dermatology

Skin Condition of the Month: Moles

Moles, Skin Cancer, Skin Condition dermatology, Skin Checks

Chances are you have at least one mole on your body. Most people refer to them as a beauty mark. While moles are a very common skin condition, it is important to know the different types of moles that can be present on our bodies and what to look for in an abnormal mole. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we believe educating our patients is the first step to proper skin care. So, this December, we are highlighting moles as our skin condition of the month.

What are Moles?

Moles are a common skin growth that occurs on many adults. While moles are generally harmless, a few types can increase your risk of melanoma. Below are the most common types of moles:

Common Mole: Common moles are small pink, brown, or tan growths with a distinct edge.

Atypical Moles: Atypical moles are often larger than common moles, are oddly shaped, and have a ragged edge. Their color may vary, and they can sometimes appear to be flesh-colored. It is possible for atypical moles to develop into melanoma, though this is rare.

Congenital Mole: Congenital moles occur at birth and affect roughly 1 in every 100 people. It is common for congenital moles to develop into melanoma, especially if the mole grows and reaches a diameter of more than 8 millimeters.

Spitz Nevus: Spitz nevus is dome-shaped moles that vary in color from pink and red to black and brown. While spitz nevus commonly resembles melanoma, they are often benign and develop early in life. This type of mole can often bleed, ooze, and itch.

Causes and Symptoms of Moles

Moles are comprised of cells that pigment your skin known as melanocytes. When these cells grow in clusters, moles develop. A common mole will appear on your skin as a small, round brown spot; however, this may not always be the case. Each type of mole has its own unique appearance, but there are some common symptoms among all moles which include:

Round with a distinct edge
Itching, bleeding or oozing
Varying in color (red, black, red, pink, or skin-toned)
Wrinkled, smooth, or raised

It is important to seek a skin exam if you discover moles on your body and to perform self-checks to monitor any changes in your moles. Self-checks help spot potential melanoma, and we recommend that patients follow the ABCDE guidelines to know what to look for:

– Asymmetry refers to a mole that isn’t consistent in size, shape, or color. One half of the mole will appear different from the other half.
– Borders refer to the mole’s shape and whether it has a defined border or is irregularly shaped.
– Color refers to a mole that either has multiple colors or has changed color.
– Diameter refers to a change in size or a mole that reaches a size larger than a pencil eraser.
– Evolving refers to changes in size, shape, color, or feeling, such as bleeding or itchiness.

How are Moles Treated?

While normal moles are harmless, there may be some instances where removal is necessary due to cancer or desired due to aesthetics. Mole removal can be completed during an appointment with your dermatological provider and typically only require one visit. There are a few ways to remove a mole including laser, surgical excision, or surgical shave. We will recommend the best option based on the type of mole you have. Regardless of which procedure is used, the removed mole will be examined and tested, if necessary, to determine whether cancer cells are present. It is vital that you do not attempt to remove moles at home, as this increases the risk of scarring and infection. Furthermore, if the mole is a melanoma, the cancer cells may remain in the skin, which is why the right dermatological treatment is so important.

Getting Expert Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

While most moles may be harmless, it is important to have them examined by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or physician assistant to know with certainty. Our board-certified dermatological providers have extensive experience treating and evaluating moles for potential melanoma. If you have concerns about your moles or notice any changes in their appearance, contact Dermatology Associated of Atlanta to schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional skin care tips, practice updates, and much more.

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Provider of the Month: Jan Buckley-Levenson, C.C.E.

Laser Hair Removal, Provider dermatology, skin care

All of the board-certified and licensed providers here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta pride themselves on not just being able to perform the best possible general and cosmetic dermatology services for our patients, but really getting to know our patients as well. Our fully personalized and intimate approach to treatment is perhaps why so many of our patients have been coming back to us for so long. With this in mind, we are so happy to present our Provider of the Month for November, Jan Buckley-Levenson, C.C.E..

Background & Training

Originally from Panama City, Florida, Jan Buckley-Levenson is a Certified Clinical Electrologist (CCE). For anyone unfamiliar, Clinical Electrologists are medical and beauty technicians who specialize in hair removal technologies. Jan earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Troy State University and would then go on to graduate from the International Center for the Study of Electrology. She is an active member of the International Guild of Professional Electrologists. Jan was included in an early FDA study of laser hair removal in 1995 which helped lead to the treatment becoming FDA-approved the following year. This passion for hair removal led her to run one of the first hair removal centers in Atlanta at our Skin Medics™ Medical Spa.

Jan Buckley-Levenson’s Skin Care Specialties

Jan has over 30 years of experience working in cosmetic dermatology and specializes in hair removal. She is skilled in helping patients remove unwanted hair from areas all over the face and body with the utmost comfort, safety, and effectiveness. Jan is passionate about continually adding to her skill set and keeping up-to-date with the newest hair removal technology and techniques available.

Outside of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

When Jan is not working to help our patients in the office, she enjoys spending her time outdoors and working on her large vegetable garden that she has been crafting for years.

Appointments with Jan Buckley-Levenson

We hope our readers found this information on Jan and her expertise helpful and informative. For more information or If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Jan or any of our other board-certified providers, please contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Dermatitis

Dermatitis, Skin Condition dermatology, Neurodermatitis, rashes, skin

Last month we focused our skin condition of the month series on eczema. If you recall, we briefly touched on the fact that while eczema is a type of dermatitis, dermatitis also encompasses other rashes and skin inflammation that are not considered eczema. So, this month we would like to highlight dermatitis and bring some clarity to what this skin condition is and how we treat it.

What is Dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a non-contagious skin condition used to describe a variety of rashes and skin inflammation. There are nine different types of dermatitis, each with its own symptoms, triggers, and treatments. The severity of the condition will vary from person to person, and some conditions tend to clear up without medical intervention. The different forms of dermatitis are as follows:

Atopic Dermatitis: Also known as eczema. This condition typically develops during childhood and can reoccur throughout adulthood. The most common symptom is itchy patches of skin.

Contact Dermatitis: Arises when the skin comes into contact with an irritant, producing an allergic reaction.

Diaper Rash: Irritated, inflamed skin found typically found on a baby’s bottom. Diaper rash commonly occurs from wet diapers that are not frequently changed.

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis: A rash that causes tiny blisters to form on both the hands and feet.

Neurodermatitis: Begins with patches of itchy skin but worsens with constant scratching. It’s common for neurodermatitis to affect sensitive areas of the body.

Nummular Dermatitis: An eczema rash that is round in shape and occurs after trauma to the skin, such as burns, abrasions, and insect bites.

Perioral/Periorificial Dermatitis: This consists of small red bumps that occur around the mouth, nose, and eyes, causing the skin to become swollen and dry.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Commonly known as dandruff or cradle cap. However, this type of dermatitis can occur in other areas of the body where the oil glands are most productive. These areas can include the face, back, chest, behind the ears, groin and breast regions, and the bends of the arms.

Stasis Dermatitis: Most commonly found on lower extremities where varicose veins occur. Typically develops in individuals with poor blood flow.

Causes and Symptoms of Dermatitis

Eczema and dermatitis share similar causes and symptoms. For example, eczema, genetics, environment, immune system, and exposure to irritants can cause rashes and skin inflammation. While some forms of dermatitis have unique symptoms, general symptoms can indicate a case of dermatitis and include the following:

Dry, itchy, or flaky skin
Bumps or blisters (that may ooze or bleed in some cases)
Swelling, crusting, or scaling skin
Rash
What are the Treatments for Dermatitis?

Treating dermatitis depends on the type of rash that is diagnosed. Sometimes, it is as simple as avoiding the irritant causing the rash or skin inflammation. In other cases, prescription medications may be recommended. Here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we tailor treatment plans to the specific needs of each patient after performing a comprehensive examination of the affected area. Some common dermatitis treatments we recommend include:
Corticosteroid creams
Oral antihistamines
Hydrating lotion
Anti-dandruff shampoo
Cold compress and cool baths
Systemic steroids
Biologics
Light treatments

Getting Expert Dermatitis Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

We understand the importance of providing expert medical care when treating dermatitis and our goal is always to provide our patients with the relief that they deserve. When evaluating for dermatitis in our office, we may perform a patch test to help determine the specific type and cause of the condition. If you are dealing with dermatitis, schedule your appointment with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today so that one of our board-certified dermatologists or physician assistants can provide the treatment that you need. For more information and skin health tips, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Eczema

Skin Condition dermatology, eczema, skin care

Our dermis works in such a way that it acts as a barrier, protecting our bodies from irritants and allergens. Unfortunately, eczema weakens that barrier, leaving the dermis susceptible to dryness and infection. We at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta understand the difficulties of living with eczema and strive to help our patients easily manage their eczema symptoms. This month, we are highlighting eczema to help our readers better understand one of the most common skin conditions affecting Americans.

What is Eczema?

You may often hear the terms eczema and dermatitis used interchangeably, but these conditions are not the same. Eczema is a type of dermatitis (known as atopic dermatitis), but dermatitis also embodies other rashes that fall outside the scope of eczema. When talking about eczema, we are referring to a chronic skin condition that causes patches on one’s skin to become itchy and irritated. Eczema is not a contagious condition, so it cannot be spread to others. There are seven different types of eczema, each with its own symptoms and triggers, but we have focused on the four most common here and will cover the others in our upcoming blog about Dermatitis:

Atopic Dermatitis is the most common type of Eczema. It appears as flaky, circular areas on the skin that are typically reddish in color and tends to crust.
Dyshidrotic Eczema presents itself as small blisters that form on both the hands and feet. Typically, nickel and cobalt items can cause flare-ups, but there can also be other triggers.
Hand Eczema may look like dry skin, but it is more severe and is not soothed by moisturizer. This type of eczema typically develops in individuals who frequently work with chemicals, such as construction workers or hair stylists.
Nummular Eczema is round in shape and tends to occur after skin injuries such as burns, abrasions, or insect bites.

Causes and Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema can occur for various reasons, but the most common causes are genetics, stress levels, environmental agents, foods, cosmetics, living organisms, and different household products. The cause of eczema will vary from person to person, and patch testing – which tests your skin’s reaction to allergens – can help isolate the potential cause of a patient’s eczema rash.

Each type of eczema also presents with different symptoms and severity levels. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

Itchy, dry skin (with or without deep cracks)
Rash
Bumps that appear like blisters or sores
Skin that seems leathery in texture
Oozing or bleeding skin
Pain and sensations of burning

How Can Eczema Be Treated?

The type of eczema rash a patient experiences will determine the most helpful treatment method. Prescription creams and antibiotics may be required to effectively treat eczema. There are many new medications (topical, oral, and injectable) that can treat the most common type (atopic dermatitis) successfully. Our dermatology providers specialize in developing customized treatment plans based on each patient’s eczema diagnosis and skin type. Some of our treatments for eczema include:

Antihistamines
Creams with anti-itch properties
Custom prescription compounds
Antibiotics
Immune-suppressing medications like Cyclosporine A

When discussing potential treatment plans, we may also recommend home remedies in conjunction with any prescription we provide, such as taking lukewarm baths, applying moisturizers after bathing, and using cold compresses.

Getting Expert Eczema Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

If you are suffering from eczema, getting expert medical help is essential. The Eczema Center at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta specializes in treating eczema, skin allergies, and sensitive skin. We will provide patch testing and we pride ourselves on providing the most comprehensive treatment available, as well as additional modes of testing to help our patients identify triggers and find relief from eczema. Please schedule your appointment with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today so that one of our board-certified dermatologists or physician assistants can provide the treatment that you need. For more information and skin health tips, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Sun Damage

Skin Condition blog, dermatology, health, skin care, sun damage

Sun damage can affect people of all ages and stages – however, for many, it may not be noticeable until later in life. Read on to learn about the causes and treatments of this common and cumulative Skin Condition of the Month: Sun Damage.

What Causes Sun Damage?

Your skin contains many different types of cells – the cells that create pigment are called melanocytes. When your body detects too much sun exposure, your melanocytes produce extra pigment in order to protect the deeper layers of your skin. Over time, this damage accumulates and surfaces as sun damage. Sun damage can present in many different ways but is most commonly observed in the form of photoaging. Photoaging often presents as dull skin, wrinkles, age spots & hyperpigmentation. However, sun damage can also present itself in a more worrisome form – melanoma.

Why Is Sun Damage Dangerous?

In short, yes. While photoaging caused by the sun is largely a cosmetic concern, as sun damage increases, the odds that it could turn into a dangerous skin condition such as actinic keratosis (AK), also increases.AKs are often a precursor to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas. They most commonly appear on skin most vulnerable to the sun such as the face, ears, scalp, hands, neck, or lips.

What Precautions Prevent Sun Damage?

The best way to minimize damage from the sun is to prevent it! Here are some preventative measures you can take to stop sun damage before it starts:

Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
Wear protective clothing, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
Reapply sunscreen regularly
Stay out of the sun during peak UV hours (between 10:00 am & 4:00 pm)
Utilize shaded areas including umbrellas, tents, and other coverings
Avoid tanning beds
Avoid the sun completely when undergoing cosmetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels.
Follow a preventative skin care regimen

How to Identify Actinic Keratosis

While AKs tend to vary in their appearance, here is a list of their most common signs:

New patches or bumps, especially on commonly exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, hands, neck, or lips.
Small, rough, or scaly patches of skin
Warlike bumps with a hard, raised appearance
Variations in color
Crusting, burning, itching, or bleeding skin

If you find an area of skin that you suspect to be an actinic keratosis, please call and schedule an appointment with one of our dermatology providers immediately.

How Is Sun Damage Treated?

While we offer multiple treatments for sun damage, two of our newest treatments include Cartessa™ Tetra Cool CO2 Laser and LEVULAN® KERASTICK®. Cartessa™ Tetra Cool CO2 Laser is the first CO2-based laser treatment to utilize advanced CoolPeel® technology. The CoolPeel® system uses a high-powered short pulse laser and delivers a precise, fully-ablative treatment to the tissue in the affected area. The Cartessa™ Tetra Cool CO2 Laser also treats scarring, moles, and other imperfections in addition to sun damage. Next up, we have the LEVULAN® KERASTICK®. This treatment improves AKs by combining prescription medicine and red light therapy. This innovative treatment is covered by most commercial insurance and Medicare, is long-lasting, and only targets the layer of skin containing AKs. We also offer a variety of other laser treatments that help to improve the visible signs of sun damage.

One of the best steps that you can take to avoid sun damage is to book an appointment with a licensed dermatology professional here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. We can diagnose, treat, and help you prevent potentially dangerous sun damage! We look forward to sharing next month’s “Skin Condition of the Month,” so stay tuned! Don’t forget to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for regular practice updates, skin care tips, and more.

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Provider of the Month Blog: Danna Dennis Calder, PA-C

Provider aging, dermatology, hair loss, provider, sun damage

For those of you who are new here, every month, we feature a provider on our blog as our “Provider of the Month.” We dedicate the honor to someone on our team who has shown excellence in dermatological care and deserves accolades for their accomplishments. This month, our deserving featured provider is Danna Dennis Calder, PA-C. Read on to learn about Danna’s education, work experience, expertise, and associations as a dermatology provider here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta!

Education & Work Experience

Danna’s experience in the medical field began in her native city, Los Angeles. After graduating with honors and her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California, Danna began her dermatology career at a prominent practice in Beverly Hills. She remained at the practice for five years before she attended Emory University’s Physician Assistant program. Danna graduated with honors and her master’s in medical science (M.M.Sc.) from Emory. After obtaining her master’s, Danna spent seven years working in internal medicine and rheumatology. In 2006, Danna went back to practicing her first love – dermatology. During this time, she also became a valuable member of the Dermatology Associates of Atlanta staff!

Expertise

Danna has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating both clinical and cosmetic dermatological issues. Here are just a few of the conditions that Danna treats regularly:

–Acne

-Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis

–Hair loss

-Varicose & spider veins

-Facial aging & laxity

-Sun damage

And much, much more!

Danna is an expert at treating various cosmetic issues with the latest technologies. Some of the regular treatments options she provides include:

-Botox® & facial fillers for facial aging

-Sclerotherapy for varicose and spider veins

–Cartessa™ Tetra Cool CO2 Laser for wrinkles, sun damage, scarring, and moles

-LEVULAN® KERASTICK® for sun damage

-And more!

Book an appointment with Danna today to learn more about her treatment offerings!

Associations

Danna remains active in many professional organizations – both locally and nationally. She maintains positions in the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (PEARLS faculty member), the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Her expertise and caring approach help put patients at ease during appointments and treatments. She is a delight to know. Here’s what a patient had to say about their experience with Danna:

“I had a perfect experience in this office. I was seen on time. The waiting area was very clean and spacious. The staff was so friendly from start to finish. I was seen by their wonderful and talented PA, Danna Calder. I would absolutely request her next time too!” -Paula H.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Danna, please call our office at (404) 256-4457.

Stay tuned for next month’s Provider of the Month blog to learn about another one of our exceptional providers! In the meantime, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Sunburn

Skin Condition blog, dermatology, skin care, skin damage, sunburn

sunburn treatments atlanta ga This August, we are continuing our Skin Condition of the Month blog series by highlighting one of the most insidious skin conditions – sunburns. While this skin condition is widespread and typically short-lived, it can lead to long-term skin damage. To help you better understand sunburns, our experts here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are answering the question, “What are the long-term health effects of sunburns?”

What Is a Sunburn?

The body may experience an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet radiation (UV) when out in the sun for extended periods. This reaction can result in the painful red, blistering, swollen skin condition commonly known as sunburn. Many people may not realize when they get a sunburn, it’s a potentially dangerous skin condition and should be treated with great care to avoid long-term skin damage.

Long-Term Effects of Sunburns

Infection

If you have a sunburn, try not to scratch blisters or irritated skin. Doing so could put you at risk for a potential bacterial infection. Additionally, sunburns can activate the herpes virus in some patients. If you experience signs of a bacterial infection such as severe swelling, oozing, and redness, or symptoms of herpes such as a cold sore, schedule an appointment with us immediately for a professional evaluation.

Skin Cancer

Sunburns range in severity, but it is important to note that just five sunburns in your lifetime could more than double your risk of developing melanoma. Sun damage is cumulative, meaning it builds up over time with repeated exposure. The more often you get a sunburn, the greater your chances of finding melanoma and other forms of skin cancers later on. It is important to note that melanoma has a 99% 5-year survival rate when detected early. That is why scheduling your yearly skin check with us is essential.

Premature Aging

If you thought gravity was aging you, think again! UV light is responsible for 90% of visible changes to the skin. This process is called photoaging and accumulates slowly over time, showing up later in the form of sunspots, actinic keratoses (AKs), melasma, wrinkles, collagen loss, and dull skin.

Prevention

While we offer a variety of treatment solutions to mitigate the long-term side effects of sunburns, the best defense is prevention. Here are some sunburn prevention tips:

Wear sun protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (even on overcast, cold days and in the car)
Reapply sunscreen as needed
Avoid the outdoors during peak sun hours (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Avoid tanning beds at all times

Although the summertime is coming to a close, we urge you to continue protecting yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV rays! If you are concerned about the long-term impact of sun exposure on your skin, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule a consultation today. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and to subscribe to our newsletter for regular practice updates, skin care tips, and more. Stay tuned to see what our next Skin Condition of the Month will be!

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Hear From Real Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Patients

Patient Reviews, Provider dermatology, microblading, reviews, skin cancer, skin care

It’s always such a pleasure when we get to hear back from patients that we have been able to help with our clinical and cosmetic dermatology services in the past. Here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, it has always been our goal to go the extra mile and do everything we can to ensure a comfortable, satisfying, and ultimately enriching experience for our patients. Skin care from head to toe is our philosophy and we take it quite seriously. Receiving positive feedback lets us know that we are hitting the mark. So with this in mind, we wanted to present the following dermatology testimonials from some of our incredible patients:

Dr. D. Scott Karempelis

“I had an appointment with Dr. Karempelis for a skin problem and I was very impressed. Most doctors are satisfied just diagnosing and treating the problem. This guy actually took the time to educate me on the condition in a way that was very easy to understand. I now have more alternatives to treat the condition on my own. I highly recommend him!”

Lee D.

Dr. Ashley R. Curtis

Dr. Curtis is an excellent dermatologist that I would highly recommend to anyone. I’ve been dealing with a skin issue for over 2 years which totally puzzled my past dermatologist. As soon as Dr. Curtis saw me, she immediately diagnosed the issue and within 3 weeks I was so much better. In addition, Dr. Curtis’ staff is wonderful to work with and truly takes care of their patients. Thank you Dr. Curtis for all you do.

Carol S.

Dr. Joseph R. Payne

Dr. Payne is super thorough and the office is really beautiful. The office is also very prompt in scheduling an appointment if you have a concern, which is critical to anyone who has a history of skin cancer.

PJ F.

Mara P. Grosswald, PA-C

The staff and doctors here are amazing here! I couldn’t be happier. I have referred a few people here who have had the same great experience. I would definitely recommend seeing Mara Grosswald. Mara made me feel so comfortable and she is a master at what she does. I made my boyfriend make an appointment with her the next day because I trusted her judgment so much. She gets 5 stars in our book!

Lauren W.

Delmer L. Henderson, PA-C

I could not say how thankful I am to Delmer for his work on my laser treatment to correct an eyebrow from a previous microblading treatment at a different practice. I started my treatment very afraid , because I was traumatized from my microblading results. Delmer was very kind and was very careful during each session. His assistant was an amazing person as well. Thank you both, so much!

Luciana N.

Danna D. Calder, PA-C

I had a perfect experience in this office. I was seen on time. The waiting area was very clean and spacious. The staff was so friendly from start to finish. I was seen by their wonderful and talented PA, Danna Calder. I would absolutely request her next time too!

Paula H.

We love receiving reviews, both to hear back from our wonderful patients and also to reinforce to new patients that they will be in trustworthy and dependable hands when they visit us for the first time. For more information or to schedule a dermatology appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists or physician assistants, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for even more patient stories, skin care tips, and much more.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Rosacea

Rosacea blog, dermatology, laser therapy, rosacea, skin

Excellent skin health begins with a working knowledge of your skin and the ability to recognize what is and isn’t normal. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, our goal is to go beyond providing the best skin care from head to toe by educating our patients and others in the Atlanta area about their skin. This is the aim of our Skin Condition of the Month blog series.

This month, we’re bringing you a thorough look at one of the most common yet often overlooked skin conditions: rosacea.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes blood vessels in your face to dilate excessively. This leads to frequent and persistent facial redness which can also include inflammation, facial spider veins, and acne-like bumps. These symptoms usually appear on the central face including your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, but they can expand to your ears and neck over time.

There are four types of rosacea, each with slightly different symptoms and severity levels:

Type I or vascular rosacea, which primarily causes redness in the central face, and potentially stinging and burning sensations
Type II or inflammatory rosacea, which causes inflammation and redness as well as acne-like pimples
Type III or late rosacea, which causes redness and inflammation as well as thicker, ruddy skin, especially on the nose
Type IV or ocular rosacea, which involves watery, bloodshot eyes that are also often dry and more sensitive to light

What Causes Rosacea and Rosacea Symptoms?

Medical researchers are still investigating what causes rosacea. We know that it has a genetic link but it isn’t known why some people in a particular family will get rosacea and others won’t.

Rosacea symptoms are a bit more understood. The symptoms tend to rise and fall, with flare-ups that are usually triggered by certain environmental factors. Each person has different triggers that spark their rosacea symptoms, but the most common triggers include:

Sun exposure
Stress
Spicy foods
Hot beverages
Alcoholic drinks, especially red wine
Severe temperatures
Harsh skin care products
Strenuous exercise

What Are the Treatments for Rosacea?

As a chronic condition, rosacea cannot be cured. There are effective treatments, though, that can manage and minimize your symptoms. Only an experienced, skilled medical professional like a board-certified dermatologist or a physician assistant specializing in dermatology should create a rosacea treatment plan.

One of the most effective treatments for rosacea is laser therapy. Laser treatments with the Vbeam® Prima or intense pulsed light (IPL) lasers treat rosacea by non-invasively collapsing excess blood vessels under your skin. Your body naturally removes these blood vessels so you experience less facial redness and other symptoms. In cases of late rosacea, CO2 lasers can also reduce thickened skin.

Antibiotics or certain diuretics are often used to treat rosacea too. Depending on your rosacea and your specific needs, topical or oral antibiotics can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria on your skin that is contributing to your symptoms. Specific oral diuretics can also reduce inflammation and diminish acne breakouts.

Along with medical rosacea treatments, it’s important to minimize your symptoms by managing your triggers. Observe your flare-ups to identify your rosacea triggers and find ways to reduce your exposure to those triggers. This could include wearing hats and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, choosing white wine over red wine, trading hot coffee for iced coffee, using skin care products for sensitive skin, and avoiding harsh skin care products with salicylic or glycolic acid, and so on.

Expert Rosacea Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

If you believe you may have rosacea or if you have been diagnosed but aren’t getting effective treatment, our medical team is here to help. Call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable, experienced providers so we can put you on the best treatment plan to help your rosacea. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin health tips and our future skin conditions of the month.

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Provider of the Month: Dr. D. Scott Karempelis

Provider, Skin Cancer blog, dermatology, Mohs, provider, skin cancer

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is widely seen as one of the most respected dermatology practices in the area, providing outstanding skin care from head to toe and top-notch patient care. A large part of the reason for this reputation is our team of exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate skin care providers. To help you get to know them better, we’re highlighting one provider each month in our blog and newsletter. This July, our provider of the month is Dr. D. Scott Karempelis, or Dr. K as he’s known throughout the office.

Dr. K’s Extensive Background in Training and Education

Dr. K is an extremely well-trained and experienced physician and surgeon. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin before earning his MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He then completed an internship at LaCrosse Luther Hospital/Gunderson Clinic and a residency at the University of Minnesota Hospital. Dr. K officially became a board-certified dermatologist in 1985. In the years since his knowledge has only grown as he has continued to stay on top of the latest advancements in dermatology.

An Esteemed Leader at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

In 1986, Dr. K moved to Georgia from Wisconsin to team up with the founder of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, Dr. Edmond Griffin. As the first partner in the practice, he has been instrumental in growing Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to be the authority in skin, hair, and nail health that it is today.

One of Dr. K’s top specialties is laser therapy. In fact, he directed the launch and growth of our Laser Institute of Georgia, the first laser center of its kind to open in the area. He has grown this specialty center to be one of the largest in the Southeast with over 20 cutting-edge lasers. With lasers designed to treat skin cancer and other serious conditions along with cosmetic issues like wrinkles and unwanted tattoos, the Laser Institute of Georgia is a resource for Atlantans and Georgians.

Another important specialty in Dr. K’s career is Mohs skin cancer removal surgery. Not only has he been performing this highly precise and unique surgery for decades, but he has been teaching other physicians to perform it since the 1980s. As richly knowledgeable as Dr. K is in his top specialties, his skill is so broad that it would be difficult to find a skin condition he doesn’t diagnose and treat expertly.

Outside Dermatology

As much as Dr. K thrives on providing his patients with the most cutting-edge, customized care for their needs, he has plenty of fun outside of work too. You’re likely to find him water skiing or snow skiing depending on the season, and every fall he’s cheering on the UGA football team. He loves spending time with his wife and their family, including three sons and six grandkids.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. D. Scott Karempelis

If you’re interested in the care and expertise that Dr. K brings to the table, now is the time to book your appointment for your skin cancer screening, skin health exam, or cosmetic treatment. Contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule your appointment.

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