Posts for: January, 2021
Cold sores are small, painful blisters that develop on the lips and around the mouth. These sores are caused by a viral infection known as herpes simplex. More specifically, Herpes Simplex Type 1 is typically the cause of cold sores. This condition is very common, affecting around 67% of the global population. Here’s what you should know about cold sores, including how to treat them when they surface.Cold sores are highly contagious, so it is possible to get a cold sore from,
- Kissing an infected person
- Sharing utensils and drinking from the same glass as an infected person
- Oral sex
Before a blister even develops, you may notice burning, tingling, pain, or itching around the affected area of the lip. If this is your first time dealing with a cold sore, it is common for the first outbreak to be the worst. In this case, you may develop a fever, body aches, or other flu-like symptoms.
When it comes to treating a cold sore, you can find simple over-the-counter creams that help to ease symptoms. If you deal with severe cold sore outbreaks you may wish to talk with your dermatologist about a prescription antiviral medication, that can help to reduce the length of your outbreak and reduce symptom severity.
Cold sores and canker sores can often be mistaken for each other, but they are not the same. First, cold sores usually develop on the lips while canker sore cause painful sores to develop in the mouth. Secondly, cold sores are due to a virus while we still don’t know exactly what causes canker sores.
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that most commonly affects children under 10 years old, that causes hard, raised red bumps known as papules to develop on the skin. These papules usually develop in clusters on the armpits, groins, or back of the knees, but can develop just about anywhere on the body. If you suspect that your child might have molluscum contagiosum here’s what you should know,How is molluscum contagiosum contracted?
You may be wondering how your child contracted this poxvirus. There are several ways to transmit this viral infection: skin-to-skin contact, sharing items such as towels or clothes, sexual transmission (in adults), and scratching your own lesions (this can lead to further spreading of the papules).
It can take anywhere from two weeks to six months to develop symptoms after exposure. Once a child or person has molluscum contagiosum they typically aren’t infected again in the future.
How is this condition diagnosed?
If you notice any bumps on your child that persist for days, you must consult your dermatologist to find out what’s going on. A simple dermatoscopy (a painless, non-invasive procedure that allows your dermatologist to examine a skin lesion or growth) can determine whether the papule is due to molluscum contagiosum. If MC is not suspected, your dermatologist may biopsy the bump for further evaluation.
How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
Since this is the result of a viral infection, antibiotics will not be an effective treatment option. In fact, the body simply needs time to fight the virus. Your dermatologist may just tell you to wait until the infection runs its course and clears up on its own.
If the papules are widespread and affecting your teen’s appearance and self-esteem, then you may wish to talk with a dermatologist about ways to get rid of the spots. Cryotherapy or certain creams may be recommended to treat and get rid of these spots.
If you are living with others, it’s important to avoid sharing any clothing or towels with the infected child or person. Make sure that your child does not scratch the bumps, which can lead to further spreading of the infection.
If your child is dealing with a rash, raised bumps, or any skin problems and you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s best to talk with a qualified dermatologist who can easily diagnose the issue and provide you with effective solutions for how to treat it.
How Juvederm from your dermatologist in San Antonio, TX can help you look your best.
If you are beginning to look your age, you want a treatment that will help you look younger quickly and easily. You want a treatment that can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, two of the earliest signs of aging.
The treatment you want is Juvederm! It’s a dermal filler that can smooth out your skin, making the fine lines and wrinkles virtually disappear. Dr. Linda J. Banta at Stone Oak Dermatology in San Antonio, TX offers a full line of aesthetic and anti-aging treatments, including Juvederm, to help you look your best.
Aging wreaks havoc on your body, especially your skin. Collagen production decreases, so your skin loses elasticity. Your skin also doesn’t retain moisture as well, leading to dryness. Both of these issues lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Juvederm is an injectable dermal filler that fills in the lines and wrinkles. It’s the perfect treatment for:
- Furrows, which are the lines running across your forehead
- Marionette lines, which form at the corners of your mouth and run down to your chin
- Juvederm Voluma can be used for a liquid lift, giving you your cheek contour back and lifting the cheeks up, and decreasing jowls.
Dr. Banta will inject small amounts of Juvederm, using an ultra-thin, tiny needle. The number of injections you need will depend on the areas being treated. Treatment is tolerated well by most people, and you can also request a numbing spray be applied before your treatment.
Juvederm treatment is quick, taking only about 15 to 30 minutes. You will notice results almost immediately, and your results can last up to one year too. Maintenance treatments are recommended so you can look your best.
Who says you have to age gracefully? You can fight the early signs of aging with Juvederm. To find out more about this amazing treatment and additional anti-aging solutions, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Linda J. Banta of Stone Oak Dermatology in San Antonio, TX at 210-494-0504. Do it today, and look forward to a younger you!