General Dermatology &
Although we treat all types of dermatological issues, these are some of the more common issues we see:
Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year.
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma. Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are precancerous lesions that if left untreated can turn into a SCC. We offer PDT For the treatment for AKs.
The best defense against skin cancer is to avoid exposure to the sun. Over exposure to sunlight (including tanning) is the main cause of skin cancer especially when it results in sunburn and blistering.
Other factors include:
- Repeated medical and industrial x-ray exposure
- Scarring from diseases or burns
- Occupational exposure to such compounds as coal tar and arsenic
- Family history
- Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at particularly high risk for skin cancer
Everyone has moles, sometimes 40 or more. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearance.
At one time, a mole in a certain spot on the cheek of a woman was considered fashionable. Some were even painted on. These were called "beauty marks." However, not all moles are beautiful. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable. They may contain dark hairs or they may be dangerous.
Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin.
Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group. Adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring.
We also offer PhotoDynamic Therapy. The PhotoDynamic Therapy can combine topical application of a natural substance (ALA/Levulan) with Blu-U Light or be used alone to decrease acne-causing bacteria on the surface of your skin. This therapy reduces inflammation, heals existing blemishes and helps to prevent further breakouts. Because Blu-U light alone is an external acne treatment, it has no potential side effects like those that can occur with Accutane or antibiotics. Learn more about PhotoDynamic Therapy.
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat and smooth. The appearance of a wart depends on where it is growing.
There are several different kinds of warts including:
- Common warts
- Foot (Plantar) warts
- Flat warts
Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a chronic (long-term) skin disease that causes redness and swelling, primarily on the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back. Sometimes, rosacea affects the eyes.
Those afflicted with rosacea may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily. The condition can occur over a long period of time and often progresses to a persistent redness, pimples and visible blood vessels in the center of the face that can eventually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose.
Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic, non-contagious skin disorder that appears in many different forms and can affect any part of the body, including the nails and scalp. Psoriasis is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the percentage of body surface involved and the impact on the patient's quality of life. Psoriasis may be one of several types:
- plaque psoriasis,
- pustular psoriasis,
- erythrodermic psoriasis,
- guttate psoriasis
- inverse psoriasis.
We can help you to determine what type of psoriasis you may have.
Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or "atopic eczema"). Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the world’s population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood. Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.
Ark-La-Tex Dermatology performs these and other surgical procedures:
- Skin cancer surgery
- Mole and skin growth removal
- Cyst removal
- Scar revision
- Acne scar surgery
- Keloid treatment (A keloid is a scar that rises above the rest of the skin)
- Pediatric skin surgery
- Earlobe repair
For more information please call one of our offices: Shreveport (318) 212-3440 or Bossier City (318) 212-7800.