The Most Common Skin Problems

There is a lot of information that is tossed around about fighting the effects of aging with cosmetic fillers and Botox. However, we may often forget that the biggest part of cosmetic procedures is addressing concerns about the skin. Read on to find out more about issues that are problems for people today.

Acne

Acne is a very common disease of the skin that affects a lot of teenagers - some say even more than 85% - and it typically will go down in numbers as people get older. However, it is not uncommon for people to continue breaking out well into their 40s or 50s. How is acne treated? There are many remedies that can be purchased over-the-counter that contain chemicals that will dry out the skin. This can be anything from benzoyl peroxide to salicylic acid. If there is a very severe case, some patients may decide that they want topical creams or retinoids, oral antibiotics, laser treatments, or phototherapy.

Rashes from allergic reactions

If you have a skin allergy, this may affect the texture, appearance, or color of your skin. A rash may just happen in one section of the skin, or it may be a problem in a larger area. Typically, a person with a rash will likely have itchiness accompanied with their skin allergy, though this does not always happen. Not all rashes are created equal, so if you have a skin rash, be sure to be checked by a plastic surgeon or a qualified dermatologist. This kind of doctor should be able to recommend the best treatment. They may try to identify what caused the problem, but it is sometimes difficult to do so. If you can figure out what caused the rash, you will be able to prevent them in the future.

Dry skin and psoriasis/eczema

All of these skin conditions are related. These are persistent and inflammatory issues of the skin that happen often. You may find yourself with rashes that are recurring, dry skin, or other problems that can be not only annoying, but very unsightly. A common treatment that is available for this is a topical ointment or lotion. If you have a severe case, light and photo treatments will likely be recommended by your doctor.

Skin cancer or moles that seem suspcious

If you have a mole, this is more than just a common skin issue. Skin cancer has dramatically increased over recent years, so it is very important to gain an opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist when you have the appearance of a suspicious mole. If you want to know if your mole is bad, check for border, color, asymmetry, and diameter. If any of these seem suspicious, you may have a cancerous mole. If you find a mole that starts changing color, size, shape, or if you notice any bleeding at all, then it's important to consult Dr. Franks. Additional information may be attained from the American Cancer Society.

If you have any questions or concerns, regarding a suspicious skin lesion or condition please call our office and set up a time to visit with Dr. Franks. Dr. Franks is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and can assist you by establishing a diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan.

Remember, the skin is your body's largest organ is the first line of defense against organisms and environmental factors that may be harmful. It is very important to keep your skin in its best condition possible. If you have questions or would like to schedule a consult please contact Erin or Jenae at 421.4299.