Dr. Jason Weaver, Dr. Andres Garcia, and Caitlin Sears PA are committed to making Brazos Valley Dermatology easily accessible to patients.
Our staff makes every effort to book our appointments within a reasonable timeframe, in an expedient manner.
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting people of all ages and skin types. The term commonly refers to the clogged pores of whiteheads and blackheads pimples and under skin lumps that appear on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne is not a debilitative health condition, but can cause social and emotional stress in both teenagers and adults.
Acne occurs when pores are clogged with dead skin cells that become trapped inside the pore. Healthy skin naturally sheds dead skin cells when they rise to the surface, but in individuals who have acne, the skin produces too much sebum (oil), causing the dead skin cells to accumulate. As pores clog, Propionibacterium begins to multiply, accelerating the development of acne. This bacterium causes the skin to become tender to the touch and inflamed.
Provocation of acne by digestion of certain foods or drinks varies between individuals. Some individuals remain unaffected by foods and drinks, but other patients often identify certain foods as triggers. Chocolate and simple carbohydrates are the most common offenders, and in some cases, large amounts of lactose can worsen the acne.
Keeping the skin clean and washing twice a day with a mild cleanser is pertinent in keeping skin acne-free. Caring for the skin in a sensitive manner is best; avoid harsh scrubbing, astringents, extreme temperatures, and squeezing or picking at blemishes. Keeping the skin moisturized and using sunscreen is ideal for preventative care. In acne treatment, it is important to use products that are labeled as “non-comedogenic”, with the ultimate goal of healing existing lesions, preventing new lesions from forming, and healing acne scars. Depending on the severity of the acne, topical treatment may suffice. Moderate and severe acne may be treated with oral antibiotics, injections of cortisone, oral contraceptives and spironolactone for women with acne, chemical peels, light treatment and laser surgery. Isotretinoin is used in severe cases of acne refractory to treatment.
Skin damage is caused by repeated, prolonged sun exposure without proper protection. Effects of skin damage include dryness, wrinkles, and in some cases, the formation of rough, scaly precancerous spots called actinic keratoses. Removal of abnormal skin cells is most common treatment of keratoses, and entails the exposure of deeper skin cells that form new skin. These rough spots are very common on sites repeatedly exposed to the sun, especially the backs of the hands, scalp, nose, cheeks, upper lip, temples and forehead. As sun exposure intensifies, keratoses appear as multiple flat or thickened, scaly or warty, blotched lesions. A keratosis may thicken and grow over time and develop into a cutaneous horn. Keratoses lesions are regarded as precancerous and remain on the skin even when the surface crust is removed.
The development of squamos cell carcinoma is the main concern with actinic keratoses. Other than cosmetic purposes, actinic keratoses are usually removed because of the risk that skin cancer may develop in them. It is important to have any actinic keratoses thoroughly examined if they become thickened, painful, or ulcerated.
Though there is no complete defense against actinic keratosis, it is important to practice a comprehensive sun protection program that includes sun protective clothing, limited exposure to midday sun, and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Popularly known as eczema and Atopic Dermatitis, this skin condition is characterized by chronic, itchy skin. Atopic dermatitis is most common amongst children, but can challenge people of all ages. Atopic Dermatitis usually occurs in people who have an ‘atopic tendency’, meaning the individual may develop additional linked conditions: asthma, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). These conditions can be biologically based; families that have a history of asthma, eczema, or hay fever enable doctors to diagnose atopic dermatitis in infants and children at early onset.
Between individuals, there is quite a variation in the appearance of Atopic Dermatitis. In most cases, individuals diagnosed with atopic eczema will experience acute flares with inflamed, red, and sometimes blistered spots. In between flares, the epidermis can appear healthy, or the individual may experience chronic eczema, marked with dry, itchy areas.
Treatment of atopic dermatitis is most successful when the exposure of triggers is reduced, when skin is kept moisturized, and with the application of topical steroids. Avoiding hot showers and prolonged bathing and showering, using mild soaps, and moisturizing after each shower is recommended in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Moles with unusual features, such as discoloration, are called atypical nevi. There are basically two types of atypical nevi: sporadically occurring atypical moles and familial (inherited) atypical moles. The term atypical nevus is sometimes used to mean any funny-looking mole. However, strictly speaking, an atypical nevus is defined as a mole with at least 3 of the following features.
Clinically atypical nevi are often described as dysplastic nevi, but this is term is best used for a specific microscopic appearance. Only a minority of clinically atypical nevi are regarded as dysplastic nevus due to the criterion that must be met. Ranging in severity, dysplasia can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Individuals with atypical nevi are at higher risk for developing melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. However, atypical nevi are normally harmless and do not require removal. A suspicious atypical nevus is not easily differentiated from melanoma, so often times a dermatologist must take a biopsy to give correct diagnosis.
If you have numerous moles, a review from a dermatologist, like Dr. Weaver in College Station, is recommended.
Mole mapping, or taking photographic records of the moles, is a helpful technique in tracking the growth and development of atypical moles, and should be repeated periodically. Your dermatologist can use a special hand held microscope, giving dermascopic views to detect change early. Similar to other skin care practices, careful sun protection, sun protective clothing, avoiding excessive sun exposure and using at least a SPF 30+ sunscreen is pertinent. Brazos Valley Dermatology recommends, patients with numerous moles should also perform a monthly self skin exam.
The most common form of skin cancer is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). This type of skin cancer most commonly develops in areas that are exposed to extensive sun exposure, such as the scalp, face, neck, chest, and ears. People who use tanning beds, or used them prior to adulthood, have an increased risk of developing BCCs. Characterized by slow growth, BCCs grow deep and wide and carry the potential of destroying skin tissue, muscle and bone, so it is important to treat them early. Symptoms of BCCs include sores that easily bleed or don’t heal, scabbing or oozing, sunken centers, or visible blood vessels spanning from the lesion.
Prognosis and treatment of the BCC depends on factors such as type, size, number, and location. Depending on the BCC, treatment can include curettage, excision of the lesion, topical medicated creams and Mohs micrographic surgery. Vismodegib is a newer form of treatment that is used for advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma. A person who develops BCC has a 40% risk of getting a second BCC within 5 years. Therefore, dermatologists stress that monitoring the skin and maintaining follow-up skin check appointments is key for early detection and treatment. And, as always, practicing safe skin routines and limiting sun exposure is beneficial.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a condition that occurs where skin is oily and symptoms of the condition include scaling and rashing of the face, ears, and scalp. When seborrheic dermatitis is located on the scalp, it is known as dandruff. Symptoms of dandruff include rough, white, flaky patches that appear on the scalp. Seborrheic Dermatitis affects individuals at all ages, including infancy. Dandruff is common in infants and is typically referred to as cradle cap, whereas infantile seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects areas where the skin creases, such as armpits and the groin.
Seborrheic dermatitis commonly occurs within the eyebrows, around the eyelids, inside and behind the ears, and in the creases of the nose. The condition often appears with pale, pink ring shaped areas on the hairline. In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis can inflame the skin-folds of the armpits and groin, the middle of the chest, or upper back and shoulder areas. This skin condition is variable from day to day, and is not always itchy. It is believed that seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction related to normal skin yeast called Malassezia. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious, but it can be enhanced by illness, psychological stress, physical fatigue, change of season and climate, or a reduction in general health.
Although Seborrheic dermatitis in adults may be very persistent, it can generally be kept under control with the use of topical steroids and antifungal agents.
Dermatofibroma is a common, benign, fibrous, skin lesion that develops from the growth of skin cells called histiocytes. In the rare occasion, dermatofibroma can develop from a site injury, such as an insect bite or plugged hair follicle.
Dermatofibromas typically develop on the legs and arms and persist for several years. These firm nodules that are often dark brown in color can cause pain in some individuals.
Dermatofibromas can go untreated due to their benign nature. Individuals tend to seek treatment when these lesions begin to be painful or bothersome, and in those circumstances, surgery can be performed.
Xerosis, or dry skin, is extremely common and can affect anyone. Xerosis occurs when skin loses too much water or oil, both of which serve as natural moisturizers. As moisture is lost, the surface of the skin begins to crack. Symptoms of xerosis include rough, scaly skin that can, on occasion, become itchy. If the symptoms are not treated, the dry cracks in the skin can bleed.
The onset of dry skin can be caused from several factors, including age, climate, skin conditions, personal hygiene habits, exposure to agents such as chlorine, and work conditions. An important aspect of treatment is to identify any contributing factors. Showering for shorter intervals and less frequently, using tepid water, applying thick creams, and maintaining healthy hyrdration are all important in addressing dry skin.
Atopic eczema, also referred to as eczema and atopic dermatitis, is a persistant, itchy skin condition that affects people of all ages, but is most common in children. Eczema usually occurs in people who have an ‘atopic tendency’, meaning they may develop any of the three closely linked conditions: atopic eczema, asthma, and hay fever. These conditions are generally biologically based, and when a family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever is traced, diagnosing atopic eczema in infants is easier.
Atopic eczema is found in a unique interaction of genetic and environmental conditions. Biological factors include defects in skin barrier functioning, making the skin more adept to irritation from soaps, perfumes, and other irritants such as weather and temperature. Atopic eczema is most severe between the ages of two and four and it typically improves or clears altogether by the puberty.
There is quite a variation in the appearance of atopic eczema between each individual. From time to time, most people have acute flares with inflamed, red, sometimes blistered and weepy patches. In between flares, the skin may appear normal or suffer from chronic eczema with dry, thickened and itchy areas.
Treatment of Eczema requires reduction of exposure to triggers when possible, regular use of moisturizers, and intermittent topical steroids. Self skin care includes avoiding hot showers, bathing or showering for less than 10 minutes, using a mild soap such as Dove, and moisturizing after each shower
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection of the mouth, nose, genitals, and buttocks that presents itself with focal blistering. HSV infections are bothersome because they often reappear and the flares can be unsightly and uncomfortable. HSV is common to most people, and it affects most individuals on one or more occasions. Though the two main types of Herpes Simplex Virus are distinct, there is some overlap in symptoms.
Both strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus reside in a dormant state in the nerves that supply sensation to the region of the skin that the virus affects. The clinical lesion occurs when the virus travels down the nerves and onto the skin or membranes, where it then multiples. Following a flare up, the virus then returns to a latent state.
Even when the Herpes Simplex Virus is active, it does not necessarily require treatment. Protecting the skin from prolonged or direct sun exposure is important to prevent flares. In some cases, topical or oral antiviral agents can be taken in order to reduce the severity of the flare-up.
Itchy welts of the skin are hives, or urticaria. These welts of the skin can occur anywhere, and often vary in size and shape, though they typically go away within 24 hours. As new hives appear on the skin, often times older ones fade, causing a hives outbreak to last a few days. A course of hives generally lasts less than 6 weeks. If hives last more than 6 weeks, they are called chronic hives. When larger welts occur deeper in the skin, the term is angioedema. This can occur with or without hives, and often causes the eyelids or lips to swell.
Discovering the cause of hives can be a tedious task, especially in the case of chronic hives. Acute hives can be triggered from an allergic reaction; often times allergic reaction include foods (citrus fruits, milk, eggs, tree nuts, and shellfish are common culprits), medications, insect bites, pollen, latex allergies, and allergy shots. However, other causes such as infections, illnesses, prolonged exposure to extreme climate conditions, exercise, stress, chemicals, and pressure to the skin have been known to trigger hives.
Treatment of a hives outbreak depends on the severity and age of the welts. If a medicine is thought to be the cause, it is recommended that the individual stop taking the medicine. The most frequently recommended treatment for hives are antihistamines because they relieve symptoms, such as itching. Occasionally, you may need a combination of multiple antihistamines to control the hives.
Kertatosis Pilaris is a common skin condition that is characterized by numerous tiny bumps that are located on the outer aspect of the arms, highs, cheeks, and upper back. The bumps give a rough texture to the skin, with some discoloration. Most common during the teenage years, Keratosis pilaris may also be present in babies and persist into adulthood. Keratosis pilaris is more severe during the cold and dry winter months when the climate is low in humidity and skin is dry.
Keratosis pilaris is a benign condition and forms of treatment for this condition serve cosmetic purposes. Kertatosis bumps will reappear if treatment is not continued.
Malignant melanoma is one of the most serious types of skin cancer, due to uncontrolled growth of pigment cells, called melanocytes. Malignant melanoma spreads quickly to other parts of the body, but begins as dark growths that are very similar to moles. However, melanomas differ in that they can sometimes be pink, red, or skin color. Treatable when detected early, melanomas are potentially fatal if the cancer does metastasize. As with most cancers, the goal of melanoma is to detect the irregular cell growth early and when it is still on the surface of the skin.
Prolonged and extensive sun exposure, especially sunburns that produced blistering or the usage of tanning beds prior to adulthood, are key triggers to melanoma. However, heredity also plays a role, as research shows that if a close blood relative (parent, child, or sibling) had melanoma, a person has a much greater risk of developing melanoma. Early detection and treatment are critical to a successful recovery.
Brazos Valley Dermatology recommends to always wear sun protection and to visit our office on an annual basis for a full body examination. In between annual checks, practicing self-checks is good practice, and the ABCDE’s of melanoma, (asymmetry, irregular borders, varied colors, large diameter, and any lesion that is evolving.) If changes or developments of moles is noticed, a dermatologist, like Dr. Jason Weaver, should be notified and visited immediately. In the case of diagnosis, treatment will depend on the age, size, depth, and location of the cancer.
Melasma is a facial skin condition that is characterized by symmetrical blotchy, brownish pigmentation that is caused by an overactive melanin by the pigment cells of the epidermis.
Melasma develops due to an interaction of factors; there is strong evidence of a biological predisposition to melasma, with at least one-third of patients reporting other family members to be affected. Most people diagnosed with melasma report that it is a chronic condition. More women than men are affected, and in particular, people that have dark skin or skin that tans easily are more at risk. The onset of melasma generally begins between the ages of 20 and 40, but can start as soon as childhood. It appears as freckle-like spots on areas of the face that are most exposed to direct sunlight.
Dermatologists are aware of several common triggers for melasma. The condition usually affects healthy, normal, non-pregnant adults and can affect these individuals for many years. Prolonged sun exposure deepens the pigmentation of the skin and activates the color-producing cells of the skin. To prevent further melasma, it is recommended that sun exposure is limited. Other triggers, such as birth control, perfumed soaps, and certain cosmetics may trigger a phototoxic reaction which may cause a melasma condition.
Treatment and containment of melasma requires teaming with a dermatologist to apply a comprehensive care plan. Though there is no cure for this skin condition, there are several treatments that have been developed in order to prevent further pigmentation. In addition, melasma is often slow to respond to therapies, and immediate results are often unrecognizable. Usage of high SPF sunscreen, limited sun exposure, application of facial moisturizers that contain SPF, and cosmetic camouflage concealers are all routes to disguise or prevent the development of melasma. Stopping the intake of birth control and other hormone supplements may assist in the fading of the pigmentation.
The only reactive treatment for melasma is the use of bleaching creams, such as hydroquinone. Bleaching creams must be applied to the affected areas daily for several consecutive months. Other topical therapies include azelaic acid, kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, vitamin C, soybean extract, and topical retinoids may help fade the pigment. However, certain chemical peels and laser treatments can reduce the pigmentation of the melasma areas and provide satisfactory results.
Moles are common skin lesions that are based on the proliferation of pigment cells of the skin, called melanocytes. Generally harmless in nature, skin cancer called melanoma may arise within a mole. Moles may be flat or protruding, and vary in color from pink or skin colored to dark brown or black. Although mostly round or oval in shape, they are sometimes unusual shapes and can differ in size.
Most moles arise during childhood or early adult life, and exposure to intense sunlight increases the development of moles. Practicing safe sun exposure, such as wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting overall time in direct sunlight is recommended. Furthermore, monthly examination of mole growth is key. Any change in a mole should be checked by a dermatologist.
Molluscumcontagiosum is a common, innocuous viral skin infection that most often affects infants and young children. In some cases, adults can become infected. Molluscumcontagiosum appears as groups of small, round bumps in the warm moist places of the body, such as the armpit, groin or behind the knees. Ranging in size from 1 to 6 mm, these bumps may be white, pink or skin colored. They often have a small central pit and the virus is easily spread by skin contact. As they heal, they may become inflamed, crusted or scabby and it is not uncommon for there to be a high number of spots on one individual. Molluscumcontagiosum may persist for months or, in more severe cases, for a couple of years. Outbreaks often induce a rash in the affected areas, which can be dry, pink and itchy. An itchy rash may sometimes appear on distant sites and reflect an immune reaction to the virus.
It is important to treat molluscum in order to prevent further infection on distant parts of the body or to other people. If numerous lesions are present, many treatment sessions may be necessary every few weeks, until growths are limited.
Fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails are known as onychomycosis, and they are common with increased age. Rarely affecting children, the toenails are the most susceptible to fungal infections due to the containment of moisture from shoes and socks. If the condition is not treated, onychomycosis can lead to lasting nail impairment.
Fungal nail infections are often characterized with white or yellowed thickened nails that can be brittle with debris beneath the nail bed.
Fungal nail infections are persistent in many cases, and the treatment of this condition is not simple. Typically, antifungal creams are not effective because they do not penetrate beyond the nail surface, where the fungus grows. Instead, oral antifungal medication is often prescribed. It is important to ensure that the infected area remains clean and dry so that the fungus cannot grow or spread. Non-ventilated shoes will cause excess moisture, so opting for light and airy shoes is ideal. Sweat-wicking socks, such as cotton socks, and medicated foot powders will help keep feet dry and reduce the likelihood of a fungal nail infection.
Recurrent, lengthy sun exposure causes skin damage, particularly in people with fair colored skin. Sun damaged skin becomes increasingly dry and wrinkled, and can develop into rough, scaly spots, called actinic keratoses. Management of actinic keratoses necessitates removal of the abnormal skin cells. Then, fresh skin forms from the deeper skin cells, which have avoided prior sun damage. Precancers are common on areas repeatedly exposed to the sun, especially the backs of the hands, scalp, nose, cheeks, upper lip, temples and forehead. They emerge as multiple flat or solidified, flaky or warty, flesh colored or red lesions. A keratosis may thicken and grow over time and develop into a cutaneous horn. These lesions are considered precancerous and continue to develop on the skin, even when the crust or scale is removed.
The chief worry is that actinic keratoses may give rise to a category of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratoses are often removed due to their unsightly and uncomfortable nature. However, the risk that skin cancer may develop in them is of paramount importance. If an actinic keratosis becomes solidified, tender, or ulcerated, it requires immediate examination because skin cancer may have developed. The location, number, and thickness of the lesion dictates the form of treatment that would be most successful. Treatment options for precancerous lesions of the skin include liquid nitrogen, curettage, excision, 5-fluorouracil cream, Imiquimod cream, photodynamic therapy, and Ingenolmebutate gel.
A healthy skincare routine is the best defense against actinic keratoses. This includes wearing sun protective clothing, avoiding midday sun, staying in the shade as much as possible, and wearing a broad–spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. It occurs when a person’s immune system sends defective signals that tell skin cells to grow too rapidly. The body has trouble sloughing excess skin cells, which causes skin cells to pile up on the surface of the skin. This ultimately results in patches of psoriasis, which appears as red, thick scaly patches on the elbows, knees, trunk, scalp and buttocks. The rash of psoriasis cycles through periods of improvement and regression.
People who get psoriasis typically have family members with Psoriasis, as there is a genetic predisposition to the disease. Most people get psoriasis between the ages of 15 and 30 years, however it may develop anytime, with the exposure of a stressful event, strep throat, certain medications, cold weather, and trauma to the skin.
There are several treatments for psoriasis, but at the time, there is no current cure for the disease. Visit, Dr. Jason Weaver to help recommend the best treatment for you.
Rosacea is a common skin disease that causes the face to easily turn red and, in some cases, swell. As rosacea advances, people often develop persistent redness of the cheeks. Most cases are found in people ages 30 to 60, with Rosacea localization on the face, but later spreading to the scalp, ears, neck, chest, and eyes. Rosacea affects people of fair skin and eyes.
Features of rosacea include recurrent blushing or flushing, persistent redness, obvious blood vessels, red bumps that are similar in appearance to acne, and dry skin. Commonly, patients will express that their skin is sensitive to sun exposure, emotional stress, alcohol consumption, and hot and spicy foods. When left untreated, patients can develop enlarged unshapely noses with prominent pores, firm swellings of the eyelids, and persistent redness. Treatment of Rosacea is vital, as it may slow down or stop the progression of the disease. Dermatologists, like Dr. Jason Weaver in College Station, may encourage avoiding certain triggers, such as alcohol or spicy foods, and protecting skin from strong sunlight.
Perioral dermatitis is a common facial skin condition that typically affects women in adulthood and rarely occurs in men or children. Collections of uncomfortable or tender small red papules (bumps) develop around the mouth, and there can be mild redness and inflammation of the skin. The skin bordering the lips (which then appears pale) goes unaffected, but perioral dermatitis develops on the sides of the chin, upper lip and cheeks. The surrounding skin can appear pink, and the skin surface usually becomes dry and flaky.
The precise trigger of perioral dermatitis is not yet known. Dermatologists believe that it is a form of rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, and that the usages of topical steroid creams are the most frequent causes of perioral dermatitis cases.
An oral antibiotic, such as tetracycline or doxycycline, is a common treatment for perioral dermatitis. Visit, Dr. Jason Weaver, a College Station/Bryan dermatologist, to help recommend the best treatment for you.
Seborrheickeratoses are lesions of the skin that appear during adult life and are known to be harmless. With the causes of seborrheickeratoses not yet recognized, they are generally regarded to be related to aging and maturity of the skin.
Seborrheickeratoses develop as slightly upraised, brown spots on the skin. Progressively they thicken and develop a rough, warty exterior. They gradually darken and eventually may appear black and look as though they stick on to the skin like barnacles.
Certain skin cancers are difficult to distinguish from seborrheickeratoses. In such cases, seborrheickeratoses can be easily removed. If the seborrheickeratoses becomes unsightly or uncomfortable it is also recommend that the lesion be removed. Procedures used to remove seborrheickeratoses involve liquid nitrogen, curettage, laser surgery and shave biopsy.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is an uncomfortable blistering rash produced by the same virus that causes the chickenpox virus. Because the chickenpox virus rests in a dormant phase in nerve cells for years before it is reactivated, the virus grows in the nerves of the skin to yield shingles (herpes zoster). All individuals who have have the chickenpox virus may develop shingles. Though shingles is more common in adulthood, the virus can affect children as well.
Shingles characteristically begins as a rash on one side of the face or body. The rash starts as congregated sores that scab after a few days and later clear within 2-4 week timespan. Before the rash matures, individuals often experience pain, itching or tingling in the zone where the rash will later develop. Patients may feel systemically ill with a temperature, headache, chills, and sensitive lymph nodes. In about 1/5 of the patients, severe pain will remain even after the rash clears, which is called post-herpetic neuralgia.
Shingles is not transmittable; the virus can not be spread to those who have not had chickenpox. Instead, the exposed person will develop chickenpox, not shingles. Patients with shingles should keep the rash protected, should not touch or scratch the rash, and should wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of the chickenpox virus.
Seeking a doctor immediately is important, as antiviral medications will shorten the duration and severity of the illness.
The second most common skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This skin cancer tends to occur in locations that have gone unprotected to the sun for years. It is most regularly found on the head, neck, ears, lips, arms and hands.
Differing from melanoma, SCCs are usually slowly-growing. They are tender, scaly or crusted lumps of the skin, and the lesions may develop sores or ulcers that fail to heal. A dermatologist should assess any lesion, particularly those that do not heal but instead grow, bleed or change in appearance.
Ultraviolet radiation exposure causes the majority of cutaneous SCCS, and they most often arise from precancers or actinic keratoses. Alternative risk factors for invasive SSC involve inherited predisposition to skin cancer, smoking, thermal burn scars, longstanding ulcers, and immunosuppression.
Treatment options differ and are contingent on the location of the tumor, size, characteristics, and health of the patient. Surgical removal of entire cancer is the most commonly used treatment. Avoiding sun exposure is the primary form of prevention, and is important for people of all ages. College Station/ Bryan dermatologist, Dr. Jason Weaver, recommends sunscreens with a SPF 30 or greater, sun protective clothing, the avoidance of direct sun during midday hours, and seeking shade when possible.
When tissue under the skin undergoes periods of rapid growth, fine lines may develop. These fine lines of the skin are commonly referred to as stretch marks, but can also be known as striae. This condition is not coupled with any medical problems, but is typically only of cosmetic concern. They occur in certain areas of the body where skin is exposed to constant and progressive extending, such as the abdomen, breasts, thighs, buttocks, and shoulders. Stretch marks can also result from prolonged use of topical or oral steroids.
Dermatologic surgery includes the repair and improvement of the function and cosmetic appearance of skin, hair and nails. Skin biopsies, or excisions, occur when a dermatologist removes portions of the skin and later examines the skin cells more thoroughly under microscope. Skin biopsies are performed to assist with the diagnosis of skin conditions, and are often performed because diagnosis can prove to be difficult with the naked eye.
Tineaversicolor is a skin condition in which flaky patches of skin develop on the chest and back, often times with discoloration. This skin condition is typically caused by a yeast that lives on the skin, and in cases when the yeast overgrows, a non-contagious tineaversicolor rash may appear. When tineaversicolor begins to develop, pink or light brown spots appear on the skin with some coincided flaking. The rash most commonly grows on the upper back, shoulders, arms and chest, though in some cases it can involve the face. A related cause of tineaversicolor is extreme sweating, and the condition may become more intense during hot or humid weather.
Location and extent of tineaversicolor both dictate the course of treatment. Treatments typically include several forms of therapy; the application of antifungal medications to the skin, medicated shampoos, and in the case of persistent tineaversicolor, oral antifungal medications may be recommended. With treatment, the yeast is easily eliminated. The skin, however, will remain lighter or darker for weeks or months, with the skin ultimately returning to its normal color.
Warts are formations of the skin produced by infections of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Though not all forms of HPV have been identified, dermatologists are aware of more than 70 HPV subtypes. Warts are particularly common in school age children, and the condition is spread by direct contact or by autoinoculation, scratching and spreading viral particles to other areas of the skin.
Warts have a hard, sturdy surface and commonly develop on the back of the hands and around the fingers or nails. To the naked eye, tiny black dots in the middle of the wart are typically visible and are referred to as “seed” warts.
There are several courses of treatment for warts, and the route of treatment is dependent on the age of the patient and the type of wart. Treatment options include cantharidin, liquid nitrogen, electrosurgery and curettage, and excision; in cases where the wart is particularly difficult to remove, the dermatologist may special lasers, topical retinoids, chemical peels, bleomycin, and immunotherapies may be used. If left untreated in children, the majority of cases subside within 6 months and 90% are gone in three years. Warts in adults do prove to be more difficult to treat, but eventually clear.
Dr. Jason Weaver, Dr. Andres Garcia, & Caitlin Sears PA are compassionate dermatology providers; all strive to provide individualized and current treatment of skin conditions.
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