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5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE, Suite 190
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 256-4457 Toll-Free: (800) 233-0706
Administrative Office hours:  Mon. -Thurs. at 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Fri. at 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM  
Doctors’ hours will differ from Administrative Office hours, please call for Doctors’ hours.
The Medical Quarters
5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE, Suite 190
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 256-4457 Toll-Free: (800) 233-0706
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psoriasis

Dermatology Condition of the Month: Answering Questions About Psoriasis

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skin-condition-on-elbowWelcome back to our Skin Condition of the Month blog series, where we highlight a specific skin care condition or issue, as well as what can be done to successfully address it. This month, we have psoriasis on our minds. Over 7.5 million Americans currency experience psoriasis, a chronic condition caused by an immune system irregularity that triggers faster reproduction of skin cells. Our board-certified dermatology experts wanted to take some time to answer some commonly asked questions about psoriasis and how it affects people to better educate our readers.

Question #1: What causes psoriasis to develop in the first place?

Psoriasis is a genetic condition, however it is often more complicated than that. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, having a parent (or both parents) with psoriasis does make someone far more likely to experience the condition, there’s more to the development of psoriasis than family history. And having a family history of psoriasis does not mean that someone will definitely experience it themselves. Certain environmental triggers including hormonal changes, some infections, and skin trauma can interact with genes and spark the development of psoriasis.

Question #2: Are psoriasis symptoms worse during certain times of year?

For many people, the fall and winter seasons are a time when psoriasis symptoms can be more pronounced. The combination of the colder, dryer weather this time of year and less exposure to sunlight makes for potentially dry, flaky, and itchy skin for people who experience psoriasis. Try to keep your skin moisturized and manage your holiday stress in a healthy way, as excess stress can also worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Question #3: What cosmetic treatments are effective for treating psoriasis?

In order to effectively treat psoriasis, our dermatology experts must first determine the type of psoriasis you experience and the root cause of your issues. While psoriasis is a chronic condition that cannot be “cured”, its symptoms can be managed in extremely effective ways. We’ve had success using a variety of therapies for psoriasis including topical medications, the PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser system, oral and injectable medicines (biologics), and more.

As with any other dermatological condition, the first step to treating and managing psoriasis is receiving a proper diagnosis from a board-certified dermatology specialist. We have been serving the Atlanta area for over forty years and our experts have the knowledge and experience to effectively address any skin care concern or dermatological issue. For more information on psoriasis and our available treatment options, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Psoriasis

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psoriasisPsoriasis is a more common skin condition than many people realize – in fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it impacts about 7.5 million Americans. Understanding more about this condition can help you recognize the symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, leading to earlier diagnosis and more efficient treatment.

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we treat patients with psoriasis on a daily basis and we’re dedicating this blog to giving you the essentials you need to know.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic immune condition that causes your body’s immune system to attack your skin cells. As a response to these attacks, your body produces skin cells at an excessively rapid rate, and this leads to rashes on different areas of your body that are inflamed, flaky, scaly, dry, and itchy.

The symptoms can vary depending on the type of psoriasis you have. There are five main types of psoriasis:

  • Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, causes patches of the psoriasis rash (called plaques) on different areas of the body
  • Inverse psoriasis causes rashes and irritation within folds of the skin or in high-friction areas like the underarms or groin
  • Guttate psoriasis is typically triggered by an illness like an upper respiratory infection or strep infection, and it causes small red spots on the skin
  • Pustular psoriasis, a rare form of psoriasis, causes patchy red rashes that are surrounded by white blisters
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis, the rarest form of psoriasis, causes widespread skin inflammation and rashes throughout the body

The only way to know whether you have psoriasis and to determine what type of psoriasis you have is to visit an experienced medical professional specializing in dermatology. Our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are highly qualified to diagnose and treat psoriasis. We are proud to have a state-of-the-art psoriasis center with many options available for treating psoriasis.

What Causes Psoriasis?

While researchers haven’t yet determined exactly what causes psoriasis, it appears to be a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. We know that it runs in families and that certain genes have been found to increase the risk of developing psoriasis, but there are many people who have these genes and don’t get psoriasis (and people who get psoriasis without having these genes). This is why it is so important to visit a healthcare provider who is experienced in psoriasis to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

There are also triggers that can cause psoriasis symptoms to appear for the first time and can spark flare-ups of psoriasis symptoms. These triggers will vary from person to person, but common psoriasis triggers include stress, infections, skin injuries, select medications, tobacco use, certain types of weather especially dry and cold weather, and heavy alcohol use.

What Are the Treatments for Psoriasis?

Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available for psoriasis. Where there is no medication or procedure to cure psoriasis, there are several ways we can manage and minimize the symptoms.

The treatment plan will vary based on the type of psoriasis a person has, their specific medical circumstances, the severity and location of the symptoms, and more. Treatments can include topical medications including prescription topical medications as well as systemic medications. Some patients, especially those with severe psoriasis, may be candidates for a unique treatment called photodynamic therapy. During this procedure, our dermatology specialists use a combination of a topical product and precise ultraviolet light to slow your skin cell reproduction.

Getting Expert Psoriasis Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

Our providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta have extensive experience in treating psoriasis, with some providers participating in cutting-edge research into psoriasis as well. If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis or believe you may have psoriasis, schedule an appointment at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to get the specialized care you need. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin health tips.

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Skin Health: Rashes

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psoriasisOne of the primary challenges in monitoring your own health is that many conditions have symptoms that are hard to detect, or they may have no symptoms at all. That’s where skin conditions are unique, because in many cases, you can see the symptoms with your own eyes.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to interpret every skin symptom when it appears, though. To help you better understand your skin, our experienced providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are featuring a different skin condition each month. This month, we’re highlighting one of the most noticeable skin issues: rashes.

What Are Rashes?

“Rash” is actually a very general term that refers to an area of irritated skin. Each rash has its own characteristics and symptoms. It may be red and inflamed, swollen, itchy, painful, scaly, blistered, or a combination of symptoms. Some rashes are bumpy while others are flat.

What Causes Rashes?

Just as there are many types of rashes, there are countless potential causes for a rash too. Some rashes are caused by contact with an irritant or an allergen. Your skin doesn’t need to contact the allergen; even eating something you’re allergic to, for example, can spark a rash. Rashes can also come from skin infections or from chronic skin conditions. A rash could even be a sign of an underlying health condition like lupus.

Generally, the most common types and causes of rashes include:

  • Contact dermatitis
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Hives
  • Psoriasis
  • Obstructed sweat (causing a heat rash)
  • Shingles
  • Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
  • Insect bites or stings
  • Food or drug allergies
  • Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff
  • Chickenpox
  • Measles

Why Are Rashes a Problem?

Many people see rashes as common problems that will go away on their own with little or no treatment. That may be true if your rash is caused by a temporary circumstance with no lasting effects, such as a heat rash. Some rashes, though, are warning signs from your body. For example, shingles create a rash as one of the earliest symptoms, and it can result in long-term nerve damage if you don’t get treatment right away. There is no way to know whether your rash is a cause for concern without medical care.

Of course, on top of the potential for underlying health issues, rashes are uncomfortable. Some may be contagious, and many are itchy or painful enough to affect your day-to-day life. This alone is enough of a reason to seek treatment rather than waiting for the rash to resolve on its own.

What to Do if You Have a Rash

If you have a rash, it’s important to schedule a dermatology appointment promptly to determine what your rash is and treat it accordingly, or to refer you to another specialist if necessary. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s exceptional team of board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants are often able to accommodate short-notice appointments for rashes and other sudden skin issues.

Remember to follow Dermatology Associates of Atlanta on Facebook and Instagram for more skin health tips. Keep an eye out for new installments of our “Skin Health Highlight” series each month on our blog as well.

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Skin Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

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If you’ve experienced skin allergies, you’re likely aware of how frustrating and difficult it can be to maintain healthy skin. Many people tend to self-diagnose, which is often inaccurate and may worsen negative symptoms. If you want to take charge of your skin health, it’s best to receive the expert diagnosis and treatment from an experienced provider at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

rosacea, eczema, skin allergies, dermatology, psoriasisDiagnosing the underlying skin allergy or condition

There are a number of factors that affect the severity and frequency of skin allergies. To curb negative physical effects, you must first understand your “triggers”—a term that describes the environmental factors that cause your skin to have a reaction. Common triggers are cosmetic products, sun exposure, certain fabrics, alcohol, dry weather, deodorant, laundry detergent, etc. When you have your in-person appointment at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we use a variety of testing methods to help determine which triggers could potentially be causing an allergic reaction on your skin.

It’s also possible that your skin is irritated from an existing dermatologic condition like rosacea, eczema or psoriasis that might be mistaken for skin allergies. When people don’t know their underlying skin issues, they can’t properly treat the root of the problem. Rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis can sometimes resemble the appearance of a skin allergy in the form of rashes, itchiness or inflammation. This is why accurate diagnosis at one of our specialty dermatology centers is crucial.

Treating your skin allergy or condition

Once your skin allergy has been accurately diagnosed, effective treatment will begin to improve symptoms and defend against future triggers. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and physicians assistants have extensive experience with customizing treatment for patients of all ages and skin types. We’ll use your diagnosis or patch test results to match you with effective skin products and advice on how you can sustain long-term relief from your skin allergy. Many patients are surprised at how drastically better they look and feel after making simple adjustments to their skincare routine. Based on your specific skin condition, you’ll receive a personalized topical prescription medication, oral medications, injectable medicine, light therapy or other advanced treatment.

Regardless if you’re experiencing a skin allergy for the first time or if it’s a chronic condition, we provide sustainable solutions that will help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, please call our office at (404) 256-4457. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more cosmetic and clinical dermatology information and updates on our cosmetic events and specials!

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Simple Skincare: Maximizing Skin Health with a Few Easy Steps

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For those with no serious skin conditions, skincare can be something that often falls to the wayside when schedules get busy during the holiday season. However, even if you don’t suffer from rosacea or acne and aren’t ready for wrinkle treatments, it’s important to take care of your skin now to prevent future issues like the signs of aging or even skin cancer. There are four main steps to maintaining healthy skin: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and apply sunscreen.

Cleanse: Choose a cleanser that works with your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, normal), and wash your skin once or twice a day with warm water. Over-cleansing can dry out your skin, and washing in very hot or cold water can cause broken capillaries or visible facial veins. Those with dry skin should choose a creamy cleanser, and oily-skinned individuals should opt for a clear cleanser. If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it with a makeup remover before going to bed to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up in your pores.

Exfoliate: In order to protect you from outside elements, your skin is constantly regenerating new skin cells. However, sometimes dead skin cells don’t slough off as easily as they should. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Using a gentle scrub with small polishing particles, lightly rub the face in a circular motion working from the inside out.

Each person’s exfoliation schedule depends on his or her skin type. Those with more sensitive facial skin may need to stick to weekly exfoliation, while those with more durable or oily skin may exfoliate more often. The key to exfoliation is gentleness. Remember that the exfoliation process is supposed to leave the skin healthier afterward, not irritated and red.

Moisturize: There are multiple moisturizers on the market that work well for individuals of all different skin types. Cleansing the face removes any dirt or oil that could clog pores, but it also often strips the skin of its natural moisturizing and protective oils. By applying the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type, your skin can replenish the oils eliminated by the cleanser and protect itself from outside elements.

Apply Sunscreen: Of all the skincare steps one should take, applying daily sunscreen is the most important. The main cause of wrinkles is unprotected sun exposure. UV rays hasten the aging process, breaking down the support structure behind the skin creating lax tissue that makes us look older than we are. A simple daily application of a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen on facial skin can help prevent advanced signs of aging as well as skin cancer. There are currently many moisturizers on the market that include SPF for a combination of the last two steps.

Skincare is often much simpler than people think. A quick 4-step regimen takes less than 10 minutes to complete and sets you up for healthy skin now and in the future. Our Skin Medics™ Medical Spa can formulate an easy skincare program catered toward your age and skin type.

For individuals who may suffer from dermatological problems like psoriasis or eczema and need more than a simple skincare regimen, we recommend you make an appointment with one of our highly trained dermatologists. We can also offer information on our other services like vein removal, laser tattoo removal, facial rejuvenation, and treatment of other skin conditions.

You can keep up with DAA’s latest news on Facebook and Twitter as well!

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Welcome to our Newest Dermatologist, Dr. Ashley R. Curtis!

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dermatology associates of atlantaDermatology Associates of Atlanta welcomes dermatologist, Dr. Ashley R. Curtis to our staff!  We are excited to have Dr. Curtis’ specialized knowledge of dermatology (i.e.- skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc.) as well as female hair-loss.  Dr. Curtis’ unique medical perspective will further enhance DAA’s dermatologist and provider team.

Dr. Curtis joins us from Winston-Salem, N.C. where she held the Chief Resident position at Wake Forest University Department of Dermatology.  When not practicing, Dr. Curtis used her time in North Carolina to write and review articles for the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and various publications for dermatology news.   She also enjoyed volunteering time at Wake Forest to help with skin cancer screenings and community care clinics.  We look forward to reading more of Dr. Curtis’ articles and witnessing her exemplary patient care.

Dr. Curtis is now accepting appointments and will begin seeing patients July 1st.  If you would like to know more about Dr. Ashley Curtis, we invite you to post your questions on DAA’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’re dedicated to fulfilling your skin care needs- head to toe, and would love to hear from you!

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Improper Usage of Ugg Boots Causing Foot Fungus

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Dermatology is an all-encompassing field of medicine including treatment and maintenance of the skin, hair, and nails.  In an effort to honor the “toe” portion of our promise to provide “head to toe skin care”, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta would like to warn you about a recent development surrounding the popular Ugg® boots, and how they could be contributing to foot fungus.  People buy Uggs®  because they are warm and cozy, but wearing them all the time, especially without socks, may compromise health in the long run.

Improper Usage of Ugg Boots Causing Foot FungusMany Ugg®  wearers habitually forego wearing socks.  The wool lining is nice and warm without socks, right?  While they may seem warm enough, foot fungus is more prevalent without socks because the boot’s wool interior and thick suede exterior will make feet sweat.  Without socks to help wick the sweat, the wool absorbs and holds the moisture (providing the perfect environment for fungus formation and bacteria growth).  Without a barrier to protect the wearer’s foot, they are then exposed to the bacteria and possible funguses in the shoe’s interior with every subsequent use.

The most common type of foot fungus is athlete’s feet, which is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton.  Some other skin conditions of the feet may include: contact dermatitis, allergic reaction, eczema, psoriasis, yeast infections, toenail fungus, or bacterial infections.  As previously stated, the fungus and bacteria that cause these conditions usually grow in warm, dark, and moist places.  Because these conditions are easy to create, socks are a worthwhile investment.

DAA does not blame the makers of Uggs®  for their comfortable boots causing foot fungus.  In fact, the skin conditions mentioned above can happen in any shoe if feet are not properly protected.  Our dermatologists suggest always wearing socks, and not wearing footwear that doesn’t allow feet to breathe for long periods of time.  If you’ve been experiencing foot conditions such as redness, rash, scaling, itching, cracked skin, or thick and discolored toenails it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to determine the proper treatment method.

For more information about the services we provide and our specialty centers, visit our website. Stay up to date on dermatology news and specials by continuing to read the blog.

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American Academy of Dermatology and Country Music Star LeAnn Rimes Team Up to Raise Awareness About Psoriasis

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LeAnn Rimes has been a popular country music singer in the media spotlight since the age of 9 – but what most people don’t know is that Rimes has been a psoriasis sufferer for even longer. Diagnosed at 2 years old, Rimes has had to actively manage her psoriasis because of her career; and is now partnering with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to encourage others to do the same.

The awareness campaign, called “Stop Hiding From Psoriasis”, asks psoriasis sufferers to take a stand by pledging to better manage their disease with the help of dermatologists.  They are asked to go online and make an official pledge at www.StopHiding.org. The “Stop Hiding From Psoriasis” campaign hopes to not only raise awareness of the disease to non-sufferers, but to help sufferers to better understand their disease and to be proactive about getting effective treatment.

According to the AAD and the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis affects about 7 million Americans. Symptoms include scaly areas of skin or red flaky skin that can itch or burn and are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and torso.

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA) are experts in the treatment of the disease and have a specialized, in-house Psoriasis Treatment Center. In addition to traditional topical treatments, DAA also has a PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser, the newest FDA approved laser light procedure that targets the specific areas affected by psoriasis with a concentrated beam of UV light. If you have psoriasis and would like to learn more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified dermatologists today.

We Dermatology Associates of Atlanta support any campaign that encourages people to be proactive about their skin health. We are happy to do anything we can to help psoriasis sufferers better manage their disease and fulfill their ‘Stop Hiding’ pledge.

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Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Introduce PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser: The Newest Laser Available for the Treatment of Psoriasis

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Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are excited and proud to introduce the PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser, the newest laser available for the treatment of psoriasis. The PHAROS Excimer laser will replace the XTRAC Excimer laser as our most effective and longest lasting laser psoriasis treatment yet.

The PHAROS Excimer laser works through a handheld device that emits concentrated beams of UV light.  Using targeted technology, the UV light specifically treats the psoriatic lesions, and leaves any surrounding, health skin and tissue unaffected.  Because of the maneuverability and precision of the device, the PHAROS Excimer is effective in the treatment of the most hard-to-treat areas, such as the hand, feet, elbows, knees and even scalp!

PHAROS Excimer laser treatments are completely painless and only take a few minutes to perform. Most treatment plans require sessions 2 times a week for 4 to 6 weeks. Many patients will experience clearing of psoriasis symptoms in 10 or fewer treatments, with remission results lasting several months.

Visit our website for more information on psoriasis or the PHAROS Excimer laser.  If you suffer from psoriasis, PHAROS Excimer could be the solution, so schedule an appointment with one of our board certified dermatologists to see if it is the right treatment for you.

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Losing confidence from Psoriasis? Dermatology Associates of Atlanta and the PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser help you get back on TRACK!

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Patients suffering from psoriasis often feel a diminished level in their quality of life. They know that treatments for this condition are difficult to apply, expensive, and frequently ineffective. Oral medicines alone usually have toxic side effects. Topical steroids provide only temporary relief. The condition is not life-threatening, but when patients are embarrassed to be seen in public due to it, they will hunt high and low for a cure. Fortunately, the Psoriasis Treatment Center at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, originally opened by Dr. Edmond Griffin, brings an option that may benefit all those suffering from psoriasis: the Excimer Laser system, the latest in technology for treating psoriasis.

Unlike other lasers of its kind, the PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser uses narrow, concentrated beams of UV light, so that it can treat the specific affected area without affecting other, healthy parts of the body. Because the bandwidth of this laser is so narrow, the Excimer laser can treat more hard-to-reach areas like the hands and feet. The PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser can even effectively treat the most hard- to-treat area of the body: the scalp. By applying special oil to the scalp, the PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser can target the psoriasis without affecting the surrounding hair! PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser treatments only take a couple of minutes and most patients will see an improvement or disappearance of damaged skin after just 6 to 10 treatments; and unlike other Psoriasis treatments, Excimer laser does not carry the drawbacks of premature aging of healthy skin, skin thinning, or resistance to medication.

Psoriasis is a more common condition than one might think – affecting about 7.5 million Americans (according to The National Psoriasis Foundation). The most common form of psoriasis, affecting about 80 percent of patients, is called plaque psoriasis and is characterized by patches of red, inflamed, and slightly raised skin. The affected skin is oftentimes covered with silvery scales and is found most typically around the elbows, knees, and lower back. Other types of psoriasis include Guttate (small red spots on the skin, mostly on the limbs), Inverse (smooth, red patches of skin normally found in skin folds like armpits, around the groin, and under the breasts), pustular (white blisters filled with pus and surrounded by red skin that eventually scales over), and erythrodermic (larger areas of skin covering much of the body that experiences episodes of severe pain, itching, and skin shedding).

Because psoriasis is a chronic condition, patients will never be completely rid of it. However, effective treatments using the PHAROS EX-308 Excimer Laser, like the one available at the Psoriasis Treatment Center at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, can make the symptoms disappear more completely and for longer periods of time.

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*Disclaimer: The content on Dermatology Associates of Atlanta's website is intended to educate patients about skin conditions and treatments, but is not to be taken as medical advice. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is not responsible for any omissions of information or any damages arising from the display of said content. Dermatologic treatment must be determined on a per patient basis by a board certified physician. It is recommended that you obtain assistance from a licensed professional for any treatment questions. Treatment results may vary from person to person.

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