When red inflamed bumps appear it’s easy to assume it’s just acne, but it could be a sign of an infected hair follicle. This common skin problem, which is referred to as folliculitis, is caused by either bacteria or fungus and can develop just about anywhere on the body or face. While minor cases may be treated at home, it’s also important to recognize when you should turn to a dermatologist for care.

What are the signs and symptoms of folliculitis?

You could have folliculitis if you notice,

It can be easy to mistake folliculitis for other skin disorders and conditions, so it’s also a good idea to see a dermatologist if your symptoms don’t go away in a few days or if your symptoms are widespread or spreading.

What are the types of folliculitis?

There are different forms of folliculitis. The most common type is known as razor bumps, which you may notice around the groin or face, especially in those with naturally curly hair. “Hot tub” folliculitis is a bacterial infection that is often found in hot tubs (as well as heated pools) and can lead to a red, itchy, and bumpy rash.

Bacterial folliculitis is a common form and is characterized by whitehead-like or pus-filled bumps. This is a sign of a Staph infection and should be treated by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

How is folliculitis treated?

A lot will depend on the cause; however, treatment is often necessary if the infection doesn’t go away within a few days. Bacterial infections will respond best to antibiotics while yeast infections and other fungi will require antifungal medications. Of course, there are a ton of skin conditions and infections that can cause similar symptoms, so it’s always best to see a dermatologist before trying over-the-counter remedies.

If you notice any signs of a new or worsening skin infection, it’s always a good idea to turn to your dermatologist right away for a proper evaluation and to make sure you get the appropriate treatment you need to get rid of the infection fast.

If you notice a lump or bump on the skin you may be wondering what it is. Could it be a sebaceous cyst? There are hundreds of cysts that can develop on the skin, and it’s more common for someone to be dealing with an epidermoid cyst or a cyst that originates in the hair follicles rather than a true sebaceous cyst; however, if you are dealing with a new growth or lump on the skin you may want to turn to your dermatologist to find out if it could be a sebaceous cyst.

 

Your body is covered in sebaceous glands, which produce oil known as sebum that covers the hair and skin. If a gland’s duct becomes damaged or block, a sebaceous cyst can form (most often the result of trauma).

Sebaceous cysts are often painless, fluid-filled noncancerous bumps that most often develop on the neck, face, or back. They are not dangerous and they are typically slow growing; however, it is possible for them to grow large enough or to develop in an uncomfortable area of the body, particularly if they aren’t being monitored by a dermatologist.

 

It can be difficult to pinpoint the differences between a sebaceous cyst and other types of cysts, which is why it’s a good idea to turn to a dermatologist for an evaluation. Some signs that it’s a sebaceous cyst include:

It’s also important to recognize the signs of an infected sebaceous cyst such as redness, tenderness, soreness, or drainage. If you notice any of these symptoms you must turn to your skincare provider to treat the infected cyst.

 

If the cyst isn’t infected then treatment is rarely required; however, depending on the size and location of the cyst, and whether it’s uncomfortable, your dermatologist may recommend surgically removing it.

 

Any new lump or growth that doesn’t go away warrants visiting a dermatologist for an evaluation. If you notice any of the signs above that could indicate an infection, you must call your dermatologist right away.

Are you dealing with a red, itchy, and flaky scalp? It could just be dandruff, or you could be dealing with a skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis (sometimes referred to as seborrheic eczema). While this condition most often affects the scalp, some people may also develop symptoms on the face or body (typically in areas where there are more sebaceous glands such as the nose or back). How do you know that you’re dealing with seborrheic dermatitis?

 

In infants, this skin condition is known as cradle cap and it results in greasy, scaly patches of skin on the head. Puberty often brings with it oilier skin, and this is often when we see teens and adults complaining of redness, swelling, or scaling on the scalp, eyebrows, nose, armpits, groin, or upper back.

 

While dermatologists see this condition in a wide range of patients ranging from newborns to seniors, this condition most often occurs between 30-60 years old. While the root cause still hasn’t been determined, there are certain beliefs as to what might cause seborrheic dermatitis, including a reaction to a type of yeast that’s normally found on our skin. Certain chronic conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, HIV, or epilepsy may also increase your risk for developing seborrheic dermatitis.

 

If you have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis by a dermatologist, it’s important to figure out what might trigger symptoms. As with many skin conditions, seborrheic dermatitis may flare up and then go away for weeks or even months at a time. Some triggers include,

In most cases, your dermatologist can prescribe specialized skin products that can help to keep skin moisturized while preventing scaly patches from forming. Cleansers, shampoos, and other products that contain zinc pyrithione are often most effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. Some products can be purchased over-the-counter, but for those with more severe symptoms, you may require a prescription from your dermatologist.

Lifestyle modifications such as getting more sleep, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress can also reduce the number of flare-ups you experience. A dermatologist can help map out a treatment plan for you to better manage your symptoms.

 

While seborrheic dermatitis may go away without treatment and isn’t usually a cause for concern, you may want to consult your dermatologist if the symptoms are severe, they impact your appearance, or they affect your everyday routine.

It can be incredibly distressing when you start to lose your hair unexpectedly. Alopecia is something that affects both men and women and this autoimmune disorder causes patches of hair to fall out. This condition is most often found in women under 30.

 

If you develop alopecia you may want to point a finger at your genetics. In fact, both parents have the ability to pass down alopecia to their children. So, if you have a family member with alopecia areata then you may be more likely to develop this condition at some point during your lifetime. Of course, genetics isn’t the only factor that plays a role in whether or not you develop alopecia. There are other deciding factors, as well.

 

As we mentioned above, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body attacks the hair follicles, causing them to slow or even halt hair growth. There are different kinds of alopecia and people experience different symptom severities. Some people may notice hair regrowth in a few months while others may not. Again, you must have a dermatologist that you can turn to for answers.

 

While there is no cure, there are treatment options out there that can help stimulate hair growth and reduce the immune system response. The type and severity of your alopecia, along with your age and the severity of your hair loss will play major roles in what types of treatment options are best for you. This is something that a skincare professional can discuss with you during your consultation.

 

For those with milder symptoms, there are injectable and topical medications that could help. Common treatments include,

Those with more severe symptoms may respond better to these treatment options,

If you are dealing with sudden hair loss, it’s important to talk with a dermatologist to find out what’s going on, so you know the best way to treat it. Alopecia can be distressing, but your dermatologist can provide you with options to improve hair regrowth and to once again boost your confidence in your appearance.

If you or a loved one is bed-bound, one of the main concerns is bedsores, which can develop when there is persistent pressure placed on the skin for extended periods. Bedsores can develop within as little as 2-3 hours. Bedsores most often develop on bonier areas of the body where there isn’t as much skin, such as the shoulder blades, buttocks, hips, and tailbone.

It’s important to follow these tips to treat bedsores,

If the person has diabetes or any chronic health problems, you must turn to your doctor right away for treatment, as even minor bedsores can lead to ulcers and serious infections.

A dermatologist can easily remove damaged or dead tissue and prescribe medications such as antibiotics to treat any infection that may be present. Your doctor will need to closely monitor bed sores to make sure it is responding to treatment and isn’t getting worse. If you or a loved one is dealing with bedsores, call your physician immediately.

How do you prevent bedsores?

Even though they are called bedsores, these ulcers can develop in any part of the body in which a lot of pressure is being placed. Therefore, people who are sitting or lying down for long periods, as well as those who are wheelchair-bound, are more at risk for developing bedsores. The person must be checked every day for redness and early signs of bedsores so the problem can be treated right away.

Some ways to reduce your risk for developing bedsores include,

If you notice any changes in the skin that indicate bedsores, you must continue to change positions every 2-3 hours every day. If symptoms don’t improve within a day, or if there are signs of an infection, it’s important to see your dermatologist immediately for care.