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When you have rosacea, it can be frustrating to deal with symptom flare-ups constantly. Even though there’s currently no cure for rosacea, plenty of effective treatments exist. Learn more here.  What Is Rosacea? Rosacea is an incredibly common skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, irritation, and flushing on the central portion of your face. Although rosacea is a widespread issue, unfortunately, it’s often misdiagnosed as acne, dermatitis, or other similar conditions.  Currently, there is no cure for rosacea, but there are lots of ways to effectively manage the condition and keep symptom flare-ups to a minimum.  At  19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, our team of dermatologists offers a variety of treatment methods for rosacea. This month’s blog highlights everything you need to know about rosacea, including common triggers for it and how we can help you manage it.  What Are The Causes and Symptoms of Rosacea? Although rosacea can develop in several different ways, most often it starts after age 30 and begins as facial redness that comes and goes. While the condition is more common in women, men tend to get more severe cases of it.  At this time, a single cause of rosacea hasn’t been identified. Currently, many medical experts believe that inflammation triggered by your immune system is most likely to blame. Risk factors that make you more apt to develop rosacea include having fair skin and having a family history of rosacea.  You most likely have rosacea if you deal with the following symptoms anywhere around your face: Persistent redness that resembles blushing or a sunburn Small red or white bumps that resemble pimples Visible blood vessels Rough and dry skin Skin thickening, known as rhinophyma  Burning or stinging throughout your face Eye redness and irritation (ocular rosacea) These symptoms can come and go but often flare up in response to various triggers which can include things like extreme temperatures, spicy foods, stress, intense exercise, or red wine.  How Can You Manage Your Rosacea? If you do have rosacea, it’s important that you seek expert-level treatment. Even though treatment can’t “cure” rosacea, it can keep it under control and prevent your skin from permanent damage.  Our team tailors a treatment plan that works just right for you, and it can include: Avoidance of specific triggers Topical creams or ointments Oral antibiotics Laser therapy  Managing your rosacea is a lifelong journey, but staying on top of treating it will help keep your skin clear and free of flare-ups.  To learn more about how you can effectively manage your rosacea, schedule an appointment with our team today.

Are eczema flare-ups taking over your life? Discover some tried and true remedies that you can do at home to give yourself some much-needed relief.  When you’re in the midst of an eczema flare-up, there’s bound to be just one thing on your mind, and that’s to find a way to make the itching stop.  What is Eczema? Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has no cure. While there are plenty of ways to manage it, sometimes a breakout rears its ugly head and you’re left with skin that’s dry, red, and so itchy.  If you’re experiencing severe and frequent eczema flare-ups, our team at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, wants to offer four remedies you can try at home that can relieve the itching, hydrate your skin, and keep further flare-ups at bay.  Soothe Your Skin with Topical Treatments For irritated skin plagued by eczema, you can try out some different topical treatments to see if any of them work to calm the flare-up. These are the ones that are most commonly reported to be effective: Coconut oil Sunflower oil Evening primrose oil Colloidal oatmeal Witch hazel Aloe vera You may also want to try applying a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer often to restore your skin’s protective barrier. In addition, adding less than ¼ cup of bleach or white vinegar to a full bath about once a week can not only calm your skin but also prevent infection from settling into any breaks in your skin.  Take a Closer Look at Your Diet There are a lot of aspects to your diet that could be contributing to worsening eczema. Some foods commonly linked to eczema breakouts include eggs, nuts, shellfish, and cow’s milk.  In addition, since eczema is an inflammatory condition, eating a diet that actively lowers inflammation could be helpful. The Mediterranean diet is a great tool to use since it focuses on consuming whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It also encourages avoiding processed foods, simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, and refined sugars.  Keep Your Stress Levels in Check Stress is a common trigger for eczema flare-ups since high stress can raise bodily inflammation. If you’re having trouble lowering stress and anxiety, try out these relaxation techniques and exercises: Meditation Yoga Tai chi Deep breathing Music therapy  Seeing a mental health professional for cognitive behavioral therapy can also help identify your specific stress trigger points and offer healthy ways to cope.  Try Out a Humidifier  The drier your skin is, the worse your eczema will be. If the air in your home is dry, it’s going to make it much harder to stay on top of keeping your skin hydrated. Placing a cooling humidifier in your bedroom can help add some much-needed moisture back into your skin.  If you find that you’re still having difficulties keeping your skin eczema-free, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team to find some effective solutions. Call our office at 202-955-6995 or use our online scheduler to book with us today.

Spicy foods are one of the most common triggers for rosacea, but what exactly is the nature of their relationship? We answer that question and more here. When choosing between food that’s mild or spicy, many choose the latter. Studies show that nearly 75% of Americans report adding hot sauce to the majority of their meals. Plus, more and more restaurants are adding increasingly spicy foods to their menus. Unfortunately, when you’re living with rosacea, spicy foods can often cause this skin condition to rear its ugly head. Almost 50% of people living with rosacea report that flaming hot foods trigger symptom flare-ups. Because spicy foods so often bring on symptoms for people living with rosacea, our team of dermatologists at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, wants you to understand why spicy foods so commonly trigger this skin condition and what to do about it. Why Does Spicy Food Make Rosacea Flare Up? Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes symptoms such as flushing, skin irritation, and pimples. The most likely cause of these symptoms is continual inflammation of your blood vessels, leading them to become dilated and more visible.  Different things can trigger blood vessel inflammation and lead to more aggressive flushing and skin irritation. The more often this happens, the worse your rosacea can become. Spicy food contains an ingredient called capsaicin. The hotter the food, the more capsaicin it contains. Capsaicin triggers blood vessel dilation and allows blood and heat to rush to your face. This heat-giving ingredient in spicy food also stimulates nerves around your blood vessels which can be triggering when you have rosacea.   What is The Solution? The simplest solution to avoid rosacea flare-ups due to spicy foods is to give them up altogether. But if you’re a spicy food lover, and that would be hard for you to do, start by trying out milder options first. It may be enough to keep rosacea symptoms at bay, but if it’s not, dietary adjustments might be inevitable.  Other common triggers for rosacea include: Alcohol, especially red wine Hot beverages such as tea or coffee Overexposure to the sun Exercise  Extreme temperatures Stress Avoiding these other rosacea triggers can help reduce flare-ups, especially if spicy foods are too tempting for you. You can also try out some skin creams, oral antibiotics, or even laser treatment if your rosacea is still severe. See Us for Next-Level Rosacea Care If avoiding spicy food or other common triggers isn’t enough to manage your rosacea, our team can help you identify your specific triggers and also recommend some of the treatments we offer to more effectively treat your rosacea flare-ups. Schedule an appointment with our team by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.

Laser therapy is a relatively new solution for mild hair loss, and it can be a welcome alternative to topical treatments or oral medications. Learn about this cutting-edge treatment that can address hair loss here. The average person has about 100,000 hairs on their head at any given time, so the fact that you shed about 50-100 hairs every day isn’t a noticeable loss, especially since the lost hair is replaced by new strands.  However, in some cases, the hair you shed isn’t replaced, and hair loss (alopecia) can start to occur. This can come on suddenly or happen gradually. So, if you notice a thinning or receding hairline, excessive shedding, or bald patches, you might be losing your hair.  Hair loss isn’t dangerous to your health, and some people may not be bothered by significant hair loss. However, others may experience extreme distress and desire a solution to thin hair and bald spots.  If you’re experiencing hair loss and want some treatment options for it, our team at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, offers a wide range of services to address hair loss, one of them being laser therapy.  In this blog, we further explore hair loss and how laser therapy can help treat it.  Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can happen for a variety of reasons, and sometimes the cause may not be clear. However, these are some common factors that can raise your risk for hair loss: Abnormal hormone levels Genetic predisposition to hair loss High-stress levels Cancer drugs such as chemotherapy Some medications like beta blockers or birth control Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or alopecia areata  Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes Poor nutrition or vitamin deficiencies  Wearing tight hairstyles  While some of these hair loss causes can be addressed at the source like changing your diet, reducing stress levels, or avoiding wearing your hair in tight ponytails, others like genetics are out of your control and may need treatment specifically for hair loss.  How Laser Therapy Can Treat Hair Loss The first lines of treatment for hair loss include topical treatments such as minoxidil or oral medications such as finasteride. In cases of extreme hair loss, hair transplant surgery might be the best solution.  Another more recently discovered treatment for hair loss is low-level laser therapy. It’s been shown to help with milder hair loss that’s mostly due to age or genetics.  During this treatment, a low-dose laser is directed toward thinning or balding areas to stimulate hair growth. You need repeated treatments, but after a few sessions, you should notice not only new hair growth but hair that’s thicker and stronger.  To learn about how laser therapy can help with mild to moderate hair loss, schedule an appointment with our 19th Street Dermatology team by calling our office or booking online today.

Botox® and dermal fillers can each give you youthful and rejuvenated skin. But what happens when you combine these cosmetic injections? We answer that question and more here. Botox® and dermal fillers are popular cosmetic injections, and for good reason. They can turn back the hands of time and rejuvenate your appearance with little to no downtime and almost immediate results.  So, if you’re living with signs of aging that you’ve been wanting to eliminate, both Botox and dermal fillers could be viable options for you. But, how do you know which is best? And can you get both at the same time? At  19th Street Dermatology in Washington DC, our team offers Botox and dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles and add fullness to your face without facelift surgery. This month’s blog discusses what these injections can do on their own and when to consider combining them. Understanding Botox and Dermal Fillers Botox and dermal fillers can both correct wrinkles and fine lines; however, the two injections are very different from each other.  Botox is the brand name for an injectable neuromodulator that blocks nerve signals to your facial muscles. The muscle that’s injected with Botox is temporarily paralyzed, meaning that it won’t be able to respond to facial expressions you use regularly.  Your skin then begins to relax and gives you a much softer and smoother appearance. Botox is best used for crow’s feet, forehead lines, and vertical lines between your eyebrows. Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid or similar substances and act like “liquid implants” for your skin. Instead of freezing muscles that cause wrinkles, dermal fillers add volume and fullness to areas that might be shallow, sagging, or thinning due to age. Laugh lines and shallow lips are commonly treated with dermal fillers. Botox, Dermal Fillers, or Both? If you want to only address laugh lines or focus solely on forehead lines, you can get just dermal fillers or Botox injections. However, if you want a total facial rejuvenation, combining the two treatments could be the way to go.  Botox and dermal fillers do different things and contain different ingredients, so they work well together and complement each other. While Botox treats dynamic wrinkles from constant muscle movement, dermal fillers address static wrinkles that form from a loss of collagen and elastin that give your skin fullness.  If you decide that you’d like to get Botox and dermal fillers, you can see our team at 19th Street Dermatology and get all the necessary injections in just one session. You should see immediate results from your dermal fillers and full results from your Botox within 30 days. To schedule a consultation for Botox and dermal fillers, simply call our office or use our convenient online booking feature today.

Chemical peels provide a way to remove the outer layers of skin to reveal the beautiful skin lying underneath. But are they safe? We answer that question and more here. Have you been looking for a way to rejuvenate your aging skin? Maybe you’re searching for a solution to facial scarring or hyperpigmentation. If so, chemical peels might be right for you. Chemical peels can remove some of the outer layer of your skin through the application of a chemical exfoliant. Once the damaged or aging tissue has been removed, the newer and more vibrant skin underneath is revealed, giving you a fresh and youthful appearance. Since this cosmetic treatment uses harsh chemicals to remove layers of skin, it’s natural to wonder about its safety. So, our team at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, wants to ease your worries and discuss how chemical peels can safely rejuvenate your skin. Understanding Chemical Peels A chemical peel works by applying a chemical solution to the top layer of your skin. This removes old skin, which blisters and then peels off, revealing new skin underneath.  By removing that top layer of skin, you can address several cosmetic skin issues including: Certain types of acne  Fine lines around your mouth and eyes Wrinkles caused by sun damage Mild scarring Hyperpigmentation, age spots, or freckles Patches of scaly skin In addition, if you feel like your skin is textured or dull, chemical peels can give you a much smoother and more radiant complexion. Ensuring Chemical Peel Safety Because chemical peels contain such harsh ingredients, you should choose a provider who’s licensed and experienced in administering them, such as the team at 19th Street Dermatology.  We examine your skin type closely and discuss the results you want to ensure we use the right type and intensity of treatment and place it precisely where it needs to go. This helps minimize the risk of adverse side effects such as scarring or long-term redness.  What to Expect When You Get a Chemical Peel There are three types of peels that we offer at 19th Street Dermatology, and you can expect something different from each one: Light or Superficial Peels This is a very gentle type of peel that removes skin from just the outermost layer. You can expect minimal peeling and it should only take about a week to heal. Until your skin is fully healed, you need to avoid direct sun exposure and wear plenty of sunscreen.  Because it is so gentle, you may need repeat sessions to achieve your desired results. Medium Peels Medium peels remove the outer layer of skin and part of the middle layer as well. It’s appropriate for most scarring, wrinkles, and other skin concerns. This type can cause redness and swelling 48 hours after the procedure and can have a lot more peeling than the light peel would.  It may take up to two weeks for your skin to heal from this kind of peel, but you get much more dramatic results. While you recover, you should apply the healing solution we provide and wear ample sunscreen. Deep Peels This kind of peel completely penetrates the middle layer of your skin and is only recommended if you have severe wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage. Deep peels cause a lot of trauma to your skin, so you can only get this type done once every few years. Due to its intense nature, you need to follow recovery instructions very closely for the three weeks it takes to heal. You have to take antiviral medication, wash your face with a special solution, apply ointments and moisturizers, and also avoid the sun for up to six months. If you’d like to learn if a chemical peel might be a viable option for you, contact our team by calling our office at 202-955-6995 or schedule an appointment online today.

Having a lot of moles isn’t necessarily a problem on its own, but it could put you at a higher risk for melanoma. We discuss how to check your moles for signs of skin cancer and why you should check them here.  Moles are concentrations of pigment-producing cells in your skin. These spots are incredibly common, with most adults having anywhere from 10-40 of them. While the exact cause of moles is unknown, most experts agree that genetics and sun exposure play key roles in mole development.  You aren’t born with moles, and they usually develop during childhood and adolescence. It’s normal for new moles to grow during times of hormone fluctuations, such as puberty or pregnancy.  It’s fairly rare for moles to turn into melanoma, but you’re at a much higher risk for melanoma if you have more than 50 moles.  Because of this, our team of dermatologists at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, wants to review how to examine your moles for skin cancer to increase your chances of catching potential melanoma early.  How to Check Your Moles for Skin Cancer If you have a lot of moles, you must see us for annual or even bi-annual skin checks. Between these visits, you must check your moles regularly for any changes. Changes in your moles are often signals of melanoma.  Thankfully, there’s a helpful mnemonic device — called the ABCDE method — that can guide you as you examine your moles: A is for asymmetrical: One half of your mole doesn’t match the other half B is for border: The mole has a jagged or undefined border C is for color: There are multiple colors in the mole D is for diameter: The mole is larger than a pencil eraser E is for evolution: Any mole that changes in size, shape, or thickness In addition, any new moles that develop after age 20 or moles that burn, itch, or bleed need to be examined.  What to Expect From an In-Office Skin Check When you see us for regular skin checks, we examine your skin from head to toe. We start with your scalp and then move down your body until we reach the bottom of your feet. During the exam, our team notes each mole you have and reviews how to do a thorough skin check on your own.  If we do find a suspicious mole, we perform a skin biopsy. We start by numbing the area around the mole and then remove it by shaving it off. The mole is sent off to a laboratory for examination.  While most moles aren’t cancerous, it’s best to catch potential cancer early for effective treatment. If you have a lot of moles, make sure to see us regularly to have them checked by

If you’ve noticed that you’re shedding your hair more than usual, you might wonder what’s causing it. We discuss common signs and causes of hair loss and what to do about it here. Your body is completely covered in hair except for a few places such as the soles of your feet, the palms of your hands, your eyelids, and your belly button. While some of your hair might be thick and coarse, other portions are so fine that the hair isn’t even visible.  Each person has an average of about 100,000-150,000 hairs on their head at any given time, and you lose up to 100 hairs each day. Since your hair follicles are constantly renewing hair growth, these shed hairs aren’t an issue.  However, sometimes hair growth can start to slow down and you can start shedding more hair than usual. Hair loss — medically referred to as alopecia — may be embraced by some, but others may find this condition distressing. Because hair loss can happen for numerous reasons, our team at 19th Street Dermatology located in Washington, DC, wants to address some common factors that contribute to hair loss in this blog. Common Signs of Hair Loss Since you lose so much hair from your head every single day, how can you tell if you’re actually going through hair loss or if your hairbrush and shower drain are simply catching more hair than normal?  Here are some common telltale signs of significant hair loss: Widening part Itchy scalp Receding hairline More shedding than usual Clumps of hair falling out Circular or patchy bald spots The things you notice about your hair loss will differ depending on what’s causing it. Your hair loss may strictly affect your scalp, but you could start losing the hair on your body as well. Common Reasons for Hair Loss While hair loss is usually more prevalent in older adults and especially older men, it can happen to anyone, including children. The severity of your hair loss greatly depends on what’s causing it in the first place. Let’s take a look at some factors that often contribute to hair loss. Genetics Family history is usually the culprit of hair loss. Genetics can give you a predisposition to start losing hair as you age, referred to as male-patterned or female-patterned baldness. While men tend to have a receding hairline and bald spots, women are more likely to have a widening part and thin hair at the crown of their scalp. Hormones and Stressful Life Events Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid issues can all cause drastic fluctuations in hormone levels which often leads to hair loss. You may also start to lose hair if you go through any type of event that causes mental or physical shock. Medications and Medical Conditions Hair loss can be a side effect of medications for gout, arthritis, cancer, depression, and high blood pressure. In addition, an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata can make your hair fall out in clumps as can scalp infections like ringworm. Hairstyles and Products Wearing your hair in high ponytails or cornrows too often can damage your hair and cause it to start falling out as can getting a perm or hot oil treatment. How We Treat Hair Loss We offer several different treatments for hair loss at  19th Street Dermatology, including medication, laser therapy, and hair transplants. The one that works best for you will depend on your age, how much hair you have left, and underlying health issues.  Before you decide which route you’d like to go, we sit down with you to talk through each option to help you make an informed decision. If you’re struggling with hair loss, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact our team by calling our office at 202-955-6995 or scheduling an appointment online for expert care.

Rosacea is a common skin condition and has a wide variety of subtypes. Keep reading to better understand each type and how they’re treated. Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes your face to look red or flushed. It can also lead to enlarged blood vessels, small pus-filled bumps, and skin sensitivity throughout your face.  This skin condition can flare up for weeks or months at a time and is often mistaken for other common skin issues such as acne or dermatitis. There are four main categories of rosacea, and your symptoms and how you care for it vary depending on the type that you have. While there is no cure for rosacea, there are plenty of management techniques available to lessen the symptoms of your particular rosacea. At 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, our experienced team of dermatologists offers a variety of treatments to help you effectively manage your rosacea. In this blog, we explore the different types of rosacea and how we treat this skin condition. The Different Types of Rosacea The kind of rosacea you have depends on where the redness is and what your symptoms are. Let’s take a closer look at each one: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR) The first subtype of rosacea is ETR, and it’s the most common. When you have ETR, you have long-lasting redness on your face along with visible blood vessels. Your skin can also get swollen, sensitive, dry, rough, and scaly. Papulopustular Rosacea This second subtype of rosacea often affects middle-aged women and can resemble acne breakouts. It causes pus-filled whiteheads and swollen red bumps along with raised patches of skin. You may also notice that your skin is especially oily and sensitive. Phymatous Rosacea Also referred to as rhinophyma, this third subtype of rosacea is rare and is often accompanied by another type. Phymatous rosacea causes the skin on your nose to thicken and appear bulbous. It can also cause visible blood vessels and large pores. Ocular Rosacea The fourth type of rosacea affects the eye area. It can lead to bloodshot eyes that feel gritty and dry. You may also have eye irritation, burning, and stinging and you may even develop cysts on your eyelids. How is Rosacea Treated? The type of treatment that will work best for you depends greatly on the kind of rosacea you have and how severe it is.  One of the best things you can do to control symptoms and eliminate severe flare-ups is to avoid triggers. Rosacea flare-ups can often be caused by certain ingredients in skincare products such as witch hazel, alcohol, menthol, and exfoliating substances. Other common rosacea triggers include sun exposure, spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, and stress.  Other treatments our team at 19th Street Dermatology can prescribe include oral medication, topical creams, and laser therapy. For expert rosacea diagnosis and treatment, call our office at 202-955-6995 or schedule an appointment online.

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin and affects millions nationwide. Thankfully, there are quite a few home remedies that can provide you with symptom relief. Learn some easy treatments to try at home. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects about 10% of the American population. Although eczema consists of many different subtypes, the most common kinds of eczema are atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Both of these cause rashes and itchy, dry skin that can become red and flaky. While a professional dermatologist can provide you with some remedies for eczema, there are plenty of things you can do on your own at home to both relieve current eczema symptoms and prevent future flare-ups of the skin condition. Our dermatology team at  19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, understands how frustrating eczema flare-ups can be. Here are some natural remedies so you can find one that works best for you. Home Remedies for Eczema There isn’t necessarily a single method that has proven to work best, but these are some home treatments that have been reported to provide relief for different people at different times: Topical Treatments Applying these topical treatments to your skin can provide relief from itching and prevent eczema symptoms from getting worse: Coconut oil Aloe vera gel Petroleum jelly Sunflower oil Apple cider vinegar Colloidal oatmeal  Tea tree oil Cool compresses While these may not work for everyone, many report getting relief from these topical treatments. Not only can they reduce your symptoms, but they can also improve the barrier of your skin and prevent the development of infections if you do get patches of broken skin. Baths Taking a bath is a great way to reduce both itching and inflammation. While it may seem counterintuitive, adding about a half-cup of bleach to a full bathtub or 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water can kill dangerous bacteria that lead to staph infections.  Try taking a warm bath about 2-3 times a week with warm water and gentle soaps. Too hot water can dry out your skin and soaps with harsh fragrances or chemicals can further irritate your eczema. Relaxation Stress is often a trigger for eczema, so finding ways to reduce stress levels can diminish body-wide inflammation and your eczema symptoms as a result. We recommend trying out these relaxation techniques: Meditation Deep breathing Visualization Yoga In addition, avoiding consuming large amounts of alcohol and exercising regularly has also been shown to help manage stress levels. Come and See Us for Expert Eczema Care If you find that these aren’t enough to manage your eczema symptoms, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our team so we can determine your eczema triggers and provide next-level treatments. You can schedule an appointment by calling 202-955-6995 or using our online scheduler today.