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Living With Rosacea

Posted by on in Affiliated Dermatology, Rosacea, Skin Care, Skin Care TipsLeave a comment

Rosacea is a highly common skin condition that causes the appearance of red, flushed skin, visible blood vessels, and even acne-like breakouts. And If you’re one of the millions of people living with rosacea, it can be disheartening to learn that there is no cure. However, there are many things you can do to help rosacea and reduce symptoms and flare-ups.

Learning more about rosacea, including what it is, symptoms of rosacea, and common triggers, can help you make more beneficial lifestyle choices – and it can promote both lessened rosacea symptoms and improved health overall. 

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that creates a red, flushed appearance in the skin and other visible symptoms. People of all ages, skin types, and health histories have rosacea, although some potential risk factors for rosacea include:

  • Being female
  • Having light skin that sunburns easily
  • Being over the age of 30
  • Smoking
  • Having a family history of rosacea

Signs of Rosacea

The symptoms of rosacea include:

  • Persistent blushing/flushing in the face, especially in the nose and cheek area
  • Visible veins (spider veins), especially on the nose and cheeks
  • Swollen bumps that resemble acne
  • A warm, tender, burning sensation
  • Dry, irritated eyes or swollen eyelids (known as ocular rosacea)
  • Enlarged nose caused by thickening skin

What Causes Rosacea? 

When it comes to the question of the cause of rosacea, researchers still have much to learn. Many people wonder, is rosacea autoimmune-related? Or is inflammatory rosacea related to an overactive immune system?

The answer is that rosacea could be tied to excess inflammation in the body, hereditary factors, environmental factors, or a combination of all of these. However, what we do know is that rosacea is not contagious, and it is completely unrelated to hygiene. 

Rosacea Triggers

For most people, rosacea symptoms seem to “flare up” at certain times. Although there are many potential causes for a flare-up, common triggers for rosacea include:

  • Sun or wind
  • Extreme hot or cold
  • Spicy foods, warm drinks, or alcoholic beverages
  • Physical activity
  • Emotions
  • Certain skin/hair care products or cosmetics
  • Medications that dilate the blood vessels

How to Improve Rosacea Symptoms

You may not be able to cure rosacea, but there are plenty of ways to improve the condition. In fact, with the right approach, you can manage rosacea with fairly high success. 

Options for rosacea treatment include:

  • Medication: There are prescription drugs for rosacea, including topical creams/gels, oral acne medications, and oral antibiotics. Finding the right medication for rosacea largely depends on the severity and symptoms you are dealing with.
  • Skincare: Skincare products with ingredients such as azelaic acid may support improvements in the signs of rosacea.
  • Laser therapy: Laser treatments can reduce the visibility of blood vessels, targeting specific veins.

It’s not just professional treatments that can help – there are also many rosacea home remedies and lifestyle choices you can make. Using proper self-care practices can mitigate symptoms and help you minimize flare-ups as much as possible. For example:

Pinpoint and Avoid Triggers.

Pay close attention to your personal triggers to determine what causes your rosacea to flare up. Then, be conscious about avoiding these triggers as much as possible. 

Use Sun and Wind Protection.

Sunscreen, proper attire, and sun safety are always important, particularly for individuals with rosacea. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and wear protective clothing (such as a hat). On windy days, try to protect your skin with a scarf or another form of clothing.

Be Gentle with Your Skin.

Harsh cleansers, fragrances, and excessive touching can be major triggers for rosacea symptoms. Avoid these whenever you can, and stay away from products formulated with menthol, alcohol, urea, or camphor (all common irritants for rosacea).

Develop a Personalized Plan with Help from a Dermatologist.

Every case is unique, so meeting with a dermatologist to review yours can be extremely helpful in creating a plan for effective management. Your doctor may recommend specific products or steps to support reduced symptoms.

Make Positive Lifestyle Choices.

Unfortunately, rosacea can increase your odds of developing other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and depression. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can make a world of difference. Dermatologists recommend prioritizing your health by:

  • Eating a balanced diet of nutritious foods
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Completing low-intensity workouts consistently
  • Quitting smoking
  • Limiting the number of alcoholic beverages you consume
  • Minimizing stress
  • Being aware of your overall wellness 

Personalized Rosacea Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ

Are you tired of suffering from the ongoing symptoms of rosacea flare-ups? At Affiliated Dermatology, we can help you find triggers, incorporate better skincare products, and determine how to best help improve your symptoms. And because each one of our patients is treated with individualized care, you can be confident that your treatment plan will be tailored to suit your specific needs.

For more information about treating rosacea and minimizing flare-ups, contact our Scottsdale aesthetic dermatology offices to schedule an appointment today!

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The Role of Laser Therapy in Scar Management

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Even a seemingly small scar can impact your self-confidence, changing how you see yourself. Scars can also affect your life in other ways, including preventing you from wearing certain clothing styles, making you skip activities you used to enjoy, and even limiting your motion.

However, there are now several options for reducing the appearance of scars, one of which is laser treatment. 

Laser Treatment for Scars: What is It and How Does it Work?

Before we can talk about how laser scar removal works, let’s briefly review what causes scars. Understanding this is essential to learn more about laser scar treatment.

What Causes Scars?

A scar is an injury or trauma to the skin that results from an accident or surgery. As you already know, more serious injuries typically result in larger, more severe scarring.

When your skin experiences damage due to trauma, your body begins repairing it. All available resources are directed to the area, and repair is completed as quickly as possible (to prevent infection and other reasons). Your body kicks collagen production into high gear, using this natural protein to heal and repair the area at an impressive pace.

Unfortunately, this rapid repair process causes a scar to have a noticeably different look and feel than the un-scarred skin surrounding it. And the side effects of scars go beyond aesthetics; they can also include:

  • Lingering pain and discomfort
  • Itchiness
  • Issues with movement, especially with scars that are particularly tight or over a joint

What is Laser Scar Treatment?

So, what is laser scar removal? Also called laser scar revision and laser skin resurfacing, it is a professionally-administered treatment option that can support improvements in the appearance of scars. 

Laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes precisely-targeted light therapy to reduce the appearance of scarring by promoting new healing and repair. 

Laser treatments are also extremely effective in treating wrinkles, skin lesions, and dark spots.

How Does Laser Therapy for Scars Work?

Essentially, the laser light is used to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes in one of two ways:

  • By gently removing the top layer of the skin
  • Stimulating new skin cell production

The laser activates your body’s ability to repair, taking a highly targeted approach to ensure optimal results. 

What to Know About Laser Treatment for Scars

Laser therapy is a versatile treatment option that can help people with various scar types, sizes, and severity levels. Scar laser treatment can target scars, keloids, and other issues, including warts, wrinkles, and age spots. Scars from acne, burns, and other injuries are potential areas for laser treatment. 

But before you decide to move forward with laser treatments, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Does Laser Scar Removal Make Scars Go Away Completely?

Although your scar can be dramatically smoothed and faded, laser therapy cannot completely erase any scar. As a matter of fact, getting rid of a scar completely is typically impossible because the body’s natural healing response creates new scars. 

Laser treatments and other professional-grade therapies can significantly improve your scar’s appearance, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye. Essentially, you are replacing your “old” scar with a “new” one, one that is smaller, smoother, and much less noticeable. 

How Does Laser Scar Treatment Work?

Laser therapy for scars works by stimulating collagen production and prompting your body to restart the repair process, producing new and smoother skin. As a result, the “old” scar can be covered by a smaller, less raised/textured, and less noticeable scar. 

There are two basic types of laser scar removal treatments:

  • CO2 laser therapy uses continuous light beams or short pulses of light to remove very thin layers of skin, resulting in minimal damage to the surrounding area. A small portion of scar tissue will be targeted during each treatment, so a full course of treatment may require several visits.
  • Fractional laser therapy relies on many narrow laser light “columns,” which are able to go deeper and force the scar’s collagen to tighten and shrink. It’s less damaging to the skin, but recovery time can be slightly longer due to the depth of the laser’s reach. 

Ultimately, the best laser treatment for your scars is the one recommended for your specific case by a trained professional. Our consultation appointments are essential to charting your path to outstanding results. 

What are the Benefits of Laser Scar Removal?

The biggest benefit of laser treatment for scars is its efficacy: it is an excellent option for minimizing the look and feel of a scar. In addition, it is a non-invasive method with a low risk for extended recovery and treatment that can be tailored to suit a variety of cases.

What Happens During a Laser Scar Removal Treatment Session?

Because laser therapy is non-invasive, it is an outpatient treatment that requires no hospital stay. 

Your dermatologist will apply a local anesthetic, then use the specialized laser to treat the scar tissue. After the treatment, your scar should look lighter, smoother, and less noticeable overall.

Laser treatment recovery is minimal, with only an average of 3-10 days of recovery. During the recovery process, you’ll provide extra care to the treated area – you can still go about your days as normal.

How Many Laser Treatments are Required for Scar Removal?

The number of treatments you will need depends on various factors, including the size and severity of your scar. It is normal for a scar to require multiple treatment sessions before achieving the desired progress. 

Laser Scar Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ

Do you have scarring you’d like to see fade away? Contact Affiliated Dermatology to schedule your laser therapy consultation today!

Image by HENADZI KlLENT/ shutterstock.com

Do I Have Hyperhidrosis?

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Sweating is a regular (and healthy) bodily function. But if you’ve ever felt like you tend to sweat more than the average amount, you might be dealing with hyperhidrosis. 

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes an individual to experience excessive sweating, either only in certain areas or the entire body. It’s a surprisingly common condition and one that many people may not even realize they have.

Areas affected by hyperhidrosis can include:

  • Armpits
  • Palms of the hands
  • Soles of the feet
  • Groin area
  • Face and chest

You can have localized hyperhidrosis, affecting specific “zones” such as your armpits. Or, you can have generalized hyperhidrosis, which impacts most of all of your body. 

How much sweating is “excessive”? 

There isn’t necessarily a firm guideline for how much sweating is considered excessive. However, if you feel like you’re sweating so much that it affects your everyday life, you may have hyperhidrosis. 

Here are a few examples of experiences common among individuals with hyperhidrosis:

  • Avoiding physical activities, such as exercise, dancing, or hiking, because of worries of increasing sweating even more
  • Avoiding physical contact, such as hugs or shaking hands, because of embarrassment 
  • Day-to-day difficulties due to excess sweat include challenges holding tools, using a phone or keyboard, driving safely, etc.
  • Spending a considerable amount of time trying to mitigate the effects of excess sweat (changing clothing, showering, etc.

Is hyperhidrosis a health risk?

The excessive sweating associated with hyperhidrosis isn’t usually a danger to your health. However, dealing with its effects can be highly stressful and emotionally challenging. 

For some people with hyperhidrosis, the condition leads to anxiety, depression, and an overall decreased quality of life. It can eventually segue into avoiding previously-enjoyable activities, self-isolation, and other adverse effects. Hyperhidrosis can physically contribute to chafing, infection, and skin irritation.

What causes hyperhidrosis?

In some cases, there isn’t an apparent cause of hyperhidrosis. It is believed that the condition often stems from an issue with the part of your nervous system that regulates sweating. These cases are considered primary hyperhidrosis.

Usually, primary hyperhidrosis starts in childhood or adolescence and can either improve with age or be something that lasts for your entire life. There might be a family history of primary hyperhidrosis.

In other cases, a trigger (or triggers) sets off excessive sweating. When there is an identifiable cause, the condition is referred to as secondary hyperhidrosis. Many different factors can contribute to excessive sweating/secondary hyperhidrosis, including:

  • Anxiety disorder
  • Certain medications
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Low blood sugar
  • Infections
  • An overactive thyroid gland

If your hyperhidrosis is caused by a certain (untreated) medical condition, you should see a healthcare professional for further assessment. 

Is there a cure for hyperhidrosis?

It can be challenging to find treatments for hyperhidrosis, mainly because each case can be so unique. However, a combination of lifestyle changes and professional treatments can make a big difference.

For example, you can try:

  • Wearing lightweight, loose clothing
  • Avoiding known triggers (such as spicy foods)
  • Choosing clothing that minimizes the visible signs of excessive sweating
  • Minimizing caffeine intake

Using Botox for hyperhidrosis has become an increasingly popular option due to its efficacy and ease of use. If you feel like you’ve tried every possible antiperspirant and prescription medication out there and haven’t seen significant improvements, Botox treatments for hyperhidrosis might be a great fit. 

You can see results in 10-14 days and enjoy a reduction in sweating for upwards of a year. 

Learn More about Botox Treatments for Excessive Sweating

Are you ready to find a hyperhidrosis treatment that actually works? Affiliated Dermatology provides medically-supervised Botox for excessive sweating, so you can break free once and for all. In just 30 minutes, your life could be changed for the better.

Contact us for more information or schedule your consultation today!

Image by siam.pukkato/ shutterstock.com

 

What is a HydraFacial Treatment?

Posted by on in Affiliated Dermatology, Dermatology, Skin CareLeave a comment

HydraFacials may have started out as a trending treatment, but they have become a legitimate worldwide phenomenon. When you consider that millions of HydraFacial treatments are administered every year – which translates to one every few seconds – it’s impossible to deny that the benefits of HydraFacials have captured the attention of skincare-savvy people everywhere.

So, if you have yet to try a HydraFacial for yourself or still have questions about precisely what a HydraFacial is and how it works, now is the time to make your move. We’ve put together a short and sweet guide that gives you all the answers you want and need so that you can book your first HydraFacial sooner than later.

What is a HydraFacial Treatment?

The HydraFacial is a unique, patented treatment that relies on a medical-grade hydra-dermabrasion device to complete a three-step regimen that focuses on:

  1. Deeply cleansing the skin
  2. Gently but effectively exfoliating the skin
  3. Infusing the skin with intensive serums

Is a HydraFacial the same thing as dermabrasion?

HydraFacials utilize hydra-dermabrasion, which differs from traditional dermabrasion in a few key ways. Instead of using a textured/gritty product to exfoliate, hydra-dermabrasion takes the far gentler approach of “vacuuming” out the pores. 

How Does a HydraFacial Work?

The HydraFacial device utilizes an innovative spiralized treatment tip that functions as a vortex of sorts. It creates a swirling force that can clear out dirt, oil, and dead skin while simultaneously infusing the pores with your choice of potent actives. Whether your goal is to brighten, moisturize, protect, plump, or all of the above, the HydraFacial machine offers an exceptionally effective method.

Beyond the three foundational components of a HydraFacial treatment (cleanse, exfoliate, and infuse), you can also use precisely-formulated add-ons to target specific skin concerns. These “boosters” are designed to support your unique skin goals, such as fading discoloration, softening fine lines, or reducing redness.

Who Should Get a HydraFacial?

Wondering if HydraFacials is right for you? One of the most significant benefits of HydraFacials is their versatility: this is a professional skin treatment that suits virtually every skin type and concern. 

From teens and young adults battling acne to older patients dealing with sun damage and wrinkles, a HydraFacial has mass appeal – and far-reaching efficacy. 

If you are pregnant, have an active rash, sunburn, or rosacea, you may want to consider alternative options. This is mainly because certain HydraFacial products use ingredients that may not be ideal in these situations. 

What Can I Expect from HydraFacial Results?

There are plenty of perks to getting a HydraFacial, one of which is seeing results immediately after finishing the treatment. You can look forward to your skin looking noticeably hydrated, dewy, and glowing after a HydraFacial, with improvements in texture and tone.

There is zero downtime for HydraFacials, and it is gentle enough that you won’t need to worry about redness, peeling, or irritation. 

Perhaps one of the most gratifying parts of a HydraFacial is seeing all of the pore-clogging gunk extracted from your skin – the device stores it in a small container, so you’ll witness exactly how effective the treatment really is was.

Book Professional HydraFacials in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the East Valley

Like any medical-grade skin care treatment, a HydraFacial is at its best when administered by a trained professional. You might see various ads for HydraFacials in Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and the rest of the Valley, but choosing the right provider is key.

Affiliated Dermatology is a medical and aesthetic dermatology practice that combines the best of health and beauty to support each patient’s unique needs. Our Phoenix aesthetic dermatology services include HydraFacials and many other professional-grade treatments, each one designed to deliver unparalleled results. With several offices across the Phoenix metro area, visiting us for your skin health and beauty needs is incredibly convenient.

Schedule your HydraFacial treatment or request a consultation to learn more when you contact Affiliated Dermatology today.

Image by  Dmytro Zinkevych/ shutterstock.com

How Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?

Posted by on in Hair Restoration1 Comment

Even a few short years ago, options were limited for treating hair loss. For most people, dealing with thinning hair meant either creatively combing their remaining hair to disguise the issue or investing in invasive, expensive chemical treatments.

But now, PRP for hair loss has changed everything.

What is PRP?

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a powerful component naturally produced by our bodies. The plasma is found within your blood, where it plays an integral part in your health and wellness.

One of the primary roles of PRP is to promote healing via the proteins and growth factors it contains. Platelets have a fantastic ability to communicate on a cellular level, acting as chemical signals between various cells in your body. Essentially, platelets are the body’s “project managers,” organizing other cells and directing them to complete the necessary actions for healing and rejuvenation.

When you consider just how effective PRP is in supporting healing, it makes sense that it has become a not-so-secret weapon against hair thinning and loss. 

How Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?

PRP for hair loss is a minimally-invasive, chemical-free hair restoration treatment that can be completed in a short and simple office visit.

First, we will do a gentle blood draw to collect a blood sample. The sample is placed in a specialized piece of equipment (called a centrifuge), where it is rapidly spun to separate its different components. Then, with the PRP isolated, we can use it for your treatment.

We deliver PRP injections targeted precisely to the areas where hair is thinning or gone. 

The PRP helps to “reactivate” your inactive hair follicles, directing them to an active growth phase to kickstart hair growth. Over time, your hair will naturally grow back and fill in, resulting in thicker, healthier hair and a more youthful look. 

Will PRP Hair Restoration Work for Me?

PRP is an effective treatment option for men and women experiencing hair loss due to reasons that include:

  • Hormonal hair loss
  • Stress
  • Age
  • Surgery
  • Illness
  • Hereditary hair loss

The treatment can be used for just small areas of the scalp or the entire scalp. 

We can discuss your needs and goals during your consultation to determine whether PRP is the best fit for you. 

How Many PRP Treatments Are Needed?

Each patient is unique, but the recommended treatment schedule for PRP is typically one treatment per month for 4-6 months (or until you achieve your desired results). After that, we suggest maintenance treatments every quarter. 

How Much Does PRP Hair Restoration Cost?

The cost can vary because each patient differs in the number of treatments they need, areas that need treatment, etc. However, most of our patients say they are surprised at just how affordable PRP is – and they often say they wish they had done it even sooner. At Affiliated Dermatology, we also offer complimentary consultations so patients can ask questions and determine if PRP treatment for hair loss is right for them.

Consider PRP Hair Restoration in Phoenix and the Valley

Are you ready for a simple, effective, and all-natural solution for hair loss? At our offices across the Valley, Affiliated Dermatology offers PRP treatments for hair loss and other aesthetic and medical treatments. Contact us to schedule your consultation today if you’d like to know more about PRP hair loss treatments.

Photo Credit: Anna Nass

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