Dermatologist - Skincare Treatment Plano TX | DSA Dermatology

Discover top-notch dermatological, cosmetic, medical & laser treatments at DSA Dermatology in Plano, TX. Book an appointment for all your skin care needs!

Hives

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About Hives

What causes it?

Hives are usually allergic reactions to food, medicine, or animals. They can also be triggered by sun exposure, stress, excessive perspiration, or other, more serious diseases, such as lupus. Anyone can get hives. They are harmless and non-contagious. Hives may itch, burn, or sting. They rarely need medical attention as they tend to disappear on their own. However, in persistent cases, your dermatologist will assess the best way to help give you relief.

Common treatments

In persistent cases, your dermatologist may prescribe antihistamines or oral corticosteroids. The best way to prevent hives is to discontinue exposure to the allergic irritant.
If you are experiencing hives, come in and see one of our highly trained providers who will prescribe the best remedy for you.

Keloid (Scars)

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About Keloids (Scars)

What are they?

A keloid scar is a thick raised scar. It can occur after a skin injury, bug bite, surgery, or from other forms of trauma to your skin. It is known to form on earlobes, shoulders, cheeks or the chest. If prone to developing keloid scars, know that you can get them in more than one place. The good news is that these are treatable, and your provider will be able to help you come up with a treatment plan.

What causes them?

Keloids are a type of scarring that happens when your skin experiences some sort of trauma and begins to heal.
Collagen, which is a protein found throughout the body and useful to wound healing, can produce too much and keloids can form. This might be triggered by any sort of skin injury, insect bite, acne, injection, body piercing, burns, and even minor scratches and bumps.

Common treatments

Keloid scars are scar tissue and can be treated in many ways, trust one of our highly trained providers to evaluate and suggest the best remedy to treat your keloid scar. Some approaches for successful flattening or removal of keloids can be a laser, surgical or freezing.
For keloids that are just showing up, you can try compression dressings that are stretchy fabric or similar materials. This method is also used after surgery to remove keloids, the goal is to reduce or prevent a scar by putting pressure on the wound as it heals. For smaller keloids, treatment with cortisone or other steroids can be used. Another way to reduce or remove them is by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, repeat treatments might be needed. Laser treatments can be useful in easing itchiness and can help keloids to fade. If your keloid hasn’t responded to other therapies, your provider might recommend removing it with surgery in combination with other methods. Keloids can grow back, or you may develop new ones.
Ask what solution is best for you and always check with your provider before treating on your own. We want your skin to look its best, which is why Healthy Skin is Our Passion.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize the impact that keloid scars can have on both appearance and self-esteem. As your neighborhood skin experts, we’re here with answers to all your questions about this condition. What sets us apart from others is our focus on you as a person. Our warm, compassionate practitioners are ready to address your concerns and be an essential part of your support. Together with you, we find the best solution to address your concerns.
Contact us to know more about keloid scarring and how we can help manage this condition to improve your confidence in your appearance, and you can see why Healthy skin is our passion.

Lentigo (Age Spots)

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About Lentigo (Age Spots)

What is it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body. It can be found on any part of your body and is most often caused by sun damage or exposure to radiation. There are numerous types of lentigo, but the most common type is called lentigo simplex.
Lentigo maligna is a type of growth that develops in areas of long-term sun exposure, such as your face, arms, or legs. Lentigo starts as a brown flat spot with an irregular shape that slowly gets bigger. Eventually, the spot may develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins in the top layer of skin and then invades the underlying skin layer. See your doctor if you notice:
  • A new skin growth
  • A change in an existing mole
  • Any skin changes that seem unusual

What causes it?

Most types of lentigo are caused by sun or radiation exposure. Lentigo is most common in middle-aged or older people. Solar lentigo is caused by sun exposure and is often referred to as age spots or liver spots. Solar lentigo commonly appears in sun-exposed parts of your body.
Ultraviolet radiation breaks down the connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers — that lies in the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). Without the supportive connective tissue, the skin loses its elastic quality. This condition, known as solar elastosis (e-las-TOE-sis), is characterized by yellowed, thickened skin with deep wrinkles that don’t disappear with stretching.

Common treatments

Lentigo doesn’t usually cause pain or itchiness. The spots are also non-cancerous, but they can resemble other types of spots that can be cancerous. It’s a good idea to get them checked out by a dermatologist. Common treatments are listed below and offered at most of our clinics, just ask.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel is used to removed damaged skin cells on your hands, face, or neck. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to your lentigo. The chemicals exfoliate your skin spot to uncover healthy skin underneath.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a method of freezing your skin spot with liquid nitrogen. It’s used for abnormal skin spots that are non-cancerous or precancerous. The treatment takes up to 10 days to heal from and usually doesn’t leave a scar.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy involves using beams of light to remove your lentigo skin spot. Laster therapy allows for a more precise removal than with traditional surgery. Many people who undergo laser surgery also have quicker recovery times.

Keratosis Pilaris

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About Keratosis Pilaris

What is it?

Keratosis pilaris, sometimes called “chicken skin,” is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough-feeling bumps to appear on the skin. Also known as follicular keratosis, this is a hereditary skin disorder that causes goosebump-like lesions on the back of the arms, thighs, or buttocks. The patches of bumps tend to get dry and itchy, particularly during the winter months. Keratosis pilaris occurs at any age. Because it is hereditary, there is no method of prevention. In some cases, it goes away on its own over time; in other cases, the condition is chronic.
Keratosis pilaris is caused by a build-up of keratin, a protein in the skin that protects it from infection. Keratin plugs up hair follicles causing the rough, bumpy rash.
If the itch, dryness, or the appearance of your skin bothers you, treatment can help. A dermatologist can create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Common treatments

Treatment options include prescriptions for:
  • Medicated creams or lotions with 12 percent ammonium lactate soften the affected skin.
  • Moisturizers (urea) help loosen and remove dead skin cells.
  • Topical corticosteroids for short-term, temporary relief of symptoms.
  • Topical retinoids increase cell turnover, which reduces the plugging of hair follicles.
To help alleviate symptoms, be sure to keep the affected area moistened at all times and avoid harsh soaps.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how keratosis pilaris can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. Our knowledgeable dermatologic experts work with you to minimize the effects of this condition and offer solutions that can be customized just for you. We’ll also address all of your concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to find out how we can address your condition to improve both your skin and self-esteem.

Dry Skin

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About Dry Skin

What is it?

Dry skin is when your skin dries out because it doesn’t have enough moisture. It isn’t usually serious, but it can be irritating. If your dry skin is severe, you should see a doctor.
There are many causes of dry skin — from the temperature outside to how much moisture is in the air.

What causes it?

Dry skin can be different for everyone since the symptoms will depend on things like your health, your age, and the cause of your dry skin. When you have dry skin, you could have symptoms like cracked skin, itching, peeling, flaking, or scaling. Even more redness than usual, your skin can feel rough, and tight which can occur after bathing or swimming.

Common treatments?

When it comes to household skin irritants, the list is practically endless. It includes cleaning products, floor polishes, air fresheners, and laundry detergent, just to name a few. These products strip the skin of water and oils it needs, leading to dryness and irritation. For some people, dry skin can progress to more serious conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Always make sure that you stay hydrated, and when doing housework use gloves.
A good body moisturizer is always key, as well as a good facial care regimen that hydrates as well. Ask your dermatologist about what skin care products are best for your skin type to avoid getting dry skin.
We offer all lines of dermatologist-recommended skin care products on our store and products are also available in our clinic, just ask us.
We always want to make sure that you are looking and feeling your best, after all, Healthy Skin is Our Passion.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that dry, lax, and wrinkled skin on your face or body can make appear older, which can impact your self-esteem. This is why, as your local skin specialists, we offer innovative skincare products to improve your skin and reinvigorate your overall appearance.
Contact us today to learn more about skincare products and how they can help provide you with a rejuvenated and youthful appearance

Fungal Infections of the Skin

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About Fungal Infection of the Skin

What is it?

Tinea versicolor, sometimes called pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal/yeast skin infection that causes small oval discolored patches to develop on the skin. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders. This fungal skin infection occurs most frequently in teens and young adults and sun exposure may make it more apparent. Tinea versicolor, which is also called pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. But it can lead to emotional distress or self-consciousness. Tinea versicolor often recurs, especially in warm, humid weather.

What causes it?

We all have yeast living on our skin and when yeast grows out of control, a person can get a skin disease called tinea versicolor. Your dermatologist may tell you that you have a fungal infection on your skin, yeast is a type of fungus. Many people get tinea versicolor and it is one of the most common skin diseases in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The fungus that causes tinea versicolor can be found on healthy skin. It can start causing problems when the fungus starts growing due to a number of factors. This often happens when there is hot, humid weather, oily skin can trigger it, hormonal changes, and even a weakened immune system. The first sign of tinea versicolor is often spots on the skin. These can be lighter (or darker) than your surrounding skin and can be on all parts of your body. They can be dry, scaly, and itchy. If you are tan, they are more noticeable (yeast prevents the skin from tanning). They can even grow together, forming patches of lighter (or darker) skin and disappear when the temperature drops and return in the spring or summer when the air turns warm and humid.

Common treatments

The good news is that is a treatable fungus. Antifungal creams, lotions or shampoos can help treat tinea versicolor. Once you notice that you may have this fungal infection, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Your doctor will prescribe medication that aligns with your skin type. It also depends on where the tinea versicolor appears on your body, how much skin has been infected, how thick the spots have grown, and the climate. From creams to cleansers to anti-fungal pills will all depend on the severity of the fungal infection.
Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained dermatologists so that we can help rid you of this skin infection.

 

Hair Loss

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About Hair Loss

What is it?

The average human head has more than 100,000 healthy hairs, and many people have well over 150,000. Typically, you may lose around 50-100 of these hairs every day, which isn’t noticeable. However, once you start to lose well over 100 individual hairs daily, your hair loss starts to affect your appearance. Both men and women are affected by hair loss but in different ways. For example, while it’s common for men to have a noticeable loss on their hairline or crown, women tend to experience thinning hair in a more random, widespread pattern. Women also usually have localized loss because of repeated hair trauma, such as from hair being pulled tightly back in a ponytail or bun.

What causes it?

There are various reasons contributing to the loss of hair. The most common causes include genetics, frequent stress, poor nutrition, certain medications, emotional issues, and trauma or injury.

Common treatments

The hair loss and skin experts at our dermatology practice have the experience and knowledge to provide you with solutions that stabilize hair loss and help stimulate hair growth. Among these options are Minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical lotion that we also offer in prescription strength; Finasteride, an oral medication; and Spironolactone, another oral medication.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand the physical impact that hair loss can have on your appearance and its subsequent effect on your self-esteem. As your community skin and hair experts, we’re here to provide support, strength, and answers to all your questions. We have a variety of trained, experienced dermatologic experts and offer treatment options customized just for you. We’ll be with you every step of the way in diagnosing, treating, and helping you deal with this issue.
Contact us today to learn more about your hair loss treatment options and to start on the road towards an improved appearance and self-confidence.

Cellulitis

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About Cellulitis

What is it?

Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. It often appears red, swollen, and can be painful that is warm and tender to the touch. The skin may look pitted, like the peel of an orange, or blisters may appear on the affected skin. Some people may also develop fever and chills. Cellulitis can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the feet and legs. It occurs when a crack or break in your skin allows bacteria to enter.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening.

What causes it?

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.
Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter disrupted areas of skin, such as where you’ve had recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis. Animal bites can cause cellulitis. Bacteria can also enter through areas of dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.

Common treatments?

The great news is cellulitis can be treated in many ways and depends on the type that you have. Your doctor will let you know the best way to get it under control, and quickly. Keeping the area clean and dry is a good idea until it’s treated properly. The area can be treated with oral or topical antibiotics, depending on the severity.

Cysts

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About Cysts

What is it?

There are many types of cysts that show up on our skin. A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. They can grow almost anywhere in your body or under your skin.
There are many types of cysts. Most cysts are benign, or noncancerous.
Cysts can be small round bumps, usually white or yellow. Can form from blocked oil glands, and commonly appear on the face, back, neck or trunk. If a cyst becomes infected it will feel tender and become red. It can produce a thick yellow discharge when squeezed. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you think you have cysts. They will determine a treatment based on the type of cyst that you have.

What causes it?

Cysts are common and can occur anywhere on the body. They are often a result of infection, clogged sebaceous glands, or piercings.
Some other common causes of cysts include:
  • tumors
  • genetic conditions
  • a defect in the cells
  • chronic inflammatory conditions
  • blockages of ducts in the body that cause fluids to build up
  • a parasite
  • an injury that breaks a vessel
In most cases, it is unusual for cysts to cause pain unless they rupture, become infected, or are inflamed.

Common treatments?

The treatment options for a cyst will depend on a range of factors, including the type of cyst, where it is, its size, and the degree of discomfort it is causing. For very large cysts that are causing symptoms, a doctor may recommend surgical removal.
Sometimes, they might drain or aspirate the cyst by inserting a needle or catheter into the cavity. If the cyst is not easily accessible, they may use radiologic imaging to accurately guide the needle or catheter.
Sometimes, a health professional may examine the removed liquid under a microscope to determine whether or not any cancerous cells are present. If they suspect that the cyst is cancerous, they may suggest surgical removal, order a biopsy of the cyst wall, or both.
Many cysts develop as a result of a chronic or underlying medical condition, as may be the case with fibrocystic breast disease or polycystic ovary syndrome. In such cases, the focus of the treatment will be on the medical condition itself, not the cyst.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Cysts are common and affect each individual differently, therefore it is important that we see patients and assess the proper treatment method. Because cysts can also vary in severity, we are careful to treat each one carefully.
We understand how a cyst 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 cyst that you want to eliminate so you can have clear, smooth skin once again.

Calluses and Corns

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About Calluses and Corns

What is it?

Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. They most often develop on the feet and toes or hands and fingers. Corns and calluses can be unsightly.
If you’re healthy, you need treatment for corns and calluses only if they cause discomfort. For most people, simply eliminating the source of friction or pressure makes corns and calluses disappear.
If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, you’re at greater risk of complications from corns and calluses. Seek your doctor’s advice on proper care for corns and calluses if you have such a condition.

What causes it?

You may have a corn or a callus if you notice:
  • A thick, rough area of skin
  • A hardened, raised bump
  • Tenderness or pain under your skin
  • Flaky, dry, or waxy skin
Corns and calluses are not the same things.
  • Corns are smaller than calluses and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns tend to develop on parts of your feet that don’t bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. They can also be found in weight-bearing areas. Corns can be painful when pressed.
  • Calluses are rarely painful. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.
Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. Some sources of this pressure and friction include:
  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes. Tight shoes and high heels can compress areas of your feet. When footwear is too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe.
  • Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can cause friction on your feet. Socks that don’t fit properly also can be a problem.
  • Playing instruments or using hand tools. Calluses on your hands may result from the repeated pressure of playing instruments, using hand tools, or even writing.

Common treatments?

Treatment for corns and calluses usually involves avoiding the repetitive actions that caused them to develop. You can help resolve them by wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective pads, and taking other self-care measures.
If a corn or callus persists or becomes painful despite your self-care efforts, medical treatments can provide relief:
  • Trimming away excess skin. Your doctor can pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel, usually during an office visit. Don’t try this yourself because it could lead to an infection.
  • Callus-removing medication. Your doctor may also apply a patch containing 40 percent salicylic acid (Clear Away, MediPlast, others). Such patches are available without a prescription. Your doctor will let you know how often you need to replace this patch. He or she may recommend that you use a pumice stone, nail file or emery board to smooth away dead skin before applying a new patch. You can also get a prescription for salicylic acid in gel form to apply on larger areas.
  • Shoe inserts. If you have an underlying foot deformity, your doctor may prescribe custom-made padded shoe inserts (orthotics) to prevent recurring corns or calluses.
  • Surgery. In rare instances, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the alignment of a bone causing friction.

Providers

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 calluses or corns so that we can help you deal with this often embarrassing condition.