Many people who first learn about Central Utah Dermatology ask themselves, “do I really need to see a dermatologist?” You may also be asking yourself this question because you don’t think you have a serious enough condition, or you feel your skin and hair are healthy enough as it is, but none of that should keep you from getting your skin the care and attention it deserves! Not only does your skin protect you from dangers like UV rays and bacteria, but it is also one of the first features people notice when they see you.
For body parts that are this important to overall health, specialized care is required. That is where expert dermatologists like those found at Central Utah Dermatology come in. Our team trained in treating issues related to the skin, nails, and hair. They are committed to helping you not only achieve healthier skin, but to feel more confident in how it looks and feels.
Here are some conditions we treat:
Acne occurs when the pores in your skin are blocked with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells that clog your pores. These skin cells, sebum (oily, waxy matter secreted from your glands), dead skin, and hair clump together to plug pores, causing an infection and resulting in inflammation, or a pimple. Acne is not discriminatory, and for most people, pimples and acne start to appear during puberty and last into the early 20s, and in more severe cases, even well into adulthood.
Hair loss can be the result of several underlying conditions, stress, or improper hair care. Many patients request an appointment once they notice that their hair is thinning or falling out, but sometimes, hair loss is not obvious.
Treating hair loss can be done at home or in our office depending on the type of procedure best suited for your needs.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that is caused by having an overactive immune system and the result of the skin production process moving too quickly. This sped-up process results in inflamed, itchy skin that may be red or scaly in appearance. Psoriasis appears in patches in areas of the skin that are already more difficult to keep moisturized such as your elbows, knees, and scalp. These patches of inflamed, dry skin can last for days or weeks at a time.
Eczema is a condition that leaves a red, scaly rash when the skin comes into contact with an allergen. It can present in many forms, anywhere on the body, and is one of the most common skin conditions we treat at Central Utah Dermatology. Eczema is not contagious and can be induced by a predisposition in your genetic makeup, environmental factors, or even stress.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin condition marked by loss of skin color in patches. It can affect the skin and hair on any part of the body, even inside the mouth. Skin color is determined by melanin, and in those with vitiligo, melanin-producing cells die or stop functioning. This results in blotches of skin that are lighter than the surrounding skin.
Vitiligo can appear at any age, but most commonly presents itself before age 20. There are three main types of vitiligo: generalized (covering many parts of the body), segmental (only on one side of the body), and localized or focal (only affecting one or a few areas of the body).
Nails infected with fungus account for 50% of all nail-related diseases we treat here at Central Utah Dermatology. Both fingernails and toenails are susceptible to fungal infections, although infections are most common in toenails. This is because your toenails are exposed to warm, damp, and dirty conditions more frequently than fingernails. Wearing wet socks or tightly sealed shoes can increase your risk of developing a toenail infection.
It is important to note that fungal infections are contagious and transferable when proper hygiene habits are not practiced and through exposure to public spaces like a locker room or dorm room showers.
Warts are noncancerous growths that appear on the skin of patients who are infected with one of the many strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV virus triggers unnecessary new cell growth which makes the outer layer of the patient’s skin become thicker, resulting in a wart.
Warts are most likely to grow on patients’ hands and feet, but they can grow on any part of the body and can spread via skin-to-skin contact. People with open wounds and cuts are prone to an HPV infection if left untreated, and are the most susceptible for an affected area to develop into a wart. The treatment of warts varies from dermatologist to dermatologist. Most warts are physically harmless but can be cosmetically unappealing, embarrassing, and occasionally painful if poked or disturbed.
Merely waiting for a wart to go away may result in the wart getting bigger or risking the chance of giving it to someone else. There is no cure for HPV, so even if the warts are removed, the virus may still be in your body. In any case, if you have a wart, we recommend removing it.
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that mostly affects the feet, with the potential to spread to toenails and hands. The fungus thrives in warm, humid, and dark environments, which makes athletes more prone to the infection. Communal showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms are hotbeds for the bacteria.
Symptoms include itchy rashes and red, scaly patches between the toes and on the foot. Inflammation and blisters may also occur, which is why timely treatment is advised.
Athlete’s foot can be prevented by keeping your feet covered as much as possible, especially on wet or damp floors. Talcum powder, airy shoes, and proper socks can also aid in prevention.
Treatment includes fungicidal and fungistatic chemical creams. However, for persistent cases of athlete’s foot, oral or topical antifungal drugs may be prescribed.