Medical Dermatology

Varicose veins are unsightly and painful, but treatment options are available. Look better and feel better in as little as one appointment!

Varicose veins are veins that are enlarged and not functioning properly. The term “varicose” means swollen. With this condition, the internal valve that regulates blood flow does not work properly, allowing blood to either pool or flow in the wrong direction.

Varicose vein diagnosis and treatment is available, discuss your concerns with varicose veins with your dermatologist.

What Are The Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

The outward signs of varicose veins are well known. Varicose veins often present as discolored, bulging veins that rise above the level of the skin. However, there are earlier symptoms of varicose veins to be aware of.

Knowing these symptoms can help to prevent the most drastic—and most visible—form of the condition:

• Achy legs
• Throbbing sensation
• Chronic itching around the vein
• Increased episodes of “Charley Horse”
• Swelling
• Socks leave depressed marks around the ankle or calf
• Pain during long periods of sitting or standing
• Burning sensation
• Localized skin discoloration near the vein

If you have one or more of these symptoms, don’t wait. Make an appointment with Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery for a consultation.

Types of Varicose Veins

Not all veins are alike. The body contains many different types of veins, which is why there are different types of varicose veins, including:

• Spider veins. People don’t usually think of spider veins as varicose veins, but in fact, the conditions that create spider veins are the same as those that lead to varicose veins. Spider veins can occur anywhere on the body, but they tend to appear where the skin is thinnest, such as on the face, behind the knees, and around the ankles. Spider veins are less sightly and the discoloration can be red or blue.
• Reticular varicose veins. Reticular varicose veins are thicker than spider veins. The discoloration may be red, greenish, or purplish-blue. They present in a wide mesh pattern and may be flush with the skin. Though they don’t bulge out, they can be unsightly.
• Saphenous varicose veins. Saphenous varicose veins occur almost exclusively in the legs. Saphenous varicose veins are swollen and they bulge out from the surface of the skin. They are often described as being “rope-like.” They are typically dark blue or purplish in color but may also be colorless. Saphenous varicose veins are what most people picture when they think of varicose veins.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The underlying cause of varicose veins is increased blood pressure within the vein. Veins contain one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction.

High blood pressure can cause these valves to fail, which allows blood to collect, rather than to continue flowing correctly.

Conditions that can lead to varicose veins include:

• Unchecked high blood pressure
• Obesity
• Genetic propensity
• Temporary conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, etc.

Treatment Options For Varicose Veins

When you come in to Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery, your dermatologist will determine what type of varicose veins you have. That determination will drive the recommended treatment options for your individual situation.

Varicose veins are highly treatable. Your dermatologist can offer a wide range of treatment options.

Early detection of skin cancer plays a critical role in recovery and survival rates.

Skin cancer is defined as the growth of abnormal cells in the outer layer of the skin. A diagnosis of skin cancer means that a person has out-of-control, malignant skin cell growth.

This condition can ultimately be fatal when left untreated or undiagnosed. Skin cancer can grow unchecked and infiltrate other parts of the body.

A comprehensive skin exam with your dermatologist is the first line of defense against skin cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

The most common type of cancer, skin cancer, can range from very mild types to those that are life-threatening. Because of this, it’s vital to catch it as early as possible.

To do so, you need to know the common symptoms. In most cases, these include:

• Bleeding sore that heals but then returns
• Pearly or waxy bump on skin
• Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
• Mole that changes color or size
• Lesions with irregular borders

Since these symptoms can be associated with various types of skin cancers, it is crucial that you not delay in seeking the advice of your Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis.

Types of Skin Cancer

If you are unfamiliar with skin cancer, you should realize there are multiple types of skin cancer, some of which are mild while others are quite serious.

The most common types of skin cancer are:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma is usually found on sun-exposed areas such as the neck or face. Signs of this cancer include flat lesions that are flesh-colored or have a scar-like appearance, as well as a sore that won’t heal or heals and then returns.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears on the ears or hands. Characterized by a flat lesion with a scaly and crusty surface, people with darker skin can develop this cancer on areas not often exposed to the sun.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, can affect men and women, and be present on any skin tone.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is very complex and can be caused by many different factors. No matter the type, skin cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, leading to them growing out of control — creating a cancer cell mass.

The main reasons why this occurs are:

• Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds
• Exposure to toxic substances or radiation
• Having a compromised immune system

Other risk factors include having a large number of moles on your body, having a predisposition to sunburns, or having a family history of skin cancer.

Treatment for Skin Cancer

Treatment results can vary. Your dermatologist at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery will advise you as to the appropriate course of treatment based on your individual circumstances and the type of skin cancer that you have.

Due to the seriousness of skin cancer, don’t take chances by delaying your diagnosis and treatment. With skin cancer, early detection plays a critical role in recovery and survival.

Never try to diagnose an unusual-looking mole by yourself at home, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist if you have concerns.

Radiation therapy is a type of treatment performed in our office for certain types of skin cancer.

Radiation therapy is a tool in the dermatologist’s arsenal against skin cancer. Radiation has been found to be toxic to cancer cells. The same kind of radiation that is used in common X-rays can be utilized to attack and kill cancer cells.

If you have skin cancer, radiation could be an effective treatment alternative. With our location in Phoenix, help for your skin cancer is just a short drive away.

What is Radiation Therapy Used For?

Most often, radiation therapy is used by dermatologists to treat basal and squamous cell skin cancer.

Radiation therapy has been shown to be highly effective at ridding the body of cancer cells. But, as with other forms of skin cancer treatment, there are no guarantees.

Your dermatologist may suggest radiation therapy in instances where:

• You have basal or squamous cell skin cancer
• You are unable to undergo other forms of surgery
• Your skin cancer has not responded to other treatments

Types of Radiation Therapy

Two types of radiation therapy are commonly used by dermatologists. The type of radiation treatment that your dermatologist might use will depend upon what kind of cancer you have, where it is, and your history of skin cancer treatment. The two types are:

• Electron beam radiation therapy
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy

With electron beam radiation therapy, tiny particle beams are directed at the area where the skin cancer is. These electrons only reach the surface of the skin to attack and kill the cancerous cells.

Another type of radiation therapy is intensity-modulated radiation therapy, which is highly targeted. This is specifically used to treat cancerous lymph nodes since this is an area of the body from which cancer can readily spread.

Am I a Candidate for Radiation Therapy?

Anyone who has skin cancer might be a candidate to receive radiation therapy. However, some other forms of treatment may be better for your type of skin cancer. Radiation therapy is mostly reserved for those who would not do well with traditional surgeries, or who have skin cancer that has not responded to other treatments.

There may be side effects with radiation therapy, as it’s an aggressive form of skin cancer treatment, including the destruction of nearby healthy cells. You may also experience nausea, fatigue, and irritated skin at the site of treatment. Your dermatologist will be able to tell you in detail what kind of side effects you can expect.

Whether for basal or squamous cell carcinoma, Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery in Phoenix can provide, if necessary, the radiation therapy you need. Schedule an appointment to explore personalized insights and care from our experienced dermatology team.

Dangerous or unsightly moles can be removed from almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless. 

What is a Mole?

A mole is a growth on the skin. Most moles are benign, but they can turn cancerous.

People can be born with moles, or they can develop moles over the course of their lives. It’s important to be aware of what moles you have and where they are located.

Although you don’t generally need to worry about moles, any changes in the mole’s appearance should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery. In particular, look for changes in color and/or size.

Sometimes moles can occur in areas of the body that negatively impact appearance or self-esteem, such as on the face.

Moles are detected during routine skin screenings done by our dermatologists, or you may know about a mole you’ve had your entire life. Moles may appear as you age, or a lifelong mole may change in shape, appearance, or size.

Mole removal is available, even when the mole poses no health risk.

Have a suspicious-looking mole? Our skilled dermatologists can screen the mole and your skin for malignancy concerns and discuss removal options.

What Causes Moles?

Skin moles arise when skin cells grow in clusters. These cells, known as melanocytes, are found throughout your skin and produce melanin, the pigment that colors your skin.

Various complications can result for some people who have moles, such as:

• Having very large moles
• Having too many moles
• Having moles of irregular shapes or textures

When any of these complications occur, you run the risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Should you have a mole that is giving you problems or has changed its size, shape, and texture recently, don’t ignore it.

With a contemporary dermatologist clinic a short drive away in Phoenix, the esteemed clinicians at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery can provide a thorough examination of your skin and moles.

What is Mole Removal?

Mole removal is the process of removing benign or malignant moles for aesthetic or medical purposes.

Our dermatologists can remove dangerous or unsightly moles almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless. The process of mole removal in a dermatologist’s office has been done for a number of decades and is FDA-approved.

What is Mole Removal Used For?

There are many situations in which a person should seek help from a dermatologist for mole removal.

Moles can be indicative of a serious skin condition, such as melanoma. Left untreated, a malignant mole can grow into a life-threatening condition that may be irreversible.

Mole removal is also used to remove unsightly benign moles. Certain moles can be disfiguring, or they can appear in unflattering areas on the body.

Types of Mole Removal

Once you and your dermatologist have agreed that mole removal is the best next step, your dermatologist will decide which type of mole removal procedure to use.

The type of mole removal will depend upon your individual circumstances, the size and nature of the mole, and the reason for the mole removal.

• Cryotherapy. Sometimes called cryosurgery or simply “freezing,” cryotherapy is a type of mole removal where the mole is frozen with liquid nitrogen, after which the mole released from the skin and is discarded.
• Laser therapy. A specialized laser can be used to remove benign moles. The intense, focused light beam neutralizes the cells within the mole, causing them to die and fall away. Multiple laser therapy visits may be needed for complete mole removal.
• Shaving. Shallow moles may be removed with surgical shaving, where a scalpel is used to shave away the mole cells.
• Excision. Surgical excision is used when a mole is deep and requires to be cut out. This procedure may also require stitches and can leave a small scar.

Am I a Candidate For Mole Removal?

Most patients can have their mole/s removed. There are few reasons why a mole cannot be removed. The main question is what kind of mole removal procedure is best for your unique circumstances.

Certain types of mole removal procedures may leave a small scar. If you are considering having a mole removed purely for aesthetic reasons, you need to decide if it’s worth risking a scar in place of the mole, even if it’s a small scar.

All moles on the body should be carefully monitored. The dermatologists at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery in Phoenix are adept at identifying and diagnosing dangerous moles. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Eczema is a broad term used to describe a range of skin conditions characterized by rashes, itchiness, and redness.

It’s estimated that over 31 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of eczema. Episodes of eczema may be chronic, one-time issues, or continual.

Whatever kind of eczema you are experiencing, you can rely on our professional team of clinicians to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Visible redness or irritated patches on the skin may look concerning, but eczema is not contagious. Although there is no known cure for eczema, you will find effective treatments and symptom relief at our easy-to-reach clinic in Phoenix.

What are the Symptoms of Eczema?

If you have eczema, various parts of your body can develop rashes and dry, itchy skin. Usually, this occurs behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your hands, feet, and face. However, remember that eczema is not contagious.

The most common symptom of eczema is itching, which in turn leads to scratching and rubbing the skin, increasing the irritation. Other symptoms include:

• Skin patches that are rough and leathery
• Red and raised bumps on the skin known as hives
• Scaly skin patches
• Skin that is swollen and sore
• Skin color changes.

Types of Eczema

There are many different types of eczema, diagnosed both by symptoms and where it occurs on the body, including:

• Atopic Dermatitis. The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may disappear or become much milder by adulthood. Linked to allergies, many people with this condition also suffer from hay fever and asthma.
• Contact Dermatitis. Resulting in red, irritated skin, contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance to which it is allergic, such as latex, certain types of metal, or chemicals. Certain skincare ingredients and makeup, plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, or even tobacco smoke can sometimes trigger contact dermatitis.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema. More common in women than men, dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters forming on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. Stress is thought to be a primary trigger for outbreaks.
• Hand Eczema. Only affecting the hands, this form of eczema is common among hairdressers, cleaning personnel, and others whose hands are regularly exposed to various chemicals.
• Neurodermatitis. Very similar to atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis presents as thick, scaly patches of skin that are very itchy, even when you are sleeping.
• Nummular Eczema. Causing round, coin-shaped spots on your skin, nummular eczema is known for making the skin extremely itchy, and is often triggered by insect bites.
• Stasis Dermatitis. Somewhat uncommon, stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened leg veins onto the skin, causing itching and redness.

What Causes Eczema?

When skin cannot retain moisture very well or has a disrupted barrier that lets moisture from the skin evaporate too freely, eczema often occurs.

Some of the most common causes of eczema include:

• Environmental factors such as pollen or mold
• Allergies such as hay fever
• Asthma
• Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
• Synthetic or wool fabrics
• Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
• Pet dander
• Chemicals and solvents

Treatment for Eczema

At our contemporary dermatology clinic in Phoenix, Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery offers insights into diverse eczema treatments. Schedule your appointment today for personalized information and care.