Acne is an extremely common skin condition where the pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Acne is most common in teenagers going through puberty, but it can flare up at any point in life. The cause and type of acne can determine the best treatment for you.

For more information about acne treatments available at our dermatology office in Pittsburgh, PA, please call 412-857-2609 to schedule your appointment at Weirton Medical Center today.

Symptoms of Acne

Acne blemishes can appear as:

• Blackheads
• Cysts
• Nodules
• Papules
• Pustules
• Whiteheads

Depending on the type of blemishes you have, you could experience inflammation, redness, or tenderness. The most common areas to have acne are the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, upper arms, or buttocks.

Common Causes of Acne

The main causes of acne are excess oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and hormones. Normally, dead skin cells are shed at the surface of the pore, but excess oil can cause the skin cells to stick together and become trapped inside the pore. For this reason, acne most commonly appears on areas where there are more oil glands.

Certain factors that have been known to make acne worse including:

• Diet. Some studies have indicated that certain foods, including carbohydrate rich foods, can worsen acne.
• Hormones. Acne can worsen during puberty when the level of androgen, a hormone in both boys and girls, increases. Other causes of hormone fluctuation, like pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives, can cause or worsen acne.
• Medications. Certain medications can trigger or aggravate acne.
• Stress. Stress can be linked to the severity of your acne.

Acne Treatment

Your dermatologist may recommend a variety of over-the-counter or prescription medications to help treat acne.

Topical treatment

• Benzoyl peroxide comes in a cream, lotion, wash, or gel that works to destroy the bacteria associated with acne.
• Retinoids decrease the swelling and inflammation, but a prescription is typically needed.
• Salicylic acid can come in a lotion, cream, or pad that works to unclog pores.

Medication

• Accutane is in the same class of drugs as retinoids, but it is taken orally and is used to treat severe cystic acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
• Medication that affects your hormones, like birth control pills, can be prescribed to help acne.
• Topical or oral antibiotics can be prescribed to kill the skin bacteria and reduce redness.

In-Office Treatment

• Chemical peels can treat blackheads and papules and encourage the sloughing of dead skin cells.
• Laser or light therapies can reduce the bacteria on your skin and work to improve acne.
• Your dermatologist may recommend other treatments including facials specifically for acne or extractions of whiteheads or blackheads.

Schedule a Consultation for Acne Treatment Today!

If you are experiencing symptoms of acne that won’t go away, contact Weirton Medical Center to find a treatment plan designed for you.

Call 412- 857-2609 to schedule an appointment.

Location and Directions

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Eczema is not a single condition, rather it is a collection of various skin diseases that cause patches of skin to become rough, inflamed, itchy and sometimes results in bleeding. With over 30 million Americans demonstrating symptoms, eczema is an issue that dermatologists treat often . While it’s prevalent in babies, adults can develop eczema as well.

The dermatologists at Weirton Medical Center provide diagnosis and treatment for a variety of skin conditions including eczema at our dermatology office in Pittsburgh, PA. If you are experiencing symptoms of eczema and would like to discuss the treatment options available please call 412-857-2609 to schedule your consultation today.

How Dermatologists Diagnose Eczema

Since there are 11 different types of eczema, a dermatologist will try to pinpoint exactly what is causing symptoms in order to provide the best treatment. In order to do this, a thorough examination of the skin will be performed, medical history will be reviewed and in some cases, a biopsy of a skin sample will be sent for examination.

Eczema Treatment Options

Eczema can be persistent and it may require several treatments over the course of months or even years to control. In most cases, a dermatologist will recommend home care in addition to any treatments they provide.

Eczema Medication and Therapy

Topical cream and oral/injected medication could be recommended to keep symptoms under control. Prescription creams will help to control itching while repairing the skin. Oral medication can help to fight skin infection and relieve itching. Injected drugs could help to control inflammation in severe cases.

When at-home treatment and medication does not control symptoms, a dermatologist may choose to perform one of the following treatments:

• Ultraviolet Light Therapy. UVB or PUVA ultraviolet rays are effective for treating chronic cases, but increase risk for sunburn or skin cancer if used for too long.
• Wet Dressing Application. Wrapping the affected area with topical medication and wet bandages has proven effective with certain forms of eczema.

Eczema Treatment at Home

Preventing itchiness or discomfort could be as simple as eliminating possible allergic triggers such as certain laundry detergents or avoiding wearing certain fabrics such as wool. The most important step to treating this issue is to keep the skin well moisturized:

• Take a lukewarm shower for no more than 10 minutes.
• Use a mild soap with little fragrance.
• Dry your skin very carefully with the towel. Do not aggressively dry.
• Use a mild, fragrance-free lotion.

The final piece of advice is to stop scratching. Scratching itchy skin may make symptoms more pronounced and could irritate the skin further.

Eczema Treatment for Children

At-home treatment is almost always recommended for children before any cream or medication is prescribed. Be sure to keep skin well moisturized and avoid any products that seem to irritate skin.

Schedule a Consultation for Eczema Treatment Today!

If you suspect that you may have eczema, or would like to reevaluate your treatment options, contact Weirton Medical Center to determine the treatment plan best for you.

To meet with our dermatologists, please call 412-857-2609.

Location and Directions

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

What is Alopecia?

The term alopecia means hair loss, but when one is diagnosed with a medical condition associated with alopecia it can be grouped into three main types: alopecia areata (hair loss in patches), alopecia totalis (lose all hair on the scalp), alopecial universalis (lose all hair on the body).

Because alopecia is an autoimmune disease, your immune system essentially attacks healthy hair follicles by mistake. This can happen in a very short period of time, even just a few days.

If you’re dealing with hair loss in the Pittsburgh area, contact Weirton Medical Center to discuss your condition and the treatment options available. To schedule a consultation at our dermatology office in Pittsburgh, PA, please call 412-857-2609 today.

Symptoms of Alopecia

The symptoms of alopecia will depend on the type and location it has affected. However, some common symptoms include:

• Hair loss in patches
  • This is most common in alopecia areata, and may begin with small, quarter sized, smooth patches. This will often come on quickly, and become recognized after seeing hair in the shower or your bed.
  • This can happen in a number of spots on your body, but most often occurs on the head and face areas.
• Splitting and thinning fingernails and toenails
• White spots on fingernails and toenails.
• Rigid or bumpy fingernails and toenails.
• Random white hairs, mostly in patches
• Exclamation mark hairs
  • These are hairs that grow around the bald spots, but get narrower at the bottom.

Treatment of Alopecia

There is not a specific cure for alopecia currently, but there are a number of treatment options that may help grow hair quicker. The most commonly used treatment option is corticosteroids, which can be given by your dermatologist via a shot, or applied via a topical ointment, cream, or lotion.

There are other medications like Minoxidil (for hair growth), Anthralin (for immune function of the skin), and Diphencyprone (inflammation fighter) that may help with some of the other symptoms. Often these solutions will need multiple doses in order to be effective.

If you are experiencing alopecia, it’s important to take other forms of protection such as sunblock, ointment inside the nose, and headwear and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun.

Schedule an Appointment for Hair Loss Treatment in Pittsburgh, PA Today!

If you are experiencing hair loss and would like to discuss the treatment options available, contact Weirton Medical Center to find a treatment plan designed for you.

To schedule a consultation for hair loss treatment, please call 412-857-2609.

Location and Directions

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

What is Platelet Rich Plasma?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is the concentration of platelets and growth factors found in the blood. PRP involves a process where a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm during the office visit. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge which separates the red cells from the clear platelet-rich plasma. The clear PRP solution can be injected or rubbed into the patient’s skin. Since the PRP solution is isolated from the patient’s own blood, there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction and the treatment is completely free of chemicals or additives. Rich plasma (RP) can be used to enhance results of micro-needling and can be injected into the scalp for a natural treatment for hair loss.

PRP has also been shown to treat hair conditions and used successfully when other medical treatments fail or are not appropriate. PRP delivery to the scalp is performed via injections or microneedle-assisted application to promoted new hair growth, thicken thinning hair and increase the overall health if the scalp and hair.

Schedule a Consultation for Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment

If you are experiencing hair loss and would like to discuss the benefits of PRP, contact Weirton Medical Center to determine the underlying about of your condition and the treatment options available.

To meet with our dermatologists, please call 412-857-2609.

Location and Directions

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes recurring patches of red and scaly skin across various areas of the body, typically seen around the knees, scalp, and elbows. These patches are the result of cells that grow too quickly and gradually build up on the surface of the skin.

The dermatologists at Weirton Medical Center provide individualized treatment for patients with psoriasis at our dermatology office in Pittsburgh, PA. If you are experiencing symptoms of psoriasis, please call 412-857-2609 to schedule your consultation at Weirton Medical Center today.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Although there is no exact cause of psoriasis, this condition has been categorized as an autoimmune disease that is usually influenced by the individual’s genetics.

Many men and women with psoriasis will experience chronic flare-ups of the condition. In many cases, psoriasis is heavily influenced by an underlying medical condition. Persons with any of the following conditions are more likely to encounter psoriasis:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Heart disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Type 2 diabetes

Psoriasis Triggers

In addition to associated medical conditions, psoriasis can also be brought on by any number of other factors. These triggers are often unique to the individual and their lifestyle, and can significantly increase the frequency of the person’s psoriasis flare-ups.

Common psoriasis triggers include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Changes in the weather, especially during cold and dry seasons
• Infections (strep throat, HIV, etc.)
• Side effects from various medications
• Skin trauma
• Smoking
• Stress

Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

Each person can experience psoriasis in a different way. These differences can refer to the specific location of the condition, the size of the individual’s outbreaks, or the visual appearance of their psoriasis.

Symptoms that generally apply to a majority of our patients with psoriasis include:

• A burning sensation
• Cracked skin that may even bleed slightly
• Inflammation of the skin
• Itchiness
• Soreness
• Stiffness within various joints
• Thick, pitted nails
• Thick, scaly patches that look silvery or white in color

Types of Psoriasis

A patient’s unique symptoms will usually suggest what type of psoriasis that they suffer from. Recommended treatment is also highly dependent on this categorization, which can often be determined by our dermatologists upon evaluation of a small skin sample.

At Weirton Medical Center our specialists treat all types of this skin condition, which include:

• Erythrodermic psoriasis
• Guttate psoriasis
• Inverse psoriasis
• Nail psoriasis
• Plaque psoriasis (most common)
• Pustular psoriasis
• Scalp psoriasis

If you notice an abnormality in your skin that does not go away after several days, it is advised to seek the opinion of a medical professional. Chronic skin conditions like psoriasis will not simply go away on their own, and will require ongoing management to help avoid and limit the number of flare-ups that you encounter in your lifetime.

Schedule a Consultation for Psoriasis Treatment Today!

If you suspect that you may have psoriasis, or would like to reevaluate your treatment options, contact Weirton Medical Center to find a treatment plan that will best address your symptoms and the severity of your condition.

To schedule an appointment please call 412-857-2609 today!

Location and Directions

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Many people assume that their face is naturally more red than others, when in fact, it could be due to rosacea. This skin condition affects over 16 million Americans and is becoming even more widespread with approximately three million new cases each year.

If you are having trouble managing facial redness and are seeking treatment, contact our dermatology office in Pittsburgh, PA, for the diagnosis of your condition and the treatment options available. Please call 412-857-2609 to schedule your rosacea treatment at Weirton Medical Center today.

Symptoms and Causes of Rosacea

While rosacea can occur in anyone, it is most commonly seen in middle-aged women. Most people who suffer from this condition have one, or a combination of the following symptoms:

Redness

This is by far the most common symptom. The blood vessels in the middle of the nose and face become swollen and visible, causing redness.

Swollen Bumps

Pimples that resemble acne can develop around the areas of redness. Just like acne, the pimples can feel hot and tender.

Eye Issues

Many people don’t know that rosacea can affect the eyes. Suffers often exhibit eye dryness, irritation, redness, and swelling of the eyelids.

Enlarged Nose

Occurring more in men than in women, the bridge of the nose can appear bulbous because of the thickening of the skin.

While no one knows exactly what causes rosacea, evidence suggests that it is hereditary. The condition tends to affect people between the ages of 30 and 50 and is seen more in those with fair skin. Environmental factors also appear to have an effect on the severity of symptoms. The following things may make symptoms worse:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot or spicy food
• Large amounts of caffeine
• Direct sunlight, humidity, or extreme temperatures
• Stress and anxiety
• Exercise

Types of Rosacea

Rosacea is most commonly seen around the nose and cheeks, but symptoms can spread to other areas of the face, and even reach as far as the chest and back. Since cases of Rosacea can vary in terms of symptoms, the condition is categorized into four subtypes:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea -Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.
• Papulopustular rosacea – Redness, facial swelling, breakouts that look like acne.
• Phymatous rosacea – The skin thickens and develops a bumpy texture.
• Ocular rosacea – Eyes become affected. Eyes can appear red and eyelids become swollen.

Rosacea Treatment Options

A dermatologist will be able to determine if a patient has rosacea with a simple skin exam. Once diagnosed, rosacea is most often controlled with medication, cosmetic procedure, or a combination of the two.

Medication

In many cases, an oral or topical prescription will be prescribed to bring the condition under control. If these options work, most are safe to use long-term in order to keep symptoms from returning. The most common types of medication include:

• Topical cream – Topical creams are applied, usually, twice a day, to reduce inflammation and control redness.
• Antibiotics – Many times, oral antibiotics are prescribed over topical treatments because they yield faster results.
• Accutane – Reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, this drug reduces the production of oil in the facial area.
• Tetracycline – For patients who are having symptoms that affect their eyes, tetracyclines can help reduce symptoms.

Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures are recommended when previous types of treatment aren’t taking care of symptoms, or for patients with severe cases. The most common cosmetic procedures include:

• Laser treatment – When patients have visible blood vessels, a dermatologist may use laser treatment to shrink them, thus reducing their appearance.
• Plastic surgery – When skin becomes thickened and creates an unnaturally round appearance, a patient may be referred to a plastic surgeon to have the excess tissue surgically removed.

Schedule a Consultation for Rosacea Treatment Today!

If you begin to notice the signs and symptoms of rosacea, and you would like to discuss your options, contact Weirton Medical Center! Our Dermatologists will be more than happy to develop a treatment plan specifically catered to your needs.

To schedule your rosacea diagnosis and treatment please call 412-857-2609.

Location and Directions

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Types of Skin Cancer

There are different types of skin cancer that have different warning signs and will look differently on your skin.

• Melanoma. Melanoma often resembles moles and are usually black or brown. Asymmetry, an uneven border, and having a variety of colors are signs that a mole is malignant Melanoma. It is the most common form of cancer in people ages 25 – 29, but people of all ages should check their skin each month to detect abnormalities early on.
• Basic Cell Carcinoma. Basic Cell Carcinoma is the most frequently occurring type of skin cancer, and almost half of Americans will have either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma at least once by the age of 65. This type of skin cancer typically looks like sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or a scar.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The warning signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma are3 a thick, rough, scaly patch that will bleed if irritated. It can also look like an open sore or a wart.

An odd looking mole might just seem like an abnormality to some people, but it can be a sign of something much more serious. Dermatologists are the only ones who can tell if a mole is cancerous, so be sure to schedule an appointment with Weirton Medical Center if you notice a discolored mole.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Our Dermatologists will do a skin cancer screening during an exam to identify any moles or lesions that may be skin cancer. If skin cancer is confirmed, she can perform surgery to remove and treat it.

Prevent Skin Damage and Skin Cancer

Wearing sun screen and protective gear anytime you are exposed to sun is important to preventing skin damage and skin cancer.

Though people with fair skin that burns easily are more at risk for developing skin cancer, everyone is at risk for skin cancer. Regardless of your skin tone, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your skin from overexposure. Protecting your skin from extensive sun exposure can also help prevent wrinkles, sunspots, and uneven skin tone.

If you notice a change in your moles or would like to schedule a routine skin cancer screening, contact Weirton Medical Center to meet with our dermatologists. To schedule a consultation at our dermatology clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, please call (412) 857-2609 today.

To Protect Your Skin

• Limit direct sunlight during the hours of 10am and 4pm when the UV rays are strongest.
• Monitor the UV index to prevent overexposure on days when the Index is moderate or higher.
• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF on any exposed skin, and don’t forget to re-apply at least every 2 hours. The effectiveness of sunscreen depends on the SPF, which is the sun protection factor, and Weirton Medical Center recommends at least 30 SPF. Broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect your skins from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear clothing and other protective gear, like a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, to increase sun protection and decrease potential damage.

Appointments

Our dermatologists provide skin cancer screenings during exams to identify any moles or lesions that may be skin cancer. If skin cancer is confirmed, your provider will discuss the treatment option based on your diagnosis.

To schedule your skin cancer screening at our dermatology clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, please call 412-857-2609.

Location and Directions

Weirton Medical Center Dermatology
3 Robinson Plaza
4th Floor, Suite 410
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

If You Are Experiencing a Skin Infection, Call Weirton Medical Center Right Away

There are many different conditions that can affect the skin. While some of these conditions are quite mild, others tend to be more severe. When dealing specifically with an infection of the skin, it can be easy for these health problems to quickly worsen if they are not treated immediately by a specialist.

Please call WMC Dermatology today if you suspect you may have a skin infection, or even if you have simply noticed some persistent abnormalities of your skin. The best defense is always to have these issues diagnosed as soon as possible, and in many cases, an infection of the skin can be easily treated using a topical or oral antibiotic.

The dermatologists at Weirton Medical Center provide diagnosis and treatment for a variety of skin conditions including skin infections. If you are experiencing symptoms of a skin infection and would like to discuss the treatment options available please call 412-857-2609 and schedule a consultation at our dermatology office in Pittsburgh, PA today

What are the Common Causes of a Skin Infection?

As the largest organ of the body, it is no surprise that the skin is especially vulnerable to injury and disease. Typically, an infection of the skin is related to a wound that has been poorly cared for or monitored. If such an infection is able to reach the deeper layers of the skin then it can be especially dangerous to the individual’s health.

There are four distinct types of skin infections that are classified based on the kind of germ that is the source of the issue.

Bacterial Skin Infections

If you have noticed small bumps on your skin that appear red in color, they may very well be caused by a bacterial infection. Common forms include:

• Cellulitis
• Erysipelas
• Erythrasma
• Folliculitis
• Impetigo
• MRSA

Viral Skin Infections

Several types of viral skin infections may be prevented through proper immunization, though some may be harder to avoid than others. These include:

• Chickenpox
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease
• Measles
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Shingles
• Warts

Parasitic Skin Infections

Unfortunately, germs are not the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to problems of the skin. It is also possible for parasites to burrow underneath the top layers of the skin and potentially cause an infection of the bloodstream or organs. Common types of parasitic skin infections include:

• Bedbugs
• Lice
• Scabies

Fungal Skin Infections

The final category of fungal skin infections describes several conditions that often occur as the result of excess moisture in various areas of the body. The feet and armpits are especially prone to these diseases, such as:

• Athlete’s foot
• Diaper rash
• Nail fungus
• Ringworm
• Yeast Infection

Schedule an Appointment for Skin Infection Treatment in Pittsburgh Today!

If you believe you have a skin infection or notice changes in your skin, contact Weirton Medical Center to determine the treatment plan best for you. To meet with our dermatologists about skin infection treatment, please call 412-857-2609 to schedule an appointment at our dermatology office in Pittsburgh, PA today.

Location and Directions

3 Robinson Plaza
Pittsburgh, PA 15205