Acne

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What Causes Acne

Acne form when the pores become clogged with oil and dead skin. It usually appears on the face, as well as the back, chest and shoulders. It can be caused by having an overabundance of oil on the skin, bacteria buildup, and irregular shedding of dead skin cells that result in the irritation of the pores. There are other factors that can make acne worse, such as hormones, medications, and diet. Hormonal changes that are related to pregnancy can make acne worse and oral birth control medications have been known to effect sebum (oil) production. Medications with lithium, corticosteroids, and androgens have been known to cause acne.  A diet that is rich in dairy and carbohydrates may also attribute to acne on the face.

There are many myths about acne.  Many still believe that it is caused by eating too much chocolate. Or by consuming greasy foods.  Eating these two types of foods have not been proven to give one acne. Another myth is dirty skin will give one acne. Acne is not caused by dirt but rather by having the pores become clogged with oil and dead skin.  Over washing the face can actually lead to acne, since excess oil may be produced.

The Types of Acne

There are two types of acne.  The first one is non-inflammatory lesions.  These are comedones, or also known as whiteheads or blackheads.  They are formed when the openings of the skin follicles are clogged by excess oil and dead skin.  When comedones are open at the skin surface, we refer to them as blackheads, due to the dark appearance of the plugs in the hair follicles. Whiteheads are formed when the comedones are closed.

The second type of acne is inflammatory lesions.  There are four types in this category.  Papules are raised bumps that are small. They are red and tender and signal inflammation or infection in the hair follicle.  Pimples, or pustules, are tender bumps that are red that have white pus at the tip. Nodules are solid lumps beneath the surface of the skin.  They are very painful and are solid.  Nodules are formed due to a buildup of secretions deep in the hair follicle.  And cysts are painful lumps that are filled with pus. They look like boils and can lead to scarring.

Acne Treatments

There are many acne treatments that one can do.  These include at home treatments, as well as treatments in a dermatologist’s office. At home treatments include an over the counter topical treatment. These are usually lotions that are mild and could contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol.  This kind of treatment could lead to dry skin, flaking and irritation.

A home remedy that is easy to incorporate into your lifestyle is to watch what touches your face. Hair should be clean, telephones should not be allowed to rest on the face, and pillow cases should be cleaned weekly, or every few days.

For treatments in a dermatologist’s office, one could ask about a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. They are very helpful in controlling acne in many patients.   These treatments can reach deep into the skin to rid one of acne.

Laser and light therapy is a procedure that reach deep into the skin. Laser therapy could damage oil glands, which would allow the skin to produce less oil. Bacteria that causes the skin to be inflamed is treated by light therapy.

Skin surgery could also be an option.  This procedure cuts out acne scars, and is healed with either stitches or a skin graft.

Acne is a nuisance to many but can be healed.  With the use of at home remedies and procedures done in dermatologists offices, one can get their acne under control.

Acanthosis Nigricans

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Acanthosis Nigricans is a hyper pigmentation of the skin that is brown to black in colour. It is usually found in the folds of the skin, such as the groin, neck, navel, forehead, and the armpits. It is velvety to the touch, and can be either benign or malignant. This fairly common skin disorder can also effect the lips, palms and soles of the feet.  It can be found in both men and woman, and effects only one percent of Caucasians, six percent of Latinos, thirteen percent of African Americans, and thirty four percent of Native Americans. Those that are overweight, have darker skin tones and either have diabetes or are pre-diabetic are often at risk the most. The condition is slow to form and could take months or years to form. Please note that children that develop the disease have a much higher risk at developing type 2 diabetes.

If one suspects they have Acanthosis Nigricans, they should have it examined by a doctor.  It is possible  that Acanthosis Nigricans can be a sign of a more serious health condition such as diabetes, or cancer.

Acanthosis Nigricans is caused when the epidermal skin cells rapidly reproduce, which is commonly triggered by insulin levels in the blood that are too high. However, Acanthosis Nigricans can also be caused by cancers and medications that one might be taking. High doses of niacin, low thyroid levels, adrenal gland disorders and disorders of the pituitary gland can also cause Acanthosis Nigricans.

Usually a doctor or dermatologist will be able to tell just by examining the skin if Acanthosis Nigricans is present.  However, in some cases a skin biopsy could be done. Other tests, such as fasting insulin testing, X-rays, and blood glucose tests may be ran. While the doctor is examining the skin, it is very important for you to state what medications you are taking, as well as any vitamins, minerals, or supplements.  These may have a playing role in why you have developed Acanthosis Nigricans.  During your appointment, your doctor will most likely ask if anyone in your family has diabetes, or if anyone else in your family has ever had this problem. The doctor will also check to see if you have ever had any issues with your thyroid, ovaries, and adrenal glands. He or she may even ask if you have ever had to take high doses of prednisone for more than a week at a time.  Have you ever had cancer will most likely be asked as well as how long the condition has been there and if it has gotten worse or not.

Risk factors for Acanthosis Nigricans include obesity.  The heavier a person is, the higher the chance they have for contracting Acanthosis Nigricans.  Race also plays a role, as this disorder is mostly found in blacks, Native Indians, and Hispanics. Many also say that genetics play a role in Acanthosis Nigricans.

There are many treatments for Acanthosis Nigricans.  If you are overweight, your doctor may suggest that you lose some body weight.  Medication may also be prescribed if the condition is due to the thyroid, ovaries, or adrenal glands.   If Acanthosis Nigricans is triggered by a tumor that is cancerous, surgery could also be an option.

Many are concerned about how the area on the skin looks. Doctors can prescribe a cream to lighten the areas on the skin that are effected.   These can include salicylic acid, Retin-A, a 20 percent urea, and alpha hydroxy acids.   Antibacterial soaps and topical creams can be used to eliminate odor that is sometimes caused by this disorder. Oral acne medications are also used to help clear up Acanthosis Nigricans. Laser therapy may also be recommended to reduce the thickness of the skin.

Keratosis Pilaris

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Keratosis Pilaris is often referred to as “Chicken bump” skin. It also goes under the names of Lichen Pilaris and follicular Pilaris. This skin condition is genetic, and forms rough, red bumps on the skin. These bumps are usually noticeable to the eye and can have a nutmeg brown appearance.  It usually manifests on the back and outer sides of the arms. It has also been known to appear on the buttocks, thighs, hands, and top of the legs. Essentially it can appear on any part of the body except places with glabrous skin. This condition is often mistaken for acne, when it really is not. It is caused by having the body produce too much keratin. The excess keratin will be entrapped in the pores by the hair follicles, which will cause hard plugs to form.

Many are astonished to realise that Keratosis Pilaris will effect 40 to 50% of the adult population. Or that 50 to 80% of adolescents have the condition. Woman are more likely to have Keratosis Pilaris, and is usually seen in the first decade of life. Conditions tend to improve over time. It can be present in any time of the year, however, most seen the condition flare up in the colder months when moisture levels in the air become lower.

There are different kinds of Keratosis Pilaris including the following:

  • Keratosis Pilaris Ruba- This skin condition is marked by red bumps that are inflamed. Most commonly seen on the head, arms and legs.
  • Keratosis Pilaris Alba- This skin condition has no irritation, however, the skin will still be red, rough and bumpy.
  • Keratosis Pilaris Rubra Facelli- This skin condition is marked by red rashy cheeks.

If one feels they have Keratosis Pilaris, they should set up an appointment with their dermatologist. At the appointment, the dermatologist will exam the skin. For Keratosis Pilaris, there is not a skin test to determine if one has it. A treatment may or may not be prescribed. Keratosis Pilaris is not harmful to the body, however, many do not like how it looks on the skin. Lotions or creams may be prescribed to moisturise the skin. Often times these will include vitamin D, urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, tretinoin, or salicylic acid. If redness is present and bothersome, a steroid cream might be offered to reduce the redness. A dermatologist may suggest the use of laser therapy as well. Multiple treatments of this therapy may be needed.

Vitamin A can also be prescribed to help relieve Keratosis Pilaris. Vitamin A will help to restore a smooth texture to the skin. Use only the amount prescribed as overusing might lead to peeling skin.

One may wish to ask the dermatologist about a chemical peel or optical light treatment. Light treatments will help to smooth the skin, creating a flatter effect. If light treatments or chemical peels are not an option, there is a gentler microdermabrasion option that may give some benefit. This will more than likely need to be done in a series of treatments.

A home treatment that could offer relief is taking a long, hot shower. After the shower, exfoliate the skin with a course washcloth or a stiff brush. This will help to unclog the pores, helping to reduce the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris.

Keratosis Pilaris is not contagious, but often times those with it will become self conscious with their skin. Realizing there are a few treatment options for home remedies and at the dermatologist’s office will help those suffering from Keratosis Pilaris cope. Note that treatments must often be done for several months before any effect is seen.

Blackheads and large pores

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Blackheads and large pores can make the face look unattractive. Both are caused by not keeping the face clean enough or just and excessive amount of oil production caused by a number of factors. Some say large pores can not be shrunk, however, there are many home remedies and clinical treatments that will appear to make the large pores look smaller. The following are all ways to minimise the look of the pores, and clean up the skin so blackheads are not present.

First off, we must understand why pores become enlarged in the first place and why blackheads form. Pores become enlarged when the oil glands produce sebum or oil. All pores produce oil, however, pores will become enlarged when the oil gland produces too much oil. The oil is mixed in with other substances, such as dirt and dead skin cells, and the pores become clogged and enlarged. The oil then becomes trapped, and is not allowed to escape. When this happens, and the oily material clogged in the pore is exposed to air, a blackhead will form.

The first thing one can do to stop large pores and blackheads from forming on the skin is to stop using anything on the skin that will cause either to happen. This means tossing any cleanser, moisturizer, and makeups that will are too greasy, causing your face produce more oil. Greasy or thick creams are often a culprit of this. Instead opt for a lighter moisturiser. This will not clog the pores, and is lightweight. Heavy foundations can clog pores. Instead of a liquid foundation that will feel heavy, opt for mineral makeup. Mineral makeup has a light and airy feel to it, yet provides a full coverage. It is makeup that is actually good for the skin.

Never use rubbing alcohol on the face. Many believe that this will dry the skin out, but in reality, it will only cause your pores to produce more oil by stimulating the oil glands. Avoid bar soaps as well as they are extremely drying, which could cause more oil to be produced in the future.

Use a clay mask. The clay will absorb much of the oil that the pores are producing, and will shrink the pores. Use at least once a week, or more depending on how oily the skin is.

Exfoliate the skin weekly. Purchase a gentle scrub that will get deep into the pores and clean out any excess oil and dirt. Exfoliation can be done a few times a week. To keep it natural, one may also want to use a homemade sugar scrub, which consists of a small amount of sugar added to their normal cleanser. Rub gently onto the wet face, and then rinse well with warm water.

Wash your face twice a day with warm water and gentle cleanser. Make sure that all makeup and dirt is removed before turning in for the night. After the face is washed, use a toner to close the pores. A great all natural toner to use is witch hazel.

Avoid touching the face with your hands and your phone. This can cause the skin to produce more oil due to the fact that there is much hidden dirt on your phone and hands. Be certain that your pillow case is getting washed weekly. Many do not realize how much dirt and oil are trapped in pillowcases, which could essentially be a contribution to clogged pores and blackheads.

Ask your dermatologist about microdermabrasion, skin rejuvenation, laser resurfacing, or AHA or BHA peels. These treatments are not made for enlarged pores, but can dramatically help with blackheads. We’ve also found that light and laser based procedures can reduce pore size significantly as well.

Clogged pores and blackheads can be hard to get rid of. However, with the proper treatments, they can be greatly reduced or a thing of the past. Contact Advanced Dermatology for further information. We provide options for both at home care as well as optical/laser light solutions for blackheads and large pores.

Scars, Trauma and Surgical Scarring

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If you have never had a scar in your life, you would be considered to be pretty lucky.  There are very few that will make it through life without having a scar of some sort. Often times, we view these scars as disturbing or disgusting.  Or we plain don’t care much for where they are placed on our bodies.  We don’t like looking at them because they remind us of trauma we have been through, or surgeries we have had.  However, the good news is that they can be minimised so we don’t have the constant reminder of things we have been through.

The first step one must take to minimise a scar is to meet with a dermatologist. This consultation will be where your scar is thoroughly examined, and the dermatologist will discuss with you what treatments are available for your scars.  They may also run through the various types of scars with you.  Did you know that there are many different kinds of scars?  Those include:

  • Contracture scars-  These scars are in the joint or skin creases.  They are attributed to mainly burns. It becomes difficult to move the joint as when the wound heals, the scar tissue has no elasticity, so the skin contracts.
  • Keloid Scars-  These scars have an overproduction of collagen at the site of the wound.  They will have a rubbery appearance, and will be raised and reddened. They will also grow over a course of time. Many times those with darker skin will have them.
  • Stretch marks-  Many do not view stretch marks as scarring, but in reality, they are a form of scarring. They are typically seen on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and breasts.  They are formed when there is a dramatic growth, such as pregnancy. They are very difficult to treat.
  • Atrophic Scars- These scars are usually caused by acne. Due to the injury, there is  a pit in the skin that resulted from a loss of collagen.
  • Hypertrophic Scars- Dark in color, these scars are raised and usually occur after a traumatic event. They will often reduce over time and will not exceed the boarders of the original wound.
  • Normal Scars- These scars fade over time without the assistance of a dermatologist or any product.

During the consultation with your dermatologist, you can discuss what treatment option is right for you for your scars. Microdermabrasion can lessen the look of scars due to the fact that the upper layer of skin is being exfoliated. More than one treatment of microdermabrasion may be needed depending on how severe the scar is.

Collagen induction therapy or skin needling can also be used for scars. This uses gentle needles that will pierce the skin so micro channels are created. Your body will produce collagen to help fill in these wounds that were created, stimulating a natural healing process.

Laser resurfacing can also be used effectively to treat trauma and surgical scarring.  The body’s natural healing process will be stimulated by breaking up fibrous tissue to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. More than one treatment may be needed.

Scars often tell stories that we don’t want to be reminded about daily. There are several effective treatments that a dermatologist can perform to help break up scar tissue so healing of the skin can begin.  Multiple treatments may need to be used, but within a set amount of sessions, the scars will fade and begin to heal themselves into the gorgeous skin you once had.

Milia, Clogged Pores

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Milia is caused by clogged pores. Milia are small, whitehead like in appearance, and appear on the face on the cheeks, under the eyes and elsewhere on the skin. No matter how much you pick and prod at them, they will not go away. Rough treatments will only lead to scarring of the face, which should be avoided at all costs. There are several remedies one can try at home to relieve themselves of milia. Consider trying any of the following options to rid your skin of milia once and for all.

Keep the face clean. This means washing skin twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Splash the face with warm water, apply your cleanser, rub in circular motions across the face, then rinse well with warm water. After cleansing, pat face gently with a clean towel. You may also wish to apply a toner to remove all traces of dirt or cleanser that might reside on the face after washing.

Exfoliate the skin. Do this a minimum of three to four times a week. Use a gentle exfoliant. This will slough away all the dirt and debris that will clog the pores, leaving fresher and cleaner skin. There are many wonderful exfoliants on the market, or one can make their own. Consider combining white sugar with your normal face wash. Brown sugar may also be used. Or one could even try baking soda and water. Make a simple paste, apply to skin and rub in in circular motions, then rinse well with warm water.

Always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Thickening of the skin will happen when the skin is exposed to daily sun. This will lead to oil and other dirt clogging the pores. When skin is too thick, it is hard to “drain” the milia, which will make it look worse on the skin.

Use retinol on the face. Retinol will help to exfoliate the skin, which will leave it soft and smooth. Apply to a clean face. It is recommended that you wait at least half an hour after you wash your skin to apply retinol. Use only a small amount on the skin, and avoid the eye area as it is damaging to the eyes if placed in contact with them.

Switch your makeup. Opt to wear makeup that allows the face to breath. Heavy foundations, moisturisers, and creams will only lead to the pores clogging themselves. Mineral makeup is an excellent makeup as it is light, but still provides a full coverage.

Contact your dermatologist if at home remedies are not working. In many cases, the milia is deeper into the skin then home remedies can cure. A dermatologist may have to extract the milia with methods in the office. Micro-dermabrasion is a treatment that can be used on the skin. A wand will be used to spray the face with a fine sand like material that will smooth the face, and remove the milia. Air is shot out of the wand to move the fine sand like material around the face, which will scrub away the dead skin and clean out the pores. A once a month treatment can successfully remove milia that is embedded on the face.

Milia is often caused by heredity. They are not painful and are most certainly not harmful, but are an annoyance to the person suffering from this skin condition. It can happen at any age, and is often caused when the skin is not exfoliated properly.   Follow the home remedies list above or contact your dermatologist to get your milia under control to reveal a smoother face.

Freckles

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What are Freckles?

Caused by the sun, freckles are small spots on the skin. They develop after repeated sun exposure.  They are normally found on the face and do not cause health issues. They are very common and are seen many times in the summer, especially in those with lighter skin tones or those with red or light hair, although anyone with different skin and hair colours can have them. Freckles can also be genetic.  The word freckle comes from the Middle English word freken, which actually came from the Old Norse freknur, meaning freckled.

What causes Freckles?

Freckles are caused by exposure to sunlight due to heavily concentrated forms of melanin, as well as inheriting them genetically. Melanin is responsible for the dark pigment of the skin. Freckles will always be darker than the surrounding skin, due to the melanin levels. While freckles are not a skin disorder, people with freckles do have a lower concentration of photoprotective melanin. This will make the skin more susceptible to the harmful UV rays that the sun produces. One can avoid the formation of freckles by wearing a quality SPF. Avoid being in the sunlight during the peak sunlight hours, which is 10 am to 4 pm. Covering the body with protective clothing, such as a wide brimmed hat and long sleeves, can also aid in preventing freckles from forming. Should you already have freckles, applying sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 and wearing protective clothing, as well as avoid sunlight during the peak hours, could assist in reducing the appearance of freckles.

The two types of Freckles

There are two forms of freckles, simple freckles and sunburn freckles. Simple freckles, which are also called ephelides, are small in size, usually about the size of a nail head. They are basically harmless and will show up on areas of the body that have been exposed to sunlight. They tend to be darker in the summer than they are in the winter, and are seen in many colors, such as red, brown, tan, black, and even yellow. The freckles will tend to be uniform in colour with simple freckles, and more often than not are seen on the face.

Sunburn freckles tend to show up on the shoulders and back and are larger in size than simple freckles. They are also called lentingines and may have an uneven border. Some will refer to sunburn freckles as liver spots, but these are more commonly seen in older people or people who have been exposed to a lot of direct sunlight for an extended period of time.

Freckles and Moles

Freckles are often mistaken for moles and other growths on the body. Should you have any concerns, you should see your dermatologist to rule out those concerns. They rarely develop into skin cancer and for the most part are completely harmless. Do note the often times skin cancer will disguise itself as a freckle or a cluster of freckles. Should freckles be bothersome to you for any reason, such as looks or appearance, there are a number of laser treatments available the market that will lighten or eliminate freckles. Watch out for the old wives tales, such as the many home remedies that have never been tested or clinically proven to work such as such as rubbing lemon juice onto the skin to help fade them.  Some state that sour cream is also known to get rid of freckles due to the lactic acid found in sour cream.  The instructions there states to apply sour cream on the skin and allow to sit for a few minutes, then rinse off with water. The other one we heard is to apply buttermilk to the skin, allowing it to set for 10 minutes or so, then rinse off with warm water. Once again these methods have never been tested so we don’t endorse them. For real clinically proven freckle treatment, you may be more interested in one of the many laser treatments that are available. Please see our freckle removal treatment page for more information. Your comments are also welcome below.

Skin Tags

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Skin Tags/Sebaceous Hyperplasia

PLEASE NOTE: Advanced Dermatology does not treat skin tags at this current time. This article is for education and information purposes only. 

A skin tag, or sebaceous hyperplasia, is a hyperplastic lesion that is benign. These skin tags often occur in those individuals that are overweight and are very common as one ages. Sebaceous hyperplasia is a technical name for the bumps that occur. This leads to the problem of overactive producing oil glands. These glands become overly large and will clog. A soft to firm white to yellowish outer rim will appear on the skin, with a depressed center. These bumps can come in singles or more than one, either spread out on the skin or clustered together. It is most often seen on the forehead and parts of the face, such as the cheeks and temples , but technically skin tags can appear anywhere on the body. They are often found where there are many oil glands on the skin, and is often hereditary. This condition is not contagious and often look similar to skin cancer. All bumps on the skin should be fully evaluated by a dermatologist to be certain the skin condition is not life threatening.

One can treat skin tags with a trip to the dermatologist. At the dermatologist’s office, several treatments can be discussed. The treatments used to cure sebaceous hyperplasia include the following:

  • Prescription retinoid/azelaic acid- This prescription will be used to reduce the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia, but it will not eliminate them all together.
  • Facial peels- Salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid will be applied to the skin to help eliminate sebaceous hyperplasia.
  • Surgical extraction of the bumps- A last resort option will be surgery to remove the bump. Keep in mind that this can lead to scarring, but there will be no more bumps present where surgery took place.
  • Liquid nitrogen- Liquid nitrogen can be placed on the skin to kill the bump. However, if it penetrates too deep into the skin, there could be scarring or a loss of skin pigmentation where it penetrated the skin.
  • Photodynamic Therapy- This treatment is done in several visits to the dermatologist office. This light emitting treatment works due to the gel that is applied before the procedure.
  • Electric Needle- An electric needle can be used to break down the bump, so a scab appears. It usually falls off in a week or two. This is a painless treatment that may or may not have local numbing injections.
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing- This procedure leaves the skin renewed, soft and smooth. A laser removes the outer layer of the skin.
  • Antiandrogen medication- Antiandrogen medication reduces testosterone, which is a hormone in the body. Testosterone often stimulates oil production. This is also used as a last resort method.

Some are advocates of home remedies to help relieve skin tags. Retinol is often believed to help. It helps to control the growth of skin cells that clog the lining of the pores. Essentially it is designed to control oil production.

Vitamin B niacin amide can also help with sebaceous hyperplasia or skin tags. There are many great products on the market that are rich with this vitamin that can help to reduce the effects of sebaceous hyperplasia.

Skin tags are a nuisance to those who are graced to have it. However, it is a cosmetic flaw that is not dangerous. Keep in mind that the bumps can become irritated when scratched, thus causing a red appearance. They may also bleed. If Skin Tags are bothersome to you, contact your dermatologist to set up an appointment to see about treatments that are right for you.

Dermatitis

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PLEASE NOTE: Advanced Dermatology does not treat Dermatitis at this current time. This article is for education and information purposes only. 

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. It is usually not contagious nor is life threatening. But it is a bothersome condition that many may be embarrassed about.   Itching the skin may relieve the stinging or pain, however, it is best to not itch. Itching the skin could make the condition worse, causing open sores that could easily become infected and lead to spreading on the body. However, the good news is, dermatitis is fully treatable with some simple steps.

There are several different forms of dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a red, itchy rash that commonly occurs where the skin is flexed. It usually occurs behind the knees, on the inside of the elbows, or on the neck, but essentially can be found anywhere on the body. The skin can ooze and crust over when scratched. This type of dermatitis often occurs with those that have allergies or asthma.

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with something that will either irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Poison ivy or oak are examples of this. Blisters are common with this form of dermatitis and the rash can sting or burn. Jewelry, cleaning supplies and cosmetics will often make contact dermatitis flare up.

Nummular dermatitis is most commonly seen on the hands, arms, legs and torso. Men are more likely to have this form of dermatitis, and usually is seen in the age range of 55 and 65. The skin has distinctive red coin shaped plaques in the effected area. A dry environment or hot showers are the cause of this skin inflammation.

Seborrhea dermatitis has oily looking scales that appear to look yellowish. The red rash is usually found on the head, and is often referred to as cradle cap in infants. It is sometimes found on the face, most commonly found around the nose and ears. This form of dermatitis is found in those with oily hair or skin. Hereditary is often thought to play a role in this condition that can come and go.

There are many home remedies that one can utilize to get relief from any form of dermatitis. These include using nonprescription anti-itch products. These items, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, can relieve itching. Over the counter antihistamines can also be used.

To get further relief, one can apply cool, wet compresses to the effected areas. This will give a cooling sensation that will protect the skin and soothe it.

Take a look at your laundry detergent. It could be irritating your skin condition further. Mild, unscented detergents are the best kind to use. Do not use fabric softeners as they will further irritate the skin .

Get relief with a baking soda bath. Simply add a cup of baking soda to warm water and soak to bring skin fast relief. If you don’t have baking soda on hand, oatmeal can also be used.

The drier the skin, the more of an issue dermatitis becomes. Take shorter showers, or bathe less frequently. When you do bathe, limit yourself to no more than 20 minutes, and use only warm water, never hot. Make sure that the soap you are using is mild. When toweling off, always pat the skin gently instead of rubbing. While the skin is still damp, apply a good body cream or oil to the skin.

Dermatitis is a bothersome inflammation of the skin that can often embarrass those that have it. However, with the right treatment, and precautions taken, it can be healed, and the skin can return to a normal state. Following at home treatments faithfully can prevent further outbreaks of any form of dermatitis.

Spider Veins

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Comprehensive Guide to Spider Veins


Spider veins are often confused with varicose veins, but there are some key differences. While some treatments are approved for both spider and varicose veins, it is important to understand which type of vein condition you suffer from so that you can treat the condition appropriately. The easiest way to make the determination is to answer a few questions:

  • Are the affected veins large, swollen, twisted and protruding from your skin? Or are they smaller and thinner?
  • How close to the surface skin are the veins?
  • What color are the veins?

Large, swollen veins that appear twisted or look like cords coming out of your skin are varicose veins. Spider veins are closer to the surface of your skin and are much smaller and shorter. These veins look like the thin legs of a spider, which is where they get their popular name. Both types of veins can appear red or blue due to the blood pooling inside, but in some cases, varicose veins can appear without this discoloration.

Spider veins can appear on any area of the body, but they commonly occur on the lower body or face. Varicose veins typically appear only on the lower body, so location may be one more way to identify the type of vein problem you are experiencing. You may find just one or two small spider veins, but they often appear in groups covering a larger area of the skin. You may find that you have what looks like a spider web stretching across your thigh, calf, neck or another area of your body as multiple veins crisscross one another.

What are Spider Veins?

Now that you understand how spider veins look and how they are different from varicose veins in terms of appearance, let’s look at what is actually happening inside your body to create these prominent veins.

Your veins and your arteries to create an intricate circulatory system that allows blood to pass from your heart to all cells throughout your body. This transfer of blood is happening constantly throughout the day and night. Without this supply of life-giving blood, your organs and cells would not be able to function properly.

Arteries circulate blood away from the heart to every part of the body, and veins circulate blood toward the heart. Small valves inside the veins open and close, allowing the blood to pass through and continue moving back to the heart rather than pooling in the lower body extremities.

As your body ages, the valves inside your veins can become weaker. They are no longer as efficient at keeping the blood moving forward, and that can cause backups that allow blood to collect in certain areas of the vein. When this happens in the veins just under the skin, spider veins are the result. When this creates a bulging vein that protrudes, varicose veins are the result.

What Causes Valve Malfunction?

Spider veins are often caused simply by the natural ageing process. The valves inside your veins weaken and the veins become less elastic in the same way that you start to notice fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin on your face and body. If you know that spider veins run in your family, then you may be predisposed to this condition as well.

There are some other potential causes of spider veins, including the following:

  • Excessive exposure to sunlight
  • Hormonal fluctuations or imbalances
  • Injuries to the veins

There are also a variety of lifestyle factors that can increase your chances of suffering from this problem, which is why natural treatments are often explored in conjunction with cosmetic procedures. One major lifestyle factor that may contribute to the problem is excessive sitting or standing. If you are worried about future problems with your veins ensure you are living an active lifestyle. In addition, get up to move at least every hour or so while you work can make a big difference.

Not Just a Woman’s Problem

Since most people do not experience life-altering pain from spider veins, this condition is often considered cosmetic. Women are more likely to suffer from lowered self-esteem or self-confidence because of the appearance of these unattractive spider-like lines on their body. This may impact their ability to wear some clothing styles that they find attractive, and some women will avoid bathing suits and lingerie because they are self-conscious about their prominent veins.

Yet, men are seeking treatment for this condition in growing numbers. Studies have shown that up to 45% of men will suffer from some type of vein abnormality. That is just slightly behind the rates for women, since up to 55% of women can suffer from these conditions. Men are also seeking more cosmetic procedures these days in general, as it has become more acceptable within male populations.

Are You at Increased Risk?

Even though spider veins can develop as a perfectly healthy body ages, there are some known risk factors that increase your chances of suffering from this type of vein problem in the future. Even if you are not overly concerned with the appearance of slight spider veins today, there are preventative measures that you can take to keep your veins healthy and lower your risk of suffering more severe issues in the future.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should see a trained professional to discuss preventative treatment measures for spider veins:

1. Do you already see varicose or spider veins on your body, even if they are faint and small?

2. Do many of your older family members have spider or varicose veins?

3. Are you overweight or obese?

4. Does your job require you to sit or stand for long periods of time?

5. Is your lifestyle largely sedentary? This means that you are sitting down more hours of the day than you are moving around.

6. Are you in menopause, or will you enter menopause in the near future?

7. Were you born with weak vein valves?

8. Do you suffer from a disease that may cause weakened vein valves?

9. Have you suffered injuries to your veins that may cause weakened valves?

10. Are you fair skinned?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have risk factors indicating that you have a greater chance of developing more serious varicose or spider vein problems now or in the future.

Any time that your body experiences a fluctuation in hormone levels, you are at risk. This is why pregnant women, teenagers going through puberty and menopausal women often develop spider veins. Luckily, pregnant women and teenagers can address the problem once their hormones level out.

Aside from medical causes and vein injuries, the other risk factors are lifestyle based. If you have fair skin, you need to watch your sun exposure to reduce your risk. If you sit more than you move or spend hours standing in one place, you need to add more exercise into your life.

There are varicose vein treatments that go beyond lifestyle adjustments, and it is possible, even simple, to get rid of the unsightly veins that you find so unattractive. With advances in medical technology, everyone should be comfortable baring their legs.