01
Feb
Common skin disorders can be easily treated
A recent study by the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland. revealed that skin disorders make up a significant portion of the workload of a general practitioner.
As much as 18.8 percent of those visiting a doctor went in for skin related problems, the report said, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
"There are many treatments for acne," Dr. Mark Gendleman, MD, selected by TopTierMD as one of Chicago’s top rated dermatologist, said. "This includes topical medications and oral medications, both of which are stronger than over the counter medication.
"Often, the treatment is subjective, depending on if the patient presents a moderate to severe case, meaning extensive display of red pimples and big nodules that can result in scarring."
Scarring, Dr. Gendleman said, can be a major problem with acne, but, he said, most patients do not get scarring.
"The stronger medicines theoretically prevent scarring," Dr. Gendleman said. "The ads for medication on t.v. aren't the stronger ones. Those are to treat mild acne, but they do help."
The treatment for eczema, which is a condition that causes an inflammation of the skin and itchiness, is different than that for acne.
"Some eczema is caused by genetics and some is environmental," Dr. Gendleman said. "Sometimes it's as simple to treat as cutting down on cleaning products and external irritants like soap and water. Sometimes it can't be prevented because it's seasonal and it just happens."
Eczema can be treated with moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory agents with and without cortisone.
"It's more common in the winter because of the cold weather and ensuing dryness," Dr. Gendleman said.
Psoriasis is usually a genetic condition that is lifelong, Dr. Gendleman said, and is characterized by persistent scaly eruptions on the elbows, knees and scalp.
"Psoriasis is an immunological abnormality," Dr. Gendleman said. "There are many treatments, including topical anti-inflammatory agents and therapies, including ultraviolet light, oral medication and even intramuscular intravenous agents. Those are new and really good for bad psoriasis.
"Psoriasis is treatable but not curable."
Dr. Mark Gendleman, MD, was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered Best in Dermatology in Chicago. He specializes in general medical dermatology.
As much as 18.8 percent of those visiting a doctor went in for skin related problems, the report said, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
"There are many treatments for acne," Dr. Mark Gendleman, MD, selected by TopTierMD as one of Chicago’s top rated dermatologist, said. "This includes topical medications and oral medications, both of which are stronger than over the counter medication.
"Often, the treatment is subjective, depending on if the patient presents a moderate to severe case, meaning extensive display of red pimples and big nodules that can result in scarring."
Scarring, Dr. Gendleman said, can be a major problem with acne, but, he said, most patients do not get scarring.
"The stronger medicines theoretically prevent scarring," Dr. Gendleman said. "The ads for medication on t.v. aren't the stronger ones. Those are to treat mild acne, but they do help."
The treatment for eczema, which is a condition that causes an inflammation of the skin and itchiness, is different than that for acne.
"Some eczema is caused by genetics and some is environmental," Dr. Gendleman said. "Sometimes it's as simple to treat as cutting down on cleaning products and external irritants like soap and water. Sometimes it can't be prevented because it's seasonal and it just happens."
Eczema can be treated with moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory agents with and without cortisone.
"It's more common in the winter because of the cold weather and ensuing dryness," Dr. Gendleman said.
Psoriasis is usually a genetic condition that is lifelong, Dr. Gendleman said, and is characterized by persistent scaly eruptions on the elbows, knees and scalp.
"Psoriasis is an immunological abnormality," Dr. Gendleman said. "There are many treatments, including topical anti-inflammatory agents and therapies, including ultraviolet light, oral medication and even intramuscular intravenous agents. Those are new and really good for bad psoriasis.
"Psoriasis is treatable but not curable."
Dr. Mark Gendleman, MD, was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered Best in Dermatology in Chicago. He specializes in general medical dermatology.

