Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that most commonly affects children under 10 years old, that causes hard, raised red bumps known as papules to develop on the skin. These papules usually develop in clusters on the armpits, groins, or back of the knees, but can develop just about anywhere on the body. If you suspect that your child might have molluscum contagiosum here’s what you should know,How is molluscum contagiosum contracted?
You may be wondering how your child contracted this poxvirus. There are several ways to transmit this viral infection: skin-to-skin contact, sharing items such as towels or clothes, sexual transmission (in adults), and scratching your own lesions (this can lead to further spreading of the papules).
It can take anywhere from two weeks to six months to develop symptoms after exposure. Once a child or person has molluscum contagiosum they typically aren’t infected again in the future.
How is this condition diagnosed?
If you notice any bumps on your child that persist for days, you must consult your dermatologist to find out what’s going on. A simple dermatoscopy (a painless, non-invasive procedure that allows your dermatologist to examine a skin lesion or growth) can determine whether the papule is due to molluscum contagiosum. If MC is not suspected, your dermatologist may biopsy the bump for further evaluation.
How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
Since this is the result of a viral infection, antibiotics will not be an effective treatment option. In fact, the body simply needs time to fight the virus. Your dermatologist may just tell you to wait until the infection runs its course and clears up on its own.
If the papules are widespread and affecting your teen’s appearance and self-esteem, then you may wish to talk with a dermatologist about ways to get rid of the spots. Cryotherapy or certain creams may be recommended to treat and get rid of these spots.
If you are living with others, it’s important to avoid sharing any clothing or towels with the infected child or person. Make sure that your child does not scratch the bumps, which can lead to further spreading of the infection.
If your child is dealing with a rash, raised bumps, or any skin problems and you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s best to talk with a qualified dermatologist who can easily diagnose the issue and provide you with effective solutions for how to treat it.
Find out more about this common childhood bacterial skin infection and how to treat it.Most people don’t know what impetigo is. Maybe you haven’t even heard of it. This contagious bacterial skin infection is most often seen in babies and children; however, adults can catch this infection, too. Dermatologists often see a rise in impetigo cases during the summer. How does impetigo even happen in the first place?
Well, our skin is home to millions of bacteria. Most of them are actually good bacteria that help you stay healthy; however, bad bacteria can develop on the skin too. If these bad bacteria can get into a wound or opening in the skin, this can cause impetigo.
What are the symptoms?
Impetigo causes red bumps mostly on the arms, legs, and face. These bumps will eventually turn into blisters that will crust over. The skin under and around the blisters may look raw. At first, you may only notice one or two spots; however, the condition will continue to spread. Bumps may itch or also be tender.
Who is at risk for impetigo?
As we said, we often see this condition in children and infants; however, certain factors can also put adults at risk. You may be more at risk for impetigo if you have been diagnosed with,
- Scabies
- HIV/AIDS
- Liver conditions
- Diabetes
- Eczema or dermatitis
Since many skin conditions cause painful blisters to form it’s important to see a dermatologist right away for a proper diagnosis. When you come into the office, our skin doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history to help rule out what conditions it could be. A physical examination performed by a qualified dermatologist is often all that’s needed to make a diagnosis; however, we may collect fluid from the blister to look for the presence of bacteria.
How do you treat impetigo?
It’s important to see a doctor for treatment because impetigo will require antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the blisters, your dermatologist may simply prescribe an antibiotic cream, while those with more widely affected areas or more severe symptoms may require oral antibiotics. Once you start taking the medication you should recover within a week.
If you or your little one is dealing with symptoms of impetigo you must see a dermatology professional right away for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
How your dermatologist in Peoria, Arizona can help you have clear skin.
Acne is not very attractive, and it can also be painful. If you suffer from acne, you already know how it can affect your self-esteem and self-confidence. Fortunately, your dermatologist can help eliminate your acne, so you can show off clear skin. Dr. Vernon Thomas Mackey of Advanced Desert Dermatology in Peoria, Arizona offers a full line of skincare treatments, including acne solutions to help you enjoy clear skin.
Acne can take on many different forms including blackheads, whiteheads, and large, painful cysts. It’s caused by oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria filling up and clogging your pores. Stress, diet, environmental conditions, and other factors can also cause acne breakouts.
You can do a lot to prevent acne breakouts, including:
- Washing your face in the morning and before bed, using a mild skin cleanser
- Trying to avoid touching your face
- Wearing non-comedogenic makeup products that won’t cause clogged pores
- Drinking lots of water to flush out toxins
You may be able to treat mild acne with over-the-counter products. Products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are good choices. For stubborn, moderate to severe acne, you should visit Dr. Mackey. He may recommend:
- Oral or topical antibiotics to treat any underlying bacterial infection
- Benzoyl peroxide products to clear out blocked pores
- Tretinoin medication to unblock clogged pores
- Extraction treatment using a tool to remove the blemish completely
Acne can also leave behind unattractive scars. If you suffer from acne scarring, don’t worry. Dr. Mackey can help with that too by offering several effective treatments to minimize the appearance of acne scarring. He may recommend:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Chemical peels
- Dermal fillers
- Prescription skincare products
You can get control of your acne, and your dermatologist can help. To find out more about acne treatments, acne scarring treatments, and other medical and aesthetic dermatology services, call Dr. Vernon Thomas Mackey of Advanced Desert Dermatology in Peoria, Arizona at 623-977-6700. Call now!
The most common skin condition to affect teens and adults in the U.S. is acne, which is associated with the formation of pimples, cysts, blackheads, or whiteheads on the skin. Developing an effective skincare routine at home can help clear up existing acne and prevent new acne from forming. Dr. Vernon Thomas Mackey, the skilled dermatologist at Advanced Desert Dermatology in Peoria, AZ can treat existing acne and help you develop an at-home skincare routine.
Causes of Acne
Acne is most often caused by the pores becoming clogged with sebum and debris. Sebum is naturally produced and excreted by the skin to keep it moisturized. In addition to moisturizing the skin, sebum also helps keep pores clean by pushing out dirt and debris.
During the normal process of sebum production, the sebum travels along the hair follicles inside the pores. As the sebum moves forward along the hair follicle, it carries debris and impurities along with it and pushes them out through the pores. When this process is interrupted, impurities become trapped inside. This clogs the pores and results in the development of acne.
Developing a Skin Care Routine
Developing a gentle and effective skincare routine can help you maintain clearer skin by preventing new acne from forming. Some key components of a good skincare routine include cleansing, moisturizing, and applying acne treatment, if needed. The knowledgeable dermatologist at our office in Peoria can develop and acne treatment program for you to help clear up existing acne and prevent additional acne.
One of the most important aspects of a skincare routine is cleansing the skin. Choose a cleanser that is gentle, non-abrasive, and free of alcohol, which can dry out the skin. To wash your face, wet it with lukewarm water and apply the cleanser with your fingertips or a soft washcloth. Gently work the cleanser into a lather, being careful not to scrub the skin. When finished, rinse the cleanser away with lukewarm water and gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
To achieve the best results with any acne medications you are using, apply them immediately after cleansing the skin before using moisturizer. Applying acne treatment products immediately after cleansing allows them to be absorbed directly into the skin for maximum effectiveness. Finally, apply a moisturizer afterward to keep the skin hydrated. Additional tips for preventing acne include avoiding touching the face during the day, washing the hair regularly, and limiting the skin’s exposure to the sun or tanning beds.
If you are dealing with acne, developing an effective at-home skincare routine can help you achieve clearer skin. Our highly trained dermatologist can also prescribe medications or ointments to clear up existing acne and prevent the formation of new acne. Call Advanced Desert Dermatology in Peoria, AZ at (623) 977-6700 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vernon Thomas Mackey.
As kids, we dealt with that notoriously itchy rash caused by chickenpox. Unfortunately, as we get older, the same virus that caused our childhood chickenpox can also cause shingles. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, then that same virus is lying dormant within the body. This means that at some point during your lifetime, the virus does have the ability to reactivate, causing a painful, blistering rash on the stomach and sides. This is known as shingles.Think You Have Shingles?
If you notice a blister-like rash developing on one side of the body it’s possible that you could have shingles. If you suspect that you have shingles, you must see a doctor.
Those over the age of 60 years old as well as those with chronic conditions such as diabetes are more at risk for complications related to shingles, so you must seek immediate dermatology care from a qualified doctor. A dermatologist can also rule out other possible conditions or infections.
Treating Shingles
For the antiviral medication to be most effective, you must see a doctor right away if you think you have shingles. The most common types of antiviral medications used to treat shingles include acyclovir and valacyclovir. These antivirals can speed up the healing process and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
- Applying cold compresses to the rash
- Soaking in a cool oatmeal bath
- Wearing light, loose-fitted clothing that won’t rub against the rash
- Applying calamine lotion to reduce itching
- Managing stress effectively and finding ways to help you relax
- Eating healthy, balanced meals
- Getting good quality sleep every night
The good news is that there is a shingles vaccine that can protect you against this infection. If you are over the age of 50, you could benefit from the shingles vaccine so ask your doctor. The vaccine can protect you from shingle for up to five years.
If you are worried that you might have shingles, or if you’re interested in finding out whether or not you should get the shingles vaccine, a qualified dermatologist will be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with the custom dermatology treatment you need to ease your symptoms.
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