Skin Conditions & Treatments in West Hills, CA

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Common Skin Conditions We Treat

Acne

Acne is a chronic skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. While it most commonly affects teenagers, it can persist or emerge in adulthood. Acne can range from mild blackheads to severe, inflamed cystic lesions that lead to scarring. Various factors like hormones, stress, genetics, and skincare habits can influence breakouts.

Eczema (Dermatitis)

Eczema refers to a group of conditions characterized by dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. The most common kind of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Other forms of eczema include contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. People often use the term eczema to refer to any of these conditions. Treatment depends on the type of eczema but includes topical moisturizers, topical steroids, and systemic medications if needed.

Melasma

Melasma is a common skin problem. The condition causes dark, discolored patches on your skin. It’s also called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” when it occurs in pregnant women. The condition is much more common in women than in men, although men can also develop it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90 percent of people who develop melasma are women.

Pseudofolliculitis (Shaving Bumps)

Follicular papules or pustules result from close shaving or plucking of very curly hair and are caused by the tips of hairs growing into the follicle wall or reentering the skin adjacent to the follicle.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes your skin cells to multiply too quickly. As a result, your skin becomes itchy, flaky, and inflamed as this accelerated growth cycle interferes with the typical skin turnover process.
Psoriasis is not a contagious condition. It also cannot be spread from person-to-person contact. Instead, it occurs as a result of the overactivation of your immune system, resulting in the body attacking normal tissue.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, and pimple-like breakouts. Rosacea can also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea), presenting symptoms such as dryness, redness, burning, and itching of the eyes. Rosacea most typically affects middle-aged women. Although the cause is unknown, treatment options are available, including topical prescription medications, oral prescription medications, and laser therapy.

Skin Allergies

A skin allergy is when the skin becomes irritated because the immune system reacts to something that is usually harmless. This is called an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can cause rash, itching, burning, redness, bumps, hives, and swelling. Many different allergens can cause a reaction. Below are some of the most common allergic skin conditions.

Skin Infections

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes the loss or inactivation of pigment-producing cells in the skin, resulting in patches of light or white skin and hair. The degree and severity of pigment loss can vary from person to person. In some, it is localized to a small area or streak. In others, the pigment loss can be more generalized or even universal. Common areas of involvement include the face (especially around the eyes, nose, and mouth), hands, feet, and genitals. Vitiligo can also affect the hair, resulting in white patches on the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Though no cure exists today, various therapies are available, with the most common being topical medications and/or phototherapy.

Sunspots / Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)

Sunspots are also known as liver spots, age spots or solar lentigines (lentigo for only one). They are flat marks that develop on the skin. They appear in different shades of brown, tan, or black. Age spots are harmless, but it is important to see your doctor to confirm that they are not cancerous moles.

Warts

Warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are highly contagious and may spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Warts often affect children and individuals with weakened immune systems. While generally harmless, they can be persistent and bothersome if left untreated.