How Does a Chemical Peel Compare to a Professional Peel?

Unlike the weekly at-home self-scrub you may be performing, a professional peel is an in-office, acid-based resurfacing treatment that exfoliates your skin on a deeper level. This results in a younger-looking, healthy complexion. The skincare professionals at DeSilva Dermatology will apply a chemical solution to your skin’s surface to remove the dead skin cells and stimulate cell regrowth.

What Do Professional Peels Do?

Professional peels address various skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and mild scarring. They also improve skin texture and stimulate collagen production.

There are three types of professional peels: superficial (light), medium-depth, and deep. These categories define how many layers of skin the peel affects.

Superficial

A light peel is a good way to begin if you’ve never had a professional peel before. They are referred to as “lunchtime peels,” since their relatively mild peeling agents only address the epidermis (the top layer of your skin). You may want to have a light peel once every month.

Medium-Depth

Medium-depth professional peels involve both the epidermis and dermis underneath. If you’ve been getting light peels and the results are less than desirable, it may be time to take it to the next stage. You may want to get a medium peel every four to six weeks.

Deep

The strongest peels available penetrate deep into the layers of the dermis. While they require more recovery time than light and medium-depth peels, they’re the best option for achieving long-lasting, noticeable results with just one treatment. People may get deep peels once in a lifetime or under a professional’s evaluation (often every 10 years or so).

What’s a Professional Peel Like?

A professional peel is similar to other types of treatments. After pulling back your hair, your DeSilva professional will clean your face with a saturated cotton ball, sponge, brush, or gauze. You may experience a tingling or stinging sensation for 15 to 20 minutes.

Next, a neutralizing solution will be followed by a hydrating, restoring, and protecting cream. You may experience redness, irritation, and peeling for approximately four to seven days after a medium peel and seven to 21 days after a deep peel.

Skincare After a Professional Peel

Do not get a peel right before a special event, because you will experience some downtime. Avoid scheduling a professional peel before a special event, especially if it’s medium or deep.

Three days after your peel, you may notice mild to moderate peeling. This is common, allowing new, healthy skin to come to the surface. Don’t pick at your skin during this process, as this can cause hyperpigmentation.

Don’t put makeup, ice or hot or cold water on your skin.  Instead, ask about purchasing a post-procedure kit from your DeSilva specialist.  

Wait at least 10 days before using any Retinol or Glycolic Acid products, and five days for acne treatments like Tretinoin, including Renova and Retin-A.

Don’t exfoliate your face with a washcloth or scrub for at least seven to 10 days. Avoid activities that increase your body temperature for the first 48 hours. This includes:

• Exercising.
• Hot showers.
• Swimming.
• Steam rooms and saunas.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat if you go outside.

Want to accelerate your skincare results? Find out if a PCA peel is right for you! Contact DeSilva Dermatology for a consultation.

The post All About PCA Skin Peels appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

Signs to watch out for

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It is dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lung, liver, bone and brain. The earlier it is detected and removed, the more likely the treatment will be successful.

Fortunately, when found early, melanoma is highly treatable. The key to finding it early is to perform skin self-exams so that you can check your own skin for signs of this skin cancer. If you find anything suspicious looking, make an appointment with your dermatologist.

Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal, or “ugly looking.”

Thinking of “ABCDE” can help you remember what to watch out for:

• Asymmetry: the shape of one half does not match the other
• Border: the edges are ragged, blurred or irregular
• Color: the color is uneven and may include shades of black, brown and tan
• Diameter: there is a change in size, usually an increase
• Evolving: the mole has changed over the past few weeks or months

More people are developing melanoma than ever before. This can frequently be attributed to underuse of sunscreen, the first line of defense against the condition. Members of Gen Z seem to be going back to attaining that “golden glow,” which is unfortunate. A new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology confirms that 35% of Americans, including nearly 50% of Gen Z and millennials, got sunburned last year.

In men, it is often located on the head, neck or back. In women, it is often found on the legs or lower legs. People will dark skin are less likely to develop melanoma, but when they do, it can be found under the fingernails and toenails, on the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet.

By age 50, men are more likely than women to develop melanoma. One reason may be that men know less about skin cancer.

Researchers also believe that a major cause may lie in men’s skin. We know that men’s skin differs from women’s skin. Men have thicker skin with less fat beneath. A man’s skin also contains more collagen and elastin, fibers that give the skin firmness and keep it tight.

Research shows that these differences make men’s skin more likely to be damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. A study conducted in the Netherlands found that men’s skin reacted more intensely to UV rays than did women’s skin. A separate study reached the same conclusion.

Research also shows that a women’s skin may be better at repairing the damage caused by UV rays. Women are also more likely to use sunscreen frequently.

A family affair

Melanoma sometimes runs in families, and if you’ve had melanoma before, your risk is heightened for developing more. Long-term sun exposure, use of tanning beds and severe, blistering sunburns also increase your risk.

Can it occur in children?

Melanoma is rare in young children. Even so, there are times when a mole should be checked by your dermatologist just to be sure. Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable. To help parents find melanoma early, dermatologists want parents to know that melanoma can look different in children.

How is melanoma diagnosed?

The only way to diagnose melanoma is to remove tissue and check for cancer cells. Usually, this procedure only takes a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office.

How is it treated?

Surgery is the first treatment of all stages of melanoma. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation, biologic, and targeted therapies. Biologic therapy boosts your body’s own ability to fight cancer. Targeted therapy uses substances that attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.

“Although sun exposure certainly contributes to melanoma, genetics play a large role,” says DeSilva Dermatology’s Dr. Thushan DeSilva. “The importance of this is that melanoma can arise anywhere on the skin (scalp under hair, soles, genitals…not necessarily only sun-exposed areas) which most are unaware of. Everyone is susceptible, especially if there is a family history of melanoma.”

Is it time for you to get a checkup? Make an appointment with DeSilva Dermatology by calling (830) 331-4150.

The post What Is Melanoma? appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

LED Red Light Therapy

LED therapy has been well-established in treating anti-aging and skin care, as well as in the treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions. Omnilux™ Professional LED devices are the gold-standard medical technology used by dermatologists and aestheticians everywhere because of their ability to promote skin recovery and healing. They’re painless and safe for all skin types.

We will be offering these Omnilux products for sale at the office beginning this month:

Contour Face Mask
Contour Neck and Décolleté 
Men’s Face Mask
Clear Face Mask (for acne)*
Mini Blemish Eraser
Mini Eye Brightener

Each device is designed to treat a specific area to provide you with a complete revitalization of your skin.

*Please note that the Clear Face Mask is a different product specifically intended for the treatment of acne. Omnilux Contour light therapy is recommended for use by those 21+ years of age and the CLEAR device is recommended for use by those 14+ years of age.

Here are answers to some questions that you may have:

How many treatments do I need?

For optimal results, three to five 10-minute treatments per week for four to six weeks, followed by maintenance as desired. This will result in smoother, clearer skin with a healthy glow.

Is the Contour device safe for my eyes?

Yes, the Contour Face device is very safe for the eyes and does not require any eye protection. It has been tested and conforms to international eye safety standards IEC/EN 62471. 

Is it safe for all ages?

Omnilux Contour light therapy is recommended for use by those 21+ years of age and the CLEAR device is recommended for use by those 14+ years of age.

What’s the best light therapy for me?

This all depends on your specific skin concerns. If you want to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, either the Contour or Omnilux Men’s devices may be best. If you would like to target acne and reduce breakouts, use the Clear device. 

What’s the difference between the Contour, Clear and Men’s devices?

Contour devices have LED bulbs that emit both red and near-infrared wavelengths of light. Red light helps prompt cellular repair and circulation for a more vibrant complexion. Near-infrared light stimulates new collagen and elastin production, resulting in plumper, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

As mentioned earlier, the Clear device is specifically designed for the treatment of acne. It has LED bulbs that emit both blue and red light. Blue light works on a cellular level to neutralize and kill acne-forming bacteria on the surface of the skin. Red light reduces inflammation, boosts blood oxygen levels in the skin, and reduces sebum (oil) production by targeting the sebaceous glands.

Omnilux Men’s devices have LED bulbs that emit red and near-infrared wavelengths of light. Red light helps prompt cellular repair and circulation for a more vibrant complexion. Near-infrared light stimulates new collagen and elastin production, resulting in plumper, firmer, more youthful-looking skin. This device is ideal for men’s thicker skin as it can penetrate deeper into the tissue.

Can I use Omnilux Contour with my current skincare routine?

Omnilux Contour is compatible with most skin care routines. You should always apply your skin care products after treatments. Please review the Contraindications for a list of products and ingredients to avoid using with LED. 

“This represents a real breakthrough in home LED therapy,” says Dr. DeSilva. “It’s convenient and simple to use.”

Do you want to know more? Make an appointment with DeSilva Dermatology by calling (830) 331-4150 to see these innovative devices in person!

The post Introducing the Omnilux Contour System appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

DeSilva Dermatology is excited to introduce a new device — the Clarity II™ hair removal system! Clarity II™ can completely treat an area in significantly less time than other hair removal lasers. The customizable diameter of the laser is adjustable to the ideal treatment spot size. Larger areas such as the legs, chest, and back can use a larger spot size to treat more hair follicles with fewer laser passes.

How does it work?

The Clarity II enables faster and more effective treatments for all skin types. Its streamlined design simplifies the treatment process, ensuring efficiency and comfort. With its diverse range of applications, Clarity II can tackle everything from hair removal and pigmented lesions to wrinkle reduction and conditions such as rosacea, hemangiomas, telangiectasia and café au lait.

What are the benefits?

• Performs laser hair removal in half the time.
• IntelliTrak technology delivers fast, uniform coverage across larger areas.
• Temperature Sensing provides real-time feedback on skin temperature throughout
  procedures.
• Removes finer hair more effectively with exclusive shorter pulse widths (1ms & 2ms).

Will I feel discomfort during treatments?

While some patients might experience mild discomfort during the procedure, the sensation largely depends on their individual skin type, sensitivity, and the specific area undergoing treatment. To enhance patient comfort, Clarity II incorporates Temperature Sensing and advanced Skin Cooling with ICD technology.

How long does the treatment take?

Based on the treatment area and size, a session can range from five to 20 minutes.

Is there any downtime?

After treatment, patients may experience mild redness and swelling but they can immediately return to normal activities. Redness can be covered with light makeup if desired.

How many sessions are needed?

The number of sessions needed varies based on the specific condition and treatment area. While some patients experience results immediately after the first session, others might need a series of treatments to achieve their desired outcome.

Find out if Clarity II is right for you! Contact us for a free consultation!

The post Introducing the Clarity II™ appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

Quite a bit, actually!

Why is my skin so dry in the winter?

According to De Silva Dermatology’s Dr. John Martin, “The sunlight may not seem to be so harsh, but dry skin is actually exacerbated in colder months. Cold, dry air strips the skin of its moisture, and indoor heating does the same thing.”

Besides dryness, other conditions can increase in intensity during winter months: redness, rosacea and UV damage, all of which can accelerate the look of aging.

If you’re a fan of winter sports such as skiing and ice skating, moisturizer and sunblock are absolutely essential. Winter sun, along with snow glare, can impact your skin’s health faster than you realize.

To minimize winter-related skin dryness, modify your routine with moisturizing, hydrating products. You should also exfoliate regularly and use a humidifier indoors so that the air isn’t so dry.

Do I need to wear sunscreen indoors?

Most definitely. Even without direct sunlight, your skin can be affected by:

UV rays: Even without direct exposure, these rays can pass through window glass and damage your skin. They are also known to increase the risk of skin cancer.

Blue light: The blue light emitted from computer screens has been associated with increased skin hyperpigmentation.

Skin aging: Wearing sunscreen, even indoors, helps to slow the signs of aging skin.

What should I use — and how often should I use it?

Dr. Holly Volz adds: “Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least a 35 SPF rating to your face and all exposed areas of skin about 30 minutes before going outside, Make sure to reapply it frequently, about every two hours, if you’re outside for an extended period of time.”

How can I maintain my skin’s moisture?

We’ve said it so much, it’s practically a mantra — but it bears repeating!

Take shorter, cooler showers: A hot shower sounds great when it’s chilly outside, but that’s one thing you shouldn’t do. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a five- to 10-minute shower at a lukewarm temperature. Hot water washes away essential oils, making your skin even dryer.

Wash your hands in cool water: The CDC advises that cooler water is just as good at getting rid of germs as hot water.

Use fragrance-free cleansers and washes: Scented soaps and cleansers contain ingredients that can irritate your skin. Use a fragrance-free moisturizing cleanser instead. Your skin will thank you.

Don’t overdo the heat: Along with humidifier use, keep the thermostat lower. 68 to 72 degrees is comfortable enough, and will prevent your skin from drying out. And if you have a fireplace, don’t sit too close to it. The heat will do the same thing!

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated, especially those hands that you’re washing constantly. Apply hand cream after each washing.

Adopt a winter skincare routine: Use cream-based cleansers and avoid astringents, which can irritate and dry out your skin. The AAD recommends that you eliminate the use of products that contain alcohol and fragrance, especially if you’re already combating dryness. And don’t forget the lips!

Eat right: Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, nuts and seeds can help combat skin dryness.

Wear clothing that doesn’t irritate: Wool sweaters and other roughly textured clothing put directly against your skin can cause it to become even more irritated and itchy. Put on a light layer of softer, breathable material first to act as a barrier and then add the sweater.

What products does DeSilva Dermatology carry that provide winter skincare?

Revision Skincare DEJ Daily Boosting Serum: Advanced age-defying serum to rejuvenate and energize fatigued skin. The only anti-aging serum that boosts skin’s cellular energy, is now available in a 2.0 fl oz size.  Also comes in 0.5 fl oz travel size and 1.0 fl oz size. 

Revision Skincare Intellishade Moisturizer SPF 45: Along with broad-spectrum protection against UV rays, this product also works as an anti-aging moisturizer. The sheer-coverage formula hides the appearance of discoloration, redness, large pores and dark spots for a more even tone. This Revision tinted moisturizer also contains peptides and other anti-aging ingredients that minimize fine lines and wrinkles for a smooth texture and youthful look.

sunbetter SHEER SPF 56 Sunscreen Compact: Broad spectrum protection that provides priming benefits with no tint and a sheer finish. Helps prevent sunburn if used as directed with other sun protection measures to decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.

Do you have any questions or concerns about your skin’s overall health? Contact DeSilva Dermatology at (830) 331-4150 for a consultation or to purchase products.  Products can also be purchased online at https://www.desilvaderm.com/cosmetic-services/products/. 

The post Reminder: Modify Your Skincare Regimen! appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

Here are some holiday gift ideas…and they’re all available in the office!
Many other products to choose from.

Elta MD Sunscreen

Protect yourself from sunburn, skin cancer and early skin aging with Elta's line of Dermatologist-trusted facial sunscreens, designed to feel weightless and blend effortlessly into skin.

Gift Certificates

Let your friends and family pick out what they want with a Desilva Dermatology gift certificate.

Revision YouthFull Lip Replenisher

YouthFull Lip Replenisher® - renews youthfulness with a scientifically advanced formula that targets the visible signs of lip aging.

Revitalash Advanced Kit

Physician-developed lash and brow conditioners gift set. Enhance the look of your natural lashes and brows.

Revitalash Advanced Pro Kit

Physician-developed, professional lash-enhancing formula improves the beauty and visible condition of lashes.

Revitalash Volumizing Primer and Mascara

Award-winning RevitaLash® Cosmetics Volumizing Primer and Volumizing Mascara come together in this convenient, 2-in-1 lash primer and mascara duo.

The post Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

Achieving what no other laser has before, the DermaV uses the perfect wavelength to deliver unmatched results. Its cutting-edge skin-cooling capability ensures comfort while its patented IntelliTone™ technology banishes unsightly veins and discoloration. With the DermaV, vascular and pigmented lesions don’t stand a chance.

What It Does

• Drastically reduces the appearance of redness, flushing and superficial veins
• Offers a non-invasive solution to eliminate unwanted pigment
• Achieves a radiant, healthy complexion across the face, neck and décolletage

Here are answers to a few questions you may have.

Will I experience discomfort during treatments?

You might experience mild discomfort, but the sensation will vary based on your skin type, sensitivity, and the specific area treated. To maximize patient comfort, DermaV integrates Temperature Sensing and superior Skin Cooling via ICD.

How long is the treatment?

The length of a session typically ranges from five to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

What recovery time is needed?

After treatment, you might notice some mild redness and some swelling, but it’s safe to immediately return to normal activities and cover any temporary redness with light makeup.

How long will it last?

Results from DermaV™ are intended to be permanent. However, it doesn’t stop the aging process, and new skin issues may arise over time. Maintenance sessions can be scheduled depending on what is being treated.

Make an appointment to look your best this holiday season! Call us at (830) 331-4150 for a consultation.

The post DermaV FAQ appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

When you combine semaglutide weight loss with Emsculpt body contouring, you get a safe and effective way to lose weight, tone your body and build muscle. And this isn’t a temporary “fix.” With diet and moderate exercise, you can maintain the form you’ve always wanted.

Why do both?

Semaglutides send signals to your brain that you are full, resulting in a decrease in your desire to eat — and that means weight loss. But with reduced calorie intake, your body dips into its own energy stores to maintain, and muscle tone can be sacrificed.

Semaglutides can help you drop unwanted pounds, but dieting alone can result in a nearly 40% loss of muscle. And good muscle tone is important, especially as you get older. More muscle helps you to maintain a higher metabolism, which equals more efficient weight maintenance.

To reverse the effect of muscle loss, strength training is vital. With strength training, you lose unwanted fat, but you will still continue to build muscle — and EmSculpt plays a vital role.

How does EmSculpt work?

EmSculpt gives you a jump-start on muscle building. The non-invasive HIFEM® procedure induces powerful muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary contractions. When exposed to these strong contractions, the muscle tissue is forced to adapt to such an extreme condition. It responds with a deep remodeling of its inner structure that results in muscle building and sculpting of your body.

So, combining weight loss drugs and EmSculpt will give your body the extra oomph it needs. The drugs will help you lose excess weight, and EmSculpt will act as the catalyst for your workout program.

As you slim down with semaglutides, EmSculpt ensures that you are building a toned, sculpted body and not just losing fat. You will build muscle and strengthen your body, which is so important for healthy weight loss.

This duo will deliver a body transformation that fits into your lifestyle without laborious workout routines or restrictive diets. It’s ideal for those who have limited time.

How Much Time Will It Take?

Semaglutides start working immediately, but noticeable effects begin within two to four weeks.

Within the first one to two months, most people will see noticeable weight loss. The average is about one to two pounds per week, and the typical person will lose about 15% of their body weight by three to six months and potentially 20% or more in a year.

With EmSculpt, a 30-minute treatment with minimum of four sessions scheduled two to three days apart is recommended. DeSilva Dermatology can help you create a treatment plan tailored to your specific goals.

You will feel tangible results immediately after the treatment. Positive results are usually reported two to four weeks after treatment, and will continue to improve for several weeks.

Do I Really Need to Combine Semaglutides and EmSculpt?

Semaglutides are great for weight management, but if lifestyle changes are not made, weight will return as fat instead of muscle. It’s important to combine the medication with a healthy diet and a treatment like EmSculpt. EmSculpt gives you an extra boost that takes the work out of strength training. So, yes — they work together quite well.

Call us at (830) 331-4150 to get started! And watch for specials on EmSculpt, now through the end of the year!

The post The Dynamic Duo: Emsculpt and Semaglutides appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

If the answer is no, make an appointment for a consultation with DeSilva Dermatology today! Whether you are looking to build muscle or just burn off fat, we have the most popular body sculpting solutions available.

truSculpt ID

Want to get rid of fat to achieve a toned look?

truSculpt iD is a revolutionary, non-invasive body sculpting treatment that is clinically proven to permanently eliminate stubborn fat cells around your abdomen, flanks and buttocks. You can have several areas treated simultaneously!

Each session takes about 20 minutes. After a free consultation, we will determine how many sessions are needed to achieve the desired results. And there’s no downtime. You can return to your regular schedule immediately.

The procedure has been described as feeling like a hot stone massage, yet it’s effective and safe — and the results are even and consistent.

Emsculpt

If a more sculptured look is what you’re after, Emsculpt is the right solution for you.

EMSCULPT utilizes high-frequency electromagnetic energy to cause muscle contractions beyond what the body can achieve on its own. The result is intense fat burning and muscle building at the same time. EMSCULPT can be used on such problem areas as:

• The stomach
• The buttocks
• The arms

The procedure feels like an intense workout — but one that you can lay down and relax during! It will give you a toned, sculpted look.

Most patients benefit from several treatments. There’s no downtime, and you can return to your regular schedule immediately. It’s been FDA-approved for five different body parts.

Another benefit of EMSCULPT: it can help with core strengthening and speed up recovery after surgeries such as ACL repair.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

During your free consultation, we’ll go over which course of treatment is right for you. Maybe even a combination of both!

Spaces are going to fill up fast, so call us at (830) 331-4150 to reserve yours. Also ask about our other skincare services, including microneedling and peels.

The post Is Your Body Summer-Ready? appeared first on San Antonio & Boerne Dermatologist.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly skin that may feel painful, swollen or hot.

Who Can Get It?

Anyone can get psoriasis, but it is more common in adults. Certain genes have been linked to psoriasis, so you are more likely to get it if someone else in your family has it. There are different types of psoriasis.

• Plaque psoriasis, which causes patches of skin that are red at the base and covered by silvery scales.
• Guttate psoriasis, which causes small, drop-shaped lesions on your trunk, limbs, and scalp. This type of psoriasis is most often triggered by upper respiratory infections, such as strep throat.
• Pustular psoriasis, which causes pus-filled blisters. Attacks or flares can be caused by medications, infections, stress, or certain chemicals.
• Inverse psoriasis, which causes smooth, red patches in folds of skin near the genitals, under the breasts or in the armpits. Rubbing and sweating can make this type of psoriasis worse.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis, which causes red and scaly skin over much of your body. This can be a reaction to a bad sunburn or taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids. It can also happen if you have a different type of psoriasis that is not well controlled. This type of psoriasis can be very serious, so if you have it, you should see a doctor immediately.

About 30% of patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. The most common symptom is morning stiffness. If this is happening, even with mild skin involvement, it may require more aggressive therapy to prevent permanent joint damage over time. 

What Does It Look and Feel Like?

Psoriasis usually causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales that itch or feel sore. These patches can show up anywhere on your body, but they usually occur on the elbows, knees, legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of your feet. They can also show up on your fingernails and toenails, genitals, and inside your mouth.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which means that your body’s immune system — which protects you from diseases — starts overacting and causing problems. If you have psoriasis, a type of white blood cells called the T cells become so active that they trigger other immune system responses, including swelling and fast turnover of skin cells.

Your skin cells grow deep in the skin and rise slowly to the surface. This is called cell turnover, and it usually takes about a month. If you have psoriasis, though, cell turnover can take only a few days. Your skin cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface, causing your skin to look red and scaly.

What Causes Flare-Ups?

Some things may cause a flare, meaning your psoriasis becomes worse for a while, including:

• stress
• infection
• medications
• cuts, scratches or sunburns
• a change in seasons

What Are Seasonal Flare-Ups?

Changes in weather can also factor into psoriasis flare-ups. Now that we’re entering the fall and winter seasons here in San Antonio, those suffering from psoriasis may be experiencing these flares. The American Academy of Dermatology offers these tips for seasonal psoriasis flares.

• Limit showers and baths to 10 minutes and use warm — rather than hot — water.
• Immediately after bathing, apply moisturizer, using a fragrance-free ointment or cream rather than a lotion.
• Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser instead of soap.
• Apply moisturizer throughout the day when your skin feels dry.
• Plug in a humidifier when the air in your home feels dry.
• Stay warm and protect your skin from extreme weather when outside by wearing a hat, gloves, waterproof boots, and a jacket.
• Sit far enough away from a fireplace, radiator or other heat source so that you don’t feel the heat on your skin.
• Remove wet clothes and footwear when you come in from the cold.
• If your psoriasis continues to flare, see the professionals at DeSilva Dermatology.

Professional Treatment

Fortunately. there are several different types of treatment for the condition. Not only are there topical treatments, there also are systemic treatments that may offer relief. Dr. DeSilva can recommend that you try one of these or a combination.

• Topical treatment (putting creams on your skin).
• Systemic treatment, which includes taking prescription medications or getting shots of medicine.

Dr. DeSilva says, “There has been an explosion of new treatment options approved for psoriasis over the last 20 years. At this point we should be able to control your psoriasis so that psoriasis doesn’t control you.  Let us come up with a customized treatment regimen to fit your severity, lifestyle, and based on your other medical conditions.”

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