop anywhere in the body, however, the elbows, head, lower back, and knees are the most commonly affected parts.

Psoriasis can affect either men or women of any age.  Two percent of the population suffers from Psoriasis.  There are more than one type of Psoriasis.  The main type of this skin disorder affects men or women.  It first begins between the ages of twenty and thirty.  This type of Psoriasis is linked to genetics.  Thirty percent of the people who suffer from Psoriasis have an immediate family member who suffers from it as well. 

There are some over the counter treatments for mild flare ups of Psoriasis.  There are moisturizers available which can help prevent flare ups as well as treat minor ones.

Tar is an available over the counter treatment for Psoriasis.  Tar has been used for centuries to treat Psoriasis.  For Psoriasis of the scalp, there are shampoos which contain tar.  These shampoos have excellent results, however, they do have some side effects.  When a person with white hair uses the tar shampoo, it can cause their hair to turn to a yellowish color.  It can also discolor clothing and bedding.

For more serious cases of Psoriasis, there are treatments which can be prescribed by your doctor.  Your dermatologist can prescribe topical treatments, oral treatments, immunobiologics, or light therapy.  Your doctor will determine after seeing you which therapy will be best for you.  Many people with Psoriasis say that it has had a major negative affect on their lives.  It can cause the person who is suffering from Psoriasis to be depressed and withdrawn.  Even with treatment, a person with Psoriasis can still be affected.

Rosacea

Thirteen million people suffer from Rosacea.  Rosacea is a non-scarring, long lasting condition of the skin.  It is often misdiagnosed as adult acne.  Rosacea varies in severity from person to person.
It is not exactly known what causes Rosacea, however, doctors do believe that it could have a vascular cause or that blood vessels are a significant part of the disorder.  They believe this because flushing is a part of the disorder. 

There are treatments that your dermatologist can prescribe to help treat your Rosacea.  There is also something that you can do yourself.  If you want to prevent a flare up, there are some steps that you can take to do so.

Keeping your core temperature stable is one way to help.  If possible, avoiding severe weather conditions helps to avoid flare ups.  Hot food or drinks can also cause your core temperature to fluctuate.  Alcohol is also a factor.  Exercise can also cause flare ups.  If you want to exercise, you should do it in cool surroundings and avoid dehydration.  Certain medications can cause flare ups.  It is a good idea to avoid vasodialators and other medications that expand blood vessels. 

Cosmetics can also cause a Rosacea flare up.  It is wise to use non-greasy, non-drying, non-perfume cosmetics.  There are many types of skin disorders out there.  With the help of your dermatologist and avoiding certain things, you should be able to control your condition.