Understanding Adult Acne

Acne can be as much of a problem for a 40-year-old as it is for a 16-year-old. Understanding why adult acne occurs and the options available to treat it can help reduce the stress associated with having this disorder. What Exactly is Adult Acne? For some patients, acne persists from their teen years through their 50s. For others, it appears for the first time in midlife. Adult-onset acne most frequently occurs in women undergoing menopause.

In general, females experience acne more than their male counterparts do. Among adults, more than 70 percent have outbreaks when they are between 20 and 50 years old. The cause is most often hormone- or bacteria-based. Comedones—blackheads or whiteheads—must be present to receive an adult acne diagnosis. Adult acne has four components: Sebum oil A bacteria called P. acnes A clogged hair follicle Inflammation caused by the immune system trying to kill bacteria

Researchers are still unsure of hormones' exact role in the development of adult acne. Another possible cause of the disorder is the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Some individuals also appear to be particularly sensitive to specific foods. Others might have undiagnosed underlying medical conditions. Treatment Options The most effective treatment for adult acne is available from a dermatology practice. A dermatologist Palo Alto will identify the principal driver of a patient’s acne and create a personalized plan to treat it. Getting the upper hand often requires patience. Options include: Topical and oral medications: Dermatologists sometimes prescribe an anti-inflammatory retinoid applied topically. An oral version of vitamin A is available (brand: Accutane). Some patients use topical treatments that combine an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide. Several new creams and other topicals are available that are less severe on the skin than their predecessors were.

Hormone blockers: Oral antibiotics are not effective for some adult acne. For these patients, oral medications that block hormones are sometimes a successful treatment. Photodynamic therapy: This treatment combines light therapy with a photosensitizing agent and is particularly useful for adult acne categorized as mild or moderate. Light activates a medication that kills bacteria and shrinks sebaceous glands. Most patients require several treatments. Surgical extractions: An aesthetician gently extracts plugs in blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pustules. Treatment includes restoring a normal environment to the patient’s skin in order for healing to occur without scarring. Aestheticians might also perform microdermabrasion, a chemical peel, or a silk peel.

Why Skin Cancer Happens To People Who Use Sun Screen

Sun tan lotion can help protect the skin while a person enjoys being out in the sun. But, if not used correctly, the skin can become as damaged as if the person had not used sun screen at all. Here is how the sun interacts with the skin and the proper way to use sun screen.

Sunlight and the Skin

Sunlight is made up of three types of ultraviolet rays:

• Ultraviolet A - These rays travel deep into the skin tissue. They can travel through glass and light clothing.

• Ultraviolet B - These rays affect the surface of the skin and do not penetrate far beneath it. These rays can be blocked by clothing.

• Ultraviolet C - These rays are normally blocked by the ozone layer around the planet.

The skin contains special cells which produce a dark pigment, called melanin, in response to the UV rays of the sun. This is the tan that people experience when they are out in the sun. While many people enjoy the darkening of the skin, the real purpose is to shield the skin from UV rays.

The skin can produce a limited amount of melanin and when that is exhausted, the skin becomes vulnerable to damage. The UV-B rays can cause the cells to change on the surface of the skin and become cancerous. The UV-A rays can create malignant tumors deep in the skin layers.

The Use of Sun Screen

Sun screen lets a person stay out longer in the sun because it blocks out part of the UV rays so the melanin-producing cells don't have to work as hard. Sun screen is only an effective block if properly used:

• apply liberal amounts over all of the exposed skin

• reapply to areas where the sun screen as been removed by perspiration

• reapply often as directed on the container to maintain the protection

Failure to reapply sun screen per the manufacturer's instructions is one reason that people who use sun screen still have skin damage.

Signs of Impending Skin Damage

Red skin is an indication that the skin is no longer protected. Applying more lotion at this point won't help. A person with red skin needs to get out of the sun. Covering up with a shirt also doesn't help as the UV-A rays can pass through clothing.

Ifthe redness doesn't go away after a few hours, it's time to see a dermatologist Palo Alto to determine if there is skin damage. If the skin becomes dry, then there is likely damage and the doctor will prescribe lotions to re-moisturize the skin. If left untreated, dry skin can result in scars and skin cancer.

By knowing how the sun and skin interact, and how to properly use sun screen, a person can enjoy the sun and protect their skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays.

Alopecia Areata, A Complex Condition

Alopecia Areata, a condition in which hair falls out in small quarter-sized patches, is thought to be auto-immune in origin, but what triggers it, causing the body's white blood cell's to attack hair follicles, remains uncertain.  Although scientists suspect that the nearly 2 percent of Americans who experience alopecia possess a combination of genes that predispose them to the condition, they still have questions about the role genes play.

Complicated Genetic Findings

Sometimes it appears that the more facts studies uncover, the less that is understood and the more tangled the genetic web becomes. The following is known:

• Alopecia is more likely to occur in families where autoimmune conditions like lupus, thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis affect members.
• Yet  while those who actually develop alopecia typically do not have the above mentioned autoimmune diseases, they often suffer from asthma, nasal allergies, and atopic eczema. 

• People with a close family member who had the disease have a slightly higher risk of developing it, and if that relative started losing hair before turning thirty, the risk increases.
• Unlike genetic conditions where if a parent has it, the child will have a 50/50 chance of developing it, in the case of alopecia, it seems that it is unlikely that such a child would inherit the combination of genes that would pass it on to him. In fact, most parents with alopecia do not have children with alopecia, and conversely children who do have it do not have parents who did. Even if an individual does have  the right combination of genes, she only has a 55% chance of  suffering the effects of the disease as found in studies involving identical twins, one of which developed the disease while the other one didn't. 

This last finding, complicated as it may sound, does point scientists in the right direction. They need to find the missing piece of the puzzle. Given the right combination of genes something  triggers an attack on hair follicles, but what is it? An environmental pollutant, stress, a virus? All are possibilities. 

Treatment for Alopecia

Alopecia does not hurt, and while it does cause  the psychological pain that comes from having one's hair fall out in patches, in most cases, those experiencing it are otherwise generally healthy. Although there is currently no cure for alopecia, a dermatologist Palo Alto can give a victim a steroid shot or prescribe a topical steroidal cream to lessen the autoimmune response.

As for the hair growing back, that is always a possibility but even if it doesn't minoxidil, a topical treatment can help restore a degree of temporary hair growth in 30% of patients.

Choosing a Dermatologist in Palo Alto

Anyone who needs a dermatologist Palo Alto will want to carefully consider their options. While many dermatologists can offer them skin care and information, some may be more well-versed on certain procedures and may have a personality and credentials that are more compatible with patient goals and desires. 

Skills, schooling, and experience all matter. So does bedside manner and how the dermatologist relates to their patients and the concerns those patients express. With the right dermatologist, a patient may feel more comfortable and be willing to see the doctor more often.

When a patient sees their dermatologist regularly, they may be more likely to get proper treatment for any skin conditions that are developing. That can include serious concerns such as skin cancer, and more insignificant issues such as dry or flaking skin. 

To select the right dermatologist, a patient will want to look carefully at the record of that particular doctor. By doing so, the patient can determine whether there are any concerns they would want to avoid. If so, that may not be the right choice for them. Additionally, they may have to see more than one dermatologist before choosing the one they feel best about.

Once a patient has chosen a dermatologist, that patient can return for care on a yearly basis or more often, depending on whether they need only regular checkups or there are worries that they must have addressed more frequently. 

It is very important to ensure that any dermatologist is serious about helping their patients have better care, and that skin issues are handled properly. By having a checkup from a good dermatologist, a patient can better ensure that skin cancer and other problems are not beginning. If anything is found, it can be treated quickly so it has less chance of spreading, as well.

Working with a dermatologist is especially good for people who spend a lot of time in the sun, or who may have a family history of skin cancer or certain types of skin disorders. For those individuals, a checkup that examines the skin at least once per year can save lives. 

However, even people with no history of cancer and those who wear sunscreen or limit their time in the sun can have problems with their skin. Seeing a dermatologist in Palo Alto regularly can be the best way to keep their skin as healthy as possible.

Most Common Skin Conditions Treated by a Dermatologist in Palo Alto

While everyone would love to have the complexion of a supermodel, this isn't the reality for a majority of people. There are a variety of common skin conditions that can range from being annoying to life-threatening which will require the services of a dermatologist. Palo Alto has some top dermatology specialists, and these are some of the most common skin conditions and diseases that they treat.

Acne

For most people, acne falls on the "annoyance" end of the spectrum. For a few, however, it turns into a chronic problem that requires treatment by a dermatologist. Palo Alto skin specialists and other experts note that nearly 80 percent of Americans will get acne at some point in their lives. As hormones can play a role, it is often in the teenage years, but 60 percent will continue with some form of acne into adulthood.

Eczema

Eczema and dermatitis are a group of skin conditions that are characterized by inflamed and irritated skin. Some forms of dermatitis are hereditary, and the most common types of eczema are characterized by patches of dry skin around the elbows and behind the knees. A dermatologist specialist in the Palo Alto area will often prescribe additional moisturizer and the use of corticosteroids.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is also a genetic disease that can be serious and disfiguring. The condition is characterized by the buildup of excess skin tissue that appears inflamed and is covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis initially appears on the knees and elbows but will eventually spread to other areas of the limbs as well as the trunk. Some forms of the disease will even affect the hands and scalp.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately one million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year and one in five Americans will hear the diagnosis in their lifetime. The leading cause of skin cancer is sun damage resulting from excessive exposure to UV rays. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms of skin cancer, and the most deadly form is melanoma. It's been found that genetics play a key role in both basal cell and melanoma, more so than with squamous cell carcinoma. When these are detected early, the most common treatment by a dermatologist Palo Alto clinic is the removal of the affected area.

When to See a Dermatologist About Acne

Acne can steal self-confidence. This skin problem might persist so long that individuals wonder if it will ever clear. Understanding when to see a dermatologist helps to relieve stress associated with this disorder.

Exactly What is Acne?

Acne affects between 40 and 50 million U.S. residents on any given day. It occurs when dead skin cells and oil plug hair follicles. It most often develops on the face, chest, back, neck, and shoulders.

Many people associate acne with teenagers. However, newborn babies and adults develop it. Women who are middle-aged are often prone to it.

Dermatologists are specialists who treat skin conditions. They evaluate a patient’s acne severity from grade 1 through grade 4 according to a number of symptoms:

• Whiteheads

• Blackheads

• Papules (small red bumps)

• Pimples

• Nodules beneath the skin’s surface

• Painful cystic lesions below the surface of the skin

Although there are various treatments for this disorder, many of which involve home care, it is sometimes difficult to control. One very common misperception is that an individual should just let acne run its course. However, without treatment, dark spots and scars are often a likely outcome.

When to See a Specialist

The sooner a patient starts acne treatment, the lower the risk of permanent physical damage and emotional issues. Patients typically try home care remedies and over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide. If these measures fail to control the condition, they might turn to a primary care doctor for stronger medications.

Individuals with persistent acne are most likely to profit from evaluation and treatment by a dermatologist. A consultation is appropriate when:

• Home treatment of 4 to 8 weeks has failed to cause improvement.

• A family physician recommends a visit to a dermatologist.

• A patient has a considerable number of cysts or nodules, or widespread acne.

A variety of treatments for acne are available when a patient sees a dermatologist Palo Alto. One of the most successful for general flares is photodynamic therapy. This involves applying a topical medication, followed by passing a light over the skin to activate the medication.

Other types of treatment include surgical extractions of plugs and the use of topical and oral antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide products. Some patients respond well to topical or oral retinoids. The use of a chemical or a silk peel or microdermabrasion is also helpful for skin renewal and loosening blackheads.

Palo Alto Area Dermatologists Can Help Patients With Various Skin Conditions Feel Their Best

People who struggle with a skin condition often feel self-conscious and try to find ways to divert attention from what they feel is an overt expression of their appearance. Anything from acne to psoriasis, as well as many other conditions, can severely hamper the sufferer's life, or at least their enjoyment of their life, which makes finding a dermatologist Palo Alto so crucial to the improvement of their condition. Many dermatologists can help with various treatments, but sometimes patients need a dermatology team that sympathizes with their condition, understanding their insecurity and anxiety to help them feel better until they see improvements.

What are Some of the Skin Conditions That Cause the Most Concern for Dermatology Patients in Palo Alto?

Patients looking for help might suffer from one of several possible conditions and, worse still, might not know precisely the nature of their condition. It might help to read about some of the conditions that local dermatology medical professionals treat in their practices.

• Acne. One of the most common reasons patients visit a dermatologist. Teens in particular suffer from this inflammation of the sebaceous glands. The fact that these eruptions most frequently appear on the sufferer's face makes it even more difficult for adolescents. Since it is such a turbulent time for a young person, suffering through sustained breakouts can adversely affect their quality of life and ability to attend classes and perform academically with confidence.

• Moles and Melanoma. Moles, or "nevi," are not uncommon growths on the skin, which are either flat or slightly raised from the surface of the skin, anywhere on the body. Their coloring is usually close to the patient's natural skin tone, but the color is sometimes darker, or can take on a bluish hue. Moles are benign, but a new and unusual nevus is always worth checking out with a dermatological professional since malignant moles are melanomas, or skin cancer.
• Psoriasis. Not contagious, psoriasis occurs when a person's immune system is overactive, resulting in a high turnover rate of skin cells. Skin then turns red and sheds in silver scales. This condition commonly occurs in the same general area of a patient's body during each breakout, but in all patients, it can happen anywhere on the body.

Patients can find relief from any skin condition with caring, thoughtful, committed and experienced local dermatologists.