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Contagious Skin Diseases: Cold Sores

A cold sore refers to a small blister or group of blisters that typically develop on the lips or around the mouth. This dermatology condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

It is not uncommon to get cold sores. Over half of Americans aged between 14 to 49 years carry the virus that causes cold sores.

If the virus remains in the body after the cold sores resolve. The cold sores may recur if the virus reactivates, or wakes up. In general, cold sores are not serious and tend to clear within two weeks in healthy people.

Suncoast Skin Solutions, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Ewanowski, provides cutting-edge skin care treatments to patients in Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brooksville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Sarasota, Palm Harbor, Central Florida, Florida, and surrounding communities.

Precautions

People with a cold sore can spread the virus to others who do not have the virus. This virus can spread to others even when the cold sores are treated. The person remains contagious until all the sores have scabbed over.

The following precautions can help to prevent the spread of the virus to others:

Do not kiss people, especially children
Avoid intimate contact
Avoid close contact with anyone with a weakened immune system, including newborn infants
Do not share personal items such as towels, lip balm, or razors
Do not share food or beverages
If the patient touches a cold sore or applies medicine to it, they should wash their hands promptly afterwards
Wash the hands frequently throughout the day

These precautions are even more crucial if the patient is around a child who has eczema or a person with a weakened immune system. In case that individual catches the virus, it could be quite serious.

Cold Sore Prevention

Cold sores occur very commonly and spread through direct contact with a person who has an active lesion. These sores are the most contagious when they are active and oozing fluid.

Once the outbreak resolves, the virus stays in the nerve endings and breaks out at times when the immune system is weak. This could be when a person is sick, has a fever, gets a sunburn, or is stressed.

HSV-1 can also spread through sharing towels, drinks, razors, lipsticks as well as through kissing and having oral sex.

Avoiding cold sore entirely is very hard. Once a person has the virus, they will be vulnerable to future episodes of cold sores, although the virus can go dormant for periods of time.

How to get Rid of a Cold Sore

Keeping the immune system strong is the most effective way to prevent cold sores from flaring up. It is a good idea to get adequate sleep, stay away from sunlight, and avoid direct contact with an individual who has an active cold sore.

People with cold sores should avoid consuming irritating goods (Such as spicy or citrusy foods) that might irritate the region and slow healing, and consider taking a daily multivitamin.

Healthy people typically take one to two weeks to completely recover from a cold sore. Upon healing, cold sores tend to scab over and crust. Cold sores may appear unattractive, but the patient should try their best to let the area breathe.

Dr. Ewanowski’s dermatology practice and medical spa receives patients from Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brooksville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Sarasota, Palm Harbor, Central Florida, Florida, and nearby areas for safe and proven skin care procedures.

SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Petersburg / Pinellas County, Brandon, Lutz (2 locations), Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, Largo at Bardmoor, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, and Palm Harbor, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.

Athlete’s Foot Treatment

Correctly identifying the cause for the athlete’s foot is the most reliable way to diagnose the dermatology condition. It is relatively simple to diagnose and treat fungal athlete’s foot.

Visualizing the fungus within the skin scrapings removed from the impact sites of the feet is a cost-effective and painless way to diagnose the condition.

In rare cases, it is essential to identify fungi in parts of the skin removed during a biopsy. If fungus is not detected, other reasons for the development of athlete’s foot must be investigated.

What does the treatment for athlete’s foot involve?

As there is no single reason for the occurrence of athlete’s foot, there is no single treatment for it. Regardless, all the causes for the development of this condition benefit from promoting a hygienic, dry, and friction-free environment for the feet.

Shoes made out of occlusive shoe materials, such as vinyl, cause the feet to remain moist, creating a fertile breeding ground for fungus. Similarly, absorbent socks, such as cotton, that wick water away from the feet may be helpful.

Some people who sweat profusely benefit from the use of antiperspirants such as 20 percent aluminum chloride (Drysol). Powders can also help the feet remain dry.

While it may sound counterintuitive, soaking the feet in a solution of aluminum acetate (Burow’s solution or Domeboro solution) and then air drying with a fan can be very helpful if done three to four times within 30 minutes.

A home remedy of diluted white vinegar soaks, using one part vinegar and approximately four parts water, once or twice daily (as ten-minute foot soaks) followed by evaporation can be a helpful treatment.

Medications

There are plenty of options for fungal infections. Many drugs are available such as econazole, miconazole, terbinafine (Lamisil), econazole, butenafine, naftifine, ketoconazole, ciclopirox, sulconazole, tolnaftate, sertaconazole, and luliconazole.

It is hard to determine which of these medications is most effective as they have not been tested against each other.

Cost is likely the most important differentiating factor, and many of these drugs are available without a prescription. The treatment for athlete’s foot should usually be continued for four weeks or at least one week after all the symptoms have resolved.

A course of an oral (pill) antifungal such as itraconazole (Sporanox), terbinafine (Lamisil), or fluconazole (Diflucan) may be necessary for more resistant or advanced cases of athlete’s foot. The patient may require lab blood tests to ensure that there is no liver disease before taking these pills.

Topical corticosteroid creams suppress the body’s immune system and can act as a “fertilizer” for fungus. This may actually worsen fungal skin infections.

These topical steroid drugs do not have any role in treating fungal foot infections but can be very effective in the treatment of non-infectious causes of athlete’s foot.

In case the fungal infection has spread to the toenails, the nails should also be treated to avoid repetitive infections. In general, nails often initially remain untreated only to find that the athlete’s foot keeps recurring.

It is vital to treat all noticeable fungus at the same time. The effective treatment of nail fungus may be more intensive and require extended courses (three to four months) of oral antifungal drugs.

Contagious Skin Disease: Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, refers to a fungal infection that typically initiates between the toes. It often develops in people whose feet become quite sweaty while confined within tight-fitting footwear.

The signs and symptoms of this dermatology condition include a scaly rash that typically leads to stinging, itching, and burning. Athlete’s foot is a contagious condition and can spread through contaminated towels, floors, or clothing.

Athlete’s foot is related to other fungal conditions such as jock itch and ringworm. It can be treated with over the counter antifungal drugs, but the infection typically recurs. Prescription meds are also available for the treatment of Athlete’s foot.

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot typically causes a scaly red rash. This rash usually initiates between the toes. The itching is typically the worst immediately after the patient takes off their shoes and socks.

Certain types of athlete’s foot cause ulcers or blisters. The moccasin type of athlete’s foot leads to scaling and dryness on the soles that extend up to the sides of the foot. This condition can be mistaken for dry skin or eczema.

The infection can impact one or both feet. It can also spread to the hand, especially if the patient scratches or picks at the infected areas of the feet.

When to Consult a Doctor

People who have a rash on their foot that does not improve with self-treatment should consult a doctor.

Diabetic patients should see their doctor if they suspect that they have athlete’s foot, especially if they notice any signs of a potential secondary bacterial infection such as inflammation, excessive redness, fever, or drainage.

Causes

Athlete’s foot develops due to the same fungus that causes jock itch and ringworm. Conditions such as damp socks and shoes as well as humidity favor the organisms’ growth.

Athlete’s foot is a contagious condition which can spread by contact with an affected individual or contact with contaminated surfaces, such as floors, towels, and shoes.

Prevention

Dermatologists recommend the following precautions to reduce the possibility of catching athlete’s foot:

When walking around gyms, pools, locker areas, and hotel rooms, wear flip-flops, shower shoes, or sandals. The fungus that leads to the development of athlete’s foot may be present on the floor. It is important to wear flip flops or shoes even when taking a shower in a gym.

The feet should be kept dry even if a person has not ventured barefoot in public areas. This fungus thrives in moist, warm such as the one created inside sweaty, hot shoes. When it is hot outside, it helps to wear sandals or flip-flops.

Shoes that are made from synthetic materials like plastic and rubber are more likely to cause sweating. It is important to wash the feet with soap every day and thoroughly dry them after washing.

It is helpful to wear socks made of natural fabrics or materials that dry quickly or wick moisture away from the skin. Additionally, changing the socks every day and more frequently when they get moist can help prevent the development of athlete’s foot.

It is a good idea to alternate the shoes that a person wears every day to ensure that the shoes are dry.

For people living with someone with athlete’s foot, it is important not to share linens, towels, or shoes as well as wear shoes in areas where the infected feet have been.

Why see a board-certified dermatologist?

A board certified dermatologist is a doctor who has successfully completed a credited residency in dermatology in the US and has cleared the board certification examination.

The American Board of Dermatology certifies these doctors to practice dermatology.

A board certified dermatologist would have received many years of training to determine health conditions that are manifesting through the hair, skin, and nails.

They also treat conditions such as rosacea, acne, or psoriasis as well as determine whether a mole is cancerous.

On the cosmetic side, board certified dermatologists are specialists in fillers, Botox, laser and such other non-surgical aesthetic dermatology procedures.

Working with a non-certified ‘expert’ could cause permanent scars from wrong laser settings, and complications from dermal fillers, such as skin necrosis. In even more serious cases, a so-called expert can undertake mistreatment that may worsen a skin condition.

Different from Other Dermatologists

A board-eligible dermatologist is a doctor who has successfully undertaken a credited residency in dermatology but has not taken or cleared the board certification examination. There are doctors who are neither but may pass themselves off as being dermatologists.

Ideally, all dermatologists should have undertaken a three-year residency which is approved by the American Osteopathic Association in Dermatology, or the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Board certified dermatologists practice medicine after four years of scientific training and qualification in a dermatology residency. They must also continue to show competence in dermatology, unlike other practitioners who associate themselves to skin.

Specialized Training and Expertise

Other factors include that the doctor must also complete specific requirements during the residency, such as more than 100 surgical excisions and closures, management of systemic drugs, and dozens of laser procedures to graduate from the residency program.

In addition, after graduation, the dermatologist must maintain the certification by attending tens of hours of courses to attain ongoing medical education credit annually, certification examination every ten years, and engage in quality improvement programs.

Some board certified dermatologists also undertake another one or two years of post-residency training in Mohs surgery (a surgical technique used in the treatment of skin cancer, pathology, cosmetic dermatology, and pediatric dermatology.

Why Choose a Board Certified Dermatologist

The patient should always consult a board certified dermatologist on initial assessment to ensure that they are a suitable candidate and to set up an appropriate treatment plan.

Patients should consult a board certified dermatologist for a detailed evaluation of the skin, hair, and nails as many dermatological issues are associated with health conditions that are manifesting through the skin.

In general, board certified dermatologists receive three years of rigorous clinical training, learning every facet of the anatomy and function of the skin.

A residency program includes training in surgical dermatology, medical dermatology, pathology of the skin, cosmetic dermatology, basic science dermatology, and pediatric dermatology.

A non-certified dermatologist in another area, such as internal medicine, might have undergone a three-month rotation in dermatology to understand some of the more common skin issues. However, these rotations do not offer robust training in procedural, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

Cosmetic Dermal Fillers: See Restylane Before and After Photos

Restylane Before and After Photos

As with any procedure done at a med spa or medical spa, before and after pictures for restylane treatments are very important. Having such photos gives patients a clear understanding of what they should expect from the procedure. Good doctors will show you before and after photos when you come in for consultations so that you can make an informed decision.

Look at restylane before and after photos

If you have noticed that ageing signs have already appeared on your face and you want to bring back that youthful appearance, restylane injections are an excellent way to do so. Restylane can smoothen mild to moderate wrinkles and fine lines and adds more volume to the skin in general. Its plumping effect also works well if you want to plump up your lips. Before jumping on board, make sure you have seen before and after pictures of other patients who have undergone this procedure before.

Make sure you see photos that show the changes that restylane can bring about in the area that you want treated too. There may be some swelling and redness in the pictures taken right after the procedure, but this is expected and such post treatment effects subside quickly. You also need to get your pictures taken before and after the procedure to see how exactly restylane has enhanced your appearance.

Viewing before and after photos at the medical office before getting the procedure done will also give you realistic expectations from the procedure. If your doctor is unwilling to show you before and after pictures then you should consider changing your dermatologist.

Restylane before and after photos provided by http://www.restylaneusa.com/before-after

Psoriasis Treatment

It can be challenging to identify the right psoriasis treatment or combination of psoriasis treatments. The effectiveness of a specific treatment may differ between patients.

Therefore, patients should keep working with their doctor to find the most appropriate plan to reduce or eliminate their psoriasis symptoms.

Biologics

Biologic medicines, or biologics, are often used in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that has been unresponsive to other treatment. These drugs are administered by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion.

The biologics used in the treatment of psoriatic disease obstruct the action of a particular type of immune cell known as a T cell, or block proteins in the immune system such as interleukin 17-A, alpha (TNF-alpha), or interleukins 12 and 23.

These proteins and cells all play a vital role in the development of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Systemics

Systemic treatments in medical dermatology include prescription medications that are delivered by injection or taken orally and work throughout the body.

Systemics are usually prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Systemic drugs work throughout the body.

Systemic drugs are also used to treat people who are unresponsive or unable to take topical drugs or UV light therapy.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy or light therapy involves the exposure of the skin to UV light on a routine basis under medical supervision. Phototherapy is delivered in a psoriasis clinic, doctor’s office, or at home with a phototherapy unit. Consistency is vital for success with phototherapy.

UVB Phototherapy

Ultraviolet B (UVB) is present in natural sunlight and is an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB goes into the skin and delays the growth of impacted skin cells. The treatment involves the exposure of the skin to an artificial source of UVB light for a specified duration on a regular schedule.

New Oral Treatments

New oral treatments improve psoriasis symptoms by restricting certain molecules that are associated with inflammation.

Biologics are derived from living sources and have to be delivered by infusion or injection. In comparison, new oral drugs can easily be taken by mouth.

New oral treatment refers to small molecule drugs that are taken by mouth. These new oral treatments target selective molecules within immune cells, unlike earlier medicines used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The adjustment in the complex process of inflammation within the cells enables these treatments to rectify the overactive immune reaction that leads to inflammation in individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in symptoms such as scaliness, redness, swelling, and joint tenderness.

Topicals

Topical treatments are applied to the skin and are usually the first line of treatment recommended to a newly diagnosed individual. Topicals can be bought OTC or by prescription.

There are various effective topical treatments for psoriasis. Many can be bought OTC, but some may be available by prescription only.

Corticosteroids (steroids) are the most commonly used psoriasis treatment. They are known as anti-inflammatory agents due to their ability to reduce the inflammation and redness of lesions. Synthetic vitamin D3, vitamin A, and anthralin are also used in prescription topical treatments to manage psoriasis lesions.

Cryotherapy (Cryosurgery) is Used to Treat Skin Cancer

Cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy, involves the use of extremely low temperatures produced by liquid nitrogen (or argon gas) to eliminate abnormal tissue.

Treating External and Internal Tumors

Cryosurgery helps treat external tumors, such as those present on the skin. In the case of external tumors, liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the cancer cells with a spraying device or cotton swab.

Additionally, cryosurgery is used to treat tumors inside the body, i.e., internal tumors and tumors in the bone. In the treatment of internal tumors, liquid nitrogen or argon gas is circulated through a hollow instrument known as a cryoprobe, which is placed in contact with the tumor.

The doctor uses MRI or ultrasound to guide the cryoprobe and monitor the freezing the cells and thereby limiting damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Ultrasound involves sound waves bouncing off organs and other tissues to develop an image known as a sonogram.

A ball of ice crystals develops around the probe, freezing the neighboring cells. At times, more than one probe is used to deliver the liquid nitrogen to various areas of the tumor. The probe may be inserted into the tumor through the skin (percutaneously) or surgically.

Following cryosurgery, the frozen tissues will thaw. This tissue will either be absorbed by the body through natural processes (for internal tumors), or dissolve and develop a scab (for external tumors).

What types of cancer can be treated with cryosurgery?

Cryosurgery is used in the treatment of various types of cancers as well as certain precancerous or noncancerous conditions. Other than liver and prostate tumors, cryosurgery can effectively treat the following dermatology conditions:

Retinoblastoma, which is a childhood cancer that impacts the retina of the eye. Doctors report that cryosurgery is most effective on small tumors located in specific areas of the retina
Early-stage skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas
Precancerous skin growths called actinic keratosis.
Precancerous conditions of the cervix known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which involves abnormal cell changes in the cervix that can become cervical cancer

Researchers are assessing cryosurgery as a treatment for various cancers, including colon, breast, and kidney cancer. They are also examining the efficacy of cryosurgery in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.

What are the benefits of cryosurgery?

Cryosurgery provides various benefits over other types of cancer treatment. It is less invasive in comparison to surgery and involves only a tiny incision or insertion of the cryoprobe through the skin. As a result, bleeding, pain, and other surgical complications are minimized.

Cryosurgery is less expensive in comparison to other treatments and warrants a shorter recovery time and hospital stay, and sometimes, no hospital stay is necessary. At times, cryosurgery can be undertaken using only local anesthesia.

As doctors can focus cryosurgical treatment on the targeted area, they can avoid causing damage to the neighboring healthy tissue.

This treatment can be repeated in a safe manner and may be used along with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, and radiation.

Cryosurgery provides an option for the treatment of cancers that are considered inoperable or are unresponsive to conventional treatments. On top of this, this treatment is suitable for patients who are not ideal candidates for conventional surgery due to their age or other health conditions.

What is Cryotherapy (Cryosurgery)?

Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) in medical dermatology refers to the use of extremely low temperatures produced by liquid nitrogen (or argon gas) to destroy abnormal tissue.

Cryotherapy can address external tumors such as skin growths. It is used to treat early-stage cancers, including squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas. It can also treat precancerous skin growths known as actinic keratosis.

How is Cryotherapy Performed?

Cryotherapy is a quick and simple in-office procedure. The doctor may draw outlines (margin) around the area and usually spray the nitrogen. They may sometimes use a swab or cryoprobe.

The doctor will hold the sprayer nearly one cm above the lesion, and an iceball will be created around the lesion, and the margin as the doctor sprays the area. They will spray the region for up to 30 seconds after the development of the iceball.

This helps the area to stay frozen for long enough to destroy the tissue. Depending on the lesion, the doctor may allow the area to thaw for two to three minutes prior to re-freezing the site. But re-freezing may not be required for actinic keratosis.

The spray or probe attains temperatures as low as -13ºF to -58ºF.1. This allows the cells to freeze immediately. More destruction happens as inflammation occurs in the area within 24 hours.

Types of Skin Cancers Treated with Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is commonly used to treat actinic keratosis, which are precancerous lesions or skin abnormalities that may develop into skin cancer. Nearly ten percent of actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

For this reason, the doctor may recommend cryotherapy to treat actinic keratoses, and this treatment cures between 75 and 99 percent of actinic keratoses. Sometimes cryotherapy is used to treat SCC, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and small Kaposi sarcoma lesions on the face.

What to Expect before, during, and after Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy can be painful, and the patient may experience a burning sensation in the treated site. The doctor will provide the patient with wound care instructions after cryotherapy. A blister will develop in the treated area within one day, and a scab will form a few days later.

Advantages of Cryotherapy

In comparison to surgery, cryotherapy is less invasive. It involves only a small incision or inserting the cryoprobe through the skin. This minimizes bleeding, pain, and other surgical complications.

Additionally, this procedure is more affordable and has shorter recovery duration and hospital stay, or sometimes, no hospital stay at all. At times, cryotherapy is undertaken using local anesthesia.

Cryotherapy is a precise treatment which helps prevent damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Repeat treatments can be performed in a safe manner. Cryotherapy can also be combined with radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

This procedure may be suitable for the treatment of cancers that are inoperative or those that do not respond to conventional treatments. It may also be appropriate for patients who are not good candidates for traditional surgery due to their age or medical condition.