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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.

Your nose can turn red for many different reasons including windburn, allergies, and infections. Read on to learn more causes of nose redness and how to treat them. Nose redness can occur for many reasons. Your nose and the skin right under it are sensitive and can temporarily become red when exposed to external factors such as wind, cold air, or allergens. But your nose might also be red because of a medical condition or infection. If your nose reddens often or is red most of the time, you might be searching for the answer to why it’s happening or wondering if you should seek medical attention for it. Our team of dermatologists at 19th  Street Dermatology located in Washington, DC, wants to give you some common causes for nose redness to help you get to the bottom of it. Causes and Treatments for Nose Redness During the cold winter months, windburn and cold air can chap your skin, leaving it red and irritated. For windburn, keep your nose moisturized with a non-scented, hypoallergenic moisturizer, and wear something to protect your face whenever you go outside in the cold.   However, there are also other causes for nose redness, including: Allergies When you have an allergic reaction, you can develop a redness from constantly wiping your runny nose or from swollen blood vessels in your nose. You can reduce redness by either taking antihistamines to keep your nose from running or you can try to avoid things that bring on allergic reactions. Acne You can get acne anywhere, including your nose, and it can cause redness, pimples, and skin irritation. Take care when treating acne with products such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids since they can dry out and further irritate your skin. Emotions Strong feelings of stress, anger, or embarrassment can cause your face to flush, giving it a red appearance. This redness should go away once the intensity of the emotion has subsided. However, if it’s something that bothers you, you can try practicing stress management techniques to combat those feelings effectively. Rosacea Rosacea is an inflammatory disease that causes rashes and redness to form on your face, including the area around your nose. To reduce redness, you may need prescription topical creams ointments, or laser treatments. You can also try to avoid certain triggers such as spicy food. Nasal Vestibulitis This infection causes both redness and swelling inside and outside your nostrils. Since it’s a bacterial infection, it needs to be treated with antibiotics. Lupus Lupus occurs when your immune system attacks healthy cells thinking that they’re foreign invaders, and it commonly causes red rashes on the face.  There is currently no cure for lupus, but you can manage symptoms with things such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, or other medications that can suppress your immune system. You should also always wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing whenever you go outside. Next Steps If you’re still unsure what’s causing your red nose or if you’d like some recommendations on what products will work best to reduce redness, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions you may have. You can contact us online or over the phone today.

While caring for your skin may take a little extra work in the winter, it’s worth it to preserve its hydration. We give you some tips on how to get your skin ready for the cold weather here. Winter is known for its ability to drain your skin of moisture. Harsh winds, low humidity, dry indoor heat, and cold winter air can all leave your skin dry and flaky. Plus, activities you can do to warm up like sitting next to a roaring fire or taking a hot shower can dry out your skin even more. Our team has some tips on how you can retain as much skin hydration as possible this winter. 1. Take Care When Washing Your Skin Because illnesses such as the common cold and the flu run rampant during the winter months, you’re probably going to be washing your hands, face, and body a lot more often.  However, when you wash your skin, you strip it of its natural oils, leaving it even drier than before. So, there are a few things you can do to ensure cleansing your skin isn’t going to leave you with miserably chapped skin. The first thing to do is to turn down the temperature of the water. Hot showers might be comforting during the cold months and warmer water might seem more effective at killing germs. However, water that’s too hot will wreak havoc on your skin. If the water leaves your skin red, it’s too hot. After you finish washing your skin, make sure to pat yourself dry rather than using a rubbing motion. This technique helps retain moisture much more effectively. In addition, whenever you shower or wash your hands, you should always moisturize afterward. Keep a bottle of your favorite non-scented moisturizer on your bathroom counter so you remember to moisturize often. 2. Don’t Eliminate Sunscreen While it may seem like sunscreen is no longer necessary in the winter months since the days are shorter and the sun shines much less, sunscreen is still vital during this cold season. Harmful UV rays are still able to penetrate through those dark, gloomy clouds, and, in addition, they can bounce off the snow and intensify your sun exposure. We recommend adding a daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher after your moisturizer.  3. Adjust Your skincare Routine as Needed If you feel like your skin is especially dry and flaky, you may have to cut down on some skincare products and boost the usage of others.  Your skin has to be well hydrated to effectively take products such as serums and toners. So, you may have to strictly use moisturizer, sunscreen, and a gentle cleanser until you feel like your skin barrier is restored. Then you can re-introduce products that may be a little harsher back into your skincare routine, such as retinoids. In addition, during the winter, you may want to look into using a rich moisturizer that comes in a jar or tub for your body such as petrolatum, squalene, or shea butter. These tend to be much thicker and more moisturizing than a simple lotion.  If you’d like more tips on how to keep your skin rejuvenated and hydrated this winter, feel free to reach out to our team with any questions you may have. We can also recommend skincare products to protect your skin against the cold. You can contact us by giving us a call at 202-955-6995 or you can set up an appointment by using our online scheduler today.

If you didn’t get acne as a teenager, you might think that you’ll never have to deal with it. However, adult acne might be more common than you realize. We go over what to expect if you’ve suddenly started getting acne as an adult. Are you well past your teenage years and yet you’ve suddenly started struggling with acne breakouts? Well, unfortunately, many adults find themselves battling pesky pimples throughout their adulthood, and that number has increased in the past few decades. Although they look the same, adult acne differs from teen acne. Teens typically struggle with acne on the upper half of their face while adults have breakouts on the bottom half. Adults also tend to have pimples that appear as cysts and are deep under the skin whereas teen acne sits on the surface. So, if you find yourself suddenly wondering how to treat this new skin problem, our team at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, is here to help. In this blog, we review what might be causing your adult acne and how to address it. What Might be Causing Your Adult Acne? Adult acne happens when there are issues with your skin and your pores. When your skin produces too much oil and your pores aren’t able to get rid of it effectively or quickly enough, you end up with acne. Acne can also happen as a result of bacteria or inflammation. Some common things that cause this to happen include: Family History Genetics have a huge role in your risk of having adult acne. Even if you have a distant relative who has struggled with acne as an adult, that can give you a predisposition for developing acne after your teenage years. Fluctuating Hormone Levels When your sex hormone levels change around the time of your period or during pregnancy, your body may produce excess oil or your skin can become inflamed. Both of these things can cause you to have acne breakouts. Stress If you find yourself under constant emotional stress, your body may start to produce hormones called androgens. This specific hormone can stimulate your oil glands and hair follicles and cause you to deal with acne. Hair and Skin Products Many different self-care products that you probably use on a regular basis such as shampoos, hair styling creams, moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup could possibly be causing your acne breakouts. Try to use products that are oil-free and won’t clog your pores in order to reduce your chance of an acne flare-up. Treating Your Adult Acne One of the best things you can do to address your acne is to cleanse your skin twice a day. You want to especially make sure you’re removing excess makeup and oil. This can help to make sure that your pores are staying nice and clear. You can also use a topical retinoid cream in order to unclog pores and resurface your skin. Retinoids have anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce your risk of acne breakouts.  If your acne isn’t responding to those kinds of treatments, make sure to come in and see us so we can try to figure out what’s causing your acne and tailor a treatment plan that will work best for you. We can prescribe medication or recommend other methods such as laser treatments or chemical peels. To learn more about our acne treatments, contact our team to schedule an appointment with us. You can do this by giving our office a call at 202-955-6995 or by booking online today.

Even though acne is common, it doesn’t mean that all the information available about it out there is true. We debunk some myths some people still believe about acne here. What is Acne?  Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that’s common and affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. However, with this commonality comes a lot of misinformation floating around about what causes acne and how to treat it. At 19th Street Dermatology, located in Washington, DC, our team of dermatologists and acne experts want to bust these myths and help you know how to properly care for your acne and your skin. In this blog, we correct some misinformation that you can stop believing about acne. Myth: Acne is Only Found in Teenagers While acne can be linked to hormonal shifts, adult acne is still pretty common. In fact, research tells us that 50% of people ages 20-29, 35% of people ages 30-39, and 26% of people ages 40-49 deal with acne breakouts. This is because acne can be linked to an increase in sebum – oil glands in the skin – which is caused by hormone fluctuations. While fluctuating hormones are most common during puberty, it’s still more than possible for it to occur during adulthood. Myth: Washing Your Face More Clears Acne Washing your face and keeping it clean is still a part of good skincare and can keep acne at bay. However, if you’re washing your face more than twice a day or you’re using harsh products, it can dry out and irritate your skin causing more breakouts.  You should aim to wash your face twice a day with mild soap and use warm – not hot – water. Myth: Your Diet Causes Acne Many people have long believed that chocolate, dairy, and greasy foods have been at the bottom of their acne breakouts. However, there is simply no research to support this.  While having a diet consistently high in these foods can lead to inflammation (and acne is an inflammatory condition), eating these foods on occasion won’t cause you to instantly have an acne flare-up. Myth: Tanning Clears Up Acne Tanning might make it seem like your acne is cleared up, but it’s still lingering underneath the surface. If anything, laying out in the sun can dry out your skin, leaving it more irritated and increasing your chance of breakouts. In addition, increased sun exposure can further damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Luckily, there are a number of fact-based treatment options if you’re struggling with acne. To learn more, give us a call at 202-955-6995 or use our online scheduler to set up an appointment today.

What is Rosacea? Rosacea is a common skin condition, and there can be triggers that can cause symptoms to worsen. Keep reading to learn what things you should avoid doing to keep your rosacea symptoms at bay. Rosacea is a skin condition that causes flushing and blood vessels to become visible on your face. It can also cause inflammation and small, pus-filled bumps to appear. These symptoms usually flare up and go away after some time.  Rosacea is fairly common, affecting about 16 million people living in the United States – typically women with fair skin. It’s often mistaken for other skin conditions like acne or just natural ruddiness. At 19th Street Dermatology, located in Washington, DC, our team of dermatology experts wants you to know that while there’s no cure for rosacea, there are certain things you can do to prevent flare-ups. In this blog, we go more in-depth about rosacea and what might be triggering your rosacea symptoms. Symptoms of Rosacea Flare-ups In addition to visible signs of rosacea like redness, spider veins, blushing, and pimple-like bumps, you may also experience some of the following symptoms: Eye irritation Burning or stinging around the affected areas Dry skin Raised red patches of skin (plaques) Skin swelling and thickening You can experience these signs and symptoms of rosacea on your nose, chin, cheeks, forehead, eyes, chest, ears, neck, or scalp. How to Prevent Rosacea Flare-Ups While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, research suggests that it’s probably a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, there are some factors known to make your rosacea worse.  When you’re exposed to these things, it tends to cause a rosacea flare-up: Hot or cold air Wind Hot drinks Spicy foods Red wine Intense exercise Blood pressure medications Certain cosmetic products While you’re probably not going to be able to avoid all these common triggers, these are some things you can do to prevent a flare-up: Avoid using harsh, oil-based skin care products Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen Avoid drinking alcohol By avoiding these things, you should be able to diminish the amount of flare-ups that you have. In addition to managing your symptoms on your own, our team can also prescribe medications or different types of creams and gels to combat your rosacea. In addition, you might also benefit from laser therapy.  If you need more tips on how to manage your rosacea or you’re looking for treatment for your symptoms, contact our team today for more information. You can do this by giving us a call or you can set up an appointment with us by using our online scheduler today.

Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the United States. We review what puts you at risk for developing this form of cancer here. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found in the United States. In fact, one in five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. However, with early detection, skin cancer has a survival rate of 99%.  At 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, our team of skin cancer specialists wants you to have some facts about skin cancer including what to be on the lookout for and how to understand your risk.  Understanding Skin Cancer Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that’s most typically caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun. Usually, when your old skin cells die, new ones form to replace them.  However, if this process goes awry, a cluster of skin cells appears instead. This formation can be benign or noncancerous. But, it can become cancerous and, if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body. You can typically find skin cancer on your scalp, face, arms, neck, ears, and chest since these are areas that get the most sun exposure. Types of Skin Cancer There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common, melanoma is the most dangerous. Basal cell carcinoma forms after years of exposure to the sun and looks like a pink-tinted patch of skin, a flat flesh-colored lesion, or a small and waxy bump. You can keep a lookout for this form on your head, neck, and arms. Squamous cell carcinoma typically appears on your face, ears, and hands. This type looks like a bump that’s red and firm or a scaly patch of skin. It can also be a sore that constantly heals and reopens. Melanoma can appear anywhere – even in places that don’t receive sun exposure. This kind can look like a large brown spot or it can be a mole that’s changed in size and shape. Early detection is key for this type of skin cancer. Skin Cancer Risk Factors While anyone can develop skin cancer, some factors can increase your risk for it, and those include: Having a naturally light skin color Having skin that burns or freckles easily Having blue or green eyes Having red or blond hair Having a family history of skin cancer Having a large number of moles If you identify with one or many of these risk factors, you should be screened for skin cancer regularly. Because early detection is so key for skin cancer, our team at 19th Street Dermatology recommends coming to see us if you ever find a new or abnormal growth of skin cells. To schedule a skin cancer screening with our office located in Washington, DC, simply give us a call at 202-955-6995 or use our online booking tool today.