Medical Dermatology

About Bullous Pemphigoid

What is it?

Bullous pemphigoid is a rare skin autoimmune condition that affects fewer than 20,000 Americans, usually over the age of 60. It is characterized by mild-to-severe inflammation and/or large, fluid-filled blisters that develop on or around areas that you frequently flex or fold, including the armpits, lower abdomen, and groin. However, it’s not uncommon for blisters to develop in your mouth or on your arms, legs, and chest. Symptoms vary from person to person; you may have experience intense itching while others may have hive-like rashes or fluid-filled blisters.

What causes it?

While it’s not altogether clear what causes your immune system to attack the skin in such a way, medications like sulfasalazine and penicillin have been found to trigger the body’s autoimmune response. It’s also believed that UV light for the treatment of other skin conditions could be responsible for the condition

Common treatments?

Although there is no known cure for bullous pemphigoid, our skin experts have the experience and training to help manage this condition. Some of our treatment options include corticosteroids, immune system-suppressing medicines, and various anti-inflammatory treatments.

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About Scleroderma

What is it?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the skin, characterized by fibrosis of the skin. In other words, the disease causes hardening, thickening, and scarring of the skin’s connective tissues. Although it’s often localized to specific parts of the body, it can also be widespread, causing systemic issues that affect internal tissues and organs, including the esophagus, blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, heart, and GI tract. Even if scleroderma is restricted to a smaller area of your body and/or doesn’t impact you internally, it can still be troublesome, as the skin on your face, fingers, neck, and feet become swollen, tender, inflamed, and/or hardened as well as experience a decreased range of motion.

What causes it?

Unfortunately, there are no clear causes of this condition, although there is evidence that genetics and the environment contribute substantially to its development.

Common treatments

Due to the complicated nature of scleroderma as well as the uncertainty of what causes it, treatment is customized on a case-by-case basis and may involve various options, as a single medication or treatment may not be completely effective. For example, you may have a mild, localized case that does not require treatment. On the other hand, someone else may have a severe, relentless case that involves multiple options, each addressing a single of the various symptoms that manifest. For the experts at our dermatology center, the ultimate goal is the management of the conditions.

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About Nail Disorders

What are they?

Most nail disorders are characterized as fungal infections, also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium, and both toenails and fingernails are vulnerable. About 1 in 10 Americans are affected, and you’re at a higher risk of developing these infections the older you are. Symptoms can vary, but typically include nail pain or soreness, thickened nails, a distorted appearance, nail darkening, yellowish streaks, separation of nails from the nail bed, brittleness, or even foul smells.

What causes them?

Several different fungi can lead to a nail disorder, as the pathogens enter the skin through very tiny openings between the nail and nail bed. If the surrounding area is warm, moist, and unventilated, the fungi propagate quickly. Other contributing factors for nail disorders include family history, walking barefoot in public areas, or profuse sweating. Even poor health can contribute to the development of these conditions, as diabetes and poor circulation are known triggers.

Common treatments

If you suspect you have a nail disorder or infection, be sure to see a professional dermatologist, as he or she can perform a nail scrape for quick results. A dermatologist can also help differentiate between nail disorders and other conditions with similar symptoms (like yellow nail syndrome). There are multiple treatments for nail disorders, including over-the-counter (OTC) oral anti-fungal medications and topical OTC anti-fungal medications are also available. An effective solution offered by our dermatologists is laser nail treatment, which treats the infection or disorder completely and almost painlessly. In other, more extreme cases, complete removal of the nail may be necessary.

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About Melasma

What is it?

Melasma is the development of gray or brown patches on the skin, usually in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. Although this includes your arms and neck, it is more common on the face, especially the cheeks, chin, forehead, bridge of the nose, and under the eyes. Melasma usually develops symmetrically, meaning that the blotches of discoloration are even on either side of the face. As the condition commonly develops during pregnancy, it’s often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. Additionally, it’s estimated that as much as 90 percent of all melasma cases occur in women.

What causes it?

Researchers and dermatologists have varying ideas about the causes of melasma, but there is no clear consensus. However, there are risk factors that could make you more susceptible to these conditions, some of which include the following: sun (UV) exposure, genetics, hormones (e.g., such as during pregnancy), stress, irregular thyroid function, and certain cosmetics and skin care products. Ethnicity is thought to play a major role, as well. If you’re lighter-skinned, you’re less susceptible than individuals with darker skin. If you’re of the following ethnicities, you may be more susceptible to melasma: African/African-American, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, Latin American, or Hispanic.

Common treatments

We have effective treatments tailored to your needs and goals, and you’ll always be a part of the decision-making process. We’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support. When it comes to melasma treatment, there are a variety of effective methods utilized by our expert dermatologists. Some of these treatments include topical creams or ointments, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Our approach & expertise

We know that patches of skin discoloration, especially a condition called melasma, can be troublesome to both your appearance and self-esteem. As your knowledgeable community skin specialists, we’re here to help you manage this condition. If you suffer from melasma, you can turn to us for support in managing this issue, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support. From acne to skin cancer, West Dermatology is your trusted partner in expert skin care.

Schedule your appointment today.

About Athlete’s Foot

What is it?

Known medically as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is an inflammatory skin condition caused by a fungal infection. It affects both the sole of the foot and the skin between your toes and is not restricted to athletes, as anyone can contract it. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include skin that’s burning, red and inflamed, scaly and raw, itchy and dry, and blistered and cracked. However, it’s possible to have athlete’s foot and have no symptoms at all.

What causes it?

There is no single cause for this, and a variety of risk factors can contribute to the condition, as the fungus thrives in warm, moist, and unventilated areas like damp, sweaty shoes and socks. It can spread directly from contact with someone who has the condition and from contaminated socks and/or clothing. Also, walking barefoot in communal areas where others with athlete’s foot have been is another common way to contract the infection. These areas include gyms, swimming pools, locker rooms, public showers, and nail salons.

Common treatments?

If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, you should see your favorite neighborhood dermatologist for an evaluation. Several treatment options are available to you, such as foot-drying powders, antiperspirants, topical antifungal medications (e.g., ones with miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate), and oral antifungal medications with terbinafine, fluconazole, or itraconazole.

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About Excessive Perspiration

What is it?

Perspiration is a temperature-regulating mechanism that allows your body to cool, but when it happens excessively and for no reason, it’s called hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by relentless perspiration, typically on the hands and feet as well as under your arms. If left untreated, excessive perspiration can cause painful skin irritation due to the chronic dampness of the skin.

What causes it?

The causes of hyperhidrosis are not fully clear, but it’s believed that genetics plays a role or that it occurs because of an underlying systemic issue. What is certain is that it’s not due to stress; in fact, the condition often causes stress, apprehension, and even anxiety about being in public situations.

Common treatments?

We know it’s not unusual to have excessive perspiration in a nerve-wracking social or professional situation. However, if you suffer from this condition all day every day even when there is no clear cause, it’s possible that you have hyperhidrosis. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to help you treat this condition, regardless of where it’s occurring in your body. Some of these treatments include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis (a device that prevents sweat production), prescription oral medications, Botox (yes, Botox!), and miraDry (a treatment that hinders sweat production).

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have excessive perspiration so that we can help you deal with this often embarrassing condition. West Dermatology is here to support all your dermatological needs with expert care.

Schedule your appointment today.

About Warts

What are they?

A wart is harmless, though contagious, skin growth that feels rough to the touch and is often characterized by minuscule clotted blood vessels that resemble tiny black dots. Though not a health risk, you may wish to have it removed because of social embarrassment. Warts can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which are the following: common – gray or brown growths with a round top that grow anywhere, particularly on the fingers or toes; plantar – growing into your skin, rather than protruding from it, they are hardened growths on the soles of your feet, making walking difficult and painful; flat – small, flat growths that can be pink, yellow, or brown, and which often develop on the face, arms, or thighs, filiform – small, flesh-colored skin flaps on your nose or around the mouth, chin, or neck; and periungual – painful growths under or around your nails, often inhibiting nail growth.

What causes them?

Warts are caused by HPV, the human papillomavirus. Through a tiny cut or scratch in your skin, this virus will attack skin cells, causing rapid growth that becomes warts. These warts can easily spread via direct skin-to-skin contact, although indirect means are also common, such as touching a towel or clothing that also has touched a wart. They can also spread on your own body once a single one forms.

Common treatments

We offer treatment options tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals., and we’re here to address your concerns and provide support throughout the process. When treating warts, the goal is to destroy the growths themselves or fight off HPV. Either way, our dermatology specialists will work with you to find the best solution for your unique conditions. In many cases, warts simply disappear on their own, though this may take years. For immediate treatment, we offer several effective methods: prescription-strength salicylic, bichloroacetic, or trichloroacetic acids; pulse-dyed lasers; and cryotherapy. Our neighborhood practitioners urge patience when treating warts, as it can take weeks or even months to produce results.

Our approach & expertise

We understand how warts can be a physical nuisance and even affect your self-esteem. As your experienced community skin experts, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us if you have a wart that you want to eliminate so you can have clear, smooth skin once again. At West Dermatology, we’re dedicated to providing expert care for all your dermatological concerns.

Schedule your appointment today.

About Vitiligo and Skin Pigment Disorders

What are they?

Vitiligo is the patchy loss of your skin’s natural color. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that determines your skin’s color, is damaged or destroyed. Although vitiligo can negatively impact your self-esteem, it is physically harmless. Vitiligo affects about 2 percent of Americans and develops in people of all skin colors; however, if you have dark skin, the contrast between the dark skin and the lighter areas of color loss is more noticeable. Moreover, this condition is often unpredictable. You may personally experience only small patches of pigment loss, but for others, the condition may be much more widespread. It can be temporary for some and permanent for others. In extreme cases, it can alter a hair or eye color and/or develop inside the mouth.

What causes it?

The exact causes of vitiligo are unknown, but several possibilities are thought to be major contributors. Among these include immune system dysfunction, certain viruses, stress, sunburn, injury, and exposure to certain chemicals. As mentioned, symptoms include the development of white patches of skin, often with reddish-brown boundaries. These white patches can appear on many areas of the body, including the forehead, eye area, lips, mouth, hands, arms, elbows, underarms, knees, feet, neck, and torso.

Common treatments

Treatment for vitiligo varies and depends on the extent of your specific form of vitiligo. Realistic expectations are important and should include reducing the contrast between your normal skin and the lighter areas and improving your self-esteem and confidence. Effective solutions for vitiligo include topical medications, sun avoidance and/or sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), UV-B light therapy, a combination light, and medication therapy, or, in severe cases, skin grafting.

Our approach & expertise

We know that sudden or unusual changes in your pigmentation, such as with vitiligo, can cause social and emotional distress. As your knowledgeable community skin healthcare providers, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. We” work with you to find the best solution, and you can lean on us for support in managing this condition. West Dermatology offers comprehensive support and expert care for all things skin-related.

Schedule your appointment today.