The symptoms and triggers of plaque psoriasis may change over time. Keeping track of these changes can help you and your dermatologist develop are more effective and evolving treatment plan to minimize the impact of psoriasis on your life.
Using the Psoriasis Symptom Monitor app, you’ll be able to keep detailed records of when and where psoriasis symptoms occur. You can also track changes over time, set dermatologist appointment reminders, and create convenient charts to help you and your doctor visualize your condition.
You can learn more about psoriasis and psoriasis treatment when you call Altman Dermatology at (847) 305-1189. We provide comprehensive long-term care for conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea to help you live your life worry-free. Click on our website to explore our full range of skin care treatments and services.
Excessive sweating can be more than an annoyance—in many cases, it is a diagnosable and treatable skin condition. Known as hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating may be caused by overactive sweat glands or a related medical condition. Discussing your condition with a dermatologist can help you identify the cause and the best treatment for your hyperhidrosis.
Primary vs. Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Treatment for hyperhidrosis is determined by the underlying cause of the condition. When excessive sweating is unrelated to any other medical cause, it is defined as primary or focal hyperhidrosis. Often, the signs of primary hyperhidrosis are evident in early childhood or adolescence, most commonly affecting the face, underarms, hands, or feet. If excessive sweating results from a separate medical condition or as a side effect of medication, it is identified as secondary or generalized hyperhidrosis. This type of hyperhidrosis often begins in adulthood and produces more generalized sweating depending on its cause.
Areas Affected By Focal Hyperhidrosis
Focal hyperhidrosis most commonly affects a few specific areas of the body. Facial hyperhidrosis causes intense sweating of the face and scalp with very little exertion or provocation. Axillary hyperhidrosis is sweating under the arms, often regardless of temperature. In many cases, individuals suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis avoid certain types of clothing materials and styles or may change clothes multiple times each day. Sweating of the palms is called palmar hyperhidrosis, resulting in avoidance of activities such as shaking hands with others or taking handwritten notes. Plantar hyperhidrosis affects the soles of the feet, which is often seen in conjunction with palmar hyperhidrosis. Sweat may ruin shoes at a heightened rate and cause sufferers to avoid barefoot activities out of embarrassment or traction issues.
If you suffer from primary or secondary hyperhidrosis, Altman Dermatology can help. Call our Arlington Heights office today at (847) 305-1189 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dermatologists. You can find more information about hyperhidrosis and other common skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, and skin cancer, by clicking through our website.
Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by dry, scaly skin. It is caused when the immune system mistakenly causes the body to overproduce skin cells at an accelerated rate. Often, psoriasis symptoms flare up in response to certain triggers. Working with your dermatologist to develop regular skin care and maintenance routines can prevent or minimize episodes to ensure that psoriasis impacts your life as little as possible.
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Psoriasis flare-ups are generally triggered by factors such as stress, weather, infections, or mediations. Get help from your dermatologist in identifying your unique triggers and take steps to avoid them when possible. This may require changes to your diet, sleep schedule, or skin care routine to minimize the likelihood or severity of a flare-up.
Control Your Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can decrease the frequency of psoriasis flare-ups. Habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption can worsen or trigger psoriasis, so quit or minimize these habits. Exercise regularly to reduce stress, which can also trigger psoriasis. Talk to your dermatologist about foods and supplements you should be consuming to help your body maintain better health. Diets that advertise they can cure psoriasis should be avoided—while diet may play a role in flare-ups, no diet can eliminate this condition.
Develop a Skin Care Routine
Although psoriasis is not triggered or caused by poor hygiene, certain skin care products or techniques can minimize your symptoms. Use dermatologist-recommended moisturizer to address itching or burning symptoms and dry skin. Many psoriasis treatments tend to dry out the skin, so be aware of this effect and counteract it by proactively maintaining hydration of your skin. Therapeutic bath salts and oils can also soften skin and reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, soothing your mind and body for better health.
Altman Dermatology of Arlington Heights provides skin care for psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and many other conditions. Our dermatologists are dedicated to helping you find the treatment options that work best for healthier skin. Visit our website or call us at (847) 305-1189 to learn more about living with psoriasis.
This is a long time coming, but I need to express my graditude towards Dr Altman & his staff. July 2012 I had basal cell removed from my nose using Mohs Procedure. I had a sore on my nose for 2 years that just wouldn't heal. I saw 2 different Drs in Virginia (where I currently live) who did not diagnos it. When I came back into town for a...More
Patty
Altman Dermatology treats patients affected by skin conditions; such as skin cancer, psoriasis, chronic skin diseases, aging and corrective needs. Call us at (847) 305-1189 for any of your dermatology needs.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and acts as a protective barrier against the toxins in your surrounding environment. Every day, your body relies on your delicate skin cells to protect your internal organs from bacteria, germs, and the effects of temperature changes. For this reason, it’s important to learn as much as possible about how to protect the health of your skin.
The National Rosacea Society is a community dedicated to helping individuals living with this chronic skin condition. Visit this website for some tips on managing your symptoms.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine provides a brief overview of the signs and symptoms of rosacea.
This New York Times article illustrates why psoriasis is more than just a cosmetic skin condition.
Learn the truth about living with psoriasis by checking out this information from EverydayHealth.com.
Whether you are concerned about acne or skin cancer, Altman Dermatology can help. To book a consultation with our experienced staff, call (847) 305-1189.
