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Skin Cancer Symptoms

There are very few words that cause as much fear or terror as the word “cancer”. Although many cancers are not terminal, when a person hears that they have cancer or that they are at risk for cancer, their thoughts immediately go to the worst case scenario.

With a lot of cancers, there are clear signs that a person has the disease. They might have tenderness in a part of their body, they might feel sick or they might see visible lumps or bumps. Unfortunately, these visible signs are not always present with skin cancer.

Skin cancer grows very slowly, and it does so without giving clear warning signs. For this reason, identifying it early and treating it when it is not life-threatening can be a challenge. Finding skin cancer early requires vigilance on your part as well as on the part of the medical professional. There are a few common things that you should look out for.

It is first important to identify the difference between melanoma skin cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma skin cancer is what people think about first when they consider skin cancer. This is because it is extremely aggressive, it can grow fast and it can spread from the skin to other organs in the body. Melanoma skin cancers can begin in a normal mole or they can start on skin free of moles. An acronym ABCDE is used to help to identify moles that might be melanoma. A= asymmetric, B= irregular borders, C= dark black or varied colors, D= diameter greater than 6 mm or the size of a pencil eraser, E= elevation – if a mole grows rapidly in a vertical fashion and bleeds easily, it is likely a melanoma.

Non-melanoma cancer, on the other hand, are usually classified as basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers. If caught in their early phases, they are generally considered to be relatively non-dangerous and can usually be treated with a simple surgery (either an excision or Mohs surgery if the cancer is on the face, neck or hands). Non-melanoma skin cancer is what you will most commonly see on the parts of your skin that have a lot of sun exposure. They are very common in fair-skinned individuals who have had extensive sun exposure during their lifetimes. It is very rare for this type of cancer to develop in covered places, such as the inside of your mouth.

It is important to examine your skin at least once a month. The skin of the human body is continually changing, and it replaces itself all the time. So if you have a mark that suddenly appears on the skin or a mole that is growing or bleeding, call us at Torrey Pines Dermatology right away so we can examine it.

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms or just haven’t had your skin checked in a while, visit Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla. Our team is committed to helping patients in the San Diego and surrounding areas prevent skin cancer and catch those that have already developed early. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

Mohs Surgery for Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

If you have been diagnosed with basal or squamous cell carcinoma, you are dealing with two of the most common forms of skin cancer. When treated early each of these skin cancers is easily curable. If ignored, skin cancer can progress, spreading to the point where it can cause disfigurement. Often after a biopsy the “tip of the iceberg” or the very top portion of the skin cancer disappears making the skin once again appear normal. Do not be fooled – under the skin the majority of the skin cancer is still growing and will continue to do so until it is completely removed. No matter what, you want it gone. The most precise and effective way of removing skin cancer and preventing its recurrence is a technique called Mohs surgery. Although it has been refined considerably since its conception in 1936 by its founder Frederic Mohs, this is a technique that has been utilized for 80+ years and is bar none the very best.

Who are Mohs Surgeons?

It is important as well to ensure that you are choosing a “fellowship-trained” Mohs surgeon when considering this technique. Fellows of the American College of Mohs Surgery, such as Dr. Richards, go through an extensive fellowship above and beyond dermatology residency training that teaches them not only the Mohs technique, but also how to elegantly repair Mohs defects allowing for the best cosmetic result. When looking for a Mohs surgeon, therefore, it is important to ask your physician if he or she did a Mohs fellowship and whether he or she is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

What’s the Story Behind Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is an extremely precise form of surgery that allows skin cancers to be carefully and completely removed in a step by step fashion. Skin sections are gradually removed from the patient’s skin cancer, brought to our in-house lab and are processed into a microscopic slide. Special stains are then used to illuminate the cancer cells making it much easier to see them under the microscope. Being able to see cancer cells clearly under the microscope prevents “guessing” at how much of a margin to take to ensure the cancer is gone. The Mohs technique is the only technique that provides the assurance that all the cancer is gone while still preserving normal skin because there is no guess work as to what to remove. If you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing the skin cancer was thoroughly removed but normal skin was preserved, Mohs surgery is the best option for you.

What Happens After the Procedure is Over?

Once the skin cancer is removed, Dr. Richards then considers the very best technique for repairing the Mohs defect. This could be allowing the wound to heal on its own, closing the defect side to side or placing a flap or a graft. It is important to carefully consider these options so that the very best cosmetic result can be achieved for the patient. Once the cosmetic repair is complete, the stitches generally will come out in 10 days. Patients leave with a dressing over their repaired site and extensive instructions on how to care for the area. Sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed and rarely a pain pill to ensure the patient is comfortable at home. Once stitches are removed, patients are asked to visit the office on a quarterly basis in the first year for full skin checks. It is important that we keep a close eye on our Mohs surgery patients to make sure that new skin cancers aren’t appearing on other parts of the body. Often we will see a new cancer appearing in a new site within the first year of the last surgery so prevention is key. If you see any new lesions that are bleeding or growing rapidly, be sure to contact our office.

Find Out More Information About Mohs Surgery

If you have been informed that you have basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, review your options for removal. Talk to our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Richards, at Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla about whether Mohs surgery would be the most effective choice for you. Having the peace of mind afforded by choosing Mohs surgery makes it well worth going through the procedure. Our office serves the San Diego and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more.

Stimulate Natural Collagen Production with Sculptra® Treatments

As you get older, your body produces less collagen, which can take away your youthful appearance. Sculptra® treatments are effective at stimulating collagen production, so they can reduce the signs of aging and make you look younger.

The loss of collagen is one of the major effects of the aging process. Many patients have heard about collagen, but don’t understand how it affects their skin. As a chemical compound, collagen increases skin elasticity and makes it feel firmer.

Your skin elasticity determines how well it’s able to bounce back after it’s pulled. The aging process causes your body’s collagen production to slow down, and as a result, you end up with sagging skin and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers are frequently used to reverse the effects of aging because they’re effective at restoring lost volume. Since Sculptra® is a dermal filler, it’s able to replace lost collagen, but it’s slightly different than most other dermal fillers.

Unlike other dermal fillers, this injectable aims to replace lost collagen naturally. The treatment process is simple, and the results can last for two years.

How Sculptra® Treatments Work

Once injected, most dermal fillers provide instant results. However, this treatment is different because it provides gradual results. The benefits take longer to appear, but they tend to last significantly longer than what you’d get from alternative dermal fillers.

The purpose of Sculptra® is to naturally stimulate the growth of collagen. During the procedure, the formula is injected into the target areas, and the chemical compounds are slowly absorbed by the body.

Over time, the formula stimulates the growth of collagen in areas with skin depressions and wrinkles. Patients need to know that the benefits of Sculptra® can take many weeks to appear, but once they appear, the results will last a long time. In addition to improvements in volume loss, the skin texture and complexion improves as well.

Are You a Candidate?

Sculptra® treatments are only approved for specific areas of the face. An ideal candidate should be in good health and have realistic expectations for the treatment. A person’s candidacy for this treatment will ultimately be determined during a consultation at our office.

Learn More During a Consultation

Sculptra® serves as an efficient way to stimulate natural collagen production, and it has the potential to significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Talk to our team of cosmetic professionals at Torrey Pines Dermatology to learn more about how Sculptra® can stimulate natural collagen production in your face. We are located in La Jolla, but we also serve the San Diego and surrounding cities. Contact us today to request a consultation.

What is SilkPeel Dermalinfusion?

SilkPeel Dermalinfusion is an esthetic procedure that can significantly improve your complexion. Some patients get great results with a single procedure while others need multiple treatments. The procedure requires only about 30 minutes of your time and doesn’t cause discomfort.

Another benefit of SilkPeel Dermalinfusion is the lack of downtime. The treatment is very similar to microdermabrasion because it involves the removal of the outer layers of skin.

The treatment consists of exfoliation techniques, but it’s not the same as microdermabrasion because it requires the use of special serums. Each serum is used to treat a different skin condition.

Are You a Candidate for SilkPeel Dermalinfusion?

If you need to hydrate dry skin or treat acne-prone skin, you could be a great candidate for this treatment. If received on a monthly basis, the SilkPeel even has the ability to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and lessen the appearance of sun spots. It may be used on your feet, hands, face, chest and neck, and it can rejuvenate several other areas of your body.

How the Procedure Works

The SilkPeel procedure requires you to have a clean face, so before the treatment begins, all unwanted debris will be removed from your face. During the treatment, a special device is used on your skin and placed over the target area. This is used to exfoliate the outer layers of your skin, and as it exfoliates, it uses suction to remove the debris.

It also soaks your skin with a specific serum, which penetrates deep into the skin. The serum will infuse your skin with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, so the effectiveness of the treatment is increased.

What are the Results?

The results that you can get from the SilkPeel Dermalinfusion procedure are visible immediately. Your skin will look and feel much smoother and have a healthy glow. To get the best results, you may want to consider getting at least one treatment per month, which is viewed as a maintenance treatment.

If you want to make the results from every treatment last even longer, you’ll want to practice a home skin care regimen. The results will last longer if you use a skin care regimen customized to your skin from Torrey Pines Dermatology with products that actually are scientifically proven to transform your skin.

What are the Benefits?

SilkPeel Dermalinfusion has several benefits to offer. First, it can be used on any skin type, and you don’t have to deal with downtime. Immediately after the procedure, you can return to your daily activities. In fact, the procedure is fast enough to be performed on your lunch break!

The first treatment should deliver great results, but you can get even better results by seeking ongoing treatments. The SilkPeel treatment will buff away wrinkles, fine lines and acne scars. It can rehydrate dry skin and lighten skin pigmentation.

We encourage you to schedule a consultation at Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla to learn more about how a SilkPeel can benefit you. Our office happily serves the San Diego and surrounding areas. Contact us today to book your appointment!

Common Causes of Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic and frustrating skin condition. What makes this disease so frustrating for millions of sufferers is that it usually attacks the skin on the face. It is a disease that progressively gets worse, especially if it goes untreated or if it goes misdiagnosed. Unfortunately, many people accidentally think that this condition is acne or eczema, or they might think that they have a skin allergy. So they try to use treatments for these skin conditions and are left with negative results.

Although rosacea can affect people of any skin color, it primarily affects individuals who have light skin. Individuals who are prone to facial flushing or blushing are more likely to get it than other groups. Unfortunately, there is no known way to cure rosacea. Research has focused on finding ways to minimize the symptoms and provide sufferers a measure of relief.

Interestingly, while rosacea primarily affects individuals of European ancestry, researchers are noting that a larger number of individuals from Asia and the Middle East are developing the condition. This growth is being seen primarily in areas that have undergone social-economic improvements over the past few years. So researchers are starting to look to see if there is a link between lifestyle factors and rosacea in addition to a patient’s skin color.

Experts are not 100 percent sure as to what causes this condition. However, they believe that there are certain factors that most rosacea patients have in common. One is an abnormality in their facial blood vessels. Medical professionals believe that these abnormalities, which cause a person to have persistent flushing or persistent redness as well as visible blood vessels, play a role in developing rosacea. Still, researchers are looking to better understand what it is that causes the blood vessels in these individuals to become inflamed in the first place.

On the human skin, there is a microscopic mite that lives peacefully with people and causes no problems. However, researchers have noted that individuals who have rosacea have a larger quantity of these mites on their skin than other people do. What researchers are still trying to understand is if it is the mites that cause the condition or if it is the fact that the patient has the condition that leads to them having an overpopulation of skin mites. What is certain is that there is a correlation between the mites and the skin disorder.

Genetics also plays a large role. Researchers have noted that up to 40 percent of rosacea sufferers have a close relative who has the same condition. Still, scientists are not clear on which genes lead to the condition.

Many rosacea sufferers understand that there are triggers that can make their condition worse. The majority of these triggers are factors that increase the flow of blood to their skin, like drinking hot beverages or eating hot foods. Other factors include eating spicy foods that make the face flush or being exposed to extreme temperatures and sunlight. Increased stress, exercise and anxiety have also been linked to this condition.

At Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla, we have a wide variety of treatment options for rosacea. Our team of experienced medical professionals will be happy to come up with a customized treatment plan that is perfect for you. We proudly serve the San Diego area. Contact us today to request a consultation at our office.

Using Dermal Fillers and Laser for Hand Rejuvenation

Many people notice the signs of aging on their hands well before anywhere else on their body. Issues such as visible arteries and protruding bones are generally not dangerous, but they can be unsightly. This is why our team is committed to providing our patients with some of the most effective anti-aging treatments for hand rejuvenation. By combining laser treatments and dermal fillers and sometimes even vein reduction, we can address many of the most common cosmetic issues in a single trip to our office.

Aging Hands

When it comes to wrinkles and other blemishes, we often think of our face as the most problematic area. While it is true that the face tends to age before many other areas of the body, it is generally our hands that receive the most punishment. After years of hard work and being out in the sun, a wide variety of cosmetic issues can develop. These include broken capillaries, bulging veins, loose skin, thin skin and protruding bones. In order to tackle these issues and restore the appearance of your hands, you should consider a comprehensive hand rejuvenation plan that utilizes multiple treatments.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers have been used to rejuvenate faces for years, but they are also quite effective at treating hands. Dermal fillers used in the hands contain a substance known as hyaluronic acid. This substance is naturally found in our bodies, but we tend to produce less of it as we grow older. This results in skin laxity issues and a loss of volume.

Dermal fillers add immediate volume to your hands just below the surface of your skin. They will also stimulate your body’s natural healing process so that the area is flushed with collagen, elastin and other natural proteins.

Laser Treatments

Lasers can be used to treat visible blemishes without any incisions being made, and this technology is the perfect option for many of the brown spots that are found on the hands. Our team can use customized laser treatments to tighten the skin and remove unsightly discoloration.

Enjoying Your Refreshed Hands

The length of your appointment is determined by your own cosmetic goals as well as the state of your hands. Minor procedures can usually be carried out in just under an hour and have absolutely no downtime. After the treatment is over, one of our team members will instruct you on aftercare.

Our hand rejuvenation package at Torrey Pines Dermatology is a great way for patients to restore youthfulness in their hands. Your hand rejuvenation treatment will be tailored to meet your needs. Our office is located in La Jolla and we also serve the San Diego and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more.

Sclerotherapy for Spider Vein Treatment

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that has gained popularity over the past few years for its ability to effectively address and remove problematic veins. Sclerotherapy is a procedure whereby a special solution is injected into the offending vein. The result is that the blood vessel’s lining gets irritated. It swells and then sticks together. With time, scar tissue develops, and the offending vein fades away from view.

Interestingly, sclerotherapy is not a new procedure. Medical professionals have been effectively using this procedure since the 1930s. Before you can have this procedure performed, you’ll need to sit down and talk with our medical professionals. They will examine you and determine your candidacy for this medical procedure.

Some of the things that they are going to look at as they examine you is your general health and where the spider veins that you want to have treated are located. Based on their evaluation, they will determine whether you are a good candidate for sclerotherapy.

If the vein that you want to have treated could be used in the future in connection with heart bypass surgery, it would generally not be considered for this procedure unless a medical professional has determined that this vein is already unusable. In addition, if a deeper problem is present, such as a faulty valve in the vein, it also may be important to address the deeper problem first.

Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting the solution right into the vein. Overall, it is a relatively simple procedure. It usually only takes between 15 and 20 minutes. The procedure can be performed inside our office, and you are able to leave our office and return to daily activities immediately in most cases. Depending on the location and the size of the vein that is being treated, our medical professional may request that you stay away from aerobic activities for a few days after the procedure. In addition, it is important to wear compression hose for 7 days following the procedure.

Before the sclerotherapy procedure, it is recommended that you avoid certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. The list of medications to avoid will be provided to you by the medical professional performing your procedure.

In addition to pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs, our doctor may recommend that you stay away from certain dietary supplements and herbs. In the days leading up to the procedure, no lotion should be applied to the area that is going to be treated since this can negatively affect the results of the procedure.

All of these details will be discussed with you during an initial consultation at Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla. Our team of experts will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have as they determine if sclerotherapy is right for you. Our office proudly serves the San Diego and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.

The Importance of Getting a Skin Cancer Screening

You may feel overwhelmed by all of the tests and screenings that you are supposed to have in order to monitor your health. There are colonoscopies, mammograms, prostate exams and cholesterol screenings that could be looming ahead. Add a skin cancer screening to the list. Like all other preventative tests, the main goal is to make sure you are healthy and catch anything that could be a concern. Don’t ignore your skin. The skin is the largest organ. A simple skin cancer screening could save your life.

Why Get Screened for Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. It’s caused by exposure to the sun, and the damage could have started from childhood. Even if you are diligent about taking care of your skin as an adult, you may not have been so cautious in your youth. Those sunburns, tanning sessions and days spent under the sun at peak hours could lead to problems down the line. By getting screened for skin cancer, you can pinpoint any problems.

Nip Minor Issues in the Bud

Skin cancer often begins as a small, isolated spot. There may be a mole that has changed shape or color on your skin. You may have a tiny sore that will not heal. When you go for a skin cancer screening, these small issues can be detected and treated immediately. You may be able to do something as simple as apply a cream to get rid of your skin cancer. Other treatments may include freezing the cancer away, removing it with a laser or using radiation. You don’t want to let a small problem turn into something major. When left untreated, skin cancer can disfigure you. Worse yet, it can spread throughout your body and threaten your life.

Be Aware of Your Skin

Pay close attention to your skin. If you notice anything that seems off or that is different, schedule a skin cancer screening. When you have changes in your skin or spots that are no longer symmetrical, you could be looking at skin cancer. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer can be easily treated. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is more complicated. Regardless of any type of skin cancer that you may have, you want to address any problems as soon as possible.

Know Your Health History

If you are fair-skinned or if you have family members with skin cancer, you are at a greater risk of getting skin cancer. The best thing that you can do is take care of your skin by wearing sunscreen and sun protective clothing on a regular basis. Check your skin. You can ask a family member or your partner to help you with areas that you can’t see. The back is one of the greatest areas of concern.

Schedule regular screenings for skin cancer at Torrey Pines Dermatology even if you haven’t noticed any changes. It will give you peace of mind to know that you are keeping a close eye on your skin. Our office is located in La Jolla, and we also serve the San Diego area. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

What is Melasma?

Melasma, or Chloasma faciei, is a skin condition resulting in dark or tan skin discoloration. Anyone can have the condition, but it typically affects women, particularly pregnant women and people on hormone replacement therapy or those using patch or oral contraceptives.

What Are the Symptoms?

This condition makes its presence known as irregular, dark, hyper-pigmented skin sections or patches normally seen on the nose, lips, upper cheeks and forehead. The patches will often gradually develop over time. The condition will not result in other symptoms and is considered purely a cosmetic concern. Pre-menopausal women frequently develop melasma, which is believed to be due to the overproduction of some hormones.

Common Causes

It is believed that this condition develops when pigment-creating cells called melanocytes begin overproducing melanin due to sun exposure. Females who have darker skin types and live in areas with intense sunlight are more likely to develop melasma than other people. Having a family history of melasma also increases a person’s chances of developing the condition.

People suffering from thyroid disease also have a greater chance of developing this condition. It is believed that melanocyte-stimulating hormone overproduction due to stress may lead to developing melasma. Other factors include cosmetic and medication allergies.

Prevention Tips

Avoiding exposure to sunlight and using sunscreen can help to prevent the formation of melasma. Using oral contraceptives has been firmly established as one cause of the condition, particularly in women without a genetic predisposition to the condition. Avoiding the future use of contraceptive pills is advised for those who develop the condition after taking these medications.

Treatment Options

The discoloration caused by melasma often resolves itself over a span of several months, once birth has taken place or hormone replacement therapy or contraceptive use has ended.

Treatments for this condition usually offer temporary results, if sun exposure is not avoided. Melasma is most effectively treated by combining hydroquinone cream, retinoids and laser treatments along with eliminating estrogen and sun exposure. Hydroquinone is a topical bleaching agent often used in conjunction with IPL to treat melasma. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that help to decrease the activity of melanocytes, cells that create darker skin pigments. They also allow the skin to be better penetrated by other topical agents.

Consult the Experts

At Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla, we offer a variety of treatment options for melasma. During a consultation with Dr. Richards or Christine Corso PA-C, a customized treatment plan can be created for you. We proudly serve the San Diego and surrounding areas. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

Enhance Your Appearance with Restylane® Injections

Most people who are interested in cosmetic treatments want to enhance their appearance. Even though they may want to completely turn back the clock and look like they did when they were 20 years old, they know this is not realistic. When they go in for a cosmetic treatment, they basically want to look their best at their current age. Restylane® is a great way to enhance your appearance. It can help you to look your best right now.

The first thing that you should know about Restylane® is that it is a dermal filler. It contains stabilized hyaluronic acid, which is a natural sugar molecule we already have in our skin. It provides two separate benefits. Once it is injected into your skin, it helps to increase your facial volume. This will help you to get back some of the volume you had in your younger years, giving you an attractive facial contour.

The second benefit is that its main ingredient, hyaluronic acid, attracts water and helps to plump up the skin, giving it a fuller, more hydrated appearance. As our body ages, less and less hyaluronic acid is made, so our skin appears less full and less hydrated. Restylane® helps to reverse that aspect of aging.

Restylane® is a long-lasting filler – the results can last anywhere from 9 to 12 months, depending on a patient’s metabolism. This means that after just 15 to 20 minutes in our office, you will be able to enjoy a more youthful and fresher appearance for almost a year.

Another benefit of using this product is that the results are very natural-looking. Some individuals feel a little bit nervous trying cosmetic treatments because they feel like their face will look frozen or like plastic. However, this is not the case with Restylane® injections. Not only does it look natural, but it also feels natural. Other people will be able to tell that you look healthier and happier, but they will not be able to tell that you had dermal filler injections.

Restylane® is an amazing cosmetic product that can help you to enhance your appearance in less than half an hour. Schedule a complimentary consultation at Torrey Pines Dermatology to find out if this treatment is right for your unique situation. Our office is located in La Jolla, and we also serve the San Diego and surrounding cities. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.

Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing

Most Southern Californians spend more time than they should in the sun. Too often in our younger years, we spent too much time unprotected from the sun at the beach or on sports teams. Sunscreen, sun-protective clothing and broad-rimmed hats were not at the forefront of our minds. Sadly, our bodies never forget a single ray we have had and with time, these rays build up in our skin.

As time progresses, our skin starts to show some of the effects that spending so much time unprotected in the sun can bring. Sun spots, dark patches, wrinkles and an overall loss of elasticity in the skin start to appear. Thanks to modern technology, these defects are not permanent.

Laser skin resurfacing is a popular, well-respected procedure that has been shown to reduce the effects of aging and sun exposure. Time, testing and experience has proven that laser skin resurfacing is safe. The testimonies of thousands of individuals show that it is an effective and convenient way to address the aging process and excess sun exposure.

One of the reasons why people prefer laser skin resurfacing as compared to more invasive cosmetic procedures is because it is less invasive and downtime is minimal as compared to surgery. In addition, there is no better way to clear discoloration, tighten fine lines and wrinkles, remodel scar tissue and give one’s skin the opportunity to have baby-fresh new skin cells again. A lot of people refer to this procedure as “laser skin rejuvenation.” This is because once the procedure has been completed and sun-damaged skin cells have been removed, one’s face looks youthful and revitalized while still looking very natural. In addition, the cost is far less than more invasive surgical procedures that frequently cause patients to look “done.”

At Torrey Pines Dermatology, we pride ourselves on ensuring we pick the very best procedures for our patients’ individual skin types, so a complimentary consultation is essential to determine which procedure is right for you. You can be sure that whatever the procedure, we will ensure it is done with the least amount of discomfort and that any type of rejuvenation will still look natural.

Located in La Jolla and serving the San Diego and surrounding areas, Torrey Pines Dermatology is committed to helping you achieve an appearance you can be happy with. Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about the benefits of laser skin resurfacing.

Customized Treatments for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder of the immune system that affects the skin. People with this condition have an overactive immune system that causes skin cells to grow abnormally fast. In some cases, the skin cells grow ten times faster than normal. The body can’t shed the skin cells quickly enough, and they build up in layers on the skin.

While this condition can appear almost anywhere on the body, it is most commonly found on the knees, elbows and scalp. It affects men and women equally. Most patients are between 15 and 35 years old when they experience their first symptoms.

Types of the Condition

Plaque psoriasis is by far the most common type and affects 80 percent of psoriasis patients. Individuals with this condition develop raised red plaques of inflamed skin that are covered with silvery scales. The plaques can burn and itch.

Guttate psoriasis causes pink or red spots to appear on the skin. It is more likely to affect children than the other types. Inverse psoriasis causes the patient to develop shiny, smooth and bright red patches.

Pustular psoriasis causes pustules surrounded by red skin. It can be localized or generalized, and the latter type can develop into serious illness accompanied by fever, a fast heart rate, weakness, chills and nausea. Erythrodermic psoriasis is both the rarest and most serious form of the condition. It covers most of the body, and the patient’s skin looks burned and turns fiery red. It also causes severe itching and peeling, changes in body temperature and a fast heart rate.

What Treatments Are Available?

The main goal of treatment is to find out your triggers and then learn ways to avoid them. Since each psoriasis patient is different, we treat each patient individually based on their unique circumstance. At Torrey Pines Dermatology, we offer a variety of treatments including biologics, topical corticosteroids, retinoids and tacrolimus. Other therapies are also available. The right treatment for you will depend on the condition of your psoriasis, as well as your overall health, among other factors.

Learn More About Our Treatment Options

If you are suffering from psoriasis, Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla is here for you. During a consultation at our office, you can get all the facts about our customized treatment options and how they can help your condition. We happily serve the San Diego and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.