Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Like any other organ, it’s subject to its ups and downs. The tricky thing about skin is that many of the problems that it can develop tend to be visible, and in some cases, embarrassing. Fortunately, treatments are available for some of the most common embarrassing skin problems. Whether you’re dealing with rosacea flare-ups, dark spots or acne, here’s what you can do to tackle them.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small growths that stick out from the surface of the skin. They tend to develop in areas where the skin comes together, such as near the armpits, neck, and groin. Not only can skin tags make you feel self-conscious, but they can also cause discomfort, especially if they rub against the rest of your skin.
If you have a skin tag, you have a few options for dealing with it. One option is to leave it alone if it’s not bothering you. The growths won’t cause any medical harm. If the tags are bugging you, you can have a doctor remove them. A doctor might surgically remove the growth, use liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag off or burn it off.
Although it might be tempting to tug at or cut a skin tag off at home, it’s best not to do so. Cutting the tag off yourself can lead to scarring or an infection.
Body Acne
Whether as teenagers or adults, plenty of people struggle with acne or pimples on their face. Acne can also develop elsewhere on the body — common locations are on the back, buttocks, and chest. For many people, body acne is a skin problem that’s as embarrassing as facial acne.
How you treat body acne is often a little bit different from how you treat facial acne. Using an antibacterial cleanser and spot treatments can help, but it’s worth seeking out treatments designed specifically for the body, rather than the face. Exfoliating the skin of the chest, back and buttocks on a semi-regular basis can also help to minimize breakouts.
Depending on the severity of your body acne, a professional treatment might be in order. A surgeon can perform a laser treatment or chemical peel to help reduce any scarring left by past breakouts.
Rosacea
Rosacea causes the skin to turn red and can lead to the development of bumps, blisters and thickened skin. Although the cause of rosacea isn’t known, some things seem to trigger the flushing and swelling. Some people notice that their skin reddens after they eat spicy food, drink alcohol or are exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
In many cases, treating rosacea involves a mix of managing the condition and seeking out medical treatment. Some people find that avoiding their triggers helps to keep flare-ups at bay. Some people also see results after a laser treatment. Other options for managing rosacea include using gentle skincare products and protecting the skin from the sun.
Warts
Warts are growths on the outer layer of skin. Unlike skin tags, warts develop as a result of a virus, HPV. Although warts are usually harmless, they can be pretty embarrassing. Usually, the problem will resolve on its own after some time. If you want a wart to go away more quickly, you have options. Over-the-counter treatments with salicylic acid can sometimes help. A doctor can use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. Other treatment options include lasers or zapping the wart with an electrical current and then cutting it away. Like skin tags, you shouldn’t try to cut warts off at home, as this can lead to scarring and infection.
Dark Spots
Whether in the form of freckles, moles, birthmarks or age spots, dark spots on the skin are one of the most common embarrassing skin problems. How you deal with them depends on the size of the spots and their location. For example, your best bet with some moles might be to have them surgically cut off. Age spots and flat areas of hyperpigmentation are often treated with chemical peels, lasers and other skin resurfacing options.
Although embarrassing skin problems can make you feel self-conscious, you don’t have to go about your day hiding your face or other parts of your skin. Dr. Paul Vitenas and the staff at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas, offer a variety of skin treatments, such as laser resurfacing, acne treatments and chemical peels, to help you cope with your most embarrassing skin problems. To learn more about how we can help you, call 281-810-9083 to schedule a consultation today.