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Dermatology FAQs

    Dermatology Frequently Asked Questions

    Rosacea is a very common acne-like facial eruption that is more common in people over thirty and in those of Celtic origin. However, people of any ethnic background can also have it. One component is vascular (red face, blushing, flushing and enlarged capillaries) and one is a breakout that looks like that of acne. There are a variety of triggers that cause the breakouts to be worse. It can also include watery or gritty feeling eyes and in rare cases (but rarely in women), a thickening of the nose called rhinophyma. Some people find that their facial skin burns, stings, or itches, even when they do not have a breakout.
    Dermatology services are available at our Danbury, Norwalk and Ridgefield offices.

    It is considered normal for us to lose about 50-100 hairs a day. If you experience bald patches or thinning hair, this could be hair loss.

    Childbirth, stress, some diseases and medical treatments can cause hair loss.

    Hereditary hair loss is the most common reason for hair loss with about 80 million men and women experiencing this type of hair loss.

    When you experience hair loss, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist as many of these causes are treatable. Our dermatologists specialize in the treatment of skin, hair, and nails.

    Melasma is a common skin problem causing patchy brown, tan, or blue-gray facial skin discoloration. It is mostly found on the upper cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and chin. It is most commonly found in women 20-50 years of age. One of the main causes of melasma is related to external sun exposure. It is common amongst pregnant women and hormones seem to trigger melasma. Your dermatologist can help you treat it with topical creams or laser.
    Scars are fibrous tissues that replace normal skin after an injury such as a wound, burn or sore. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process and actually results from the process of wound repair in skin and other tissues. If a scar becomes thick and raised, or extends beyond the original injury area your dermatologist can treat it to soften it, making it more comfortable and attractive.
    A rash involves a change of the skin which affects its color, appearance or texture. It can be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change color, itch, become warm, bumpy, chapped, dry, cracked or blistered and may swell or become painful. The causes, and therefore treatments for rashes, vary widely. It is important to see your dermatologist for the correct diagnosis and treatment of any rash.
    Fungal nail infection means your nail has been infected by a fungus. It can begin as a white or yellow spot under your fingernail or toenail. When it spreads deeper into your nail, your nail can discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges — an unsightly and potentially painful problem. Once a nail fungal infection begins, it can persist indefinitely if not treated.
    Angiomas are benign growths consisting of small blood vessels which can be located anywhere on the body. There are different types of angiomas such as: spider angiomas, cherry angiomas, and angiokeratomas. Angiomas are not dangerous and do not need to be treated unless they bleed or are bothering you.
    Skin tags are benign skin growths that hang off the skin by a connecting stalk. Skin tags are harmless and do not usually cause any pain. Men and woman both get skin tags with woman and the elderly being more prone to getting skin tags. They can become irritated from rubbing against clothing or jewelry. When this happens, a dermatologist can easily remove them.

    Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. Genetics has a strong role in who will be affected by it.

    Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease. At times your psoriasis symptoms can improve or worsen. A dermatologist can treat psoriasis with both topical creams and systemic drugs, as well as counsel you on skin care and lifestyle factors that may affect it.

    Psoriasis can be disabling for some people. Treatment by a dermatologist can improve a person’s quality of life.

    Moles or “nevi” are very common. Some people have only a few but others have many; this in itself is not concerning. Moles come in various sizes and colors, can be raised or flat and may have a few hairs.

    Moles are generally nothing to worry about but if your mole should change size, color or shape, become itchy or bleed, you should see our dermatologist.

    Sclerotherapy treatments are simple quick outpatient procedures. Most treatments take between fifteen and forty five minutes. As the procedure is almost painless, anesthesia is not typically required.

    During sclerotherapy, a chemical solution known as a sclerosing agent is injected at several points along spider veins. Sclerotherapy is commonly performed with a concentrated saline solution, although other chemical solutions or special foam may be used as well. The agent irritates the lining of the veins, which in combination with compression after treatment causes the vein walls to collapse. Over time, the veins will be absorbed by the body, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance. Like other vein removal therapy, multiple treatments are usually required to achieve the desired results, but sclerotherapy can reduce the appearance of most spider veins and some small varicose veins significantly.

    Facial fillers such as Belotero, Radiesse and Juvederm Ultra help restore volume to support facial structures for a very natural youthful look. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in our bodies and is most commonly used. Radiesse has a calcium-base filler which provides support & helps stimulate collagen production. They are called “injectables” because they are injected into various sites where both patient and physician wish to see improvement.

    Non surgical modalities such as Botox Cosmetic & injectable fillers are being used to turn back time to restore volume & soften lines caused by the aging process.

    Doctors have used Botox safely for years to treat various medical conditions. Botox Cosmetic is a natural purified protein that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults. It can also be used around the eyes and in a few other areas. Results have been shown to last up to four months.

    Molluscum Contagiosum is a common skin disease caused by a virus*. The virus can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching infected surfaces such as gym mats or towels recently used by an infected person. A dermatologist can treat the molluscum lesions. Although the virus is usually harmless, it can spread over the body and/or other people.

    *It usually appears as small flesh covered bumps on the skin.

    A cyst is a raised bump on the skin that can be red and irritated. It usually feels like a lump just under the skin and may or may not hurt to the touch. A dermatologist can surgically remove a cyst, which usually prevents its recurrence. An inflamed or infected cyst can be treated by surgically draining it or injecting it with a cortisone solution.

    Rosacea is a common skin disease. It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people do.

    With time, people who have rosacea may see permanent redness in the center of their face. The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin.

    Rosacea can cause more than redness. Rosacea can cause acne-like breakouts, visible blood vessels on the face, and dry irritated eyes.

    Although rosacea cannot be cured, treatments can control and reduce signs and symptoms. A dermatologist can diagnose and offer proper treatment.

    Eczema is a common skin disease that can affect all ages. Other names for eczema are dermatitis and atopic eczema. It is a type of skin rash characterized by itchy, red, irritated patches. In severe cases, the rash can ooze, flake, and cause the skin to thicken.

    A dermatologist cannot cure eczema but can help you learn to control it. Treating eczema is important to calm the skin, relieve itching and pain, to prevent infections, and to stop the skin from thickening (which may cause the skin to itch constantly).

    Poison Ivy is a rash you get from the oil found in the plants poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. The rash usually starts 12 to 72 hours after contact with these plants and the symptoms are redness, itching, swelling and blisters. It is not contagious and usually goes away in a few weeks. A dermatologist can make the skin more comfortable during this time period.

    You should see a doctor immediately if you have a serious reaction such as swelling, trouble breathing or trouble swallowing. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing you should go to an emergency room.

    Warts are small non-cancerous skin growths that usually are not painful. They appear when a virus called HPV infects the top layer of the skin. They are very common on the hands and feet but can grow anywhere on the body. They can be spread by contact with the wart or secondarily by contact with surfaces where skin cells containing the wart virus have shed.
    Shingles is a painful blistering rash that is most common in older adults. Once you have had chickenpox, you can get shingles because the chickenpox virus stays in the nerve root. Stress, aging, and other immunity weakness are thought to reactivate the virus, causing the painful outbreak. You can receive a vaccine to prevent shingles and dermatologists recommend the vaccine for everyone over 60. A child not yet vaccinated against chicken pox can catch chicken pox (not shingles) by contact with the open sore.
    Acne is a common skin condition and affects all age groups. Acne happens when the pores of our skin become clogged. Acne can be many things, such as blackheads, cysts, pimples, and whiteheads. To determine whether or not you have acne, you should be examined by a dermatologist. Once examined, there are many effective treatments for acne.
    Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world affecting more than 2 million Americans every year. This means that 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer at some time in their life. Anyone can be at risk for skin cancer. You should see a dermatologist if you have any growths on your skin that change their shape or color, bleed, itch or grow. Treatment works well when diagnosed at an early stage.
    Dermatology specializes in treating conditions of the skin, hair and nails. A dermatologist takes care of both cosmetic and medical issues and treats all ages from infant to elderly.
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