Are You Seeking Treatment for Your Psoriasis from Your Chicago, Il, Dermatologist?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition where red patches of skin with white, flaky scales appear on your skin. They are most commonly found on elbows and knees but appear pretty much everywhere on your body. Psoriasis impacts about 7.5 million people in the United States, and although approximately 20,000 children under age 10 are diagnosed, the first episode usually occurs when a person is between ages 15 and 35. If you are experiencing any issues with Psoriasis, please call North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL.

General Psoriasis Info:

Being a genetic disease, Psoriasis isn't contagious, but, unfortunately, there's no cure. The only treatments available are meant to control symptoms and increase the healing process.

The triggers also vary from one person to another and include:

• Stress
• Injury to skin
• Allergy medicine
• Diet
• Weather

Types of Psoriasis

• Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris): Usually found on knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp, this type appears as red lesions with whitish scales.
• Pustular Psoriasis: Usually a result of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, infections, stress, or withdrawal from certain medications, this type of psoriasis looks like white pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin.
• Guttate Psoriasis: Usually manifests in children and young adults as small red dots.
• Inverse Psoriasis: This bright red lesion is smooth and shiny, and usually found in armpits, under breasts, groin, and the skin folds around buttocks and genitals.

Treatment Options in Chicago:

• Over-the-Counter Medications: Scale lifters, bath solutions, Dead Sea salts, and anti-itch moisturizers
• Prescription Topical Treatments: Prescription topicals that slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
• Light Therapy/Phototherapy: Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light, such as Sunshine, Excimer lasers and Pulse dye lasers

If you have any questions or concerns about Psoriasis, don't hesitate to contact North Branch Dermatology's Chicago office at (773) 763-6000.

Though a rash is often nothing to worry about and clears up on its own, it can still be cause for concern. Understanding the kinds of rashes you may have and what may have caused them can help you determine if it is time for you to see your dermatologist for help with your skin condition. Find out more about rashes and what they may mean with Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach at North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL.

Do I have a rash? 
Rashes are often obvious in their appearance. However, they also have some subtle symptoms you may not see at first. Some common signs of a rash include:

• itchiness
• redness
• blister formation
• dry, scaly skin
• crusted skin
• slightly raised areas
• raised, red bumps

If your rash is accompanied by a fever or the rash has become infected, you should seek immediate medical attention.

What may have caused my rash? 
Rashes come from various sources. One of the most common types of rashes, called atopic dermatitis, comes from touching something that contains an allergen that reacts poorly with your skin, causing a rash. Rashes may also come from allergic reactions, an underlying condition, friction from the heat, or other causes. Your doctor is your best source of information on the cause of your rash and the best treatment moving forward.

When should I see my dermatologist about a rash? 
If your rash does not go away within a few days, becomes very uncomfortable, or begins affecting your daily life, you should consult with your doctor. The diagnostic process begins with a physical examination and, if necessary, various testing to determine the underlying cause of the rash if it is not immediately obvious.

Rash Treatments in Chicago, IL 
Treating a rash often begins with an over-the-counter ointment or cream. If that fails to do the trick, prescription-strength medications or ointments may become necessary. Your doctor can work with you to find the best treatment for your rash.

For more information on rashes or their treatments, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach at North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL. Call (773) 763-6000 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Fahrenbach today!

Your Chicago, IL, dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach at North Branch Dermatology can help you get the youthful look you want. Time catches up with us all and some people, if not most, aren't particularly fond of this notion, which is why Dr. Fahrenbach offers Botox.

More on Botox

Botox is an FDA-approved treatment. It is used to eliminate and/or reduce wrinkles and creases on your face. It paralyzes the muscles that contract and the create wrinkles and creases. When the patient is injected with Botox, the production of acetylcholine is blocked, therefore stopping the contraction of the muscles.

Botox is a unique cosmetic procedure. It has almost no downtime and doesn't take long to be done or completed; you can actually go back to work right after the treatment. Botox doesn't cause patients to lose their capability to show facial expression and, although it is a simple process, a licensed professional, like our dermatologist in Chicago should administer the Botox treatment.

In addition to the procedure having almost no downtime, Botox is almost painless. Previous patients say the injections feel like pinches, but doctors use ice to help alleviate that slight nip. If you're still worried, your doctor can use a topical cream to help numb the area and eliminate any discomfort.

The most common problem areas are frown and worry lines, crow's feet and laugh lines, which are caused as a result of years of laughing, squinting and frowning. After the Botox treatment, you will start to notice smoother skin.

Botox also lasts 3 to 4 months, but this varies from one person to another. This means you'll have a rejuvenated appearance for quite some time.

If you wish to learn more about Botox, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach at North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL, by calling (773) 763-6000.

What your dermatologist in Chicago wants you to know

Most people have moles, and they are usually nothing to worry about, but there are changes to look for that might signal the presence of abnormal cells or even cancer. Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach at North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL wants to share the facts about moles.

Moles are caused by melanocytes clumping together. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, responsible for your skin color. When these cells form a clump, it produces a mole. 10 to 40 moles are common for most people, and the moles are usually uniform in shape and color and less than 6 millimeters in diameter.

You should check your moles regularly, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun, have a history of skin cancer, or have fair skin. Abnormalities to look for include:

• A diameter larger than 6 millimeters
• A change in shape, color, size, or height
• Irregular borders or an asymmetrical shape

You should also check with your dermatologist if you have a mole that is:

• Causing pain
• Bleeding or oozing
• Itching or burning
• Growing back after previous removal

Your dermatologist may suggest removing an abnormal mole completely and taking a tissue biopsy to determine if the mole is precancerous or cancerous. Mole removal is a common procedure and is performed several different ways including:

Shaving the mole which involves numbing the area and then cutting underneath and around the mole; treatment doesn’t require sutures and is a great choice for small moles.

Surgically removing the mole which involves numbing the area and using a punching instrument to remove the mole; a few sutures are required with this procedure.

For more detailed information about moles, please visit the Mole Check page on the North Branch Dermatology website at https://www.northbranchdermatology.com/north-branch-dermatology-mole-check.html

It’s important to know what to look for when you do a mole check. Early diagnosis and treatment of precancerous and cancerous moles can save your health and your life. To find out more about moles and other skin conditions call Dr. Fahrenbach at North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL today!

Are you concerned that a new or changing spot or mole may be cancerous? Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach of North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL, discusses skin cancer types and symptoms.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, with more than four million cases diagnosed annually, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The symptoms of this type of skin cancer may not seem very alarming at first. In fact, these types of cancers can look like red pimples. Although pimples usually disappear in about two weeks, the rounded bump remains on your skin if you have basal cell carcinoma.

In addition to pimples, basal cell carcinoma may also appear as an open sore or a pink, red, brown, black or brown spot on your skin. Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on areas of your body that have been exposed to the sun, such as the arms, chest, legs and face. Although the cancer doesn't usually spread, it can invade underlying bones and tissues if it isn't treated promptly.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Exposure to the sun or tanning beds also increases your risk of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you have squamous cell carcinoma, you may notice a firm, red bump on your skin or a patch of red skin that looks flaky or crusty. In some cases, flaky patches can turn into open sores. Cancer can also affect underlying tissues if it isn't diagnosed and treated soon after you notice a change in your skin.

Melanoma

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can spread to other areas of your body without prompt treatment. Cancer can change the appearance of a mole or spur the formation of new moles. Warning signs include:

• Border Changes: Borders that look blurred, rough or irregular are a cause for concern.
• Odd Shapes: Melanoma may change the shape of a normally round mole.
• Size: Moles that are larger than a pencil eraser are more likely to become cancerous.
• Unusual Changes: Itching, pain, bleeding, oozing, texture changes or bleeding around a mole are warning signs.

How is skin cancer treated in Chicago?

Treatment of skin cancer involves removing the cancerous growth and any underlying tissues that have been affected by cancer. Although the type of treatment you'll need will depend on the type of cancer and the severity, many patients benefit from skin-sparing Mohs surgery. The surgical procedure uses a layer-by-layer approach to preserve a larger percentage of healthy skin.

Are you concerned about a suspicious spot or mole? Call Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach of North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL, at (773) 763-6000 to schedule an appointment.