Have you noticed “rough bumps” on your upper arms, thighs, or cheeks?  If so you might be able to thank your parents for these.  Keratosis pilaris, a condition which favors these areas, is typically described as “rough bumps” that have been present since youth.  Although not a harmful condition, these “bumps” are often annoying to the patient causing him or her to seek treatment. Although there is not a permanent cure for the condition, there are several treatments that can help improve it.

Regular use of either an over-the-counter or prescriptive moisturizer, especially after bathing, can help improve both the texture and appearance of these “bumps”. Microdermabrasion, a procedure involving the use of fine crystals under pressure, can also temporarily improve this condition.  Finally, as with many skin conditions, a “tincture of time” also helps as the condition typically improves with age.

To schedule a dermatology appointment, please call Dr. Burns or one of the other doctors in our Frisco Dermatologist Directory

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco can be reached at 972-335-2727 or on the web at http://www.mydermconsult.com

As we get older a new “bump” is not an uncommon experience. However, not all bumps are just “bumps,” but can possibly be a sign of something more significant including skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of skin cancers and although not typically life threatening, these skin cancers can be very destructive locally and require extensive surgical treatment if not attended to promptly.

Basal cell carcinoma can take on many appearances, but typically appears as a shiny, translucent, “bump” on a sun-exposed region of skin. Over time, the” bump” may become larger and at times may ulcerate and bleed.  Many basal cell carcinomas are described by patients as “sores that won’t completely heal.”

Basal cell carcinoma typically occurs in the older population, but can be seen at younger ages. These younger individuals usually are fair skinned with a history of receiving significant amounts of ultraviolet light from either the sun or tanning booths.

The treatment of basal cell carcinoma may vary depending on its location, size, the overall health of the patient, and various findings seen by the pathologist who examines the cancer under a microscope.  Surgical removal is the most common treatment and typically is performed on an out-patient basis. 

 We all get a new “bump” or two as we get older and when we do it is probably best to have those “bumps” evaluated by a health care provider just to make sure that they are simply “bumps” on the highway we call life.

If you would like someone to look at a bump you find to be suspicious, please call Dr. Burns or one of the other doctors in our Frisco Dermatologist Directory

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco can be reached at 972-335-2727 or on the web at http://www.mydermconsult.com

John Burns PA-C

According to the American Academy of Dermatology all persons should protect their skin from the sun.  Whether it is sun exposure incurred from either a day at the pool, sitting by a window, or simply walking from the house to the car, the sun’s ultraviolet rays increase one’s risk for skin cancer and cause aging of the skin.  By applying a sun screen to your skin daily and wearing adequate clothing an individual can go a long way at preventing the potential adverse effects of sun exposure.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 and UVA/UVB protection. It should be applied 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure and at least one ounce should be used with each application for an average adult. Reapplication should occur at least every 2 hours and more frequently if one is swimming, perspiring heavily, or toweling off.  There are also a variety of clothing companies that produce clothing that is designed specifically to protect the skin from the sun. Everyday clothing provides a degree of sun protection, especially those articles with a tight weave.

Everyone wants to maintain a youthful appearance and prevent skin cancer.  By protecting your skin from the sun an individual can go a long way in obtaining these goals. Dr. Burns can be reached at 972-335-2727 or visit them on the web at http://www.mydermconsult.com John Burns, PA-CFellowship trained in Dermatology

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

 

Acne is one of the most common conditions known to the dermatology office and almost everyone in their life has experienced at least one or two blackheads or pimples. Although these “bumps in the road” are typically insignificant in the grand scheme of life, at their time however they can be quite distressing; there are also many individuals whose acne can actually change the course of their life. It is for these distressing moments and the potential social adverse effects that acne is treated.  There are many acne treatment options available ranging from products you can purchase at the store without a prescription, products that require a prescription, and physical treatments that are performed at your local dermatologist’s office. Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used for the treatment of acne, either alone or in combination with other acne treatment products depending on the severity of one’s acne.

     Benzoyl peroxide can be found at many of your local stores and comes under many product names. It varies in concentration ranging from 2.5% to 10%. Studies have shown that the lesser concentrations perform as well as the stronger concentrations in improving acne, but without the risk for side effects seen with the higher concentrations. Benzoyl peroxide is generally well tolerated and the most common side effects are skin irritation and skin dryness. These side effects are typically prevented, or treated, by the use of a facial moisturizing cream. In some skin types, however, skin irritation can result in an adverse lightening of the skin color or darkening of the skin color. Select individuals may also have an allergy to benzoyl peroxide resulting in a skin rash following usage of the medication. A female who is pregnant or breast feeding should check with their obstetrician prior to using any acne treatment product.  Benzoyl peroxide also has the potential to discolor any clothing or bedding the medication comes in contact with.

     Improvement in one’s acne does not occur overnight and typically takes at least six to eight weeks with regular usage of an acne treatment product. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the usage of benzoyl peroxide, alone, for the treatment of mild acne and in combination with other products for moderate acne. The American Academy of Dermatology lists the following criteria on their website, www.aad.org, as indicators that a person suffering from acne may require evaluation by a health care provider:

        The treatment of acne can be difficult at times and for many reasons. However, with patience and the right medications an individual can go a long way to improving their complexion and possibly their life. Dr. Burns can be reached at 972-335-2727 or visit them on the web at http://www.mydermconsult.com

John Burns, PA-C

Fellowship trained in Dermatology

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco