admin | Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology

Tinea Versicolor: A Common Skin Condition

Mar13

If you’ve ever noticed discolored spots on your skin that seem to change with the seasons, you might be dealing with a condition known as tinea versicolor. While it sounds complicated, tinea versicolor is quite common and generally harmless. In this blog, we’ll break down what tinea versicolor is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, so you can better understand this skin condition.

What is Tinea Versicolor?

Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is an overgrowth of an otherwise normal yeast that lives on the skin and affects the skin’s pigmentation. This overgrowth can lead to patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding areas. These patches can appear anywhere on the body but are most found on the back, chest, neck, and arms. Importantly, tinea versicolor is not contagious.

What Causes Tinea Versicolor?

The exact cause of tinea versicolor isn’t fully understood, but several factors can contribute to its development:

Yeast Overgrowth: The condition is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia, which is naturally present on everyone’s skin. Certain conditions, such as hot and humid weather, excessive sweating, and oily skin, can promote the growth of this yeast.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during puberty or pregnancy, can also increase the likelihood of developing tinea versicolor.

Immune System Factors: Individuals with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to this condition.

Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing tinea versicolor.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Tinea versicolor is characterized by patches of skin that may be lighter or darker than your natural skin tone. These patches can be light brown, tan, white, pink or red. The patches are usually asymptomatic, but occasionally may be mildly irritating.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you have tinea versicolor, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. A dermatologist can usually diagnose the condition through a physical examination of your skin. In some cases, they may perform a skin scraping or use a special light to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Tinea versicolor is treatable, but treatment is not absolutely necessary. Many people elect to leave it alone, especially when asymptomatic. Some common treatment options include:

Topical Antifungal Treatments: Over the counter and prescription antifungal creams, lotions, or shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, clotrimazole, selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione can be effective in treating mild cases.

Oral Antifungal Medications: For more severe or persistent cases, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications.

Lifestyle Changes: Keeping your skin clean and dry, avoiding excessive heat and humidity, and wearing loose-fitting clothing can help prevent flare-ups.
Sun Protection: Since the affected areas may not tan, using sunscreen can help protect your skin and prevent further discoloration.

Living with Tinea Versicolor

While tinea versicolor is not harmful, it can be frustrating due to its appearance. The good news is that the condition is manageable, and with proper treatment, the skin can return to its normal pigmentation. However, it’s important to note that tinea versicolor can recur, especially in warm, humid conditions.

Conclusion

Tinea versicolor is a common skin condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. Understanding what it is, how it develops, and how to treat it can help you manage the condition effectively. If you have concerns about your skin or suspect you may have tinea versicolor, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our dermatology professionals for guidance.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

Oct23

With initial FDA approval in 1995, IPL is a time-tested cosmetic procedure useful for the reduction of facial redness and discoloration, often as a result of UV-induced sun damage. Referred to as a photofacial, IPL eliminates the use of chemicals or destructive techniques like cauterization to remove broken capillaries, improve flushing, and lighten discoloration. It is also effective for improving skin laxity and collagen production by stimulating dermal fibroblast cells. Through the process of selective photothermolysis, specific wavelengths of energy filtered by the machine are absorbed by individual chromophores (targets) in the skin. Since less heat is emitted, there is less tissue destruction than many single-wavelength lasers, rendering IPL a safe and effective treatment in experienced hands. Recovery is rapid as there is no injury to the top-most epidermal layer of the skin. Treatments will typically result in a short-lived sunburn-type appearance for a few days, occasionally accompanied by transient mild swelling. Most individuals can apply facial makeup or products shortly after treatment. While more than one session is often required, the rapidity of treatment and ease of recovery have made it a mainstay in the cosmetic treatment realm.

IPL is effective for: capillary/vascular birthmarks, age/liver spots, broken capillaries/telangiectasias, dark spots/hyperpigmentation, fine lines/collagen plumping, flushing/rosacea redness, as well as overall rejuvenation in skin types I-IV. Darker skin types are not best suited to this form of treatment.

Before receiving IPL therapy in Destin, Ft. Walton, Niceville or Panama City Beach, individuals should avoid the sun the week prior, so their skin is as non-tanned as possible. This provides the most effective result. The use of retinoids, alpha and beta hydroxy acids and photosensitizing medications should also be discontinued the week prior to treatment.

Common treatment areas include the face, neck, décolleté and hands. Treatment time typically lasts from 10-30 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.

As treatments are cosmetic in nature, unfortunately insurance does not cover their cost. Most treatments are $500 or less and very durable with the use of ongoing sun protection.

If IPL therapy sounds right for you, contact one of the physicians at Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology to schedule a consultation.

Healthy Winter Skin Tips

Dec2

Even mild winters in Florida can lead to dry, cracked skin. Here are five tips to keep your skin healthy throughout the colder months.

Mindful Bathing: Keep baths or showers to 5-10 minutes or less. Use warm, not hot, water. If you are prone to dry skin, limit the use of soaps to only areas that need to be cleaned such as the armpits, groin, and feet. Choose mild, fragrance free cleansers. Lastly, be gentle with your skin. Avoid scrubbing with harsh washcloths, loofahs, or exfoliants. Pat dry with a soft towel after bathing.
Diligent use of moisturizers: Liberally apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes of finishing your bath or shower, while the skin is still damp. Doing so seals in water and allows the moisturizer to spread more easily. Creams provide more moisture than lotions and are a good choice for the wintertime.
Ingredients in moisturizers work differently. Some ingredients draw moisture into the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, while others seal it in, such as ceramides. Experimenting with different brands until you find one that works best for you is often necessary.
Care for your hands: Dry, cracked hands are a common issue in the winter. The increase in handwashing and hand sanitizer use during the pandemic and flu season takes a toll on our hands. Whenever possible, use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to wash the hands. If hand sanitizers are required, search for a hydrating formula. Keep a thick hand cream with you to apply throughout the day. Bedtime is a great time to liberally apply a cream or ointment.
Remember the lips: Lips are unavoidably exposed to the cold, dry air. Keep a moisturizing balm with you for easy access. Ointments such as petroleum jelly or Aquaphor help protect the skin barrier. Be sure to apply before spending time outside and at night before going to bed. Avoid using any products that sting and avoid licking the lips as much as possible.
See your dermatologist: Some skin conditions can mimic dry skin, such as eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. If you have persistent skin issues despite the above tips, make an appointment with your dermatologist for the correct diagnosis and prescription treatment if needed.

Dry skin shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the winter. Healthy, hydrated skin is possible with a proper and consistent routine.

Happy holidays!

Fall in Love with Your Skin | Fraxel Special

Oct14

Fall back in love with your skin this season with our annual Fall Fraxel Special!

Receive 15% off your Fraxel service – Savings available starting November 1st, 2021!

DISCOVER A NOTICEABLY YOUNGER LOOK WITHOUT SURGERY

Fraxel treatment improves tone, texture and radiance for aging, sun damaged or scarred skin.

Fraxel is for people who want to look younger without dramatic changes or extended downtime.

*15% prepay in full by 12/31/2021
*Services must be rendered by February 28, 2022
*Savings on full treatment areas only

We’re thrilled to offer you Fall Fraxel Savings once again beginning November 1st through November 30th!

What areas will Fraxel treatments be most effective?

Fine Lines and Wrinkles like crow’s feet and brow lines
Surface Scarring helping to erase effects of acne and other scarring
Pigmentation diminishing the appearance of age spots
Sun Damage helping improve the appearance of sun damages skin
Actinic Keratosis (AK) treating a common skin condition

See real patients and true results and talk with your dermatologist to know if Fraxel treatments are right for your desired results. Contact Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology, voted Best Dermatology Practice for 2021 by Emerald Coast Magazine, for your confidential consultation.

Psoriasis Awareness

Jun11

Psoriasis is a condition that affects many people and is more than just a “rash”. The classic case is a pink rash with silver scale particularly over the elbows and knees but psoriasis can take many forms for different patients. There is plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, guttate psoriasis and the joint destroying psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis can affect people at any point in their lives. It rarely affects children and is more common to appear in young adulthood or later in life. Some are very self-conscious about rash causing them to change the types of clothes they wear. It is even associated with a higher incidence of depression. Studies have shown psoriasis to be an independent risk factor of diabetes as well as heart disease.

During August (Psoriasis awareness month) our goal is educate those without psoriasis that the condition is not contagious, is not an infection and is of no fault of theirs. We try to educate those with psoriasis that there are now many medications available that address all types of psoriasis which are highly effective usually with minimal side effects. For mild or limited disease, we usually start with topical creams, ointments, foams and shampoos. These include steroids but also include nonsteroidal medications including salicylic acid, vitamin A derivatives and vitamin D. For harder to treat or more extensive involvement there are systemic treatments. These are highly effective and can even improve arthritic symptoms.

Patients should schedule an appointment with one of our Dermatologists to tailor treatment based on their symptoms, their concerns over side effects and preference due to aversion of needles, or applying creams all over. Treatment options have come a long way in the past 20, 10 and even 5 years. The goal years ago was to make it better, while now the goal is clear skin!

Page 1 of 612 3 ›»

Archives

Tinea Versicolor: A Common Skin Condition

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

Healthy Winter Skin Tips

Fall in Love with Your Skin | Fraxel Special

Psoriasis Awareness