January 23rd, 2014

Unwanted hair, known as Hirsutism, can ruin your day–or more likely, a lot of days. For women, male-pattern hair growth can be a source of embarrassment which can lead to a long and expensive battle with hair removers and bleaches. Hirsutism results in excessive amounts of thick, course hair in areas where men typically grow hair–including the face, chest, and back.

What You May Not Know About Unwanted Hair 

Hirsutism is caused by an increase in male hormones and androgens–compounds that stimulate and control the development of male characteristics. But it doesn’t stop with hair. These increased levels of male hormone can also cause acne, irregular periods, and loss of feminine body shape.

Often unwanted hair is benign and simply a cosmetic issue, but occasionally unwanted hair is a symptom of a more serious issue, such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), tumors on the adrenal glands or ovaries, or Cushing’s syndrome. But before you get scared, there are a few simple ways to lessen the chances and effects of Hirsutism.

Hirutism can be hereditary–meaning if you are related to someone with these symptoms, you may want to look into your own likelihood of having the syndrome. Also, research suggests that Hirsutism may be related to weight. In this case, its effects can be improved by controlling weight through a low-calorie diet and getting regular exercise. Some good guidelines for controlling your diet are to eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries and tomatoes, and to avoid refined foods, such as white bread and refined sugar.

What Now?

Before you diagnose yourself, always check with a medical professional who can learn the true cause of your symptoms and help develop the right treatment plan for you. Let the professionals at Four Points Dermatology help you if you’re dealing with unwanted hair. Our Austin dermatology office offers a friendly, professional staff and extensive options for hair removal.

January 21st, 2014

When you’re pregnant your whole body is going through enormous changes due to hormones, weight gain, and the  stress of preparing for a new addition to the family. It’s no wonder that the skin would undergo changes as well. From acne flare-ups to stretchmarks, there’s a lot to expect from your skin when you’re expecting. Here’s a quick list of some common skin reactions to pregnancy and tips to dealing with them.

Skin Care Tips for Pregnant Women 

• Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP (try saying that ten times fast). These pale red bumps range in size and can be dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. They can show up individually or in clusters on the arms, legs, and abdomen. Treatment for PUPPP may include an antihistamine cream to treat symptoms, though wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding drying soaps, and washing with cool water are some of the most accessible ways to deal with the discomfort.
  
• Hyperpigmentation is caused by increased melanin, or pigment, in the skin. This is so common among pregnant woman that melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation that usually appears as dark patches on the face, is also known as “the mask of pregnancy.” Melasma can be treated with prescription creams or over-the-counter products. But it’s double important to consult your doctor before you diagnose and treat the skin condition yourself. Other ways to lessen the effects of melasma are to limit sun exposure and to use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
• Stretchmarks are one the most difficult effects of pregnancy on the skin to treat. Stretchmarks result from rapid weight gain or loss and usually appear as red, pink, or purple stripes. These are difficult to remove, though moisturizing regularly throughout the pregnancy can help the skin’s elasticity and prevent some stretchmarks, and laser treatment is the most effective treatment after stretchmarks appear.
• Acne and psoriasis flare-ups during pregnancy are common, and should be treated according to recommendations from your doctor. Certain acne medications may be harmful to a developing fetus and should be discussed with a medical professional.  Here’s some good news, these troublesome skin conditions often improve after giving birth.

While your skin and hair may improve during the early months of pregnancy, as your body develops, your skin will eventually react. Luckily, there are ways to diminish the outward appearance of these flare-ups and eventually fade away after giving birth.

Need an expert opinion as your skin changes during or after pregnancy? Contact Four Points Dermatology.  The staff is professional and friendly, providing their patients with the best care, and they’re the leading East Austin dermatologist office.

January 9th, 2014

Acne is not the only skin problem that can cause skin discoloring and unattractive spots, as we age and spend time in the sun our skin may become discolored. There are also many other skin conditions that case brown or red spots to appear on your skin. In many cases medical laser treatment is the best way to remove these unwanted spots, but what are some of the types of skin issues that are candidates for laser removal?

Laser Treatments for Spots

• Liver Spots: Also known as age spots, and most aptly as sun spots, are small flat brown or black spots on the skin and appear on parts of the body most frequently exposed to sun. Using sun block and staying out of the sun are the best ways to avoid these spots of skin discoloration. Additionally, sun spots are usually non-malignant, though they can look similar to irregular moles–which can sometimes be an indication of a more serious problem.
• Birthmarks: What’s in a name? Not all birthmarks are present at birth, and some appear weeks later. Birthmarks can range in color, shape, and size and are usually unrelated to another condition. While birthmarks are often unique and individual features, they can sometimes be in prominent places and cause someone embarrassment and effect self-image.
• Freckles: They are common and can even be be charming, but not everyone wants them. Freckles are speckled deposits of pigment in the epidermis, and like age spots, can be exacerbated with extended sun exposure.

Skin discoloration can also be caused by fungal infections and skin inflammation, and are not correctable with laser treatment. Like sun spots, fungal infections are most noticeable after exposure to sun, though it is usually characterized by spots that are lighter than the rest of the skin.

Do you have spots you’ve always wished could be removed? To talk to the friendly, professional staff at Four Points Dermatology and set up an appointment today.

January 7th, 2014

The likelihood of developing varicose and spider veins increases with age, but they are also hereditary. So what’s happening to make those veins more visible?

Basic Facts

Weak or damaged valves in veins make it difficult for the blood to be pumped efficiently back to the heart, thus allowing blood to pool in these weakened or enlarged areas. Spider veins can also be caused this way, but hormonal changes and sun exposure can also trigger the thin, web-like veins near the surface of the skin. Despite how it may sound, varicose and spider veins are usually not dangerous.

While they may not pose a threat, varicose and spider veins can be unsightly, or a source of embarrassment. Unfortunately, there’s little that can be done to prevent them from forming, and though there are many ways to avoid discomfort. One way to lessen the pain associated with varicose and spider veins is exercise, which gets blood circulation going in the body. Another viable option for dealing with the discomfort of varicose veins and spider veins is proper weight management. Weight management can relieve some of the pressure associated with varicose veins and can also increase blood circulation.  While these approaches will manage some symptoms of varicose and spider veins the only way to remove them is with a professional dermatologist. Laser treatments and sclerotherapy, for more serious cases, are viable treatments with a high success rate.

Varicose Vein and Spider Vein Treatments

Sclerotherapy is a common cosmetic procedure to treat varicose and spider veins. Sclerotherapy call for a saline solution to be injected straight into the troublesome vein, causing it first to coagulate then disintegrate. Your body then absorbs the fallen vein, gradually forcing it away from the skin’s surface until it eventually disappears completely.

Simple laser treatments are also an option  to help smaller varicose veins or as a second-step in treatment after larger varicose veins have undergone surgery or sclerotherapy. With laser treatment of varicose veins, the heat from the laser damages the vein, causing scar tissue to form. This scar tissue actually closes the vein and closed veins loses its blood source and dies. After a year or so the vein disappears

The most common laser used to treat spider veins is the Nd: YAG Laser system, a hand held device with a cooling tip to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The laser pierces the skin and penetrates the superficial blood vessel. The heat from the laser coagulates the blood inside causing it to collapse and seal. Over the next few weeks, the vessel eventually disappears. It may seem early to start thinking about summer legs, but laser treatment for varicose and spider veins may take a few sessions spaced over 6-12 weeks, allowing for full recovery time.

Looking for varicose and spider vein treatment in the Austin area? Contact Four Points Dermatology for the best Austin dermatology treatment.

December 24th, 2013

Eczema is a medical condition that results in patches of dry and sometimes itchy skin. Characterized by raw or red patches on the skin, the medical condition worsens during the winter months due to the biting cold. Austin dermatologist offer some treatments that can reduce the symptoms of eczema, but patients can also try a few at home remedies too.

Work With A Humidifier 

The dry climate that occurs during winter can make eczema worse, but a humidifier adds more humidity to the surrounding air. Using a humidifier during the winter months can keep skin from becoming chapped or irritated.

Use Oatmeal Baths

Oatmeal baths are a simple way to reduce itchiness. Doctors recommend these baths for those dealing with chicken pox, poison ivy or other conditions that cause itchiness. The oatmeal soothes irritated skin and reduces any itchiness caused by the eczema.

Cover Hands

Covering the hands with a simple pair of gloves can reduce the effects of eczema during the winter. The dry air combined with the ice and snow can make hands appear red and chapped, but gloves will help.

Avoid Fragrances

Anyone suffering from eczema should avoid fragrances, which can irritate the skin, but it’s even more important to avoid fragrances in the winter. Perfume, lotion and even moisturizer can all contain artificial chemicals and scents.

Wear Layers

In addition to wearing gloves, those with eczema should also wear layers. A hat, long sleeve shirt and scarf can block out the sun and air.

Apply Olive Oil

Olive oil is a good natural eczema treatment. A thin layer of olive oil applied to the skin can reduce any irritation or itchiness that a person feels.

Take Off Wet Clothes

During the winter, it’s easy for snow and ice to drip onto clothing. As that wet fabric rubs against the skin, it can worsen the symptoms of eczema. It’s important to remove wet clothes as soon as possible.

Take Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a good solution for winter eczema problems. These over-the-counter medications can reduce swelling and other symptoms of eczema.

Use Sunscreen

A simple application of sunscreen is the key to surviving the winter with eczema. The product keeps the sun from worsening the eczema and adds moisture to the skin.

Apply Moisturizer

Before applying sunscreen, it’s important to use a fragrance-free moisturizer. Moisturizer hydrates the skin, reduces swelling and helps with itchiness.

Looking for winter eczema treatment? Four Points Dermatology is a quality Austin dermatology office that provides treatment for those dealing with eczema in Austin, TX. Contact Four Points Dermatology office to schedule an appointment and learn more about treating eczema this winter and beyond.

December 19th, 2013

Winter Allergies

There is a misconception among many people that allergies are only relegated to the spring and summer. However, the truth is that some may suffer from allergies all year long, even in the winter. Winter allergies generally tend to strike people who suffer from indoor allergies, such as from substances such as dust mites and mold. With that being said, allergies to these things may be even worse during the winter as a result of spending more time indoors when it is colder outside. There are additional winter allergies to be aware of, such as hives that develop as a result of exposure to the cold.

Information On Hives 

Hive are red spots or blotches that appear on the surface of the skin. They are frequently itchy and feel irritated and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days at a time. Often, they appear in a cluster and feel hot to the touch. They can appear on the face, legs, hands and other areas and cause a good deal of discomfort as they come as a result of an allergy.

The condition that causes hives as a result of exposure to the cold is called urticaria and tends to be seen as a dermatological problem due to the fact that it affects the skin. A person who has a history of allergies may find that he or she can develop this condition as well without a moment’s notice at any time in their life. For instance, you may generally suffer from seasonal allergies to pollen, but it is not unusual to be outside in the cold and experience redness and itchy, with hives developing on your skin. This can especially be a scenario that can occur if you are outside during the colder days of winter without adequate protection against the temperature. Not wearing gloves in freezing temperatures can result in your hands suddenly becoming swollen, itchy and red.

Allergy Treatment

If you discover that you indeed also experience winter allergies, it is important to take precautions to avoid the misery they cause you. One of the first steps you can take is to take allergy medication regularly. An antihistamine can help to prevent the symptoms that come with your allergies. Additionally, anyone who is allergic to the cold should carry an EpiPen with them at all times as the condition of urticaria can carry an additional symptom of anaphylaxis, in which the throat can close and the individual may not be able to breathe. It is also essential to stay out of the cold as often as is physically possible.

For hives treatment, you may feel the best course of action is to visit an Austin dermatologist if you reside in that area. Four Points Dermatology in Austin, Texas is a place that can help due to the cordial, helpful and knowledgeable staff in the office.

December 17th, 2013

People realize that they need to protect themselves from the sun during the summer months, but not many understand that you’re still susceptible to sun damage during the winter months as well. People should be wearing sunblock all year round to protect themselves from harmful UV rays and to prevent skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Basics

Skin cancers are the most common cancers that people contract. Some medical experts estimate that at least 40 percent of everyone over 65 will have some form of skin cancer. The biggest risk for getting skin cancer is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can damage the DNA in the skin cells.

Though people who are fair-skinned and have freckles are more at risk of skin cancer, anyone can get it. The cancer might even appear in places that aren’t often exposed to the sun. These places need to be checked as well.

Doing a self-exam is the easiest way to discover a possible skin cancer. People should be wary if they have a sore that doesn’t heal or a mole that grows larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser. The mole may also be asymmetrical, which means that if it’s cut own the middle the two halves don’t match. The mole might also be different colors and might bleed and crust over. Pain usually isn’t a sign of skin cancer.

Here are some basic facts on the different kinds of skin cancer, to help understand why it is important to consider the sun damage throughout the year, not just summer.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are basically three types of skin cancer. There is basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and,lastly, there is melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. This is a slow growing cancer that only rarely metastasizes. Basal cell carcinoma starts in those cells that bring forth new cells to replace dead skin cells. These are called the basal cells.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the top layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma also rarely spreads, but it’s more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma.

Melanoma

However, melanoma is much more aggressive than other types of skin cancers and causes most of the deaths. Fortunately, melanoma is less common than the other skin cancers. This type of skin cancer begins in the cells that make melanin, which gives skin and hair their color.

There are several ways to treat skin cancer. They can be frozen through a process called cryosurgery, subjected to radiation and treated with a topical chemotherapy. Mohs surgery is a precise type of surgery that removes the cancer layer by layer.

Suspect you or a loved one may be at risk for skin cancer? Contact Four Points Dermatology for a professional consultation. Four Points Dermatology is a premier Austin dermatologist office offering quality services in cosmetic, medial and surgical dermatology procedures.

October 24th, 2013

There are many causes of hair loss in women. It may be a symptom of a hormone imbalance, malnutrition, too-tight hairstyles, or certain other diseases or conditions. It may also be the symptom of stress, pregnancy, ovarian cysts, menopause, or certain medications or shampoos.

What Symptoms Are Associated With Hair Loss In Women?

Hair loss is a symptom itself. It rarely causes other symptoms, except for perhaps a feeling of embarrassment or a lack of feeling attractive that women may experience. However, if hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms, the total picture can help skin care doctors better diagnose the exact cause of the problem. For example, if a woman also has frequent headaches, a too-tight hairstyle may be to blame. If she is having hot flashes and starting to miss menstrual cycles, menopause may be the culprit.

What Methods of Treatment are Available for Women with Hair Loss?

The best method of treatment for a particular woman’s hair loss is highly dependent on the cause of her hair loss, so she should see a dermatologist to help her make an informed decision. There are several treatment options that she may consider with her doctor, however.

If hair loss is caused by a hair care product or hair styling technique, she should stop using the product and style her hair in a different way. If the hair loss is caused by a medication or supplement the person is taking, she should consult with her doctor as to whether she can switch to a different medication that would not have hair loss as a side effect.

If the hair loss is caused by a temporary condition, such as pregnancy, the woman will likely simply wait until she has had her baby and then see her hair return to normal. If it is caused by stress or malnutrition, she will want to find ways to take better care of her body.

If the hair loss is caused by an underlying cause or condition, the woman should see the appropriate doctor for treatment of her condition. If the woman’s dermatologist decides a medication or prescription is the proper course of treatment, there are a few available, including Minoxidil 2% Topical Treatment, Cimetidine and Progesterone.

The dermatologists at Four Points Dermatology can help women know which doctor they should see for treatment if an underlying condition is the case.

Do you know of any other ways to treat hair loss in women?

September 16th, 2013

In the Western Hemisphere, summer is quickly fading into a memory. However, there are still some sunny days left before the snow comes. In view of this, many people are doing whatever they can to take advantage of their fun in the sun. They need to take steps to protect their skin from sun damage. In order to do this, many people use sunscreen and they get advice from doctors who work at an Austin dermatology clinic. When people buy their bottles of sunscreen, they will see that they have labels on them with the letters SPF and then a number. The vast majority of people do not understand what these SPF ratings mean and how they relate to sun protection.

For starters, the term SPF stands for sun protection factor. This means that the SPF number is an indicator of the amount of protection sun block provides from the sun or more specifically from the ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. It is these ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn. Sunburn is extremely dangerous. While it is true that everyone needs a little bit of sun in order to get vitamin D, if their skin gets tan, this means that their skin is damaged. If their skin gets sunburned, this means that they are putting themselves at risk for cancer. Individuals can consult the doctors who work at Four Points Dermatology clinic for information about sunburns and sun protection. This is a high quality office that provides Austin skin care advice and treatments.

To understand the SPF labels on sunscreen a person should think about the following scenario. If an individual would get sunburned after being outside for just five minutes without any protection, a sunscreen with SPF 30 protection would provide them with 30 times the amount of protection that they would get without any sunscreen. It means that they would have approximately 150 minutes or 2 1/2 hours of protection against the sun. There helps a person to see the difference between a high and low level SPF sunscreen.

It is recommended that sunscreen be replied once every hour to areas where the sunscreen has been wiped away. This is more important than applying a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating. SPF numbers are not an exact science. They just give a estimate time of protection. The results of using sunscreen are going to vary from person to person and skin type to skin type. Sunscreen has the best effect if it is applied at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.

September 12th, 2013

There’s no denying the importance in taking good care of one’s skin. As one gets older, the skin becomes one of the most predictable signs of age and poor skin can add years on to one’s appearance. While many may initially think of women when thinking of good skin care, it’s equally as important for men.

Cleanse Daily 

One of the most vital aspects of male skin care is clean skin. Washing one’s face twice a day is absolutely imperative in warding off acne, removing dirt and oil, exfoliating, and will even contribute to a closer shave. Hot water is ideal because it not only opens up the pores for a deeper clean, but also assists in a less painful shaving experience because it softens the coarse facial hair that is often stubborn and difficult to remove entirely.

Moisturize With Pre-Shave and After-Shave Lotion 

Everyday, billions of males wake up and begin their day with a morning shave, making pre-shave and after-shave lotions critical components of male skin care. Not only is their skin irritated from harsh blades gliding against their skin, but also from poor quality skin care. Therefore, taking the time to apply pre-shave lotion can prevent skin irritations, like razor burn, redness, dryness, sensitivity, and more. Applying pre-shave lotion will prepare your skin for the potentially skin damaging impacts shaving can induce. Pre-shave lotions are generally comprised of natural oils like clove oil, castor oil, olive oil, coconut oil, aloe, and more. Applying after-shave lotion is equally as important as pre-shave cream because it adds the extra moisture needed for harsh weather conditions like the sun’s harmful rays, wind, and more

Visit a Dermatologist

Another key ingredient in good male skin care is visiting a dermatologist annually. Going to the dermatologist regularly will not only allow for monitoring and prevention of skin tags, moles, and possibly skin cancer, but will also allow for an overall improvement of male skin care. Respectable, professional dermatologists, like those found at Four Points Dermatology, offer the best Austin dermatology and optimal results in attaining not only quality Austin skin care, but high quality male skin care in general.

Conclusion 

Clearly, practicing good male skin care can be simple and effective. By simply cleansing one’s face daily, applying pre-shave and after-shave lotion, and visiting a quality dermatologist regularly, remarkable benefits will certainly be obtained.