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.

Dermatologists: The Masters of Skin Treatment

Dermatologists are skin doctors, so many people think of their offices as places to go when their skin is bothering them in the medical sense. While this is technically correct, it doesn't take the actual depth of a dermatologist's services into account. A dermatologist palo alto will often have a practice that covers medical, restorative, and purely cosmetic procedures. Some of these procedures even work on tissues far below the skin. Here are a few of the services one can get at one of these offices:

Medical Treatments

Skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea typically lead people to try over-the-counter treatments as a first resort. These treatments often bring sufficient relief, but in some cases, they simply aren't strong enough to do the job. That's when it's a good idea to see a skin doctor. The doctor may find that there is an underlying condition causing the stubbornness of the problem or even see that the problem isn't of the same type that over-the-counter medicines are meant to treat. Even if the case is fairly straightforward, it will likely turn out that the doctor can prescribe something that is stronger or otherwise more effective than what can be obtained from the grocery store.

Dermatologists also treat more involved conditions, such as skin cancer. Some types of skin cancer can be frozen off right in the office, while others require more advanced treatments. Either way, a dermatologist will be able to treat many kinds of non-metastatic skin cancers.

Restorative Cosmetic Treatment

Not all cosmetic dermatology revolves around looking younger. People who have scars from burns and other accidents often need these scars removed or diminished simply to look normal. Other restorative treatments include eyebrow transplants, which replace eyebrows lost to medical conditions, accidents, and similar things. Dermatologists are the best doctors for these treatments because they have extensive knowledge of exactly how normal really looks. Other doctors understand functionality, but generally don't study the fine details of appearance.

Other Cosmetic Treatments

Dermatologists also offer plenty of treatments intended to turn normal into great. Constant advances in the field have made it so that non-surgical treatments can produce wonderful results in these areas. Anti-wrinkle treatments, procedures to reduce double chins and other areas of stubborn fat, and a variety of skin lifting procedures are all available.

These are just some of the treatments provided by dermatologists. Consult one for any condition involving the skin or underlying tissue.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Used to treat skin cancer, this very precise surgery is sometimes called by its full name, Mohs micrographic surgery. Physicians who perform it are specially trained dermatologists with a knowledge of cancer, pathology, and reconstructive surgery. Mohs surgery is the 1930s invention of Dr. Frederick Mohs, a University of Wisconsin professor of surgery.

When Physicians Use Mohs

Most tumors that a dermatologist Palo Alto treats with Mohs surgery are complex growths of either basal or squamous cell cancers. While physicians sometimes use the technique to treat superficial melanoma, this is rare. Experts classify skin cancer as complex under one or more conditions:

• It occurs in an area where maximizing function and appearance is crucial, such as the nose, lips, and ears.

• It develops in an area with above-average recurrence risk, like the temples or eyelids.

• It has recurred after initial treatment or had incomplete treatment.

• The tumor is large.

• Edges are not clearly definable.

• There is scar tissue in the area of the cancer.

• The malignancy develops in an area that has received radiation.

• The individual is immunosuppressed due to circumstances such as an organ transplant or certain types of leukemia.

• A patient is prone to developing multiple instances of skin malignancies.

How This Surgery Works

Administration of a local anesthetic is the first step in the procedure. Once the skin is numb, the physician scrapes the tumor with a curette to help determine the margin between malignant and normal tissue.

The surgeon systematically removes thin layers of tissue, using an electric needle as necessary to halt bleeding. Tissue is mapped regarding its precise location on the body using a labeling and color-coding system.

Each tissue section is processed and examined by the physician, who is looking for any sign of remaining cancer cells. Processing and examination of each tissue section takes about an hour, during which the patient is usually able to leave the facility.

If the surgeon spots malignant cells at the margin of the tissue, the patient must return. Matching the tissue to the map, the physician removes additional layers and repeats the processing and examination stages until sure that all the cancer has been removed. The final step in Mohs surgery is reconstructing any skin defect with stitches, a skin graft, or a flap.

The cure rate for new cancers is more than 99 percent. For recurrent malignancies, the Mohs success rate is 95 percent.