Medical Dermatology

Varicose veins are unsightly and painful, but treatment options are available. Look better and feel better in as little as one appointment!

Varicose veins are veins that are enlarged and not functioning properly. The term “varicose” means swollen. With this condition, the internal valve that regulates blood flow does not work properly, allowing blood to either pool or flow in the wrong direction.

Varicose vein diagnosis and treatment is available, discuss your concerns with your dermatologist.

What Are The Symptoms?

The outward signs of varicose veins are well known. These often present as discolored, bulging veins that rise above the level of the skin. However, there are earlier symptoms of varicose veins to be aware of.

Knowing these symptoms can help to prevent the most drastic—and most visible—form of the condition:

• Achy legs
• Throbbing sensation
• Chronic itching around the vein
• Increased episodes of “Charley Horse”
• Swelling
• Socks leave depressed marks around the ankle or calf
• Pain during long periods of sitting or standing
• Burning sensation
• Localized skin discoloration near the vein

If you have one or more of these symptoms, don’t wait. Make an appointment with Dallas Associated Dermatologists for a consultation.

Different Types

Not all veins are alike. The body contains many different types of veins, which is why there are different types, including:

• Spider veins. People don’t usually think of spider veins as varicose veins, but in fact, the conditions that create spider veins are the same as those that lead to them. Spider veins can occur anywhere on the body, but they tend to appear where the skin is thinnest, such as on the face, behind the knees, and around the ankles. Spider veins are less sightly and the discoloration can be red or blue.
• Reticular. Reticular varicose veins are thicker than spider veins. The discoloration may be red, greenish, or purplish-blue. They present in a wide mesh pattern and may be flush with the skin. Though they don’t bulge out, they can be unsightly.
• Saphenous. Saphenous varicose veins occur almost exclusively in the legs. Saphenous varicose veins are swollen and they bulge out from the surface of the skin. They are often described as being “rope-like.” They are typically dark blue or purplish in color but may also be colorless. Saphenous varicose veins are what most people picture when they think of varicose veins.

What Causes Them?

The underlying cause of these is increased blood pressure within the vein. Veins contain one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction.

High blood pressure can cause these valves to fail, which allows blood to collect, rather than to continue flowing correctly.

Conditions that can lead to these include:

• Unchecked high blood pressure
• Obesity
• Genetic propensity
• Temporary conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, etc.

Treatment Options

When you come in to Dallas Associated Dermatologists, your dermatologist will determine what type of varicose veins you have. That determination will drive the recommended treatment options for your individual situation.

These are highly treatable. Your dermatologist can offer a wide range of treatment options.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

Early detection of skin cancer plays a critical role in recovery and survival rates.

Skin cancer is defined as the growth of abnormal cells in the outer layer of the skin. A diagnosis means that a person has out-of-control, malignant skin cell growth.

This condition can ultimately be fatal when left untreated or undiagnosed. It can also grow unchecked and infiltrate other parts of the body.

A comprehensive skin exam with your dermatologist is the first line of defense against this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

The most common type of cancer, skin cancer, can range from very mild types to those that are life-threatening. Because of this, it’s vital to catch it as early as possible.

To do so, you need to know the common symptoms. In most cases, these include:

• Bleeding sore that heals but then returns
• Pearly or waxy bump on skin
• Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
• Mole that changes color or size
• Lesions with irregular borders

Since these symptoms can be associated with various types, it is crucial that you not delay in seeking the advice of your Dallas Associated Dermatologists dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis.

Different Types

If you are unfamiliar with this, you should realize there are multiple types, some of which are mild while others are quite serious.

The most common types of skin cancer are:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma is usually found on sun-exposed areas such as the neck or face. Signs of this cancer include flat lesions that are flesh-colored or have a scar-like appearance, as well as a sore that won’t heal or heals and then returns.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears on the ears or hands. Characterized by a flat lesion with a scaly and crusty surface, people with darker skin can develop this cancer on areas not often exposed to the sun.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, can affect men and women, and be present on any skin tone.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

This is very complex and can be caused by many different factors. No matter the type, it is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, leading to them growing out of control — creating a cancer cell mass.

The main reasons why this occurs are:

• Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds
• Exposure to toxic substances or radiation
• Having a compromised immune system

Other risk factors include having a large number of moles on your body, having a predisposition to sunburns, or having a family history of skin cancer.

Treatment Options

Treatment results can vary. Your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists will advise you as to the appropriate course of treatment based on your individual circumstances and the type of skin cancer that you have.

Due to the seriousness of it, don’t take chances by delaying your diagnosis and treatment. With skin cancer, early detection plays a critical role in recovery and survival.

Never try to diagnose an unusual-looking mole by yourself at home, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist if you have concerns.

Schedule your appointment with us now!

Eczema is a broad term used to describe a range of skin conditions characterized by rashes, itchiness, and redness.

It’s estimated that over 31 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of eczema. Episodes of eczema may be chronic, one-time issues, or continual.

Whatever kind of condition you are experiencing, you can rely on our professional team of clinicians to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Visible redness or irritated patches on the skin may look concerning, but it is not contagious. There is no known cure for it, however, there are effective treatments and relief for symptoms available.

What are the Symptoms?

If you have eczema, various parts of your body can develop rashes and dry, itchy skin. Usually, this occurs behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your hands, feet, and face. However, remember that eczema is not contagious.

The most common symptom is itching, which in turn leads to scratching and rubbing the skin, increasing the irritation. Other symptoms include:

• Skin patches that are rough and leathery
• Red and raised bumps on the skin known as hives
• Scaly skin patches
• Skin that is swollen and sore
• Skin color changes.

Types of Eczema

There are many different types, diagnosed both by symptoms and where it occurs on the body, including:

• Atopic Dermatitis. The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may disappear or become much milder by adulthood. Linked to allergies, many people with this condition also suffer from hay fever and asthma.
• Contact Dermatitis. Resulting in red, irritated skin, contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance to which it is allergic, such as latex, certain types of metal, or chemicals. Certain skincare ingredients and makeup, plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, or even tobacco smoke can sometimes trigger contact dermatitis.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema. More common in women than men, dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters forming on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. Stress is thought to be a primary trigger for outbreaks.
• Hand Eczema. Only affecting the hands, this form of eczema is common among hairdressers, cleaning personnel, and others whose hands are regularly exposed to various chemicals.
• Neurodermatitis. Very similar to atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis presents as thick, scaly patches of skin that are very itchy, even when you are sleeping.
• Nummular Eczema. Causing round, coin-shaped spots on your skin, nummular eczema is known for making the skin extremely itchy, and is often triggered by insect bites.
• Stasis Dermatitis. Somewhat uncommon, stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened leg veins onto the skin, causing itching and redness.

What Causes Eczema?

When skin cannot retain moisture very well or has a disrupted barrier that lets moisture from the skin evaporate too freely, it often occurs.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Environmental factors such as pollen or mold
• Allergies such as hay fever
• Asthma
• Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
• Synthetic or wool fabrics
• Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
• Pet dander
• Chemicals and solvents

Treatment Options

If you suffer from eczema and want to get more information about various treatments and other aspects of your condition, talk to your dermatologist today.

Schedule your appointment with us now!