Nobody wants acne. Unfortunately a number of teenagers, as well as some adults, are affected by this all too common condition. If not treated appropriately it can cause permanent scarring, skin discoloration and emotional distress.
Over the counters creams can help in some cases, but if they have not cleared the skin in several weeks, prescription treatments may be required. Treatment for acne varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, skin type and the patient’s age and lifestyle. Dr. Trowers takes all of these factors under consideration while evaluating your skin and developing a personalized acne clearing regimen with written instructions. She also explains why acne occurs and how your medications work.
On average results are visible within six to eight weeks from starting treatment. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion and facials with extractions can shorten the time required to achieve clear skin.
Eczema is a term used to describe a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic itchy rashes. About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of eczema, including 10-20 percent of all infants. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out in rashes when scratched.
Treatment involves the restriction of scratching, use of moisturizing lotions or creams, cold compresses and nonprescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams and ointments. If this proves insufficient, physicians may prescribe corticosteroid medication, antibiotics to combat infection, or sedative antihistamines.
Due to Dr. Trowers’ expertise in pediatric dermatology she is comfortable with medications that can quickly and safely clear your child’s skin. She also educates the family on how to care for the patient’s skin to prevent future breakouts or to quickly control them if they occur.
Dark spots on the skin can be cosmetically disfiguring and is a common complaint heard by Dr. Trowers. They can be caused by a numbers of triggers, including: acne, ingrown hairs, insect bites and pregnancy. Dr. Trowers expertise in treating this condition is due to her experience with a multi-ethnic patient base.
After reviewing your skin history and examining your skin, Dr. Trowers may prescribe a cream compounded to the strength required by your condition. Additionally chemical peels, photoprotection and microdermabrasion may be utilized.
Working together with the patient, Dr. Trowers strives to achieve the even skin tone they request, while addressing the underlying triggers of these lesions.
That little spot on your shoulder may not be a harmless mole…it may be a melanoma. Any new mole or one that has changed in color, size or shape has the potential to be life threatening.
Melanoma is a potentially life-threatening skin cancer of the melanocytes, the cells that make melanin (brown pigment). Melanoma has a fatality rate higher than those for basal cell and squamous cell cancers - it accounts for more than 80 percent of all deaths from skin cancer.
Treatment for melanoma depends on the tumor's location, thickness and progression as well as the patient's age, health, medical history and preferences. A biopsy is often performed to determine the extent of the cancer. Most often, the appropriate treatment is surgery, followed by adjuvant therapy (interferon, vaccines) for patients at great risk of metastasis (spreading of cancer throughout the body). Other common options are chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biologic therapy (interferon, cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines) to improve the body's self-defense abilities.
Due to the increasing incidence of melanoma, Dr. Trowers offers a full body skin check to all new patients. This is covered by your insurance plan and included for all self pay patients.
Moles and other birthmarks are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in color from tan, brown and black (moles) to red, pink or purple (vascular nevi, such as strawberry hemangiomas or port wine stains). Though most birthmarks are harmless, they may develop into cancer. Moles exhibiting any of the following warning signs should be examined by a professional immediately:
- Larger than six millimeters.
- Itches or bleeds.
- Rapidly changes in color, size or shape.
- Has multiple colors.
- Is located where it can't be easily monitored, such as on the scalp.
Psoriasis encompasses a group of chronic skin disorders that cause an itching and/or burning sensation, scaling and crusting of the skin. Over seven million men and women in the U.S. of all ages have some form of psoriasis, which may be mild, moderate or severe. The most commonly affected areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals.
Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years at a time and occasionally even permanently. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis; the patient's age, medical history and lifestyle; and the effect the disease has on the patient's general mental health. The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms).
l
