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Archives for 2019

How To Choose The Right Dermatologist for Your Chronic Skin Condition

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Is it a rash? A bad breakout? Or are you developing a persistent skin problem that is affecting your health, comfort and self-confidence? Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, acne and eczema can be painful and debilitating. While a general practitioner may be able to diagnose your skin problem, only the expertise and experience of a dermatologist can diagnose, comprehensively relieve symptoms, treat the specific skin condition and provide overall care for the body’s largest organ.
However, it can be stressful trying to find the right dermatologist. Here are tips on selecting the right dermatologist –so you get the healthcare you need, and the medical attention you deserve.

Seek Medical Dermatologist Referrals in Hillcrest

Ask your primary care doctor for a list of dermatologists to help narrow down your options. Also ask family, friends and other healthcare practitioners for recommendations. Once you’ve come up with a list, call each dermatologist’s office. Schedule a consult appointment so you can meet and interview the dermatologist.

Do Your Homework on San Diego Medical Dermatologists

Be proactive and take time to read the bios or profiles of dermatologists. Bios present overviews of their education, memberships and achievements –all relevant information for a potential patient like you. As for credentials, board certification is a key factor to consider. As well as whether the practice accepts your medical insurance.
Also take time to research the practice as a whole. Read patient satisfaction surveys which ask people about their experiences when it comes to scheduling appointments, staff friendliness and waiting time. Reviews on Google can be helpful too. All these testimonials from past and current patients could help you decide whether to move forward with a dermatologist or not.

Assess How the Doctor Communicates With You

You should be able to comfortably hold a conversation with your dermatologist. Carefully observe how a doctor responds to your questions.
  • Is he or she confident?
  • Are all your questions welcomed?
  • Do you feel engaged when being spoken to?
A good dermatologist should show interest in getting to know you, while respecting your decisions. And keep in mind that being able to employ an effective communication style could help lead to faster recovery.

Location, Location, Location

When you live in a big city, location is key. If you’re searching for a medical dermatologist in San Diego for instance, you’ll need to find a clinic that is easily accessible to you without a lot of travel time. Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of having available parking at your dermatologist’s office. Luckily, West Dermatology has 3 locations in San Diego: Hillcrest, La Jolla/UTC, and Encinitas.

Treating Chronic Skin Conditions with a Medical Dermatologist in San Diego

Chronic skin conditions make up 31% of all dermatology visits annually. Whether you have a serious skin condition or perhaps, you’ve found an irregularity after doing a skin self-check, choosing a dermatologist is a crucial, as well as personal decision. We hope these tips help you make an informed decision on finding the right practitioner.

Contact Us Today at West Dermatology

Taking care of your skin condition begins with a visit to the dermatologist. Contact West Dermatology Hillcrest today for more information and to discuss which treatment option is the best for you. Our board-certified dermatologists each have years of experience treating skin conditions and work diligently to find each patient the relief s/he deserves.

Get Fresh Air the Sun-Safe Way

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Now that the weather’s warming up, more people are leaving their cars in the driveway and biking to work. Cycling has many health benefits, like lower blood pressure and stronger muscles—that’s why many of our clinicians, like Dr. Mitchel Goldman, Dr. Brook Brouha and Dr. Shane Hamman in La Jolla, CA, choose to bike to work. Not only for the physical benefits, Dr. Goldman pedals to better health for the mood-boosting benefits as well. When participating in outdoor sports, like cycling, it’s important you take certain measures to protect yourself from the dangers of the sun.
Though cycling and outdoor sports strengthen the body and mind, the related sun exposure can actually harm you. Over time, the skin can show signs of sun damage, including cancerous growths. Thankfully, cyclists and other athletes can reap the benefits of exercise with minimal risks by taking simple preventative steps.
Choose the right sunscreen: You’ll want a broad-spectrum formula, meaning it offers both UVA and UVB protection. Pick something waterproof, so that you don’t sweat it off or rinse it away while swimming.
“I prefer Eryfotona Actinica from ISDIN,” says Dr. Goldman. “It has an SPF of 50+ and is 100% mineral-based for safe UVA/UVB protection. It stays on for hours, does not sting the eyes, and is not greasy.”
Find sun-protective clothing: Look for UV-resistant clothing from your favorite athletic brands. The higher the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), the more effective the fabric is. Don’t forget to add a hat and sunglasses, or a visor with your bike helmet!
Pick a shady route: Trees and the shadows cast by tall buildings offer some protection against the sun.
Apply sunscreen before you go: It takes 15 to 30 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into your skin and offer its full benefits, so apply it before leaving your home.
Reapply: Put on more sunscreen every two hours, any time you get out of the water, or after periods of intense perspiration—whichever comes first.
Consider a supplement: “Heliocare Ultra is a vegan dietary supplement with a potent antioxidant formula that helps reduce harmful free radicals,” says Dr. Goldman. “I take one capsule every day when I am outdoors to complement sunscreen for protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation.”
The health benefits of outdoor exercise are clear, and you can get those benefits without harming your skin if you make smart choices.
Another great way to boost skin health? Check with your nearest West Dermatology dermatologist to figure out what works best for you, to keep you safe.

Atypical Moles: Know the Signs It’s Time to Get Your Mole Checked

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A mole is a growth of benign cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for the color of your skin. Normally, a mole is flat or raised, sometimes being flat for a long period of time before gradually becoming raised. Typically, it also has a smooth surface with a consistent color and border.
 
But how do you know when a harmless mole has put your skin, and ultimately your health, at risk? The team of board-certified dermatologists at West Dermatology wants you to know these signs, which you can look for via a skin self-check.

What You’re Looking For

New Moles
A mole is totally normal, especially if you have lighter skin, and it’s typically not much to worry about if you’ve had one since childhood or adolescence. However, a mole that develops during adulthood is likely to be more problematic.
 
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers have found in reviewing studies of more than 20,000 melanomas that more than 7 in 10 cases arose from new moles. Moreover, melanomas from new moles tend to be thicker or wider, which means a less favorable prognosis than those attributed to existing moles.
 
That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly recommends that, in addition to your own regular skin checks every 3-4 months, you get regular (i.e., annual) professional skin checks, as they’re vital in preventing skin cancer or catching it in its early stages, as is protecting yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun with broad-spectrum water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
 
Existing Moles
In addition to the valuable information the AAD provides on skin cancer protection, prevention, and detection, West Dermatology offers ways to know when it’s time to get an existing mole checked.
 
One is this: self-awareness. Be cognizant of any mole that changes shape, size, and/or color, regardless of whether it’s an existing one or a new one, as it means you should see your dermatologist ASAP.
 
An irregular mole is one that is no longer smooth or has a consistent shape or color. It also is one that bleeds, crusts over, itches, or oozes and/or causes pain or is tender to the touch.
 

Knowing Your ABCDEs Can Save Your Skin – And Maybe Your Life

 
An easy way to know what constitutes an irregular mole is to know your ABCDEs:
 
  1. Asymmetry: is each side of the mole the same? Asymmetry could indicate a more serious matter.
  2. Border: an irregular border – ragged, blurred, notched – is another sign.
  3. Color: a mole with different shades of brown, tan, or black, or that includes patches of white, red, or blue could symbolize something more dangerous.
  4. Diameter: a mole smaller in diameter than a typical wooden pencil eraser is considered normal, but when it’s bigger (more than 6mm in diameter), you may have a mole that should be professionally checked ASAP.
  5. Evolving state: if your mole changes in any of the above ways, including ways already mentioned (i.e., bleeding, oozing, etc.), then get it checked by a dermatologist ASAP.
When you know how to look and what to look for, you’ll know when you need to have your favorite dermatologist conduct a more thorough exam when and if you find an irregularity.
 

Contact West Dermatology for More about Moles

 
Knowing the signs of an irregular mole could be life-saving, so contact the mole experts at West Dermatology immediately if you notice an irregular mole.

What Makes Us Itch?

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WHAT MAKES US ITCH?
For the most part, itchy skin — caused by irritation of the skin cells or the nerves associated with them — is nothing to worry about and is usually treatable at home. Still, itching is unpleasant, and in rare cases, it can point to a serious health problem, so it helps to know the facts.
CAUSES
Itchiness is mostly caused by dry skin, allergies, or a skin disorder. More rarely, itchiness can result from prescription medications, thyroid dysfunction, or illnesses like diabetes or cancer. Itchy skin also comes with age, unfortunately: older adults’ skin retain less moisture, and menopause can cause itching, as well.
AT-HOME REMEDIES
Try taking shorter baths and showers in lukewarm (not hot) water. You’ll want to wash your skin with a mild cleanser and use a daily moisturizer. Both should be hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Be careful, though: “unscented” means something different on labels than “fragrance-free,” and unscented products might not get the job done.
Whatever you do, don’t scratch! Scratching an itch just makes it worse and could lead to infection. Soothe your skin with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion instead.
SEEING A DERMATOLOGIST
If your itching has lasted for more than two weeks, is all over your body, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or you’re just tired of the discomfort, then it’s time to see a doctor. An expert dermatologist like the board-certified clinicians at West Dermatology, can prescribe anti-itch medications and uncover any chronic conditions (like eczema) or underlying health issues (like liver disease), so you get relief for good.
If you’re itching for more information on your skin health, just make an appointment with us.
Yours in good health, 
The West Dermatology Team

Paradise Valley Dermatology joins the West Dermatology network!

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Paradise Valley Dermatology joins the West Dermatology network 
West Dermatology is pleased to announce the addition of Paradise Valley Dermatology to our growing network of providers. Mark Blair, MD, who serves patients in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, owns the office. His practice offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. 
Dr. Blair has special expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatopathology, and managing skin conditions such as actinic keratosis and acne through advanced treatment with photodynamic light therapy and cosmetic dermatology that includes a wide variety of laser systems, filler and injectable treatments. He is Board Certified with the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. 
Before becoming a dermatologist, Dr. Blair served in the Navy from 1994 through 2004 as a General Medical Officer in Okinawa, Japan, and as a flight surgeon in Lemoore, Calif. After working for the Naval Hospital Beaufort in South Carolina as the Department Head for Dermatology, Dr. Blair began his private practice. 
Assisting Dr. Blair at Paradise Valley Dermatology is Kathy Cecchin. She received an aesthetic license in 2011 from the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology along with her Laser Technician certification by the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency. Kathy is certified in all laser modalities including hair reduction, spider vein reduction, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, facial erythema, acne scar reduction, solar lentigo reduction, ephelis reduction, photofacial, acquired adult hemangiomas, telangiectasias and tattoo removal. 
Kathy also holds certifications in numerous medical grade devices such as Ultherapy, Coolsculpting and the Infini RF. In addition to cosmetic treatments, Kathy specializes in medical grade chemical peels and can personalize a skin care treatment plan for each patient along with make-up application and custom color matching. 
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers who have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and who embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork, and transparency.  
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact: 
Nina Jorajuria 
Director of Business Development
To learn more about Paradise Valley Dermatology, visit:
www.pvdermatology.net