You’ve just found something new on your skin. It’s not dirt, and it’s definitely not washing off. What do you do? So many of us head to the internet to see just what it is we’ve found on ourselves. Frantically searching descriptions might turn up some scary suggestions, but there’s always a more benign option that is more often the case. Case in point: Seborrheic Keratoses.

These dark, uneven bumps that appear on the skin can sometimes cause cancer-scares, worrying people for no reason. Though Seborrheic Keratoses is harmless, we always want to see you make sure that’s really what it is. Nothing gives us more peace of mind than properly identifying skin issues, and clarifying that they’re not cancer. If you have one of these pesky bumps, keep reading to learn about Seborrheic Keratoses, and give us a call to ensure that is what it is.

Seborrheic Keratosis: What Exactly Is It?

Seborrheic Keratosis is a growth on the skin, often light tan or brown in color. Sometimes they can be black. They can be a few millimeters or a few centimeters long. They can show up almost anywhere on the body, other than the palms and bottoms of the feet. They’re not cancerous or precancerous.

How Can I Get Rid of It?

Though Seborrheic Keratoses are harmless, they can be slightly itchy in some patients. Some Seborrheic Keratosis are located in problematic areas, such as right where clothing can rub and disturb it. Some patients find them simply annoying and want them to be gone. Though these lesions are known to come back, they can be removed with liquid nitrogen or a Co2 Laser.

The Co2 laser especially gives an excellent cosmetic result in people who desire removal of these lesions (and is a better option for removal of larger lesions).

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Similar to Seborrheic Keratosis, Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is a sub-type of SK that occurs in African Americans, Asians, and Polynesians. These are also not harmful and not cancerous. Some may prefer to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

Schedule a consultation

If you’re not sure what that little lesion is, give us a call. It’s always better to know it’s benign and stop worrying. Call us today at (403) 255-1633 to schedule a consultation with one of our amazing doctors!

You’d think that with all of the acne products out there, that acne would be a thing of the past. Then how come it seems as prevalent as ever? There’s not a day that goes by where we don’t hear of a new skincare line launching, read a blogger reveal her struggle with acne, or find some new DIY face scrub on YouTube. Enough is enough.

Did you know that your skin can take between six to twelve weeks to show improvement from the right skincare regimen? If you’re bouncing around from product to product, you’re not doing your skin any favors. Keep reading to learn some important ways to prevent and treat acne.

Wash Gently

It can be difficult to be gentle on such a frustrating little bump, but that’s what will help prevent acne from spreading. Scrubbing too harshly, picking, and popping can all just help spread acne and make it worse. Restrain yourself as best you can when washing your face, and do your best to avoid touching your skin any other time. We’ve heard of people sleeping in mittens to try and keep themselves from touching their skin as they sleep. That’s dedication right there.

Find a gentle cleanser that doesn’t foam up too much or leave your skin dry after you pat your face dry with a towel. If your skin looks tight or shiny, your cleanser is probably too harsh. Look for a pH-balanced cleanser that is closer to our skin’s natural pH (around 5.5), and don’t overuse clay masks or scrubs.

Give Skin a Break

Makeup is often used to cover up those red little bumps that creep onto noses and chins, but that camouflage can actually just help pimples come back again and again. Look for makeup that doesn’t clog your pores (again, testing for six weeks might help weed out problematic skin care) and give your skin a break when you can. Weekends are perfect for letting skin relax if you’re not willing to go bare-faced to school or work.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re tired of the struggle or looking for a jump-start to improve your skin, we can help. We have a lot of chemical peel options that can be customized to your skincare needs, such as our more-gentle Glycolic Acid peel, or the stronger Jessner Plus peel.

Contact us today at (403) 255-1633 to schedule a consultation with one of our amazing doctors!

Dr. Kent Remington
( Mon – Wed )

Dr. Todd Remington
( Mon – Fri )