Lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder that attacks both the skin and mucous membranes inside the mouth. This chronic condition causes flat, itchy reddish-purple bumps to develop on the skin (mostly the wrists, ankles, and forearm) and white, painful sores to develop within the mouth and sometimes the genitals. This condition cannot be spread from person to person and mild itching and other symptoms are often managed through simple home care; however, if you are dealing with severe symptoms it’s important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

• Certain OTC pain medications (e.g. ibuprofen)
• Medications used for arthritis, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease
• Hepatitis C
• Viral infections
• Certain allergens
• Genetics
• Stress
• Certain chemicals or metals

• Antihistamines: To help with itching
• Corticosteroid creams: To reduce inflammation and redness
• Oral or injectable steroids: This treatment is more effective for persistent, recurring, or more severe bumps
• Photochemotherapy: Light therapy can be effective for treating oral lichen planus

As kids, we dealt with that notoriously itchy rash caused by chickenpox. Unfortunately, as we get older, the same virus that caused our childhood chickenpox can also cause shingles. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, then that same virus is lying dormant within the body. This means that at some point during your lifetime, the virus does have the ability to reactivate, causing a painful, blistering rash on the stomach and sides. This is known as shingles.

• Applying cold compresses to the rash
• Soaking in a cool oatmeal bath
• Wearing light, loose-fitted clothing that won’t rub against the rash
• Applying calamine lotion to reduce itching
• Managing stress effectively and finding ways to help you relax
• Eating healthy, balanced meals
• Getting good quality sleep every night

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach for treating acne. If conservative treatments are not working to control your acne, it’s time to consider seeking professional help from your dermatologist in Belleville, NJ, Dr. Joseph Eastern of The Belleville Dermatology Center. Professional treatments can include a combination of prescription medications, an effective skincare routine, and these supplementary acne therapies, depending on the exact nature and extent of your acne.

Drainage Plus Extraction

Your dermatologist will utilize special instruments for extracting blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. This will temporarily improve your skin’s appearance but might lead to scarring (which your dermatologist can also address) in scar-prone individuals.

Chemical Peels

These can help control acne by eliminating dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads, as well as unclogging pores. Chemical peels likewise help with skin regeneration to improve the skin’s overall health and appearance. They do these by minimizing the look of wrinkles, lines, and sun damage and getting rid of minor scars. You may require multiple sessions based on your specific acne type and related skin concerns, for best results.

Need Help Managing Your Acne? Reach Out to Us

Dial (973) 751-1200 to set a consultation with Dr. Joseph Eastern, our dermatologist here at The Belleville Dermatology Center in Belleville, NJ, today.

Dandruff is a common problem and one that you may not worry too much about if you deal with minor flaking every once in a while; however, severe dandruff can be embarrassing. First, it’s important to know whether you’re dealing with dandruff or a dry scalp, as these are two different problems that can result in the same itching and flaking symptoms. Since dandruff is caused by excess scalp oil, which is the opposite of dry scalp, you may want to turn to a dermatologist to confirm your condition.

• Dandruff will produce large, oily flakes that are often yellow or white in appearance while the dry scalp is more likely to produce a lot of dry little flakes.
• Dandruff may cause a red, scaly scalp while someone with dry scalp is more likely to experience dry skin on other parts of their body
• The only symptom that both dandruff and dry scalp have in common is an itchy scalp

• Wash your hair every day to reduce excess oil on the scalp
• Use a shampoo that contains coal tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or tea tree oil (a natural alternative)
• Stay away from any har products that contain alcohols or bleach, as well as oily hair products that will only cause more oil to buildup on the scalp
• Find ways to effectively manage stress, which can trigger or exacerbate dandruff
• Get a small amount of sun exposure every day (just a couple of minutes), which could help get your symptoms under control (talk to your dermatologist before doing so, as excess sun exposure can be harmful)
• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin B, zinc, and healthy fats

If your teen years brought about painful, cystic acne then you may have the scarring to prove it. These scars, particularly on the face, can not only affect a person’s appearance but also their self-confidence. While treating the acne is the best way to prevent scarring from occurring, if you’re already dealing with scars know that there are ways to reduce and perhaps even eliminate these scars.

• Chemical peels: This treatment, which is often used for cosmetic reasons, can also reduce the appearance of acne scars. Chemical peels remove the outermost layer of the skin to reveal healthy new skin underneath.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion offers similar results as a chemical peel, but instead of applying a chemical solution to the skin, microdermabrasion often uses a handheld device with a diamond or crystal tip at the end to blast away the outer layer of the skin.
• Laser skin resurfacing: This laser treatment will also remove the outermost layer of the skin, which is the most damaged layer, while also tightening the brand-new skin that’s revealed. The skin is numbed before treatment and the recovery time can take up to 10 days.
• Fractional laser therapy: Are you dealing with deeper acne scars? If so, then laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion may not give you the results you’re looking; however, your dermatologist may recommend fractional laser therapy, as this targets deeper levels of tissue.