Medical Dermatology

Phototherapy is a non-invasive light therapy treatment used to combat a wide range of skin conditions.

Phototherapy (also known as heliotherapy) is a type of light therapy in which natural or artificial UV light is used to improve a health condition. Treatment might involve fluorescent light bulbs, halogen lights, sunlight, or light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Ultraviolet (UV) light triggers biological processes that reduce inflammation and prevent skin cells from growing too quickly. Regular exposure of the affected area helps to control inflammation and clear the skin.

If your skin disorder fails to respond to standard treatments, there’s hope. Your dermatologist at Howsden Dermatology will let you know if phototherapy is right for you.

What is Phototherapy Used For?

Phototherapy has been used worldwide for nearly a century to treat chronic skin conditions and some mental health conditions, such as:

• Psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or vitiligo
• Some skin cancers, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Certain types of acne 
• Other skin conditions that cause itching
• Skin wounds from diabetes or injuries
• Jaundice in babies
• SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), depression, or sleep problems

Talk to your dermatologist at Howsden Dermatology to see if phototherapy may be right for your condition.

Types of Phototherapy

The two most common types of phototherapy used are UVB narrow-band and broad-band. 

• Narrow-band UVB uses a smaller, more intense part of UVB to treat skin conditions. It’s the most common type of phototherapy used today.
• Broad-band UVB uses a wide range of UVB rays. UVB rays are present in sunlight (but you can’t see them).

In some severe or disabling psoriasis cases, UVB treatment is not enough. These patients might require PUVA (Psoralen Ultraviolet-A), a treatment that combines UVA light with a chemical called psoralen, which comes from plants. PUVA light can cause more side effects (compared to other light therapies). Therefore, it’s only used when other options have failed.

The type of therapy you need and how the light is used can vary depending on your health condition. 

Am I a Candidate For Phototherapy?

Phototherapy is considered to be safe and is appropriate for those with moderate-to-severe issues. However, some people do experience side effects. 

People with certain health conditions should avoid phototherapy. If you fall into one of these categories, make sure your healthcare provider is aware:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have a family history of skin cancer
• You have liver disease
• You have lupus

Your dermatologist will advise you as to whether or not you are a good candidate for phototherapy. A healthy individual with no underlying conditions is likely a good candidate for this treatment.

Phototherapy is FDA-approved and has been shown to be effective. Why not see for yourself what phototherapy can do for your skin? 

Dangerous or unsightly moles can be removed from almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless. 

What is a Mole?

A mole is a growth on the skin. Most moles are benign, but they can turn cancerous.

People can be born with moles, or they can develop moles over the course of their lives. It’s important to be aware of what moles you have and where they are located.

Although you don’t generally need to worry about moles, any changes in the mole’s appearance should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist at Howsden Dermatology. In particular, look for changes in color and/or size.

Sometimes moles can occur in areas of the body that negatively impact appearance or self-esteem, such as on the face.

Moles are detected during routine skin screenings done by our dermatologists, or you may know about a mole you’ve had your entire life. Moles may appear as you age, or a lifelong mole may change in shape, appearance, or size.

Mole removal is available, even when the mole poses no health risk.

Have a suspicious-looking mole? Our skilled dermatologists can screen the mole and your skin for malignancy concerns and discuss removal options.

What Causes Moles?

Skin moles arise when skin cells grow in clusters. These cells, known as melanocytes, are found throughout your skin and produce melanin, the pigment that colors your skin.

Various complications can result for some people who have moles, such as:

• Having very large moles
• Having too many moles
• Having moles of irregular shapes or textures

When any of these complications occur, you run the risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Should you have a mole that is giving you problems or has changed its size, shape, and texture recently, don’t ignore it.

What is Mole Removal?

Mole removal is the process of removing benign or malignant moles for aesthetic or medical purposes.

Our dermatologists can remove dangerous or unsightly moles almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless. The process of mole removal in a dermatologist’s office has been done for a number of decades and is FDA-approved.

What is Mole Removal Used For?

There are many situations in which a person should seek help from a dermatologist for mole removal.

Moles can be indicative of a serious skin condition, such as melanoma. Left untreated, a malignant mole can grow into a life-threatening condition that may be irreversible.

Mole removal is also used to remove unsightly benign moles. Certain moles can be disfiguring, or they can appear in unflattering areas on the body.

Types of Mole Removal

Once you and your dermatologist have agreed that mole removal is the best next step, your dermatologist will decide which type of mole removal procedure to use.

The type of mole removal will depend upon your individual circumstances, the size and nature of the mole, and the reason for the mole removal.

• Cryotherapy. Sometimes called cryosurgery or simply cryotherapy is a type of mole removal where the mole is frozen with liquid nitrogen, after which the mole is released from the skin and is discarded.
• Laser therapy. A specialized laser can be used to remove benign moles. The intense, focused light beam neutralizes the cells within the mole, causing them to die and fall away. Multiple laser therapy visits may be needed for complete mole removal.
• Shaving. Shallow moles may be removed with surgical shaving, where a scalpel is used to shave away the mole cells.
• Excision. Surgical excision is used when a mole is deep and requires to be cut out. This procedure may also require stitches and can leave a small scar.

Am I a Candidate For Mole Removal?

Most patients can have their mole/s removed. There are a few reasons why a mole cannot be removed. The main question is what kind of mole removal procedure is best for your unique circumstances.

Certain types of mole removal procedures may leave a small scar. If you are considering having a mole removed purely for aesthetic reasons, you need to decide if it is worth risking a scar in place of the mole, even if it’s a small scar.

All moles on the body should be carefully monitored. The dermatologists at Garland Dermatology in Garland, TX are adept at identifying and diagnosing dangerous moles. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Eczema is a broad term used to describe a range of skin conditions characterized by rashes, itchiness, and redness.

It’s estimated that over 31 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of eczema. Episodes of eczema may be chronic, one-time issues, or continual.

Whatever kind of eczema you are experiencing, you can rely on our professional team of clinicians to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Visible redness or irritated patches on the skin may look concerning, but eczema is not contagious. Although there is no known cure for eczema, you will find effective treatments and symptom relief at our easy-to-reach clinic in Phoenix.

What are the Symptoms of Eczema?

If you have eczema, various parts of your body can develop rashes and dry, itchy skin. Usually, this occurs behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your hands, feet, and face. However, remember that eczema is not contagious.

The most common symptom of eczema is itching, which in turn leads to scratching and rubbing the skin, increasing the irritation. Other symptoms include:

• Skin patches that are rough and leathery
• Red and raised bumps on the skin known as hives
• Scaly skin patches
• Skin that is swollen and sore
• Skin color changes.

Types of Eczema

There are many different types of eczema, diagnosed both by symptoms and where it occurs on the body, including:

• Atopic Dermatitis. The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may disappear or become much milder by adulthood. Linked to allergies, many people with this condition also suffer from hay fever and asthma.
• Contact Dermatitis. Resulting in red, irritated skin, contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance to which it is allergic, such as latex, certain types of metal, or chemicals. Certain skincare ingredients and makeup, plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, or even tobacco smoke can sometimes trigger contact dermatitis.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema. More common in women than men, dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters forming on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. Stress is thought to be a primary trigger for outbreaks.
• Hand Eczema. Only affecting the hands, this form of eczema is common among hairdressers, cleaning personnel, and others whose hands are regularly exposed to various chemicals.
• Neurodermatitis is very similar to atopic dermatitis; it presents as thick, scaly patches of skin that are very itchy, even when you are sleeping.
• Nummular Eczema. Causing round, coin-shaped spots on your skin, nummular eczema is known for making the skin extremely itchy and is often triggered by insect bites.
• Stasis Dermatitis. Somewhat uncommon, stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened leg veins onto the skin, causing itching and redness.

What Causes Eczema?

When skin cannot retain moisture very well or has a disrupted barrier that lets moisture from the skin evaporate too freely, eczema often occurs.

Some of the most common causes of eczema include:

• Environmental factors such as pollen or mold
• Allergies such as hay fever
• Asthma
• Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
• Synthetic or wool fabrics
• Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
• Pet dander
• Chemicals and solvents

Treatment for Eczema

At our contemporary dermatology clinic in Garland, Texas offers insights into diverse eczema treatments. Schedule your appointment today for personalized information and care.

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by one or more rough, scaly patches as a result of cumulative sun exposure.

Actinic keratosis can occur on any part of the body, but it most often occurs in out-of-the-way areas where a person has omitted using sunblock. This includes the ears, lips, back of the neck or hands, or even the scalp.

Actinic keratosis is sometimes called solar keratosis because it is caused by sun exposure. Those over the age of 40 are more apt to develop this condition since it occurs from the cumulative effects of UV light exposure.

Screening and treatment for actinic keratosis is available at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery, a short drive away in Phoenix.

What are the Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

Though actinic keratosis can differ from one person to another, the signs and symptoms remain the same across the board. Typically, the most common signs and symptoms include a patch of skin that is dry, rough, or scaly. Most often, this patch of skin is less than one inch in diameter.

Other symptoms include color variations such as brown, red, or pink, itching or burning, crusting or bleeding, a slightly-raised bump on the top layer of skin, and new patches on such sun-exposed areas as hands, neck, head, and forearms.

Types of Actinic Keratosis

There are five different types of actinic keratosis:

• Hypertrophic
• Atrophic
• Bowenoid
• Acantholytic
• Pigmented

Of these five, the hypertrophic and atrophic types are the most common.

Also, studies have shown that for those individuals who suffer from hypertrophic actinic keratosis, there is a greater chance it may evolve into a form of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

When an actinic keratosis forms, it is most often due to a person being exposed to intense UV rays on a frequent basis.

While most cases result from overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, many people with this condition have also exposed their skin to the intensity of tanning beds.

While anyone can potentially get an actinic keratosis, some have certain risk factors that put them at even greater risk.

These factors include:

• Having red or blond hair and either blue or light-colored eyes
• Prior history of bad sunburns
• Tendency to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
• Aged 40 or older
• Working primarily outdoors
• Possessing a weakened immune system
• Living in a sunny climate

Treatment for Actinic Keratosis

While a simple examination of your skin may allow a doctor to diagnose actinic keratosis, a skin biopsy may be performed as an added precaution.

Don’t gamble with actinic keratosis, a potential precursor to skin cancer. Entrust your care to Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery’s esteemed dermatologists, screening and treating keratosis and other skin conditions in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Schedule an appointment today.

Psoriasis is a treatable skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy patches on the surface of the skin.

Psoriasis varies in intensity from individual to individual and from episode to episode. It is possible to have long intervals of time in between flare-ups.

Treatment for psoriasis is largely centered around the management of symptoms because there is no known cure for this condition. Psoriasis may be experienced along with other conditions associated with immune disorders.

Our compassionate team of dermatologists will work with you to create a management and treatment plan for your psoriasis.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Primary symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red patches of skin
• Dry patches on skin
• Scaly areas of skin
• Itching
• Pain
• Burning sensation
• Silvery discoloration on skin

Note that some symptoms can arise out of psoriasis that are not directly connected with the skin. These include:

• Achy, swollen, and/or stiff joints
• Thickened finger or toenails
• Pitted or ridged finger or toenails

Types of Psoriasis

There are many kinds of psoriasis, depending on where it is located on the body, how it is presented, and its seriousness. They are:

• Plaque psoriasis. Silverish, or white-ish patches over red, inflamed areas of the skin. This is the most common type of psoriasis.
• Pustular psoriasis. Presents as pus-filled white blisters and wide swaths of red, swollen skin in localized areas.
• Inverse psoriasis. Shows as bright pink, shiny patches of skin, usually in warm, moist areas like the groin, under the breasts or armpits.
• Guttate psoriasis. Presents as tiny, flat, pink spots alone or in clusters.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. This type can be life-threatening. It generally covers large areas of the body and may appear very much like a sunburn. Often accompanied by a fever and a feeling of illness.

Certain types of psoriasis are very benign and go away on their own, while other types can be life-threatening. This is why it is so important to always have your psoriasis diagnosed and analyzed by your dermatologist.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The symptoms of psoriasis may come and go. However, with attention and focus, certain life events or behaviors may be found in psoriasis episodes.

Common triggers for psoriasis episodes include:

• Overindulgence in sugary foods and alcohol
• Increased stress
• Traumatic events
• Other illnesses, such as flu or cold

It is thought that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking itself. It is believed that the immune system overreacts to stimuli, resulting in the visible skin outbreaks mentioned above.

Certain people are more likely to develop psoriasis, especially those with:

• Family history of psoriasis
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
• Chronic depression
• Chronic anxiety
• Psoriatic arthritis

Treatment Options For Psoriasis

At our contemporary dermatology clinic in Garland, Howsden Dermatology offers insights into diverse psoriasis treatments. Schedule your appointment today for personalized information and care.

Acne is a common, benign skin condition characterized by localized breakouts in the form of postures, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Although acne is most common in teens, adults may also experience episodes of acne breakouts.

The worst part about acne is its appearance. Since acne most frequently occurs on the face, breakouts can cause extreme embarrassment and lead to a lack of self-confidence.

Acne is highly treatable by your dermatologist. With our premier private dermatology practice in Phoenix, help for acne is just a short drive away.

What are the Symptoms of Acne?

Since there are many types of acne, symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity.

Generally, the most common symptoms of acne include:

• Whiteheads. These are pores that are both closed and plugged.
• Blackheads. These happen in pores that are plugged, yet still open.
• Papules. These are small bumps that are red and tender to the touch.
• Pimples. Commonly known as pustules. These are papules, but they have pus at their tips.
• Nodules. These are painful lumps under the skin that are solid and typically large.
• Cystic lesions. These are defined as pus-filled lumps under the skin that are quite painful.

Types of Acne

The two most common forms of acne are:

• Noninflammatory
• Inflammatory

Within these categories are subcategories. For example, noninflammatory acne is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, both of which rarely cause swelling and usually respond to over-the-counter medications.

As for inflammatory acne, this includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. This type of acne is more difficult to treat since it involves infections that are deeper underneath the skin.

What Causes Acne?

When acne appears, it is due to four main factors that may work in combination with one another. These include:

• Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil
• Excess production of oil
• Inflammation
• Bacteria

Along with these factors, other things can trigger an acne attack or worsen existing acne. Among these are:

• Hormonal changes
• Medications
• Stress
• Diet

When hormonal changes occur during puberty or midlife, androgen production increases and can trigger or worsen acne. Also, medications containing testosterone or corticosteroids can make acne worse.

Treatment for Acne

You may have spent a lot of time trying various treatments to get rid of your acne. But the best treatment for all types of acne is dermatologic treatment.

With our premier private dermatology practice in Garland, TX Howsden Dermatology can help end the cycle of acne.