Do your warts still look the same even though you've been using a wart remover every day? Unfortunately, over-the-counter products aren't always helpful. Your Rockville, MD, dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology offer several wart treatments that are much more effective than drugstore products.

Why you may still have warts after at-home treatment

Wart removers must completely penetrate the deepest layers of the wart to be effective. Unfortunately, over-the-counter wart removers aren't always strong enough to reach these layers. Have you tried a product that claims it will remove your wart by freezing it? Over-the-counter products designed to freeze skin cells may not actually get cold enough to do the job. Despite following the instructions on the package, you may still have a wart weeks later.

Visiting the dermatologist will help you get rid of your warts

Your skin doctor offers several wart removal methods that work much better than over-the-counter products. During your visit to the Rockville, MD, dermatology office, your dermatologist may recommend one of these wart treatments:

• Salicylic Acid: Although salicylic acid is also found in over-the-counter wart removers, the gel or cream prescribed by your skin doctor offers a stronger concentration of this important ingredient. Salicylic acid removes warts layer-by-layer and is applied to your skin nightly for several months.
• Cantharidin: Also a topical medication, cantharidin triggers the formation of a blister under your wart. The blister loosens the wart, making it easy to remove.
• Freezing: Freezing, also known as cryotherapy, involves spraying your wart with liquid nitrogen. After the treatment, your skin will blister and fall off, taking the wart with it.
• Electrodesiccation and Curettage: Your dermatologist scrapes off the wart, then uses an electric needle to get rid of any lingering wart cells.
• Immunotherapy: During this treatment, your skin doctor injects a chemical into the wart. Your body regards the chemical as an invader and leaps into action to remove it, along with your wart.
• Laser Therapy: Heat generated by laser light kills the virus and cuts off the blood supply to the wart. After the treatment, the wart soon falls off.

Are you ready to say goodbye to your warts? Call (240) 246-7417 to schedule an appointment with your dermatologists in Rockville, MD, at Shady Grove Dermatology.

Your dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD are here to help with all your skincare needs including pesky rashes.

Rashes

A rash causes changes in the appearance and texture of the skin. If you have a rash it may be itchy and bothersome, but we can help. Keep reading about common causes of rashes, and come see us if you have a rash.

Contact dermatitis

An allergic reaction can cause hives to appear rapidly. Everyone has different triggers or allergens that affect them, but common allergens to cause reactions are poison plants, rubber, metal jewelry, perfumes, lotions, soaps, and cosmetics. As long as you are no longer exposed to the allergen it can clear up within 2 to 4 weeks.

Eczema

Eczema causes patches of itchy, red, and dry skin. Eczema can be caused by genetics or environmental factors like allergens. There is no cure for eczema, but prescription medications and topical treatments can help relieve your symptoms

Infections

A rash can be a sign of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection. Some examples are ringworm and impetigo. They infect the top layer of the skin and cause itchiness and irritation, but we can prescribe treatment to ease the symptoms.

Treating Rashes

Your dermatologists in Rockville, MD, can help when you have a rash. Some rashes clear up on their own, like when an infection is rid from the body. Even if you have a type of rash that will clear up you don't have to suffer in the meantime. Contact your dermatologist and we can recommend topical treatments to soothe your symptoms.

If you have a rash and you don't know what's causing it, we can help. Come see your dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD. To make an appointment, contact us at (240) 246-7417.

Moles are normally harmless and can appear anywhere on your body. They’re normally round, brown or black, and can be flat or raised. When you start noticing changes to your moles or a sudden increase in how many you have, it may be a sign of something more serious affecting you. Your dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, can explain what irregularities in your moles may look like and when it’s time to get your moles checked out.

When to Get Your Moles Checked

Normally, moles are harmless and don’t affect your life in any way. Once you start noticing that there are changes in your moles, it’s time to visit your dermatologist in Rockville, MD, to check for signs of something more serious. When there are changes in your moles, it could be a sign that you’re dealing with skin cancer.

You should be checking your moles at home on a regular basis. There are a few common issues to keep an eye out for when examining your moles. If you notice that your moles are an irregular shape and aren’t round, they have irregular borders, they bleed, or have gotten bigger, you should be sure to visit your dermatologist as soon as possible for an exam.

You may also notice that the color of your mole has changed or that you’ve gained a significant amount of moles. You should be checking every area of your body, especially areas that see the sun on a regular basis. The sooner that you spot these changes, the easier it will be to treat.

Contact Your Dermatologist Today!

Don’t let your moles go unchecked! Contact your dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, to learn more about when to get your moles checked and why it’s so important to check them regularly. Call for more information and to schedule an appointment today at (240) 246-7417.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, acne can hit at the most inopportune times. However, adult acne is just no fun, as some people get it so bad they don’t want to leave home. The dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, offer a variety of adult acne treatments. 

How to Treat Your Adult Acne

Adult acne can be caused by any number of things, including stress, hormone changes, menopause, and more. Here are a few things you can do to treat and prevent adult acne. 

Clean Your Face Daily

To treat and prevent acne, one of the best things you can do is keep your face clean. You should wash your face in the morning and at night before bed. This will help to kill acne-causing bacteria while reducing inflammation. However, you must use the right product. Look for products that contain acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. 

Avoid Scrubbing Your Face

When your face is riddled with acne, the last thing you want to do is scrub your face with a washcloth or an exfoliating brush. This can cause the acne to get worse. Instead, you should always use your hands while cleansing your face, and make sure to pat your skin dry afterward (don’t rub!). 

Use Oil-free, Water-based Makeup Products

For women, it is common to use makeup to cover up those acne blemishes and make them less noticeable or hide them completely. Unfortunately, makeup could potentially make your breakouts worse. Certain products, such as those with mineral oil or cocoa butter, could aggravate your acne. Therefore, opt for makeup products that are hypoallergenic, oil-free, and water-based. Products with silica or zinc oxide can help minimize the redness of your acne while also absorbing the oil on your face. 

Avoid Constantly Touching Your Face

Each time you touch your face, your fingers are transferring oil, dirt, and more to your skin. While it can be difficult to minimize touching your face, it is important to do so. Also, keep your hands washed with warm water and soap often to ensure your hands are always as clean as possible. 

Eat Healthily

You can reduce your breakouts by eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong foods. For instance, greasy foods and chocolate have long been said to aggravate acne. Therefore, avoiding these foods (carbs and sugars) can decrease your breakouts. A healthier diet may be able to improve the appearance of your skin. 

Schedule an Appointment with an Adult Acne Doctor Today

The professionals at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, can help you identify the best adult acne treatments for your skin. Call (240) 246-7417 to schedule an initial consultation with one of our dermatologists. 

How your dermatologists in Rockville, MD, can help with skin rashes

A skin rash is one of the most common issues you will experience, and they are caused by a variety of things. You need to know the facts about skin rashes, because a skin rash may be a sign of a more serious issue.

The dermatologists of Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, offer a wide variety of skincare and dermatology services, including treatment of skin rashes.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions and answers about skin rashes:

What does a skin rash look like?

Skin rashes can look like small red bumps or larger swollen areas. They can cover only a small area of your body, or they can be diffuse, spread out over a large area of your body.

What does a skin rash feel like?

Some skin rashes have no symptoms however, other skin rashes can itch, sometimes severely. Occasionally, a skin rash can also be painful.

What causes a skin rash?

A skin rash is commonly associated with an allergy to a substance. Allergic reaction rashes can be caused by:

• Medications
• Pet dander
• Foods
• Plants like poison ivy

Skin rashes can also be caused by inflammation from contact with a chemical or other substance. This skin rash is known as dermatitis, and it is a dry rash that doesn’t itch.

What can I do for a skin rash?

You can try:

• Over-the-counter antihistamine medication
• Over-the-counter topical cortisone cream
• Aveeno oatmeal products like bath solutions
• Benadryl topical or oral medications

When should I see a dermatologist?

If you’ve tried over-the-counter products and your rash doesn’t go away or your symptoms grow worse, it’s best to visit your dermatologist. A skin rash that is accompanied by a high fever, nausea, or difficulty breathing could signal the onset of an anaphylactic reaction, which is a medical emergency requiring emergency services.

How can my dermatologist help?

Common professional treatments your dermatologist may recommend include:

• Prescription-strength antihistamine medications
• Prescription-strength steroid medications
• Cortisone or antibiotic creams and lotions

To learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of skin rashes, talk with the experts. Call the dermatologists of Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, at (240) 246-7417. Call today!