Garner Dermatology - Top-Rated Dermatologists in Garland, TX

Take care of all your medical and cosmetic skin care needs at Garner Dermatology, the area's leading dermatology clinic of 30 years.

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Escape From Eczema

October is National Eczema Awareness Month. Eczema affects a whopping 30 percent of children and 15 percent of adults. So, it’s likely that eczema will affect you or someone you know at some point. But you and your loved ones don’t have to suffer from eczema because it’s treatable. Read on to learn how you can escape from eczema. 

What is Eczema

Eczema is a red, itchy rash. It can range from mild to severe. It is not contagious, and you can’t get it from somebody. 

Researchers Don’t Know What Causes Eczema. 

Eczema could be the result of an overactive immune system. Researchers think a combination of genetics and environmental factors triggers inflammation. People with eczema might have a gene variation that makes their skin more susceptible to allergens and irritants in the environment. 

The Different Types of Eczema

Not all eczema is alike there are seven different types. They affect different parts of the body and can look different from each other. What they all have in common is that they tend to be inflamed, red, and itchy. The seven different types of eczema include: 

  • contact dermatitis 
  • atopic dermatitis 
  • dyshidrotic 
  • neurodermatitis 
  • nummular 
  • seborrheic dermatitis 
  • stasis 

The Most Common Form of Eczema

Contact dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It’s a delayed allergic reaction that appears a day or two after the skin is exposed to an irritant. People with sensitive skin do best with scent-free products like soaps and laundry detergents that help them avoid irritation. 

How To Treat Eczema Topically

You can treat eczema topically with triamcinolone and hydrocortisone. These medications reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. They can be used alone or with other treatments and come in spray and lotion forms. 

Eczema Can Be Treated Internally

You can treat eczema internally with oral or injected medications like cyclosporine and methotrexate. They encourage the immune system to reduce inflammation but are only recommended for short periods. 

Treat Eczema with Biologics 

Biologics target the overactive immune system and decrease inflammation. One example is Interleukin inhibitors, which are injectable. 

The”Itch, Scratch, Repeat”Cycle 

Eczema can keep you awake at night in a cycle of itching and scratching. People of all ages, including children, can get caught in the”itch, scratch, repeat”cycle that can make for poor sleep. 

When It’s Time to See A Dermatologist

It’s time to see a dermatologist if eczema is affecting your quality of life. This means that you aren’t able to sleep because it’s itchy. It can also mean that you are bothered by the way the rash looks. You must see a doctor if you see red streaks in your skin. The same is true if your eczema scabs or becomes filled with pus. 

National Eczema Awareness Month reminds us that eczema is a common skin condition that will likely affect you or someone you know. But you and your loved ones can”escape from eczema”because it’s treatable. If you think you have eczema, contact one of our board-certified dermatologists today to schedule an assessment. 

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Why TikTok & Reddit Might Not be the Best Dermatologists

Almost every viral skincare trend has a legion of enthusiastic – though sometimes anonymous – advocates. However, do any of the hottest skincare hacks have a solid scientific foundation or are they just shortcuts that could have potentially serious consequences? Let’s take a closer look. 

Glass skin, cloud skin, and Jell-O skin are all viral terms describing the ideal complexion. Skin as smooth and clear as glass, as matte and luminous as a cloud, and as bouncy with collagen as Jell-O might be within your reach with a few home tricks and tips! At least, according to TikTok and Reddit users.

There’s something comforting about crowd-sourced skincare tips and tricks. After all, these are posted by regular people who’ve struggled with common skin issues; they’re not some huge corporate brand making promises their products will never fulfill, are they? 

While some social media influencers or gurus operate in good faith and provide information and advice that they themselves follow, DIY skincare isn’t necessarily a viable solution for what could be legitimate medical issues. Here is a look at a few of the most popular viral skincare trends that might not be worth the hype. 

Slugging

Slugging skincare is possibly the most popular and widely adopted DIY skincare trend. It involves applying an occlusive layer – petroleum jelly, most commonly – to the skin after cleansing to prevent trans epidermal water loss and keep the skin hydrated. This strategy is supposed to effectively seal in moisture, prevent dryness, and achieve smooth, glowing skin. 

But what is causing your dry skin? 

Slugging doesn’t address the root causes of xeroderma, the clinical term for dry skin; it simply prevents additional water loss. Many people experience dry skin when the weather turns cold or because their skin doesn’t produce sufficient sebum to retain moisture. Others have dry skin because of an underlying medical issue, like eczema. It’s possible to experience dry skin as a response to a cosmetic or cleansing product. 

Applying a layer of petroleum jelly to your skin after a cleansing routine that might contribute to dryness will trap the irritant next to the skin, exacerbating the problem and potentially causing breakouts. 

And speaking of breakouts, this strategy is DEFINITELY NOT for people with acne-prone skin. 

Slugging might benefit people whose dry skin is not caused by any external irritant or internal health concern. However, if you experience even the occasional breakout, have combination skin (both oily and dry), or have sensitive dry skin that becomes irritated or inflamed, consult a dermatologist for appropriate solutions. 

Home Extractions/Popping

The home extractions trend is among the more troubling DIY skincare phenomena. Home pore extractions – manually removing debris from pores using an extraction tool or other implement – can lead to scarring, pockmarks, inflammation, and even infections. 

In addition to potentially worsening existing acne and creating permanent scars, home extractions do not address the factors that contribute to the development of blackheads.

Home extractions are particularly dangerous when they are performed on cysts, which must always be evaluated by a medical professional before removal. The only safe way to undergo a pore extraction is to have one performed by a trained and certified dermatologist. 

Face Taping to Prevent Wrinkles 

For decades, movie stars and entertainers have used face taping to draw back loose facial skin before filming or performing. Even non-entertainers use tape along the jawline and the temples as an instant, temporary facelift before a special event. 

However, face taping has also recently become an online trend that supposedly inhibits the development of wrinkles. The theory behind overnight face taping is that the tape discourages the use of facial muscles during sleep, preserving the skin and preventing dynamic wrinkles. 

Unfortunately, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that facial taping has any long-term effect on existing or developing wrinkles. Moreover, using overnight tape could cause skin irritation and clogged pores. 

Laser therapy, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and Botox are among the most effective treatments available for fine lines and wrinkles. 

If you want to address signs of aging, skin clarity, or any other skin concern, it’s always best to consult with a trained dermatologist. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Autumn Leaves Can’t Shield You from the Sun Fall Sun Care Tips

As summer draws to an end, we might be tempted to stop slathering on sunscreen as aggressively as we did only a month ago. But while the temperatures aren’t as high as they were during the dog days of summer, the UVA and UVB rays are every bit as potent – and as dangerous. 

Sun damage can cause a wide variety of cosmetic and medical issues in any season. Not only does sun exposure accelerate aging and lead to sunspots, but it also raises your risk of carcinomas and dangerous melanomas. Here are a few tips for integrating sun protection into your fall routine. 

Use Thicker Sunscreen 

It seems counterintuitive, but you might need more – not less – sun protection during the fall and winter. 

The humidity decreases as the weather cools down, leaving skin drier and more vulnerable to sun damage. Your light, oil-free summer sunscreen might not offer the same level of protection during cooler months. Boosting the hydration in your sun care products helps protect the skin barrier and keep your skin moisturized longer in the dryer climate. A great product is our own WestDerm Antioxidant Moisturizing Sunscreen with hyaluronic acid. 

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Lips 

Even if you wear sunscreen religiously, it’s easy to forget that our lips need sun protection, too. Every year, roughly 40,000 lip cancer cases are diagnosed, making up about .6% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S. 

Make sure you apply a lip balm with sun protection after you apply your sunscreen, and make sure you carry lip balm with you throughout your day so you can reapply it after you eat or drink. If you want to plump up your pout, WestDerm Plumping Lip Treatment with SPF 30 is an excellent option, offering hydrating ceramides that encourage moisture retention while protecting the skin barrier from environmental aggravators. 

Incorporate UPF Clothing into Your Wardrobe 

When the weather is hot, wearing long sleeves and long pants outdoors is just flat-out uncomfortable. But the lack of UV-absorbing clothing means you must repeatedly apply sunscreen on your exposed limbs. Sun protective clothing, labeled as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), is a convenient sun shield that you don’t have to reapply – you just put it on and forget it. 

When selecting your sun protective clothing, make sure the fabric is tightly knit and can either effectively absorb UV rays or reflect them. Natural cotton materials are effective absorbers of UV rays, while shiny polyester materials can reflect UV rays away from the skin. 

It’s also important to find clothing that fits somewhat loosely, because tight clothing might stretch the fibers and lower the effectiveness. If you want to take the guesswork out of choosing sun-protective clothing, look for a tag that gives you the UPF rating. 

The UPF rating of your clothing matters. A UPF 50 rating indicates that the fabric shields you from approximately 98 percent of ultraviolet rays. But what’s the difference between UPF and the SPF on sunscreen? 

UPF Vs. SPF 

UPF differs from the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating on liquid sunscreens because SPF measures the amount of solar energy the product can effectively block before the skin begins to burn. For example, if you tend to burn after spending 15 minutes in direct noon sunlight, a sunscreen of SPF of 30 indicates that you can multiply that time by a factor of 30 before your skin starts to react. 

However, it is critically important to note that solar energy changes throughout the day, and the amount of solar energy differs in different environments. So, noontime sun at sea level with slight cloud cover will expose you to less solar energy intensity than noontime sun at a high altitude with no cloud cover. 

Also, be on the lookout for broad-spectrum sunscreen. Unless your sunscreen is labeled”broad spectrum,”it will only offer protection against UVB rays, not UVA rays. While UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer, UVA rays can cause sun damage and premature aging. 

If you want to make sure your skin stays healthy year-round, make sure to have your skin checked regularly by an experienced dermatologist. Please visit our information page to find a clinic near you.

Understanding Your Skin Type & How To Care For It

Knowing your skin type is the first step to caring for it. This knowledge lets you put together the skin care routine that’s best for you. So what kind of skin do you have, anyway? A dermatologist can answer that question at your annual checkup. But if you can’t wait until then, here are some guidelines that will help you make an informed guess.

Normal Skin? You’re Lucky 

Are your pores barely visible? Is your skin not too dry or too oily? Do you have almost no skin imperfections? If you answered yes to these questions, then your skin is normal and we’re jealous. Normal skin is one of the five basic skin types and is characterized by balance. It needs regular cleansing, moisturizing, and a vitamin c serum or a retinoid. Either a chemical or a mineral sunscreen is a good choice for normal skin types. 

Do You Have Oily Skin?

Oily skin is the type where your pores are large, and your skin is shiny all over. This extends beyond the center of your face and includes your cheeks, too. Oily skin is often acne-prone and needs special care. 

· Cleanse your face morning and night. 

· The best way to moisturize oily skin is with an oil-free product. We recommend you go for a moisturizer with salicylic acid to keep acne under control. 

· A retinoid can help keep pores clear and reduce breakouts. 

· Choose a mineral sunscreen because it won’t clog your pores. 

How To Know If Your Skin Type Is Dry

You might have dry skin if your pores are almost invisible and you have more lines than other people your age. Other clues that point toward dry skin include red patches and dull, rough skin. Dry skin needs the following hydrating skin care regime: 

· Wash your face at night. In the morning, just splash it with water and gently pat it dry. 

· Reach for a moisturizer that’s oil-based and thick. 

· Add a layer of moisture on top of your retinoid at night. Consider using retinoid every other night to keep your skin from getting too irritated. 

· Use a sunscreen and moisturizer combination during the day. 

You Have Combination Skin If…

Combination skin means your skin is only shiny in your t-zone (the center of your face) and not along the sides. In this case, your pores will usually look large on your nose and forehead. But your pores will be less visible on other parts of your face. 

· Wash your face morning and night unless it becomes too dry and then you can skip washing it in the morning for a day or two until it regains its balance. 

· Consider using a thicker moisturizer on the dryer parts of your face and an oil-free product in the center of your face. 

· You’ll benefit from a retinoid at night but might need to layer moisturizer on top of the dryer parts of your face. 

· Reach for a non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen.

Is Your Skin The Sensitive Type?

Redness, itching, burning, and dryness are all signs that you might have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin needs extra gentle care, so remember to: 

· Use a mild facial cleanser and consider washing your face only at night. 

· It’s helpful to moisturize sensitive skin with a fragrance-free product. 

· Ask your dermatologist before you use retinoid. 

· Sunscreen is vital, so already-sensitive skin doesn’t become even more irritated. 

Your Skin Type Can Change

It’s important to know that your skin type doesn’t always stay the same throughout life. It can change as you age or undergo significant changes like pregnancy or menopause. It can also vary based on the season. For example, most people experience more dryness during the winter. 

Understanding your skin type is the first step to care for it. If you’re not sure what category your skin falls into, schedule an annual checkup with one of our board-certified dermatologists. They’re happy to answer all of your skin care questions.  

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5 Ways to Honor Skin Care Awareness Month

The largest organ in our body, surprisingly, is our skin. This big surface does so much for us: it keeps germs out; it cools; it lets us feel sensations. So, how about treating our skin right this month and celebrating National Skin Care Awareness with these five ideas: 

Protect Your Skin

Old sunscreen that’s expired loses its ability to protect our skin. So, check your expiration date and if it has passed, toss the old bottle and buy yourself a new sunscreen this month. Sunscreen is the most potent product we can use to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging rays and maintain our youthful, dewy glow. 

Rub A New Moisturizer Into Your Skin

It can be light and thin or rich and creamy. Whatever your preference, the key is to hydrate your skin with something that feels nourishing to you. Go beyond moisturizing your hands and slide lotion all over your body, including your feet. We recommend you try ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 for intense hydration. 

Give Your Skin A Laser Treatment

Whether it’s wrinkles, sun spots, acne, or unwanted hair, expect all your skin worries to fade when you book yourself in for a laser treatment. Lasers give instant gratification for anyone looking to treat their skin this month. West Dermatology offers laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing. 

Feed Your Skin Antioxidants

Eat vegetables and fruit to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants. Harmful things like alcohol, fried foods, and inflammation bombard our skin daily from the inside. Air pollution and UV rays bombard it from the outside. Help your skin regain its balance by eating the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day this month. And remember to eat all the other skin-benefiting foods, too. You can go nuts with almonds, spice it up with cinnamon, and amend your skin with avocado. You can also try this Sun ISDIN Softgel Capsules Antioxidant Supplement. 

Take Your Skin To Its Annual Exam

You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to get your annual skin check-up. Your dermatologist will start by asking you a few simple questions about your skin. Then, they’ll gently examine it. There are about twenty square feet of skin on your body, and only one square foot of that is on your face. Although your face is the most visible part, other areas are more hidden but still essential to check, like your back. Your dermatologist will pay special attention to the spots and moles on your body. They’re looking for things like the size of moles, irregular borders, and specific colors. Expect them to ask you if you’ve noticed any changes to your moles over time. Our dermatologists can answer any other questions you have about your skin at your annual check-up. 

Our skin organ is massive at twenty square feet. All that skin needs protection and nourishment. September is the month to raise our awareness and start taking even better care of our skin. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or treat your skin to one of the fabulous products from our online shop.

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Back-2-School Skin Tips for the Busy Bee

There is a major trend in self-care right now. Our Instagram feeds are crawling with images of yoga poses, bubble baths, and hammock selfies with good reason – we are all in need of a little relaxation these days. 

So, what are busy parents to do?  

A constant on-the-go lifestyle can leave you physically drained and can also take a toll on your skin. Now that the school year is starting again, you might have more time to focus on your physical and emotional wellness, which can work wonders for your body and spirit. 

If you’re feeling a bit strained after spending the summer running around with the kids, here are a few simple strategies to help you unwind and get your skin back into tip-top shape. 

Get some sleep. 

Sure – easier said than done, right? But sleep is the most important element in any de-stress routine. If you struggle to fall asleep, cut off your screen time (TV, laptop, tablet, phone) at least two hours before bed. LED lights can trigger a neurological response that makes drowsiness difficult. 

Here are a few more quick tips for falling into a restful sleep: 

  • Cut back on the afternoon coffee. Avoid stimulating foods or drinks containing sugars, nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine at least two hours before bedtime. 
  • Lower the temperature. A cool – not cold – bedroom is critical for achieving optimal sleep. Try to keep the temperature between 60° and 65°. 
  • Dim the lights. Ambient lights from electronic devices and digital clocks can make falling asleep difficult. Maintain a dark room, if possible. Sleep masks are highly effective if reducing light sources isn’t practical. 
  • Create a regular bedtime routine. A consistent end-of-day routine can help you fall asleep faster and achieve deeper sleep. Taking a warm bath or shower one or two hours before bedtime has been shown to significantly improve sleep quality.  

Including a regular bedtime skincare routine can both help you unwind and improve the texture and luminosity of your skin. The act of pampering yourself is inherently relaxing, helping you fall asleep faster and achieve deeper, more restorative sleep. Additionally, your skin is better able to absorb the active ingredients in your skincare products during sleep than it is during waking hours.

Our skin’s permeability is enhanced at night during sleep. One of the best tools for rebuilding and preserving collagen while protecting barrier function is a product rich in hyaluronic acid, green and white tea polyphenols, and pentapeptide-4. WestDerm Ceramide Dermal Repair Cream offers a blend of these valuable compounds and an intense boost of antioxidants which can neutralize the free radicals that accelerate aging. 

Get a move on! 

That’s right, the key to relaxation is exercise! While that might sound counterintuitive when you only want to crash on the sofa and binge-watch Stranger Things, working out helps your body wind down, improves your mood, and facilitates deeper, more restful sleep. 

Before you head out for a run or to the gym, cleanse your face of dirt and makeup with one of our favorites, EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser. Exercise can cause pores to open, making it easier for makeup to get inside. You should also apply a healthy amount of sunscreen to any part of the body that isn’t clothed when you’re outdoors. 

Additionally, it’s important to gently cleanse your skin after your workout to remove sweat and bacteria. (However, you should consult your dermatologist if you have sensitive skin so that you don’t trigger any inflammation from too-aggressive cleansing.) Follow up with your normal daytime or nighttime skin routine for your skin type.  

Get hydrated. 

Did you know that dehydration might contribute to mood fluctuations? 

Hydration and relaxation are deeply interconnected. While drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day won’t automatically cure stress and anxiety, dehydration has been shown to increase cortisol (stress hormone) production. Several studies have found evidence that improper hydration can impair the body’s ability to self-regulate its biological systems and might increase the risk of anxiety and depression.  

Self-care should involve proper hydration. It is critical for cellular repair and healing, and could help you regulate your mood. Ensure you are always hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. Especially if you’re a busy parent always on-the-go, this is an easy tip that can make a big difference in not only your skin, but your energy levels. 

Your skin needs to be hydrated, too. WestDerm Peptide & HA Hydrating Serum offers a healthy boost of antioxidant power and humectant moisture, helping skin to stay plump and hydrated all day. 

Get a facial! 

Of course, giving yourself a periodic home facial is great for your skin and your mood, but let’s face it – there’s nothing like the real thing! If you CAN carve out some time in that busy schedule, indulge in a little self-care and schedule a facial. 

A professional facial can yield dramatic results for numerous common skin issues that require management or correction. In our clinics, our team of qualified dermatologists and aestheticians can custom design a series of services that will address your unique concerns. Not only will you feel fabulous, but your skin will also be brighter, clearer, and more radiant. 

Now that summer is coming to a close, and kids may be back in school, it’s time to shift the focus back on you. If you have any concerns, or simply want to get your skin checked out, schedule an appointment with us today. 

The High Cost of Free Radicals

August is the unofficial Free Radical Damage Month when the majority of free radical skin injuries occur. Several skin care treatments and products can help protect your skin from the ravages of free radicals. Here’s what you should know about the compounds that wreak havoc on your complexion and leave you susceptible to significant medical concerns.

It’s summertime, and the livin’ isn’t easy on your skin. With temperatures throughout the United States skyrocketing to unprecedented highs, ultraviolet (UV) exposure is an ever-present threat to the health and comfort of your complexion. While sunscreen is critically important and can offer significant protection, the sun isn’t the only element that causes long-term problems. 

You only need to spend an afternoon in an urban area to fully appreciate the extent of the pollution we absorb simply by breathing while outdoors. While you can cleanse away much of the external grit and grime, environmental pollutants are insidious, and they can’t be showered away. These pollutants can be absorbed into your cells and trigger a chemical response that can have a negative effect on your health and appearance. 

But what about free radicals? What does pollution have to do with free radicals?

Pollution and sun exposure are two of the major contributors to free radical damage. Other conditions that contribute to free radical damage include: 

  • Smoking 
  • Alcohol consumption 
  • Ionizing radiation (exposure to X-rays or other radioactive elements) 
  • Poor nutrition 
  • Physical and psychological stress/trauma 

The presence of free radicals is found everywhere, like pollutants, but their effects are not immediately apparent. Nevertheless, the harm resulting from them can be quite serious. 

What are free radicals? 

Free radicals are unstable oxygen-containing molecules or atoms. They are unstable because they contain an uneven number of electrons, leaving something called an unpaired electron. This unpaired electron causes a reactive response in the atom or molecule, causing it to seek other molecules or atoms with unpaired electrons. 

When molecules seek other molecules with unpaired electrons, it causes a series of chemical reactions, a process known as oxidation. The presence of molecules called antioxidants helps manage the chemical response because antioxidant molecules can spare an electron without destabilizing. 

When the number of free radicals and antioxidants is balanced, the oxidation reaction doesn’t yield negative health effects. In fact – free radicals are necessary to ward off infection. When there are too few antioxidant molecules to balance the free radicals, however, oxidative stress occurs. 

Oxidative stress can cause changes to your DNA, which can lead to inflammatory diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer. It is also a major factor in premature aging. 

What is free radical skin damage? 

Free radical skin damage has numerous presentations. Dark spots, wrinkles, skin laxity, and fine lines are all common examples of free radical skin damage.  

How do we protect ourselves from free radical damage? 

We are exposed to free radicals from our environment, but we also create free radicals through normal cellular metabolic processes. Needless to say, it’s impossible to avoid free radicals entirely (and we shouldn’t, even if we could). However, we can balance them by consuming antioxidants. 

Foods rich in antioxidants are among our greatest allies in the fight against free radical supremacy. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the foods with the highest concentration of antioxidants include: 

  • Dark, leafy green vegetables 
  • Apples 
  • Black Beans 
  • Kidney Beans 
  • Plums 
  • Blackberries 
  • Strawberries 
  • Avocado 
  • Green tea 

An antioxidant-rich diet can help reduce your risk of oxidative stress from exposure to environmental free radicals. However, you can absorb antioxidants topically, too. 

Do antioxidant skin products help prevent free radical damage? 

Antioxidant-rich skin care products can help you fight oxidative stress and free radical damage in your skin. Here are some of the most effective products for combatting environmental stressors. 

West Derm Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser 

Your skincare routine starts with a cleanser. West Derm’s Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser gently lifts makeup, dead cells, and impurities from your skin while delivering the antioxidant benefits of green tea polyphenols, Vitamin C, and other botanicals. 

SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair 

Don’t neglect your pout! SkinCeuticals’ Antioxidant Lip Repair offers a boost of hydration from natural humectants and free radical-neutralizing Vitamin E and Silymarin. 

West Derm IPL Bundle Botanical Serum + Antioxidant Sunscreen 

The final stages of your skincare routine should include an antioxidant serum combined with an effective sunscreen. West Derm IPL Bundle Botanical Serum and Antioxidant Sunscreen combines a great boost of antioxidant support with the highest level of UV protection. 

The best weapon against free radical damage is regular visits to a qualified dermatologist. Keep your skin healthy with an annual skin check with us. Find an office today! 

The Key Factors that Cause Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a multifactorial, auto-immune disease. The exact reasons behind psoriasis are still unclear.

The condition has a strong genetic background. Research suggests that an interaction between genetics and the immune system is one of the primary reasons behind the condition. Some common triggers can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. The impact of these triggers varies from one person to another. 

The Link Between Psoriasis and Genetics

Having a family member with psoriasis enhances your level of risk for the condition. However, people with no family history of psoriasis can still be diagnosed with the disorder. Research conducted on psoriatic skin shows the presence of gene mutations (called alleles). 

However, the presence of alleles alone cannot cause a person to develop the condition. Genetic studies have identified 25 gene variants that can increase the risk of psoriasis. The studies indicate a person’s risk level in developing psoriasis. 

  • If one parent has psoriasis, then there is a 10% chance for the child to have the condition. 
  • If both parents have psoriasis, the risk is over 50%. 
  • If you have a relative with psoriasis, then the chances of being diagnosed with the condition are over 30%. 

The specific method through which psoriasis passes from the parent to the child is not entirely understood. 

The Interplay between Genetics and the Immune System

When the immune system encounters a foreign body such as a virus or bacteria, the T cells respond. The body builds proteins that are involved in the identification of molecules called antigens. 

When a person has psoriasis, the gene mutations cause the T cells to identify their skin cells as foreign and attack them incorrectly. The body makes new cells more often than required. The additional skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin and thus cause psoriasis. 

Other Contributing Factors of Psoriasis

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) has revealed that at least 10% of people inherit genes that can cause psoriasis. But only 3% of people develop the condition. When external triggers combine with genetics, the chance of developing psoriasis is high. Some of the external factors are, 

Stress

The connection between stress and psoriasis is like a loop. Psoriasis causes stress. Stress causes inflammation and increased activation of the immune cells. This results in a psoriasis flare-up. 

Skin Injury

Bruises, bumps, and other forms of injuries can irritate your skin and set off the immune system. As a result, the injured portion of the skin becomes the site of a psoriasis flare-up. 

Weather

The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests that cold and dry weather can trigger psoriasis. Some studies support the intake of Vitamin D supplements to regulate the immune system during winters. 

Drugs

Certain drugs like antimalarials, aspirin, beta-blockers can aggravate psoriasis.

Gut Health

When the bacterial ecosystem in your gut is dysregulated,”leakiness”in the gut can be observed. This triggers inflammation through the entire body and causes the development of psoriasis. 

Infections

Infections such as COVID 19 can trigger psoriasis through systemic inflammation. The most common infectious trigger of psoriasis is strep throat. 

Lifestyle Habits

Smoking is said to flare up psoriasis by over 60%. The nicotinic receptors in the T cells of the immune system regulate cell activity. The nicotine present in cigarettes can interfere with the functions of the receptors. 

Get Help with Treating Psoriasis 

Appropriate treatment measures can control the symptoms of psoriasis.

At WestDerm, we are profoundly aware of the physical and psychological impact of psoriasis. We offer customized treatment plans to relieve patients from their discomfort and to get clearer skin. Contact us today if you notice any signs of the condition. 

The Root of Hair Thinning & Hair Loss

Do you know the medical term for a hair doctor? If you said ‘dermatologist,’ you’re right! Most people don’t realize that dermatologists are trained beyond skincare and can also help with conditions like hair loss. It may sound strange, but it’s true a dermatologist is a skin, nail, and hair doctor. Our board-certified dermatologists can diagnose the cause of your hair loss. They can also prescribe the products you need to improve your hair’s follicle growth cycle for better hair. 

How Much Hair Loss is Normal

You have more than 100,000 hairs on your head. They constantly cycle between growing and falling out. Losing between 50-100 hairs each day is part of the normal hair growth cycle. If more than this falls out, your hair is thinning, and it’s time to see your dermatologist. 

Signs of Thinning Hair in Women 

One of the first things a woman will notice when her hair’s thinning is that her part line seems wider than usual. Women might also see more scalp and less hair than before around the hairline that frames their face. This happens when follicles die. This means her scalp produces fewer hairs per square inch than usual. If this is happening, you need a dermatologist’s help to avoid further hair loss. 

Men Should Look For These Signs

The beginning of typical male-patterned baldness is a sure sign of hair loss. This starts above the temples and circles around the head, leaving only a strip of hair along the bottom. Men might also notice a receding hairline. Both of these signal disruption of the normal hair follicle cycle. 

Causes of Hair Loss

The most common cause of hair loss is the aging process. It’s natural for some follicles to stop producing hair. But hormonal changes experienced in pregnancy and menopause can cause your hair to thin while you’re relatively young. In addition, some people’s hair falls out prematurely because of a medical condition they have or medication they’re taking. Whatever the cause, if your hair loss is distressing to you, there are products your dermatologist can recommend to improve the situation. 

Products For Fuller Hair

The solution to thinning hair is medical-grade products. Our West Dermatology Skincare Shop offers quality brands like Nutrafol. Some of these work from the inside, others work from the outside. Both are effective: the best one for you is the one your dermatologist prescribes for your specific hair-loss condition. 

Hair Growth Serum

You can apply topical products directly to your scalp for ingredients that keep your hair follicle life cycle growing normally. Our dermatologists recommend Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum. This leave-in product contains a blend of antioxidants and minerals to support hair growth. You can massage it into your scalp twice a day.

Products That Work Internally

We also carry products at West Dermatology that help support your hair growth from the inside out. These supplements come in capsule form and are taken orally. They include the following quality products from Nutrafol:

Schedule An Appointment 

Hair loss doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of growing older, pregnancy, menopause, or illness. Our board-certified dermatologists can help you find the products you need to keep the fullest head of hair possible, despite your specific challenges. Reach out to one of our practices today and get on the path to better hair health. 

The Facts About Alopecia Areata

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 145 million people around the world. The condition causes the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss on the scalp and occasionally the eyebrows and lower body. The condition is characterized by discrete hair loss patches that often range from a half-inch to two inches in diameter.

Alopecia areata typically affects the hair follicles. In some cases, however, it can also lead to changes in the nails, causing indentations, discoloration, and sometimes nail loss.

How did I get alopecia areata?

A genetic element is involved in alopecia areata; it is believed to be an inherited condition. However, it is also associated with – and exacerbated by – certain medical disorders, so it’s important to have a thorough medical checkup if you experience patchy hair loss anywhere on your body.

Fortunately, most people affected by alopecia areata are otherwise perfectly healthy, though the conditions that activate and de-activate alopecia-related hair loss are not yet fully understood. People with alopecia areata might experience an outbreak that corresponds with high stress, depression, or anxiety.

Can alopecia areata go away without treatment?

Alopecia areata affects everyone differently. Some people experience a bald patch or two in their youth, after which their hair grows back, and they never have another outbreak. Sometimes the hair regrows more sparsely. Some patients have full regrowth after an outbreak, but experience another bout of hair loss months or years later. In rare cases, however, the hair loss progresses to complete baldness. The differences in severity between patients are not understood, and outbreaks are difficult – sometimes impossible – to predict.

Can alopecia areata be cured?

There is no cure for any autoimmune disorder, but highly effective treatments are available. One treatment that has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is a type of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that disrupts the immune system’s response to hair follicles. To date, the drug has been approved for the treatment of severe alopecia areata.

Additional treatments include the administration of corticosteroids in topical, injectable, or oral tablet form. Corticosteroids act as anti-inflammatory agents that block the immune system’s attack on hair follicles in people with mild symptoms. Many patients also achieve success with Minoxidil.

If you are experiencing unexplained, patchy hair loss, please don’t hesitate to contact the experts at an office near you to schedule a consultation.