Skin Conditions

Skin conditions vary greatly in symptoms and severity. While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue. Treatment options may also consist of prevention, skin care, medication and phototherapy treatments.

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for a group of lifelong conditions that affect 1 in 18 people and cause the skin to become inflamed, red, dry and itchy. In some cases of eczema, a rash might develop in one area or over the entire body.

Eczema’s exact cause is unknown, but evidence suggests it may be genetic because it often affects people who have a personal or family history of asthma, hay fever or other allergies. Eczema symptoms typically flare up when a person is exposed to certain triggers, which may include skin irritants, allergens, climate factors, the environment and stress.


What is Eczema?
Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of eczema and usually occurs in people with “atopic tendencies.” This means they have developed any or all of three of the following closely linked conditions: atopic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever.

Adult eczema most often develops on hands, elbows and “bending” areas, such as the inside of an elbow or back of a knee. Children with eczema often experience an itchy rash that appears on the forehead, cheeks, arms and legs for a short amount of time and affect 10 to 20 percent of all infants after exposure to a trigger such as harsh soaps, dust mites, food allergies and certain clothing materials.


How to Treat Eczema
Although there are no cures currently available for eczema, there are several treatments available to help relieve symptoms, including topical steroids, antihistamines, immunomodulators, cold compresses and other home remedies. Treatment varies depending on symptoms and triggers. 

No one treatment is best for everyone. The objective for our office is to make the patient as comfortable as possible while working with them on a treatment plan. This may be to prescribe medicine that reduces itching and discomfort, clears infections and prevents additional flare-ups. These treatment options may also consist of prevention, skin care, medication and phototherapy treatments.

Treating Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, lifelong skin disorder affecting nearly 3 percent of the world’s population. It appears as a red, thickened area with silvery scales that form most often on the scalp, elbows, knees or lower back.

What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis takes many forms, and each differs in severity, duration, location, and shape and scale pattern. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, begins with small red bumps that gradually increase in size and then form scales. Top scales flake off easily and often, but scales below the surface stick together and often enlarge.


How to Treat Psoriasis
The treatment goal for psoriasis patients is to reduce inflammation and control shedding of the skin. Medication is often prescribed containing cortisone compounds, synthetic vitamin D analogues, retinoids, tar or anthralin. Light Therapy is another option available.

We offer the latest Pharos Excimer Laser for psoriasis treatment. It delivers fast, effective relief from dry, itchy and unsightly lesions. The Pharos Excimer Laser works by carefully focusing a beam of light directly on the lesion, allowing the application of high doses of light to rapidly clear the lesion. Most patients feel no pain or discomfort during a Pharos Excimer Laser session. Occasionally, patients report a warm sensation at the treatment site, similar to mild sunburn.

Individuals with mild to moderate psoriasis who have not experienced success with topical treatments, oral medications, injections or traditional phototherapy, should consider undergoing XTRAC Excimer Laser treatments.

The newest medical treatment for psoriasis consists of a new category of systemic medications referred to as “Biologics.” Under this category, we are commonly using Enbrel and Humira. These new products are given once a week by way of self-administered injections. All of the “Biologics” products function at the immuno-cellular level, blocking the activation of inflammatory cells.

There are many different conditions that cause rashes, which may be acute or chronic and tend to occur in young children.

What are Rashes?
Rashes are areas of redness and inflammation that can appear on the skin after exposure to certain substances, including chemicals, soaps, cosmetics, poison ivy or other stimulants. There are many different conditions that cause rashes, which may be acute or chronic and tend to occur in young children.


How to Treat a Rash
Most rashes can be treated through simple home care practices such as avoiding soaps and bathing in warm water, while others may require moisturizing creams, prescription medications or more extensive treatment. Parents can help their child prevent rashes by avoiding the products that irritate their skin, washing hands frequently, and receiving proper vaccinations.

Treating Rosacea

Rosacea is common. It appears as a redness across your nose and cheek area and comes and goes. There are individuals who are more prone to this condition however, anyone can get this skin disease.

What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a condition that causes facial redness and often small, visible blood vessels on the face. Women are a bit more likely than men to get rosacea however, men are more likely to get more severe rosacea. People of all colors get rosacea. Children get rosacea.


How to Treat Rosacea
Rosacea can run in families; your immune system may also play a role in this skin disease. To treat rosacea, Dr. Desjarlais will first find all of the signs and symptoms of rosacea. This is crucial because different signs and symptoms need different treatment.

Treatment may include:

• Medicine that is applied to the rosacea
• Sunscreen (wearing it every day can help prevent flare-ups)
• An emollient to help repair the skin.
• Lasers and other light treatments
• Antibiotics (applied to the skin and pills)

When rosacea affects the eyes, a dermatologist may give you instructions for washing the eyelids several times a day and a prescription for eye medicine

Schedule An Appointment

Get started on a healthier you. Dr. Desjarlais and his amazing staff are ready to help you reach your skin and body goals! Contact us to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options. 
Book Appointment