Skin Infections Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Pittsburgh Dermatologist

Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

An estimated 7.5 million Americans suffer with psoriasis, a non-contagious, chronic skin condition. Often identified by patches of red, scaly skin, psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out incorrect signals that cause skin cells to grow too quickly. With psoriasis, cells build up on the top layer of skin, creating patches of itchy, dry skin. The most common locations for psoriasis are on the elbows, knees, or trunk, but it can develop anywhere on the body.

Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune disease, which arises from an overactive response by the body towards substances and tissues normally present in the body. In the case of psoriasis, white blood cells, called T cells, attack healthy skin as if to fight off infection or heal a wound. Instead of new cells moving to the outermost layer of skin in a normal manner, they develop more rapidly. The dead skin can’t slough off fast enough to keep up, so thick, scaly areas form on the skin’s surface.

Usually, the first occurrence of psoriasis happens sometime between ages 15 to 35. However, approximately 20,000 children under age 10 also live with psoriasis. Although psoriasis seems to have a genetic component, not everyone with that gene develops the disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of Psoriasis?

Each case differs based on the individual, but people with psoriasis often experience at least one of the following symptoms:

Burning, itching, or soreness
Cracked, dry skin that can bleed
Patches of red skin with silvery scales
Pitted, ridged, or thickened nails
Stiff, swollen joints

If you think that you could have psoriasis, contact your doctor and schedule a complete exam.

Triggers
Because psoriasis is chronic, anyone with the condition will live with a cycle of flare-ups and remissions over a lifetime. Typically, patients with psoriasis may develop initial symptoms or experience flare ups because of various triggers, including

Certain medications
Cuts, scrapes, burns, or other damage to the skin
Diet
Excessive alcohol use
Other infections such as strep throat
Smoking
Stress
Weather

What are the different types of Psoriasis?

There are six main types of psoriasis:

1) Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris)
About 80 percent of people diagnosed with the disease have plaque psoriasis, or psoriasis vulgaris. Plaque psoriasis often appears as on the elbows, knees, and lower trunk in the form of raised, red lesions topped with silvery scales.

2) Guttate Psoriasis
Usually found on the limbs or trunk, guttate psoriasis primarily appears in patients younger than age 30. Guttate psoriasis presents as small, water-drop-shaped sores and can occur because of an illness or injury to the skin.

3) Inverse Psoriasis
With inverse psoriasis, patients develop smooth, shiny lesions that are bright red in color. Most often seen in people who are overweight, inverse psoriasis strikes the armpits, around the genitals, near the groin, and under the breasts.

4) Pustular Psoriasis
When you have pustular psoriasis, white blisters filled with pus and surrounded by red skin will appear either in localized areas or all over your body. Because the pus is made of white blood cells, it is not contagious. Certain things can trigger pustular psoriasis, such as irritating topical treatments, infections, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, and stress.

5) Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Characterized by a fiery red rash coupled with extreme burning or itching, erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common kind of psoriasis. Triggers for erythrodermic psoriasis include severe sunburn, corticosteroids, other medications, or another type of psoriasis that has flared up.

6) Psoriatic Arthritis
In addition to causing pitted, discolored nails, psoriatic arthritis also presents with the swollen, painful joints that often accompany arthritis. Usually psoriatic arthritis isn’t as crippling as other forms of arthritis, but it can cause stiffness and progressive joint damage.

What treatments are available at the dermatologist for Psoriasis?

Currently, no cure exists for psoriasis. Treatments are designed to minimize discomfort and encourage healing. When determining the best treatment, your doctor will take into account the severity of the psoriasis. Mild to moderate psoriasis covers 3 to 10 percent of your body, while psoriasis is considered moderate to severe when it covers more than 10 percent.

Treating Mild to Moderate Psoriasis
If you have mild to moderate psoriasis, your doctor will likely recommend a combination of over-the-counter medications, prescription topical treatments, and light therapy/phototherapy.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
The two active ingredients in over-the-counter medications approved by the FDA for psoriasis are coal tar, which inhibits the quick overgrowth of cells, and salicylic acid, which makes the outer layer of skin shed. Other OTC treatments may help, like:

Scale lifters to loosen and eliminate scales so that medicine can penetrate the sores
Bath solutions, such as Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts, or oilated oatmeal, that reduce itching and remove scaling
Occlusion, which covers the areas treated with topical treatments applications, to improve absorption and effectiveness
Anti-itch products like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone creams
Moisturizers to keep skin hydrated, reduce symptoms, and encourage healing

Prescription Topicals
Designed to inhibit the overgrowth of cells and lessen inflammation, prescription topicals include:

Anthralin, which reduces the skin cell growth related to plaque
Calcipotriene will flattens lesions, removes scales, and slow cell growth. Often used in treatment of psoriasis on the scalp and nails.
Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate. By combining Calcipotriene with betamethasone dipropionate, this treatment addresses the itch and inflammation common to psoriasis as well as flattening lesions, removing scales, and minimizing cell growth.
Calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D3, helps limit extraneous skin cell production
Tazarotene, a topical retinoid that slows down cell growth
Topical steroids are the most commonly used medications for psoriasis, and they work by reducing inflammation, swelling, and redness

Phototherapy (light therapy)
Exposure to ultraviolet light can provide relief from psoriasis. With careful monitoring, the UVA and UVB rays from the sun can reduce symptoms. Excimer lasers treat specific areas affected by psoriasis, while pulse dye lasers provide not only targeted treatment, but also destroy the blood vessels that promote the development of psoriasis.

Treating Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
For patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, treatment involves prescription medications, biologics and phototherapy (light therapy).

Prescription Medications
Based on the location, severity, and type of psoriasis, your doctor will prescribe an oral medication, such as acitretin, cyclosporine and methotrexate.

How does psoriasis affect your nails, eyes, and joints?

Nails: Psoriasis can cause changes in the appearance and structure of the nails, such as pitting, discoloration, thickening, loosening, or crumbling. These changes can affect the function and comfort of the nails, as well as the self-esteem of the person with psoriasis.
Eyes: Psoriasis can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to a condition called uveitis. Uveitis can cause symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or floaters. If left untreated, uveitis can damage the eye and impair vision.
Joints: Psoriasis can cause inflammation in the joints, resulting in a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can cause symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, or deformity. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is more common in the fingers, toes, spine, and pelvis. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the tendons and ligaments that attach to the bones.

FAQ About Psoriasis

Can psoriasis affect other parts of the body besides the skin?

Psoriasis can affect other parts of the body besides the skin, such as the nails, scalp and joints. In some cases, it may also be associated with other conditions such as psoriatic arthritis.

Can certain foods trigger psoriasis?

Certain foods, such as processed foods, alcohol, and gluten-containing foods, may trigger psoriasis in some individuals. It’s important for people with psoriasis to work with a dermatologist or a dietitian to identify any specific food triggers and to develop a diet plan that works best for them.

When should I see a dermatologist for psoriasis?

If you have symptoms of psoriasis, such as red, scaly patches on the skin, it’s important to see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. A dermatologist can also help to develop an individualized treatment plan and provide guidance on how to manage the condition. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should also consult with a dermatologist.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Pittsburgh that offers treatment for psoriasis?

Yes. At our Pittsburgh dermatology office we offer treatment for psoriasis to patients from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Intertrigo

What is Intertrigo?

Intertrigo is a skin condition that occurs when skin rubs against skin, causing friction, inflammation, and sometimes infection. It usually affects the areas where the skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, or between the toes. It can cause a red or reddish-brown rash with small bumps or spots, itching, burning, stinging, or pain in the affected areas. Intertrigo is not contagious, but it can be worsened by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that grow in the warm and moist environment of the skin folds. Intertrigo can be treated with topical or oral medications, barrier ointments, drying solutions, and lifestyle changes.

What are the causes of Intertrigo?

Some of the causes of intertrigo are:

Moisture and heat in the skin folds, which create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.
Sweat, urine, feces, or saliva, which can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection.
Obesity, diabetes, or poor hygiene, which can make the skin folds more prone to intertrigo.
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, which can weaken the immune system and make the skin more sensitive.
Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis, which can increase the inflammation and itching in the skin folds.

What are the signs and symptoms of Intertrigo?

Intertrigo is a skin condition that occurs when skin rubs against skin, causing friction, inflammation, and sometimes infection. Some of the signs and symptoms of intertrigo are:

A red or reddish-brown rash with small bumps or spots in the areas where the skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, or between the toes.
Itching, burning, stinging, or pain in the affected areas.
The rash may be symmetrical (appearing on both sides of the skin fold) or asymmetrical (appearing on one side only).
The rash may be wet and soft (macerated) or dry and scaly.
The rash may have plaques (raised, scaly lesions), papules (small bumps), or pustules (pimple-like bumps) if there is a fungal or bacterial infection.

How to Help Prevent Intertrigo

Here are some ways to help prevent intertrigo:

Keep skin folds clean and dry: Wipe away sweat and other bodily fluids regularly and use a clean, dry cloth to dry the affected area thoroughly.
Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothing can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, so it’s important to wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
Avoid synthetic fibers: Synthetic fibers trap heat and moisture, so opt for natural fibers such as cotton when choosing clothing.
Use antifungal powder: Dusting antifungal powder in skin folds can help prevent the growth of yeast and other fungi.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can create more skin folds and increase the risk of intertrigo.
Keep skin folds aired out: Allowing skin folds to air out regularly can help prevent intertrigo by reducing moisture levels.
Avoid skin-on-skin contact: Avoiding skin-on-skin contact in skin folds can help prevent friction and reduce the risk of intertrigo.
Practice good hygiene: Regularly bathing and using soap to clean skin folds can help reduce bacteria and fungus levels.

Remember, if you experience symptoms of intertrigo, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications.

FAQ About Intertrigo

Who is at risk of developing intertrigo?

Individuals who are overweight, have skin folds due to obesity, or suffer from excessive sweating are at a higher risk of developing intertrigo.

How is intertrigo diagnosed?

Intertrigo is diagnosed through a physical examination of the affected skin folds.

What are the complications of intertrigo?

Complications of intertrigo include bacterial or fungal infections, which can cause a worsening of symptoms.

Is intertrigo contagious?

Intertrigo is not contagious, but it can be spread to other skin folds if not properly treated.

Can intertrigo be cured permanently?

While intertrigo can be managed and treated, it may not be cured permanently in some individuals who are prone to skin irritation in skin folds.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Pittsburgh that offers treatment for intertrigo?

Yes. At our Pittsburgh dermatology office we offer treatment for intertrigo to patients from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Molluscum Contagiosum

What is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Most often seen in children, molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection. This virus affects the outer layer of skin and does not usually move through the body. The firm, skin-colored bumps that develop from molluscum contagiosum usually disappear within a year on their own but doctors often recommend treatment to keep the virus from spreading. Molluscum contagiosum can appear in adults and, if it involves the genitals in the adult cases, it is considered a sexually transmitted disease. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the virus as well.

What are the signs and symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?

Generally, molluscum contagiosum produces little white, pink or flesh-colored bumps that have a dimple or pit in the center. In most people, the growths range in size from about two to five millimeters in diameter. Molluscum contagiosum often appears on the face, neck, abdomen, arms, legs, or genitalia.

What are the causes of Molluscum Contagiosum?

The molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the poxvirus family, enters your skin through hair follicles, pores, or abrasions on the skin’s surface. Highly contagious, the virus spreads by person-to-person contact, sexual contact with an infected partner, or through contact with contaminated objects like toys, door knobs, or faucets. Scratching, rubbing and shaving the papules can spread the virus to other areas of skin.

What treatments are available at the dermatologist for Molluscum Contagiosum?

Your doctor will need to destroy the infection-causing cores inside the papules. Once this core is destroyed, the infection will heal. Several methods can be utilized to eliminate these cores:

Chemical agents to remove the infected skin
Cryotherapy to freeze the areas and kill the infection
Curette, scalpel, or other cutting device to surgically remove them
Lasers to destroy the infected cells

FAQ About Molluscum Contagiosum

Is molluscum contagiosum contagious?

Yes, molluscum contagiosum is contagious until all the bumps have gone away. The virus can be spread from one part of the body to another or from one person to another through direct contact with the bumps or objects that have touched them.

Is molluscum contagiosum dangerous?

No, molluscum contagiosum is not dangerous in most cases. It is a mild and harmless infection that does not cause serious complications. However, it can cause discomfort, embarrassment, or anxiety for some people. It can also interfere with sexual pleasure or intimacy. In rare cases, it can cause secondary infections, eye problems, or widespread lesions in people with weakened immune systems.

Can molluscum contagiosum recur?

Yes, molluscum contagiosum can recur if a person is exposed to the virus again. The infection does not provide immunity against future infections. Therefore, it is possible to get molluscum contagiosum more than once in a lifetime.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Pittsburgh that offers treatment for molluscum contagiosum?

Yes. At our Pittsburgh dermatology office we offer treatment for molluscum contagiosum to patients from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Impetigo

What is Impetigo?

A highly contagious skin infection, impetigo usually develops in infants and children although anyone can contract the infection. The most common occurrences of impetigo happen during the summer and early fall. Usually, impetigo is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or Group A streptococcus (strep). Bacteria can live harmlessly on the body because the skin normally acts as a barrier to infection. If you have cuts and abrasions, these bacteria can enter the skin and produce impetigo which begins as small patches of blisters.

You contract impetigo either by coming in contact with someone that has the infection or when open sores cannot heal as in the cases that develop on the mouths and noses of young children. Impetigo spreads easily and thrives in environments like daycares and schools.

What are the causes of Impetigo?

Impetigo is caused by bacterial infections, typically Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria can enter the skin through cuts, scrapes, or other skin lesions and multiply, leading to the development of impetigo. Impetigo is highly contagious and can spread easily through close contact with infected individuals or by sharing towels, clothing, or other personal items that have come into contact with the bacteria.

Factors that increase the risk of developing impetigo include:

A weakened immune system
Crowded living conditions, such as in schools or daycare centers
Poor hygiene
Skin injuries, cuts, or abrasions
Humid or warm weather
Eczema or other skin conditions that cause dry, itchy skin.

It’s important to seek prompt treatment for impetigo to avoid spreading the infection and to prevent complications such as scarring or secondary skin infections.

What are the symtpoms of Impetigo?

The symptoms of impetigo typically include:

Blisters or sores that can be red, yellow, or honey-colored and filled with fluid.
Itching or burning skin around the affected area.
Redness and swelling around the affected area.
Crusting over of the blisters or sores.
Formation of new blisters or sores.

It’s important to see a dermatologist if you experience any of these symptoms, as impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that requires prompt treatment to prevent the spread of the bacteria and avoid potential complications.

What treatments are available for Impetigo?

The main treatment for impetigo is antibiotics, either in topical or oral form, to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Treatment options may include:

Topical antibiotics: Antibiotic creams or ointments applied directly to the affected area can help clear up the infection.
Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics taken by mouth may be prescribed for more severe cases of impetigo or when the infection has spread beyond a localized area.
Antiseptic care: Keeping the affected area clean and dry and using antiseptic creams or ointments can help promote healing and prevent the spread of the infection.

In addition to antibiotics, it’s important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and keeping wounds covered, to prevent the spread of impetigo and reduce the risk of reinfection.

If you experience symptoms of impetigo, it’s important to see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

FAQ About Impetigo

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes, impetigo is highly contagious and can spread easily through close contact with infected individuals or by sharing personal items that have come into contact with the bacteria.

Can impetigo leave scars?

In some cases, impetigo can cause scarring, especially if the sores are not treated promptly or if the infection spreads to surrounding skin.

When should I see a dermatologist for impetigo?

You should see a dermatologist if you experience symptoms of impetigo or if you have been in close contact with someone who has the infection. Early treatment can help prevent the spread of the bacteria and reduce the risk of complications.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Pittsburgh that offers treatment for impetigo?

Yes. At our Pittsburgh dermatology office we offer treatment for impetigo to patients from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

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