Dermatology Associates of Oakbrook Terrace offer the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of skin disorders in adults and children. Skin surgeries and biopsies are performed, as well as total skin screening examinations for skin cancer and melanoma.
Acne
Dermatology Associates of Oakbrook Terrace offer a wide range of useful treatments and products to clear skin that is prone to acne. Acne treatment solutions include oral and topical prescription products, laser/light procedures and photodynamic therapy. Over the counter acne products from Skinfo, as well as hormonal therapies, are available to treat all types of acne for men, women and teens.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is not only an unpredictable and irritating skin disorder, it’s also one of the most baffling and persistent. When psoriasis occurs, skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than the normal rate. By sheer volume, when these underlying skin cells reach the surface and die they cause red, raised plaques covered with white scales. While this typically occurs on the scalp, elbows, and knees it can also affect the torso, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Dermatitis/Eczema
Inflammation of the skin can lead to a condition known as eczema, or dermatitis. With eczema, the skin becomes itchy, red, dry, and cracked. This can occur anywhere on the body and is a chronic problem for many people. This condition is most common in infants who typically outgrow the condition before adulthood.
Melasma
Melasma is a skin discoloration that typically occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 50. This patchy brown or blue-gray discoloration usually appears on the upper lip, upper cheeks, forehead, and chin. It is thought to be related primarily to sun exposure, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and prescriptions containing external hormones such as birth control pills. People with olive complexion or darker skin have higher incidences of melasma.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is a very emotionally distressing disease that can make those afflicted especially vulnerable. There are many reasons why hair loss may occur including medications, family history, hormonal changes, and medical conditions. There are effective treatments that can slow the process of hair loss ans well as promote hair growth.
Warts/Molluscum
Molluscum contagiosum, more commonly known as warts, is a skin infection caused by a virus. The virus produces benign raised abrasions, or bumps, on the upper layers of the skin. Typically these small abrasions are painless, disappear on their own, and rarely leave scars when they’re left untreated. The length of time the virus lasts varies for each person, but the bumps can last from two months to four years.
Pigmented Lesions
Pigmented lesions refer to spots, or growths, on the skin caused by melanocyte cells. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, it’s what gives skin color or pigment. Common pigmented lesions include harmless freckles, birthmarks, moles, and age spots. Many people are born with these types of pigmented lesions, whereas others develop these lesions over time, usually from sun exposure or through changing hormones and aging.
Skin Cancer
If you find any abnormal areas on your skin, you should always get an expert opinion to determine if it could be skin cancer. There are several types of skin cancer, and we have experts that can diagnose and treat them. We feel that early detection is often the key to curing skin cancer. That is why we offer the latest in diagnostic tools to identify and treat it.
Nail Disorders
Nail disorders can affect the nails in many different ways. Typically these include infections, deformities like warts or tumors, and ingrown toenails. These disorders can be the result of improperly trimmed nails, different types of infection, trauma, or even a greater health problem. It’s important to see a dermatologist to determine the cause of the nail disorder so that it can be properly treated.
Congenital Birthmarks
The congenital melanocytic nevus is a type of pigmented mole or birthmark found in infants at birth. Small congenital birthmarks are very common, while large congenital birthmarks are much more rare. These birthmarks are not painful and are typically superficial. Because congenital birthmarks have been linked to melanoma, this condition should be monitored by a dermatologist on a regular basis.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common but poorly understood skin disease that mostly affects the face, but can spread to the ears, chest, and even back. Symptoms of rosacea include red, flush, visible blood vessels; swelling; a thick, bumpy texture of the skin; and acne-like breakouts. Different signs and symptoms of rosacea lead to different types of treatment.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It occurs when damage to skin cells causes them to mutate and multiply very rapidly, forming malignant tumors. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, not just areas that have been exposed to the sun. Signs of melanoma are changes in existing moles, as well as new or unusual pigmented areas of the skin. The only way to accurately diagnose melanoma is by performing a skin biopsy.
Skin Infections (Bacterial & Fungal)
Your skin does a very good job at protecting you from germs. However, sometimes bacterial or fungal infections do occur. Some common types of skin infections are shingles, warts, athlete’s foot, and cysts, just to name a few. The treatment of skin infections depends on the type of infection as well as the cause.
Photosensitivity Disorders
Some people may have an abnormally high sensitivity to the sun. Exposure to sunlight can result in, or aggravate, various symptoms and conditions of the skin. These symptoms can be mild to severe, with the most common being an exaggerated sunburn or rash. Several factors can cause photsensitivity disorders such as medical conditions, genetics, or medications.