August 14th, 2015

August may mean back to school for many folks but that certainly doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of fun activities to enjoy in Austin. After all, it’s still summer so we might as well enjoy it!

The first event on our list involves one of our favorite parts of summer- enjoying ice cream outside with friends. Not only does event involve the delectable cool, creamy treat, but live entertainment. Head to the Amy’s Ice Creams’ Trick Olympics to see employees from the different Amy’s shops compete and show off their sweetest tricks!

Free, August 18^th at 7 p.m.

Learn more at: http://www.amysicecreams.com/latest-scoop/2013/5/20/9th-annual-trick-olympics.html

Next up on our list of August events in Austin is taking place this Sunday and you definitely don’t want to miss out! See the Austin Symphony perform at the Long Center City Terrace. This Sunday the brass ensemble performs, but don’t worry, if you can’t make it this Sunday there’s a different program next week. There is nothing quite like a concert in the park to end a relaxing Sunday!

Free, August 16^th and 23^rd at 7:30 p.m.

For more information visit: http://www.austinsymphony.org/events/austin-symphony-hartman-foundation-concerts-in-the-park/

We’re changing gears a little for our next event we think you should check out in Austin this August- see Def Leppard with Styx and Tesla at the Austin 360 Amplitheatre. See the legendary English metal band while their here in Austin on August 23^rd. This event will require tickets so hurry and grab your tickets while they last!

Buy tickets online, August 23^rd, 7 p.m.

Learn more and buy tickets at: http://thingstodo.austin360.com/delvalle/events/def-leppard-styx-and-tesla-/E0-001-080527337-8

If music is not really your style, head to the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival on August 23^rd. With plenty of hot sauces to taste you’ll surely find your new favorite! This event is free with suggested donations you can learn more about online.

Free, August 23^rd at 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Learn more at: http://www.austinchronicle.com/hot-sauce/

Rounding out our list of happenings is the Austin Pride parade and festival on August 29^th. Be part of one of the largest PRIDE events in Texas. The festival will feature several musical artists, as well as plenty of games, activities, food and drinks!

Festival: Buy tickets online, Parade: Free, August 29^th, Festival: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Parade: 8 p.m.

Check it out and get your Festival tickets at: http://www.austinpride.org

Whatever you plan to do this August in Austin, we’re sure it will be a hit, with so many events to choose from you really can’t go wrong. But we do have to mention- with such great weather, Austin is the perfect place for outdoor fun, as we don’t want you to miss out, but please do pack plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin for the relentless Austin sun! And hey, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to toss a hat in your bag for some extra protection. We hope you enjoy August just as much as we will!

July 21st, 2015

Summer is here and we sure are feeling the Texas heat! Everyone knows they should put on sunscreen to protect their skin from sunburn and skin cancer. But other than the obvious use of sunscreen, some people forget that there are other effects of UV rays. Let’s take a look at some sun safety tips to help keep you protected through the dog days of summer.

Stay Hydrated 

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water during outside activity in the sun. Not only does the heat evaporate our water intake, but staying dehydrated can have long-lasting effects on your skin and physical health. You may feel faint or over-heated. Your skin will look dry and flaky, as well. Stay hydrated this summer and keep your skin looking youthful under the hot summer sun.

Lip Service

Your lips are also vulnerable to sun damage. Using lip balm will help keep your lips moist despite the dryness. As a bonus, make sure your lip balm has at least SPF 15 for added sunray protection.

Exfoliate Daily

Keep your face clean and clear during the summer months by establishing a daily exfoliating routine. Gently exfoliating your skin, brushes away the dead skin cells, dirt and make-up keeping your pores clear. This will keep your skin looking great all summer long.

Try Using Less Make-Up

Summer means longer and hotter days. To make sure your skin doesn’t take any damage try using less make-up. Make-up tends to run and clog your pores when you sweat. Using a little less will ensure your skin looks flawless in the relentless Texas sun.

Most important of all- Don’t forget to use sunscreen!

Want that permanent summer glow? Visit Four Points Dermatology for quality skin care from your local Austin dermatologist.

June 17th, 2014

Four Points Dermatology wants to make sure you have the best, most efficient experience possible.  In order to accomplish this, we have created a Patient Resource page to address your logistical and informational concerns.  On this page you will find information about our new Patient Portal, have access to consent forms and new patient paperwork, be able to read our appointment cancellation policy, read pre- and post- procedure instructions, view accepted insurances, and contact us.

Patient Portal 

By signing up for our Health Portal, you will have easy access to an electronic copy of your medical history, be able to make appointments with us, and request prescription refills quickly and hassle free.

Forms

On the Patient Resource page, you will have access to necessary consent forms for procedures.  You will be able to read and fill them out electronically and at your leisure. You will also be able to submit them to Four Points electronically.

In addition to consent forms, you will be able to access and download new patient paperwork, record release forms, and a list of our accepted insurances. 

Pre & Post-Procedure Instructions

You will find a detailed list of instructions for Botox/Dysport Post-Procedure, Caring for Cryosurgery Sites, Sclerotherapy Pre-Op, Wound Care, and Sclereotherapy Post-Op.  You can view them by simply clicking on the blue download button.  You will need Adobe Reader to view the documents.  It you don’t have Adobe Reader, there will be a link to download the application below the downloadable forms.

Health Library

A new feature that has recently been added to increase patient knowledge about dermatology and dermatological treatments is the Health Library.  Learn about acne, melanoma, actinic keratosis, psoriasis, skin care, skin cancer, and other skin conditions.  Each link will lead you to a detailed page with extensive information, illustrations, images, and a list of links on the left sidebar for more information about each topic. You will also be able to search for specific topics under Conditions, Tests, Medications, Procedures, and Products/Devices. 

Our new service via VivaCare will provide an extensive health library, offering users general information on common disease and illnesses. We recommend that patients use this Health Library to attain effective information about their skin conditions and dermatological procedures in order to receive the best quality of care and knowledge.

We are very excited to be able to offer this new service to our valued patients and customers. Please visit Four Points Dermatology for more information on patient resources and to schedule an appointment with quality Austin dermatologists. 

June 11th, 2014

Our skin is our first line of defense in this world.  It’s our protector against the elements, and one of the first things people notice about you.  Healthy skin has an intact moisture barrier (a layer of cells held together by lipids), but a damaged moisture barrier can lead to dry skin.  Having problem skin can cause self-esteem issues and embarrassment.  But you don’t have to have bad skin!  If you think you suffer from dry skin, read more to find out the signs and treatments.

Signs of Dry Skin 

Read through the questions to see if you’re exhibiting signs of dry skin.

• Does your skin feel tight? 
• Itchy? 
• Is it flaking?
• Does it look dull or lackluster? 
• Is it red? 
• Do you have deep cracks that may bleed?
• Does it feel more rough than usual? 
• If you are darker skinned, does your skin look ashy or gray?

If you answered yes to any of these, you may have dry skin.

Treatment for Dry Skin

Cool Showers

Long, steamy showers can dry out your skin and cause that dry, tight feeling as ongoing exposure to hot water washes away your protective lipids.  Instead, take short cool showers to achieve the same clean feeling that will leave your skin looking and feeling hydrated.

Mild, Dry Skin Specific Soaps

Not all soaps are created equally. Harsh soaps can destroy your natural moisture barrier as you think you are maintaining a healthy skincare routine.

Moisture After Shower

Wetting our skin adds moisture, but completely towel drying after a shower doesn’t allow our body to absorb that needed moisture, and can even rob us of it.  Instead of a complete rub down, allow your body to remain a little damp.  Don’t forget to apply a lotion with urea, lactic acid, dimethicone, or petroleum jelly after showering (for dry skin).

Drink Water!

Lack of water can lead to dehydration can lead to dry skin!  The Institute of Medicine recommends about 13 cups of water per day for men, and 9 cups of water per day for women.

Wear Sunscreen

Sun damage can destroy your natural moisture barrier.  Take precautions to keep those UVAs and UVBs out for healthier looking skin.

Suffer from dry skin? Visit the skilled Austin dermatologists at Four Points Dermatology.

April 9th, 2014

When the weather begins to warm up, we look for any excuse to spend time outside. However, this means that your skin is being harmed by the dangerous UV rays of the sun. Exposing your skin to sunlight can damage it to make it look older and puts you at risk of skin cancer. So, before you step outside to enjoy the sun and warm weather, protect your skin by considering these tips.

Cover Up 

Most clothing worn during spring and summer don’t give very good protection from the sun, so make sure the clothing you wear outside most often is made of a fabric that blocks the sun. If your skin is extra sensitive to the sun, it may be a good investment to purchase sun protective clothing for the upcoming summer. When outside for long periods of time, create shade by wearing a brimmed hat or sitting under an umbrella. Avoid sunbathing, especially in tanning beds. If you refuse to give up sunbathing, don’t expose your skin to the sun for too long, especially during the hours of 10 A.M and 4 P.M. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Use Sunscreen

Different skin types require different types of sunscreen. If you have fair skin, using a sunscreen with a higher SPF will better protect your skin. When choosing a product, take in account the function of the sunscreen. Some sunscreens are better than others for specific uses such as being water resistant, oil-free for acne prone skin, having protection for lips, etc. As this time of year rolls around, purge your old sunscreen and buy new bottles as they do have expiration dates.

Every time you go outside, you should apply sunscreen. Even on cool and cloudy days, the UV rays can still damage your skin. Apply sunscreen early and often. You should put sunscreen on 20 to 30 minutes before you plan to be outside and re-apply at least every two hours. You should re-apply more often if you’re swimming or doing other activities that make you perspire.

Know the Signs of Sun Damaged Skin

Detecting sun damaged skin early, will reduce your chances of long term damage or cancer. Some of the signs include: dry and flaky skin, mild or severe sunburns, appearance of new freckles, and developing wrinkles. If you notice any of these symptoms, you are not providing your skin with enough protection from the sun.

If you have any concerns about your skin or noticing any signs of sun damage, it is time to make an appointment at Four Points Dermatology. An Austin dermatologist will examine the damage and provide the best care for your skin.

March 25th, 2014

It’s just as important to take care of your skin after a procedure as it is to care for it before you come in. While a skilled dermatologist can remove a troublesome mole or wart, after care is important in order to keep your skin healthy for the long term. Skin will be left tender and in need of a little extra attention, especially after surgical procedures, such as Cryosurgery, or laser treatment.

Here are a few quick tips for caring for your  mole or  wart removal site after intensive treatment and surgery.

What is Cryosurgery?

Photo courtesy of ZapYourWart

Cryosurgery is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such the case for warts, moles, lesions, skin tags and other skin conditions. There are many typical methods available to Cryosurgery. The most common method use of Cryosurgery is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected area. Liquid nitrogen is applied as a spray to the wart or lesion or may be applied with a cotton swab on the treated area.

Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment and is the most preferred method when compared to some surgical treatments. Cryosurgery involves little pain and leaves little to no scarring in the patient’s skin. This method of treatment is also pretty cost effective, providing a reasonable alternative to the patient.

Laser Treatment for Warts & Moles

Laser surgery for warts and moles involves an intense beam of light or laser, which will burn and destroy the affected skin. A local anesthetic may be applied, depending on the size and number of warts, moles, skin tags, etc., to ensure the patient’s comfort. After laser treatment, the treated area may be sensitive and painful for a few days.

Laser treatment is the preferred method treatment for moles and skin tags, but may be used to treat warts when there is a large number of warts or when treating warts when the female patient is pregnant. In addition, laser treatment maybe used for wart removal when prescribed medicine has not been effective.

Basic After-Treatment Care for Wart & Mole Removal

• Immediately after the procedure you may feel pain. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help manage the discomfort unless otherwise advised by your physician.
• Bath or shower as usual, but be sure to clear the wound area carefully with soap and water at least twice a day and dress with a thin film of white petrolatum (Vasaline).
• It doesn’t sound nice, but the site may continue to ooze or drain for a few days and a ring around the wound may be red. This is normal and should not cause alarm. However, if you experience prolonged swelling and redness of the surrounding area and a white pustular discharge, this could be a sign of infection. Call your doctor immediately for a consultation.
• Continue regular washing and dressing regimen until the area is pink and healed. The area may remain pink for a few weeks, and the skin may be darker or lighter than the skin around it after it has healed. This may be a permanent change.

Additionally, make sure you discuss after-procedure skin care with your doctor. They will be able to give you information that’s right for your procedure and skin-type, as well as taking your individual medical history into account.

Have a question about your treatment-site? Call the friendly, professional staff at Four Points Dermatology for a consultation. They’re East Austin dermatologists provide the best care for all patients and ensure you are given the best skin care available.

March 18th, 2014

There are many ways to pick up a poison ivy rash that don’t include a long hike in the woods. If you are especially sensitive to poison ivy you could find yourself with a rash just from being near poison ivy. And if you let your dog off the leash in a wooded area, be aware that they could be bringing that itchy rash back home.

Facts On Poison Ivy

First of all, you should know what these poisonous plants look like to be able avoid poison ivy. Look out for plants that have leaves with 3 small leaflets, grow like a shrub or a vine depending on the area you’re in, grow yellow-green flowers in the spring, and in the fall may have green berries that turn off-white. If possible, you should also use an ivy block barrier to protect your skin and wear clothing that covers your entire body to decrease the chances of contracting poison ivy when you’re outdoors.

However, since you can’t always prevent contact with these plants, learning how to treat it and the itch may come in handy at the least expected times. If possible, you should always treat it immediately to experience the quickest results.  Here are a few tips on how to most effectively treat your poison ivy and help reduce the itch.

Treat Immediately

• Rinse your skin with lukewarm water
• Wash all the clothes you were wearing when exposed
• Wash everything that may have oil on its surface

How to Control the Itch

• Take lukewarm baths in an oatmeal based bath product or 1 cup of baking soda
• Apply calamine lotion
• Take short, cool showers
• Take oral antihistamines (but do not apply an antihistamine to your skin!)
• Make a cool, wet compress and apply to your skin for 15-30 minutes several times a day

For each way to get poison ivy, there are a dozen rumored cures.  Washing with soap and warm water within 30 minutes of exposure could be your best bet for avoiding weeks of itchy red bumps. But if you’re in the Austin area and are especially allergic to the plant, it’s good to know that there are professionals who can help.

Looking for treatment for your poison ivy rash ? Call Four Points Dermatology for a consultation with a professional Austin dermatologist.

March 11th, 2014

Unwanted hair growth is common for women, but both men and woman can face unwanted hair loss. Hair loss, or alopecia, is a usually associated with older men, but can be a concern for woman and even children. Let’s learn more about the causes of Alopecia and how to treat hair loss.

Hair Loss Causes 

Some other causes of baldness include Alopecia Areata, which usually comes on suddenly and causes hair loss in patches, primarily effecting children and young adults. While this condition may lead to complete baldness, roughly 90% of people with the condition find it to be temporary and the hair returns within a few years. What most people think of when they think of Alopecia is Alopecia Universalis, which causes all body hair, including eyebrows and pubic hair, to fall out. Stress is another reason for hair loss, either because stress can effect keratin, which is produced in hair follicles, or because of Trichotillomania, a psychological disorder in which some, frequently children, pull out their own hair.

Available Treatments to Hair Loss

As you may have guessed, different causes of hair loss require very different approaches in treatment. Age-related baldness will most certainly have a different solution than Trichotillomania. While there are multiple reasons for hair loss, it is largely a genetic issue, making the treatments fairly limited and specific. Some of these treatments include medications such as Rogaine, surgery, and cosmetic approaches are common because they are non-invasive.

A cosmetic approach can improve the appearance of bald spots or thinning hair. Hair can be bulked up to make it look like there is more hair on the head and there are ways to camouflage the area of a bald spot.

Surgery often includes removing a patch of hair growth from the back of the head and attaching it in a more visible area. While recovery is often quick, sometimes as short as two days, many people prefer to avoid surgery and opt for cosmetic solutions, such as toupees, sprays, and styling that diminishes the appearance of thinning.

Are you experiencing hair loss, but unsure what your options are? Talk to one of the friendly professionals at Four Points Dermatology to learn what you can do to have full, thick hair again. The leading Austin dermatologists at Four Points Dermatology will provide effective advice on treatment methods that work best for each patients’ particular condition.

February 6th, 2014

In high school you may have taken refuge in believing that the uncontrollable production of oil, clogged pores, and acne were all a part of growing up–a temporary hiccup on the way to perfect, even skin that awaited you in college and beyond. But then college came and went and even if the acne disappeared, the scars and enlarged pores it left behind seemed unwilling to heel. It’s true that some scars shrink or fade with time, but for many the marks of adolescent problem skin carry on into adulthood.

Possible Causes For Adult Acne

Adult acne is a little different from the puberty and french fry induced acne associated with rough teen years, in that it can be triggered by pregnancy, Hirsutism (an increase in male hormone levels), or a reaction to various cosmetics. Adult acne can be treated with diet, over-the-counter cleansers, prescription medications, and a variety of skin treatments.

Common Skin Issues For Adults

A few normal adult skin issues include:

• Adult Acne
• Acne Scarring
• Enlarged Pores

It’s easy to identify the source of acne scars–they come from those frustrating bumps themselves, especially when they’ve been picked or popped. But removing them can pose a new frustration. As with traditional scarring, there is only so much one can do at home to heal scars with topical ointments and lotions, many of which utilize Vitamin E to heal the skin. A dermatologist can help remove scars with the use of chemical peels and laser treatments.

Enlarged pores are frustrating because they are not, in and of themselves, a problem–yet they can give the appearance of problem skin or acne scarring. Pores can become larger with age as skin loses its elasticity, but since they are hereditary, many people with large pores are born with them. Large pores are often more common for males than females, though a woman’s pores may change with hormone fluctuation. Many over-the-counter cleansers and creams boast pore-shrinking capabilities. While some of these may help the appearance of large pores, dermatologists also offer laser treatments that can have a beneficial effect on large pores.

Do you struggle with adult problem skin? Contact Four Points Dermatology in East Austin for an in-depth consultation with a professional dermatologist so you can have the skin you deserve.

January 28th, 2014

It’s always disconcerting when our skin changes suddenly, or even slowly, without our understanding why or how. New moles, freckles, and skin tags can cause alarm for the healthy and hypochondriac alike, and with good reason. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and each year millions of people are diagnosed with a variety of types.
That said, there is a silver lining. Most moles, freckles, and skin tags are benign and form for a variety of reasons totally unrelated to skin cancers.

Mole Facts

Moles may form over a life time, but usually appear by the age of 30. A mole is a cluster of skin cells growing together, rather than spreading over the surface of the skin. These cells make melanin–the pigment that gives skin its color, and in concentration appear darker than the rest of the skin. Moles may darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen years, and during pregnancy. Most moles are begign and should not cause concern, but if a mole changes color, height, size, or shape it could be an indication of something more serious. A professional dermatologist will likely be able to tell with a quick glance if a mole should be of any concern and can offer both peace of mind and treatment options, including removal for cosmetic reasons.

Freckle Basics

Many people are born with freckles that get darker or increase in number with exposure to the sun and are most common on people with light skin and hair. Freckles are rarely a cause for concern, but if you’ve noticed a freckle grow, change shape, or take on a new hue, you might want to get a doctor’s opinion. Additionally, though benign, a dermatologist may be able to help lighten unwanted freckles and other skin discoloration.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags can appear anywhere on the body (on skin), but are most likely to occur in areas where skin rubs other skin, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and even eyelids. These flesh-colored tags of skin are cancerless tumors which cause no symptoms, other than possible irritation from rubbing or if scratched. Skin tags contain nerve cells, fat cells, and are covered by the epidermis, or top layer of skin. There are a number of ways to remove skin tags, including

• Excision (removed with scalpel)
• Ligation (the blood supply to the skin tag is interrupted)
• Cryosurgery (the tag is frozen)
• Cauterized (burned off)

Even if a mole, freckle, or skin tag is benign, some people would prefer to have them removed for cosmetic reasons and there are a number of established techniques for removal, including lasers, peels, and non-invasive surgery.

Are you concerned about a mole or freckle, or thinking about having a skin tag removed? Call the friendly professionals at