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Eczema Awareness Month; What is Eczema?

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Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by inflammation, itching, and redness of the skin.  It can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults, and can vary in severity.  Here are some common symptoms and treatment options for eczema:

COMMON SYMPTOMS:

  • Itching (Puritus):  Intense itching is a hallmark symptom of eczema and is often the most distressing for individuals with the condition.
  • Redness (Erythema):  Affected skin may appear red or inflamed, particularly during flare-ups.
  • Dry Skin:  Eczema often causes the skin to become excessively dry, leading to flaking or peeling.
  • Rash:  A rash may develop, characterized by small, raised bumps that may ooze or crust over when scratched.
  • Swelling: Inflammation can lead to swelling in the affected area.
  • Cracking and Peeling: The skin can become rough, cracked, and scaly.
  • Pain or Discomfort: In severe cases, eczema can be painful and cause discomfort.

There are numerous treatment options which include emollients, moisturizers, topical steroids, antihistamines, biologics, and allergen testing.  Stress management is also a treatment option since stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms.  Learning stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can be beneficial.

It is crucial to note that eczema management is individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another.  A dermatologist should evaluate and create a personalized treatment plan for everyone with eczema.  Additionally, ongoing skincare routines and lifestyle modifications are essential for long-term eczema control.

Eczema on mans hands

Alopecia Areata Awareness Month; What is Alopecia Areata?

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Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disorder that leads to hair loss, typically in small, round patches on the scalp and other areas of the body. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, which are the structures from which hair grows. This attack causes the hair follicles to become smaller and enter a dormant state, leading to temporary hair loss.

The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It can affect people of all ages and genders, and its severity can vary widely from person to person. Sometimes, the condition can progress to more extensive hair loss, involving larger areas of the scalp or even the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or the entire body (alopecia universalis).

Alopecia areata is not a contagious or life-threatening condition, but it can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and quality of life, as hair is often considered an important aspect of one’s appearance. There is no known cure for alopecia areata, but various treatments are available to help stimulate hair regrowth and manage the condition. These treatments include topical corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy, oral medications, and in some cases, hair transplant procedures.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hair loss, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options.

Alopecia areata

Identifying and Managing Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the skin but can also have systemic effects on other parts of the body. It is characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to the formation of red, raised patches covered with silvery scales. These patches, known as plaques, can be itchy, painful, and sometimes even debilitating. Psoriasis is not contagious but does require ongoing management and care. It is important to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a dermatologist, for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Key features of psoriasis include:
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Vitiligo Awareness Month; What is Vitiligo?

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Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes patches of the skin to lose their pigmentation. It affects about 1-4% of the population worldwide and is more common among people with a family history.

Vitiligo is not contagious, and the exact cause is not yet known. Some experts believe it can be an autoimmune disorder which occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. Other potential causes include sunburn, genetics, stress, and certain medications.

Treatment for vitiligo can vary depending on the severity of the condition and can include topical steroids, ultraviolet light therapy, oral medications, topical creams, and camouflage makeup.

Vitiligo on hands and wrists

Doctor’s Day Appreciation

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Doctor’s Day is an annual observance celebrated on March 30th in the United States. It is a day to recognize and appreciate the contributions of physicians who serve their communities. The day was first observed in 1933 by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond.

Uderm would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Miller and Dr. Brittanya Limone for providing quality dermatology care as well as demonstrating love, humility, and faith to both patients and their families. We appreciate their commitment to their staff by showing respect, and encouraging both open communication and teamwork.

uderm doctors light

Do you suffer from hair loss?

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If so, you may have heard of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy. It is a relatively new treatment for hair loss that is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness.PRP hair restoration

So, what is PRP, and how does it work to help with hair loss? PRP is a procedure that harnesses the healing properties of your own blood plasma. A sample of your blood is taken and processed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the other components. The plasma is then injected into the scalp to promote hair growth.

How does PRP work? Platelets are tiny cells found in your blood that contain important proteins and growth factors. When injected into the scalp, these growth factors stimulate the dormant hair follicles, encouraging them to start producing thicker, healthier hair. In addition, the platelets also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to strengthen and rejuvenate the scalp.

PRP has been found to be extremely effective for certain types of hair loss. It is especially helpful for those suffering from androgenic alopecia, also known as female or male pattern baldness.  Recently, new studies are also showing PRP as an effective adjunct to treatment for scarring types of hair loss such as lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). Studies have show that PRP treatments can help to reduce shedding and increase the thickness of existing hairs.

Meet Brittanya Limone, MD FAAD!

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This month, Uderm welcomes a new physician! Meet Brittanya Limone, MD FAAD!

Dr. Limone is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive training in medical, pediatric, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. She received her medical doctorate, along with academic and leadership scholarships and coursework honors, from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, CA. She then completed her internal medicine internship at the University of California in Riverside prior to completing her dermatology residency at the Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Dr. Limone has been active in research with over 15 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as JAAD Case Reports, Dermatitis, Pediatric Dermatology, and the Federal Practitioner. She has presented at national conferences and has been actively involved in medical student education and mentorship.

Dr. Limone is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and maintains membership at the American Academy of Dermatology, the Society of Pediatric Dermatology, and the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society.

Prior to medicine, Dr. Limone obtained an undergraduate degree in business administration from Southern Adventist University and a masters degree in bioethics at Loma Linda University. Outside of medicine, Dr. Limone enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog as well as writing, hiking, hobby photography, and home décor/DIYs.

 

Brittanya, Limone, MD FAAD

What To Expect With Mohs Surgery

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Known as the gold standard in treating skin cancers, micrographic Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for the removal of the most common types of skin cancers. It is actually named for the medical student who perfected it back in the 1930s, but has since been modified to today’s standards. If your dermatologist has recommended this procedure to treat your skin cancer, here is what to expect with Mohs surgery.

Continue reading “What To Expect With Mohs Surgery” →