Last updated 3 days ago
If you have flaky, red patches on your skin, you may be suffering from psoriasis. This autoimmune condition isn’t a serious threat to your health, but it can be uncomfortable and cause cosmetic concerns. Although your primary care doctor may be able to recognize the signs of psoriasis, it makes sense to let a dermatologist manage the condition. If you’re trying to decide where to make your appointment for psoriasis care, here are some reasons you should choose a dermatologist:
More Experience
Dermatologists see more cases of psoriasis than do primary care physicians. That level of experience means that they are more in tune with the symptoms and best treatment options. Primary care physicians may not have the benefit of having tried different medications and noting which offers the best results. They may also not have had feedback from enough patients to recommend effective lifestyle tips to control symptoms. The experience a dermatologist brings to the table can get you better treatment, faster.
Skipped Referral
If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, your primary care physician is likely to refer you to a dermatologist for treatment. For patients with high co-pays, high deductibles, or no insurance at all, every office visit counts. Save yourself the money and time of extraneous appointments and go directly to a dermatologist so treatment can begin.
Specialty Knowledge
In medicine, new developments arise all the time. Since your primary care doctor practices general medicine, it is impossible for him or her to keep up with every development in every discipline. Dermatologists, on the other hand, specialize specifically in skin care, so they are likely to be tapped into the newest findings in the field, including new remedies for psoriasis. This allows dermatologists to offer cutting-edge care that your primary care doctor may not know about yet.
From psoriasis to acne, and everything in between, trust the team at Altman Dermatology for care. We’ve been serving our Arlington Heights neighbors for 40 years and have a reputation for quality, compassionate care. Schedule your appointment by calling (847) 305-1189.
Last updated 10 days ago
Botox and dermal fillers can both help you achieve a more youthful complexion, but that is where the similarities end. Although many people mistakenly believe that these two treatments are interchangeable, they work in different ways and treat different types of aging issues. Your dermatologist is the best source of information when you’re trying to decide which treatment is right for you, but these basic facts will also help you weigh your choice:
Botox
Botox is short for botulinum toxin. This agent has a number of medical applications, but for cosmetic purposes, it is used to treat facial wrinkles. Botox works be reducing the movement of the muscle under the skin where wrinkles appear. When the muscle doesn’t move, the skin doesn’t crinkle, so the wrinkle is diminished. For this reason, Botox is ideal for dynamic wrinkles – wrinkles that appear due to movement, like squinting your eyes or scrunching your forehead. Botox typically lasts for four months. After that, maintenance treatments are required. After repeated treatments, Botox may last for longer between top-ups, as the muscle adapts to staying in a relaxed state.
Dermal Fillers
As the name suggests, dermal fillers “fill-in” wrinkles. An agent like collagen or hyaluronic acid fills the depressed area of skin that causes a wrinkle so that it is flush with the rest of the face. With that area filled in, the wrinkle vanishes. Dermal fillers are best suited to treating static wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that you can see even when you are not making any facial movements. There are a number of different types of dermal fillers available, and how long they last depends on the kind your dermatologist uses. Some dermal fillers can last up to a year or longer.
Do you want solutions for your aging skin? Let Altman Dermatology help. Our dermatologists can use a number of tools, including Botox and fillers, to keep your skin looking great throughout the years. We also treat a host of other skin conditions, including acne and skin cancer. Make an appointment now by calling (847) 305-1189.
Last updated 17 days ago
Your health is reflected in the look of your skin and hair. You can find the facts you need about psoriasis and hair loss when you click through these informative websites:
Altman Dermatology Associates of Arlington Heights is here to help you maintain healthy skin and a healthy body. Call (847) 305-1189 to schedule an appointment with a board certified dermatologist to establish a treatment plan that works for you. You can find more information about skin care and your treatment options on our blog.
Last updated 24 days ago
Psoriasis is a medical condition that causes dry, scaly patches to appear on your skin. If you think you may have psoriasis, make an appointment with your dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Psoriasis is diagnosed with an examination and skin biopsy. Treatment options your dermatologist may suggest include topically-applied lotions or ointments, oral or injected medications, and light therapy. You can learn more about each of these treatment options in detail by watching this video.
Altman Dermatology Associates provides diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis and other conditions to improve the look and feel of your skin. Call us today at (847) 305-1189 to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists and get the answers to your skin care questions. You can find out more about our range of dermatology services in Arlington Heights by clicking through our website.
Last updated 1 month ago
Hair loss has many causes among both men and women. These causes may be genetic, environmental, or illness-related. Visiting a dermatologist can help you pinpoint the reason for your hair loss and develop an effective treatment plan to address your needs.
Hereditary Hair Loss
Male and female pattern baldness is a genetic condition responsible for the majority of hair loss cases. This type of hair loss is generally triggered during puberty or late adulthood. Hereditary balding occurs in varying degrees, from thinning hair to the loss of most or all of the hair.
Hormone-Related Hair Loss
Another common cause of hair loss is hormonal changes within the body. These changes may occur following childbirth, during menopause, or as a result of stressful situations. Hair loss of this type is often temporary and reverses once hormonal balance is restored.
Health Problems and Hair Loss
Dietary deficiencies including a lack of protein or iron in the body can result in thinning hair. Approximately 30 diseases are known to cause some form of hair loss, including anemia and thyroid disease. Conditions that affect the skin of the scalp may also cause temporary or permanent balding. Clopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to mistakenly attack the hair. Cicatricial alopecia destroys healthy hair follicles and results in hair loss. Women of African descent are at risk for developing hair loss due to a scalp condition called central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.
Medication-Induced Hair Loss
Taking certain medications may put you at risk for hair loss. Some birth control pills, high doses of vitamin A supplements, and blood thinning medications are frequently associated with hair loss. Other medications that may induce hair loss include medications for arthritis, gout, high blood pressure, and depression.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, contact Altman Dermatology Associates at (847) 305-1189. We provide a range of dermatology and skin care services in Arlington Heights including treatment for hair loss, acne, and psoriasis, and eczema. You can get more facts about hair loss and the other conditions we treat by clicking through our blog.
