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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.

Eczema is usually thought of as a childhood condition, but is it possible to develop it as an adult? We answer that question and more here. We often think of eczema as a condition that affects kids. However, adults can have it, especially older adults. In many cases, people have eczema as a child, it tapers off in adolescence and then returns in full force as an adult. But in other cases, people don’t have it in childhood, and it appears suddenly in adulthood.  Studies have shown that 1 in 4 adults who have eczema reported their first symptoms in adulthood. While the exact reason for eczema developing in adulthood is unknown, the most likely cause is that our skin starts to dry out as we age, increasing the risk of eczema symptoms. If you’ve recently started showing symptoms of eczema as an adult, you may wonder if it is eczema or something else. At 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, our expert team wants to help you identify eczema and know how to treat it. Symptoms of Eczema in Adults Eczema in adults differs from eczema in children. However, there is some overlap in symptoms, which include the following: Intense itching that can cause sleeplessness Skin infections Increased risk of asthma or allergies Feelings of depression and anxiety Other symptoms that are typically not seen in children but are in adults include: Permanently itchy rashes Rashes that appear on the nape of the neck and crooks of elbows Rashes that cover the majority of your body Scaly and dry skin patches If your eczema is left untreated, your quality of life can deteriorate. Treatment Options for Eczema Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. However, there are many options for treating and managing this skin condition. If our team determines you have eczema, we can recommend the best treatments depending on your age, symptoms, and current health status.  One of the best treatments you can do at home is to use good skin products and take excellent care of your skin. This is true regardless of how severe your symptoms are or where your eczema is. You can do this by using hypoallergenic soaps, applying moisturizers regularly, and taking short baths or showers.  Some other treatments include: Skin creams to relieve itching Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation Antibiotics to treat infections Light therapy for flare-ups Our team can also help you to identify what’s triggering your eczema flare-ups. Common triggers include stress or certain types of allergens, often in foods. Once we’ve identified your triggers, we can develop a plan to help you avoid those triggers and limit your eczema flare-ups. If you suspect you have eczema as an adult, don’t wait to have your symptoms diagnosed, treated, and managed. To schedule an appointment, contact our expert at our Washington, DC office today. You can do this by giving us a call at 202-955-6995 or by using our online booking tool today.

Losing your hair can feel alarming, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn more about how to get help for hair loss. Losing your hair can feel extremely alarming. You might even feel a sense of panic about it. But fortunately, you don’t have to be resigned to continuing to lose your hair. Figuring out how to treat your hair loss often requires a little bit of help from professionals. We first need to investigate why you’re losing your hair, which may take a little bit of trial and error.  But the sooner we identify the cause of your hair loss, the better our chances are of treating it. The providers at 19th Street Dermatology in ​​Washington, DC, explain more about the process of finding out why you’re losing your hair. Understanding Hair Loss The first steps are to meet with a board-certified dermatologist such as one of our providers. They ask questions about your symptoms and gather your patient history to help identify the origin of your hair loss. Some of the questions they ask may include when the hair loss began. Depending on when your hair loss began, it might grow back on its own, such as if you:  Have recently had a baby Have gone through cancer treatment Are recovering from a major injury or illness Lost more than 20 pounds Suffer from a condition called alopecia areata, which causes your immune system to attack your hair follicles Are coping with psoriasis on your scalp In all of these cases, your hair may begin to regrow on its own. If none of these cases apply to you, the doctor then looks closely at your scalp and any other areas with hair loss. They ask about your family history to identify if your hair loss may possibly be due to genetic factors. And finally, they might take a biopsy of your scalp for further study. Trying Easy Fixes Sometimes, the cause of your hair loss has an easy solution. This may include stopping habits that are particularly damaging to your hair and changing your hair care routine or hairstyle. Certain habits are particularly damaging to your hair, such as the following: Wearing your hair up in a bun or ponytail most of the time Wearing braids, cornrows, or hair extensions frequently Overusing relaxers or chemical treatments Using hair straighteners or blow dryers on high heat If your hair loss is linked to any of these habits, your hair may be extremely fragile, so you may have to baby it a little to nurture it back to full health. Treating Other Causes When Applicable If your hair loss turns out to be caused by an illness, we try to treat the underlying issue. In many cases, hair loss is not caused by an underlying issue but by your genetics and family history. If that is the case, you can also try other strategies to stimulate hair growth, including: Microneedling This treatment pokes tiny holes in your scalp. Although this may sound counterintuitive, this treatment often stimulates your hair to start to regrow, especially when used in combination with applying minoxidil. We give you instructions on how much minoxidil to use and how often to use it. Corticosteroid Injections Injecting corticosteroids into your scalp at the areas with hair loss may help you to regrow your hair. You need an injection every 4-8 weeks until the problem resolves or you decide to discontinue it. This is a particularly effective treatment in cases of alopecia areata, which may cause your hair loss to be patchy. Platelet-Rich Plasma  Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a newer technology that shows great promise in many applications, including for hair regrowth. This therapy involves a standard blood draw, putting your blood into a centrifuge to separate the components, and then injecting a highly concentrated form of platelet-rich plasma back into your scalp. This often stimulates your body to heal itself, including the ability to grow hair. You need to repeat this process about every three months Hair Transplants  If your hair loss is because of male or female pattern baldness, we can transplant hair from healthy areas of your scalp onto sparse areas. Before we do this, we check to make sure your scalp is healthy enough to maintain these transplanted follicles.  If you are losing your hair, you probably want to find out how to stop it as soon as possible. The sooner you make an appointment with a dermatologist, the more options you have. Contact the providers of 19th Street Dermatology or request an appointment online.

If hair loss is causing you emotional distress, many options are available to address it. Learn about common treatments for hair loss here.  A widening part, itchy scalp, and bald patches. If you’ve noticed these symptoms, they could be indicators of hair loss, or alopecia.  You usually have about 100,000 hairs on your head at any given time. Each day you lose about 50-100 hairs, but they’re quickly replaced with new strands. However, if these lost hairs aren’t replaced, you can end up with bald patches or very thin hair.  While hair loss can happen for a number of reasons — from genetics to a vitamin deficiency, how it’s treated can both depend on why it’s happening and what your personal preferences are.  At  19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, our team of dermatologists understands that hair loss can be stressful, so we offer a wide range of treatments in hopes that one will be just right for you. This month’s blog explores all of those options to help you in your decision.  Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications There are a wide range of medications that you can use to address hair loss, and they’re often very effective for minor hair loss. Let’s examine a few in detail: Minoxidil (over-the-counter) Minoxidil, most commonly found in the brand Rogaine, is an over-the-counter medication that comes in the form of liquid, soap, and shampoo. You need to apply minoxidil topically 1-2 times a day to prevent further hair loss and encourage new hair growth. To keep up the effects, you’ll have to use it indefinitely.  Finasteride (prescription) Finasteride is a prescription oral medication especially helpful for male-pattern baldness. It can also slow down hair loss and encourage new growth over the course of a few months. This medication option also requires long-term use to maintain results.  Other prescription medication options include spironolactone and dutasteride. Low-level Laser Therapy  Laser therapy is a relatively new hair loss treatment, but it has shown promising results, especially when used to address hair loss related to age or genetics.  During this treatment, a low-dose laser is directed toward the areas of your scalp that are balding or thinning to stimulate new hair growth. After a few sessions, you should notice that your hair grows back thicker and stronger.  Hair Transplant Surgery Although hair transplant surgery is the most drastic treatment for hair loss, it’s also the most effective. During the surgery, our team takes a small patch of skin from your scalp that has hair and transplants it to the bald area. The hair follicles in that patch of skin allow for new hair growth.  To learn more about your options for treating hair loss, schedule an appointment today.

Even though acne is common, it can still affect how confident you feel in your own skin. We discuss some helpful solutions to acne breakouts here. All over your skin, there are tiny holes called pores, and they can get clogged with dirt, bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. When this happens, a blemish — often referred to as a pimple, zit, or whitehead — can develop.  If you get blemishes pretty often, you may have a chronic skin condition known as acne. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and it most often affects adolescents and adults. But even with its commonality, acne can affect your self-confidence. Oftentimes, acne can be painful and it can also leave some nasty scars behind, which can understandably cause emotional distress. So, if you’re feeling self-conscious about acne breakouts or acne scars, our team at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, wants you to know that treatment options are available to you.  Let’s take a look at what you need to know about how acne develops and how we can treat it. What Causes Acne Breakouts? Acne is caused by one simple thing: clogged pores. However, how your pores get clogged varies from person to person. Anything from excess oil production (sebum) to bacteria to inflammation can fill up your pores. Typically, your face, back, chest, and shoulders are affected most by acne since that’s where the highest concentration of oil glands is. These are some common triggers for clogged pores and acne breakouts: Using pore-clogging personal products such as cleansers or moisturizers Hormonal changes during pregnancy or puberty Stress Air pollution Wearing tight-fitting clothing Smoking cigarettes It’s often believed that eating chocolate or not washing your face enough can lead to acne; however, there’s currently no evidence to connect those factors to acne breakouts. Our Treatment Solutions for Acne If you have moderate to severe acne or mild acne that won’t clear up with over-the-counter methods, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for expert-level acne treatment. We can discuss our available options and help you decide which is best, depending on the acne severity and what your preferences are.  For mild acne, we can recommend a skincare routine to follow and provide some helpful products that can keep your pores clean and clear of debris. Some of them may be prescription, but others might be available at your local drugstore. In the case of severe acne that’s cystic and painful, oral antibiotics or cortisone injections are incredibly effective. For acne scarring, we offer chemical peels and laser treatments to resurface your skin and encourage the production of skin-renewing collagen. To get started with any of our acne treatments, schedule an appointment today.