Eczema is a condition affecting the skin. Symptoms of eczema include itchiness, redness, scaliness, leathery patches, and rashes. Eczema can cause discomfort due to chronic dryness and itchiness. Fortunately, the symptoms of eczema can be treated. A dermatologist can recommend an appropriate treatment. At Advanced Desert Dermatology, Dr. Vernon Mackey is your dermatologist for the treatment of eczema in Peoria, AZ.

What is Eczema?

The cause of eczema is unknown, but it can be triggered by a number of factors, such as the weather, allergens, and irritants (e.g., harsh chemicals). Eczema is not contagious, but it does seem to run in families. Eczema affects the skin and can result in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Inflammation
• Itchiness
• Dryness
• Blistering
• Scaliness
• Redness
• Leathery patches
• Rashes

There are actually multiple types of eczema. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis and it runs in families. Contact dermatitis is another type of eczema and is triggered by irritants or allergens. Other types of eczema include dyshidrotic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and Stasis dermatitis. A dermatologist can recommend an appropriate treatment for the specific type of eczema affecting you.

Eczema Treatments

Several options are available for treating eczema in Peoria. Over-the-counter itch relief creams and antihistamines can be used to treat mild flare-ups of eczema. Eczema that is more persistent or severe is best treated by a dermatologist who can prescribe prescription strength corticosteroids, steroid creams, anti-fungal creams, or antibiotics. In addition to treating eczema flare-ups, it is also possible to prevent them by using mild products on the skin, avoiding known eczema triggers, and avoiding scratching the skin.

Eczema is a chronic condition that can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, several effective treatment options are available. A dermatologist can recommend an effective treatment for you. To learn more about the different eczema treatments available and for treatment of eczema in Peoria, AZ schedule an appointment with Dr. Mackey by calling Advanced Desert Dermatology at (623) 977-6700.

What are the symptoms of and treatments for this painful dermatological condition?

Did you know that anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles, and that those over the age of 50 are more likely to develop this condition? Approximately one out of three Americans will have shingles at some point in their lives. Read on to learn more about this common problem.

What is shingles?

Shingles is caused by a virus known as the varicella­zoster virus, which is the same virus known to cause chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox before the virus never truly goes away. Instead it lies dormant within the nerves of the spinal cord and brain. When the virus is reactivated, it manifests as shingles.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

The main symptom of shingles is a red, painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body. The rash may be tender to the touch and typically causes intense itching. The rash is made up of blisters that burst and crust over. Your rash may also be accompanied by malaise, fever, or headache.

What are the risk factors for shingles?

Anyone who has been infected by chickenpox can have shingles. However, this illness is more common in those over the age of 50 and the risk continues to increase as you age.

Also, those who have a weakened immune system due to certain chronic diseases like HIV, or those currently undergoing cancer treatment may be at an increased risk of developing shingles.

Different shingles treatments

While there is no cure for this disease there are antiviral medications you can take to promote faster healing and to reduce your risk of developing other complications. If you are experiencing severe pain, we may also recommend prescription pain medications or creams to help ease your symptoms. Most people experience shingles symptoms for about two to six weeks.

Can I prevent shingles?

There are two vaccines that we recommend for preventing shingles. The first is the chickenpox vaccine, which is recommended for children and any adults who have never had chickenpox. The second vaccine is the shingles vaccine. While these vaccines aren’t 100 percent effective, they can greatly reduce your chances of developing shingles.

If your shingles rash has developed near your eye or is severely painful, then it’s time to see your dermatologist right away for treatment.

Chapped skin can happen at any time of the year, from the warmest climate to the coldest. Whether it’s harsh chemical soaps, cold temperatures, or over­exposure to the sun, chapped hands are painful and inconvenient in any season.

What is to blame for this nasty problem? Unfortunately it has to do with a loss of moisture. Just washing your hands multiple times throughout the day can cause hands to peel and bleed. However, once you recognize your issue, then you can do something about it. Find out the best ways to care for your chapped hands to prevent this issue in the future.

Moisturize

If you want your skin to return to its once supple state, then you’re going to want to put back the moisture that you’ve robbed your skin of. Sadly, just drinking water just won’t cut it, although it is helpful. You must apply a moisturizer directly to your skin to combat this problem. 

The best way to prevent chapped hands is to start a moisturizing regime even before your hands start to feel dry. This way it’s already a normal habit in your daily routine, and you can keep your hands from drying out.

Some people are dealing with such deep cracks and bleeding that a light moisturizer isn’t going to do the trick. In this case, using a thicker product can be very effective, such as petroleum jelly or a rich moisturizer that contains cocoa butter or beeswax as an ingredient. For an even deeper moisturizing experience, trying putting this product on at night, and then wearing cotton gloves to bed.

Washing hands

It’s vital to wash our hands, and no one is recommending giving up this healthy habit. It can, however, wreak havoc on your hands! It’s important to follow these steps when washing: 

• Use a mild soap
• Avoid using hot water
• Pat rather than rub your skin dry
• Apply a moisturizer right away

While handwashing can be drying, hand sanitizer gels are even harsher on your skin. Try to avoid their use unless absolutely necessary, opting instead for a gentle wash.

If you are dealing with severely chapped hands and you can’t seem to find relief from your symptoms, then it might be time to see your dermatologist for treatment. Call us today!

Though they are often nothing to worry about, discovering a rash on your skin can be an alarming experience. Understanding some common types of rashes and how you can care for them can help you successfully deal with your condition. Find out more about rashes and their treatments with Dr. Vernon Mackey at Advanced Desert Dermatology in Peoria, AZ.

Examples of Common Rashes

• Contact Dermatitis: This type of rash produces red, itchy skin and occurs due to physical contact with an allergen. This rash may blister, ooze, or become crusty after a day or two.
• Rosacea: This chronic condition can have flare-ups where it becomes worse. Rosacea often has a trigger, such as spicy food or stress, and normally occurs on the face, neck, and chest.
• Impetigo: Impetigo occurs on the face, usually around the mouth, chin, and nose areas. This condition produces blisters which, after popping, form a crusty layer.
• Eczema: Eczema causes a rough, inflamed rash that can itch and bleed. Eczema often occurs on the inner elbows and knees and neck.
• Psoriasis: This condition causes scaly, silvery patches of skin that often produces no symptoms, but can become itchy. Psoriasis normally presents itself on the knees, lower back, scalp, and elbows.
• Hives: Hives are raised, red, swollen bumps that are usually the result of an allergic reaction but can sometimes happen for no known reason. Hives usually itch but may sting or burn.

Rash Treatments in Peoria, AZ
Treating a rash depends on what kind of rash you have and its severity. In some cases, a simple over-the-counter ointment is enough to relieve the symptoms of your rash. However, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication if over-the-counter varieties do not prove successful. Working with your doctor can ensure that you find the best treatment option for your rash.

For more information on treating rashes, please contact Dr. Vernon Mackey at Advanced Desert Dermatology in Peoria, AZ. Call (623) 977-6700 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Mackey today!

Find out everything you need to know about canker sore causes and treatments.

Canker sores are small painful ulcers that appear in the mouth. You may find that your canker sore makes it difficult to eat or talk without experiencing pain. If you are experiencing sores in the mouth that you think could be canker sores, find out what might be causing this pesky little problem and what you can do to reduce your symptoms and eliminate this mouth ulcer.

Canker Sore Causes

Unfortunately experts are unsure about what causes canker sores; however, it’s been speculated that either stress or injury to the oral tissues can bring about canker sores. Some canker sores may be brought about by other health disorders that weaken the immune system.

It’s important to note that canker sores and cold sores are not the same thing. A virus known as herpes simplex type 1 causes cold sores, and these sores occur outside the mouth. Canker sores, on the other hand, can be brought on by multiple factors, and appear only inside the mouth.

Canker Sore Symptoms

The most obvious symptom is a painful sore or ulcer that appears in the mouth, whether on the tongue, the roof of the mouth or inside of the cheeks. You may also notice a burning or tingling sensation a couple days before the sore manifests. The sore is usually round or oval in nature, with a red border and a white, grey or yellow center.

Canker Sore Treatments

The majority of canker sores will go away on their own without any kind of treatment; however, if you experience pain for more than a few days you may want to talk to your dermatologist about a corticosteroid cream or prescription medication that could help alleviate your symptoms.

If you suspect that you have a canker sore talk to your dermatologist about the most effective defense against canker sores and whether there are certain things you can do to prevent this condition from recurring. Call us today!