West Dermatology Rancho Santa Margarita

While you wait for your next skin check with us, did you know you can check yourself from the comfort of your own home? Here’s how to perform an at-home skin check: Examine your body in a full-length mirror. Check the front and back of your body, and use a handheld mirror to see your blind spots. Don’t forget to stand to the side and raise your arms to get a complete look at your entire body. Areas to make sure that you check: · Bend your elbows and look closely at your underarms, forearms, and palms. · Check the backs of your legs, in between your toes, and the soles of your feet. · Take a look at your scalp and neck (don’t forget to use your handheld mirror!). · Don’t forget to evaluate your back, buttocks, and private areas. Now that you’ve completed your skin self-check, you’re probably wondering what you should do if you spot a mole. The truth is, not every mole is worrisome. There are some stark differences between regular moles and skin cancer. When in doubt, follow ABCDE guidel

Does your skin tend to act like a rebellious teen, throwing tantrums in the form of irritation, rashes, and sudden breakouts? No matter how hard you try to protect and nourish your skin, it just doesn’t seem happy? You may have a sensitive skin type! Here are five simple steps you can take to help put together a skincare routine great for sensitive skin. 1. Start with a gentle cleanser. Cleansing is important, but don’t go overboard with harsh cleansers that can rob your skin of healthy oils and lead to dryness. The right cleanser should be gentle and support a healthy balance of moisture. We recommend Alastin Gentle Cleanser . The Alastin Gentle Cleanser contains calming antioxidants that help soothe and protect the skin. Key ingredients include: · D-Panthenol is a Vitamin B5 derivative that helps soften and moisturize skin · Oat Beta Glucan is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps reduce redness, itching and irritation · Bisabolol is a concentrated form of chamomile that has str

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. However, it does not have to be fatal, especially when caught early. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore unusual skin bumps, lesions, discolorations, and other irregularities when they appear. Our skin cancer experts have the experience and training to help you overcome this disease. We highly recommend regular skin cancer screenings. If a carcinoma is found, we’ll discuss the best solution with you from among the following treatment options: topical creams, excisional surgery, electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C), cryotherapy, and Mohs micrographic surgery. We provide an assortment of treatment options that can be customized to suit your needs based on your goals, concerns, and opinions about which treatment is right for you. We’ll be with you throughout the process with compassionate care and support so you can have your life back and live it to the fullest. West Dermatology Rancho Santa Margarita 22032 El Paseo #220, Ranch

Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect not only physically, but psychologically as well. We are here to provide treatment, encouragement, strength, support, and answers to all your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and aftercare support. Most importantly, know that skin cancer is very treatable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a 90% five year survivability rate for patients who receive treatment. When it comes to skin cancer, treatment protocols typically involve one or a combination of the following treatments: Cryotherapy, Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C),  Excisional Surgery, and Mohs micrographic surgery. West Dermatology Rancho Santa Margarita 22032 El Paseo #220, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 (949) 407-5184 Get Directions to our dermatology office Skin Cancer Removal Treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita

A wart is harmless contagious skin growth that feels rough to the touch and is often characterized by minuscule clotted blood vessels that resemble tiny black dots. Though not a health risk, you may wish to have it removed because of social embarrassment. We offer treatment options tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals. When treating warts, the goal is to destroy the growths themselves or fight off HPV. For immediate treatment, we offer several effective methods: prescription-strength salicylic, bichloroacetic, or trichloroacetic acids; in-office treatments including pulse-dyed lasers and cryotherapy. Our neighborhood practitioners urge patience when treating warts, as it can take weeks or even months to produce results. We understand how warts can be a physical nuisance and even affect your self-esteem. Contact us if you have a wart that you want to eliminate so you can have clear, smooth skin once again. West Dermatology Rancho Santa Margarita 22032 El Paseo #220, Rancho Santa

One of the most important pieces our Check+Protect reminders is none other than: Please wear sunscreen! The temperature is warming up, and with so much beautiful sunshine, it's only natural that you'll be outside enjoying yourself! While it's a great time of year to enjoy time outdoors, don't let your skincare take a backseat. Now more than ever, you should prioritize your at-home skincare routine (sunscreen included!) so that your skin remains healthy. One of the best ways to protect your skin from damage or exposure to harmful UV rays is to slather on sunscreen. This can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Plus, you have peace of mind that you won't get sunburned - ouch!. Did you know that wearing sunscreen with at least 15 SPF can actually reduce your risk of carcinoma by 40% and reduce your risk of melanoma by 50%? Yes, wearing sunscreen is THAT important. Some people simply don't know just how much it can really save your skin and protect you from skin

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which your skin produces skin cells much faster than normal. This causes them to build up into thick, flaky, itchy, inflamed patches. There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and several other types that are rare. Common areas of the body where psoriasis develops include the scalp, torso, arms, thighs, armpits, groin, under the breasts, between the buttocks, and on the fingernails and toenails. There’s also the very painful psoriatic arthritis, in which both the skin and the nearby joints are stiff and inflamed. Psoriasis is unpredictable. You may heal without warning only to have it return just as quickly or years later. Our psoriasis treatment options include topical medications (Vitamin D, steroids or retinol creams/gels), oral treatments, biologic treatments (pills that alter cell turnover or injectable medications), light therapy, and UVB light. West Dermatology R