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If you have rosacea, you might be surprised when your dermatologist starts asking questions about your eyes. After all, rosacea is a skin condition, right? While it primarily affects the skin, rosacea can also involve the eyes, a condition known as ocular rosacea. Understanding why your eyes are part of the discussion can help you recognize the full impact of rosacea and get the best treatment.

At Pure Dermatology, I see a lot of patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema), both young and old. In Austin, there is a big focus on natural therapies and lifestyle changes to try to improve skin diseases. One question that frequently comes up is how diet can impact atopic dermatitis (AD). This chronic inflammatory skin disease affects up to 20% of children and 4-5% of adults worldwide. While we understand that AD is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, new research is shedding light on an unexpected contributor: sodium intake.

Warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are one of the most common dermatological issues we see at Pure Dermatology. They are also one of the most stubborn and challenging conditions to treat. While we use a variety of treatments to tackle warts such as cryotherapy, immunotherapy, salicylic acid, and laser therapy, there may also be a role for oral supplementation. In the world of warts, anything we can do to improve the odds of ridding our patients of these annoying infections is worth it. Here, we’ll talk about some of the oral supplements we sometimes recommend to patients and set realistic expectations on their effectiveness.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent, painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts. These lesions primarily occur in areas of the body where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. HS can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life due to its painful symptoms and the psychological impact of its visible lesions and scarring. Patients are often told they are “dirty,” but the reality is this condition is often genetically driven. Despite affecting up to 4% of the population, treatment options for HS are limited. Currently, the only FDA-approved medications for HS are adalimumab and secukinumab, both of which are systemic therapies. This highlights a significant unmet need for more targeted, effective treatments.

Stretch marks, or striae, are a common skin concern for many people. They can appear due to rapid weight gain or loss, pregnancy, or growth spurts during puberty. At Pure Dermatology, we offer a cutting-edge solution to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks: the ResurFX laser.

Scalp folliculitis is a common inflammatory condition affecting the hair follicles on the scalp that is usually characterized by small, itchy pustules. It can be uncomfortable and distressing for those who experience it. Even more frustrating, many times these patients are misdiagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, and prescribed antifungal shampoos without benefit. Here, I’ll aim to address what scalp folliculitis is, what the possible cause is, and available treatment options.

As a dermatologist, I see isolated eyelid dermatitis at least once a week in my clinic. This common condition can be both bothersome and distressing due to the sensitive and visible area it affects. In this post, I want to provide comprehensive information about eyelid dermatitis, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Specifically, I want to focus on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) of the eyelids, the most common cause of eyelid dermatitis.

Fungal acne has been gaining more attention in the past few years because the condition can mimic traditional acne (acne vulgaris) but does not respond to the same treatment. Fungal acne is also known as pityrosporum folliculitis or Malassezia folliculitis and has a history of being misdiagnosed by those unfamiliar with the entity. Unlike traditional acne, fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast, Malassezia, within the hair follicles. Understanding its unique characteristics, causes, and treatments can help you effectively manage this condition. If you’ve been diagnosed with traditional acne and do not seem to be responding to traditional treatments, it may be time to ask your dermatologist if they’ve considered fungal acne.

As a consumer, you may have heard of lanolin, an ingredient derived from sheep’s wool and found in numerous cosmetics and personal care products. While lanolin has numerous benefits such as retaining moisture in the skin and reducing transepidermal water loss, it was named the allergen of the year in 2023 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) because of its widespread use and increasing recognition of its ability to cause contact dermatitis.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, swelling, and acne-like eruptions that can cause significant discomfort and emotional distress. While the precise causes of rosacea are multifactorial, factors like neurovascular abnormalities, immune system dysregulation, and environmental triggers play crucial roles. At Pure Dermatology, we see rosacea often, and the condition can be difficult to treat. Botox for rosacea has emerged as an exciting new therapeutic option.

Melasma is a pigmentary skin condition that affects over 1% of the population. In certain populations, particularly dark skin toned patients of reproductive age, this rate is even higher. As a dermatologist with a darker skin tone and pigmentary issues themselves, I know how important these concerns can be for someone of skin of color. In my clinic, melasma is one of the most common pigmentary conditions I see. Today, I’m going to briefly review melasma, go over the importance of using a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen for melasma, and then provide some tips on picking one.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a dysplastic nevus, also known as an atypical mole, you might have concerns about what this means for your health. The relationship of dysplastic nevi with melanoma is complex. Some dermatologist may call it pre-melanoma, while others will tell you not to worry. Even more confusing, many dermatologist have different recommendations for how to manage and treat dysplastic nevi. In this post, we’ll dive into what a dysplastic nevus is, and what being diagnosed with one may mean for your health.

Vitamin C is the current superstar in the beauty world. It's not just an essential vitamin for your health, but a great ingredient for your skin too. We all love its promises of a brighter, youthful complexion, but there's a catch – it's all about how you use it. Let’s chat about vitamin C oxidation, why all vitamin C products are not the same, and how to pick the perfect topical vitamin C for your skincare routine.

Actinic keratoses are precancerous skin lesions that affect millions of Americans. The good news: Medical treatment can prevent progression, but it’s essential to seek treatment early. If you have actinic keratosis, here’s what you need to know.

A weak, flabby, or receding jawline can affect your entire appearance — and your confidence, too. Fillers help define the contours of your jawline without surgery. Here’s how they can help you get a more chiseled look.

Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating certain types of skin cancer. If Mohs surgery is in your future, here’s what you can expect during your treatment.

Like acne and psoriasis, rosacea causes very visible symptoms that can cause a lot of embarrassment. Fortunately, those symptoms are manageable with a customized plan focused on your unique needs. Here's how we can help.

Any unusual lump or bump under your skin is bound to cause some concern. But if it’s a benign growth like a lipoma, there’s usually nothing to worry about. However, prompt evaluation is still important to ensure it’s a lipoma and not something else.

Acne doesn’t just affect teens and young adults. It can last a lot longer — into your 30s, 40s, and beyond. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help relieve adult acne symptoms and help you enjoy clearer skin.

Eczema and psoriasis cause similar symptoms, but they definitely require different types of treatments to relieve discomfort and improve your skin health. Here’s how these common skin conditions differ and how we can help you manage both.

Rosacea may not be life-threatening, but it can still have a big impact on your life and your well-being. Red, rash-like symptoms can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but by avoiding specific triggers, you can help keep your symptoms under control.

What happens when my doctor takes a sample of my skin? Why is this important? Learn how a board-certified dermatopathologist is crucial for effective dermatologic care.

Not sure of the best treatment for your skin cancer? Find out how Mohs surgery may be the best option to treat you — and get you back to living your life normally!