Dry skin

What is seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants Dry skin, Hair

If your scalp itches, you might have seborrheic dermatitis, which sometimes presents as severe dandruff. There are many ways you can treat dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis at home. Begin by washing your hair frequently. If every day is too difficult, then wash it every other day. Always use a gentle shampoo at first and try to get your scalp clean, without scratching. Allow it to sit while you wash the rest of your body and then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your favorite conditioner. If this treatment is not enough, you can use an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo containing zinc or selenium and, for stubborn cases, one containing ketoconazole, which is an effective antifungal agent.

It is also important to dry the hair completely after you shower, using a hair dryer because you don’t want dampness to create an environment where fungus and yeast can grow. If you have long hair, a hair dryer brush might be a good option, as it both dries and styles the hair at the same time. There are several different styles of brush dryer, including this one from Revlon (https://www.revlonhairtools.shop/).

If despite these measures your condition persist, you may need to come to the office for stronger prescription medications. Psoriasis can also sometimes look like seborrheic dermatitis and may require in-office treatment. There are many new very effective oral, as well as topical medications for both conditions.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

Are there rashes related to pregnancy?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Dry skin, Eczema, Rashes, Skin Allergies
PUPPP
PUPPP

Itching during pregnancy can be something very simple like eczema (patches of dry skin), seborrheic dermatitis (scaling and flaking of the scalp and central face), and other common dermatoses. However, itching associated with blistering can represent a condition known as pemphigoid gestationis, sometimes called herpes gestationis—completely different from what is commonly referred to as the herpes virus. It is uncommon however very symptomatic when it is seen during and immediately after pregnancy.

Lesions can appear as red patches or blisters all over the body. Conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis, drug allergies and a condition known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) can also be confused with herpes gestationis.

The condition may last for weeks or months and is usually treated with various forms of cortisone.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

What can be done about aging hands?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, African-American skin, Asian skin, Dry skin, Sun

Aging hands are treated much in the same way as an aging face. Frequently the problem with aging hands is sun damage. Sun damage results in brown spots, red spots and thickened scaly skin. The skin of the hands also lose elasticity with age. The sun damage can be treated with acid peels, microdermabrasion, as well as liquid nitrogen. The acid superficially destroys the pigmentation. The microdermabrasion gently causes exfoliation. The liquid nitrogen freezes the skin to destroy the unwanted sun-induced spots. It is very important in a total body program to minimize the signs of aging to include treatment of the hands. Carefully removing sun and age damaged skin from the hands can sometimes make hands look 10 or 20 years younger.

In addition to therapy that can be accomplished in the office, our Sal-Hydro Fade Formula can peel and bleach many surface skin lesions at home when applied two to three times per day. Even after office treatments, my patients are given Sal-Hydro for use at home to further enhance the effects of treatment.

In African-American skin, pigmented lesions (spots) can be even more noticeable and Sal-Hydro can be used up to four or even six times per day until the desired lightening is achieved for maximal effectiveness.

Likewise, Asian skin frequently pigments darker, and the in-office procedures are the same.  The Sal-Hydro used in conjunction with the procedures is also extremely effective.

Moisturizers, especially our Multivitamin Cream, can be applied to minimize the noticeable effects of the peeling process.

In certain cases where thinning skin on the surface of the hands is very noticeable, it is possible to inject a filler to increase the density of those areas. This is a procedure that is done in the office and only on select patients.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

What is Eczema?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Dry skin, Eczema

Eczema is a dry, red, patchy, scaly and itchy rash that can occur on any part of the skin. It is commonly seen in the elbow creases and on the hands. It is part of a condition known as atopic dermatitis.  Atopic dermatitis consists of  one or more of the following: allergies (such as hay fever and nasal allergies), eczema, asthma and keratosis pilaris (small bumps usually on the upper arms and legs).  These conditions can be seen directly on an individual or the person may have only one of the above with a family history of the others.  Dry weather and harsh chemicals in contact with the skin can make eczema worse. Stress can also exacerbate eczematos reactions.

Eczema is not contagious so it cannot be spread from person to person.  It is, however, believed to be genetic. If you are experiencing bothersome eczema, prescription treatments can be very helpful. There is a variety of new medications that my eczema patients have found very helpful. To avoid infecting your skin, try not to scratch at eczemetos patches.

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661

Is your skin dry even though it’s raining out?

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants -All posts from Dr. Bussell-, Dry skin

Winter dry skin is a problem in southern California. A simple trick to maximize the effectiveness of your moisturizer is to apply it on slightly damp skin. This enables the skin to hold on to much needed winter moisture. Our MULTI-VITAMIN MOISTURIZING CREAM is excellent to use in this manner for “winter-itch.” Keep a jar in your shower!

– Dr. Bussell

Beverly Hills Dermatology Consultants

433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 805   Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-550-7661