FAQS

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Avoid hot water, as that can irritate your peeling skin further. In contrast, cool or room-temperature water will soothe the skin and can help loosen the peeling skin for easy removal. Use a Clarisonic brush with a sensitive skin head to gently exfoliate the peeling skin. This will reduce any very loose pieces without harming the healthy skin underneath.

Yes. The tell-tale signals that you’re exfoliating too much include excessive dryness, irritation, redness, and sensitivity.

If your scalp hurts or has a visible problem that does not improve despite diligent care, an appointment with a dermatologist is a very good idea. If the problem recurs frequently, give your doctor a call.

Just like the rest of your skin, your lips need protection from the sun to help prevent skin cancer. Your lower lip is especially vulnerable—it sticks out a bit and faces up, so it gets more sun exposure than your upper lip.

Perhaps. Your skin type will be a factor. For example, if you have dry skin, you will probably need to moisturize more often than people with normal or oily skin. No matter what type of skin you have, though, there are certain times it will need moisturizer.

Acne develops when dead skin cells and sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes your hair and skin, clog the hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger infection and inflammation resulting in more severe acne. Four main factors cause acne:

• Hair follicles clogged by oil (sebum) and dead skin cells
• Excess oil production
• Bacteria
• Inflammation

Although acne is common among teenagers, it affects people of all ages. For many women, acne can persist for years, with flares common a week before menstruation. This type of hormonal acne tends to clear up without treatment in women who use contraceptives. 

The sudden onset of severe acne in older adults may signal an underlying disease requiring medical attention.

MOHS surgery is the only skin cancer removal method that evaluates 100% of the surgical margin. MOHS is considered the most effective technique for treating many squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). 

At Northshore Dermatology, Dr. Pate uses a microscope to trace cancer down to its roots. This technique allows him to identify and remove the entire cancer and leave only normal, healthy tissue behind. 

MOHS is an advanced surgical procedure where Dr. Pate functions as the oncologic surgeon, the pathologist, and the reconstructive surgeon.

MOHS surgery offers patients the following benefits:

• Superior success rate
• Maximal tissue conservation
• Smaller scars
• No need for general anesthesia
• Minimal pain and bleeding after surgery

MOHS surgery provides you with the highest success rate and lowest recurrence rate compared to any skin cancer treatment.

No matter what type of skin cancer you have, MOHS is only recommended for certain patients. Book a consultation at Northshore Dermatology with Dr. Pate and the team to find out if you’re a good candidate.

MOHS surgery recovery is typically completed within two weeks post-procedure. Patients are required to rest and avoid heavy activity. Most patients don’t need pain medication. However, experiencing sensitivity around the affected area is to be expected. 

It’s very common to have bruised and swollen eyelids after MOHS, mainly if the treatment area includes the forehead, nose, or scalp. Bruising typically lasts between 7-12 days. Sleep elevated with multiple pillows, so your head is above the level of your heart. You’ll want to ice the treated area for the first 24 hours. 

Major complications are rarely seen after MOHS surgery. Allergic reactions to adhesive tape covering the wound may occur, usually after day two, and are easily controlled with topical steroid creams. 

Dr. Pate and the team will discuss in-depth wound care instructions with you. You will also receive written instructions prior to leaving. Make sure to follow their instructions for optimal results.

If you have skin cancer and need to have it removed, call Northshore Dermatology to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pate and learn more about your options. You can also request a MOHS surgery consultation online, which is fast and easy.

A mole is a common type of skin growth. Moles often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigment forming cells called melanocytes. Most people have 10 to 40 moles that occur during childhood and adolescence. They may fade over time or change in appearance.

If you have an abnormal mole, you might need to have it removed. Removing suspicious moles and examining them for cancer cells is essential for catching melanoma early on when it’s easiest to treat.  

During a skin cancer screening exam at Northshore Dermatology, the team can help to identify any abnormal moles and advise you on the next steps.

While most moles aren’t harmful, your mole may need removal if it meets the following criteria:

• Suspicious appearance
• A mole that appears suddenly
• If it grows rapidly and changes in color or shape (atypical mole)
• Discomfort — moles that occur in an uncomfortable area
• Appearance (cosmetic)

If you find your moles unattractive or feel they detract from your appearance, mole removal can help you like how you look and boost your confidence. 

Your moles may go to the MOHS lab to check for skin cancer and other abnormalities. Should these tests show cancerous cells, the team will monitor your skin closely to ensure they remove all the dangerous cells.

If you’re unsure whether you need a mole removal procedure, the team at Northshore Dermatology is happy to discuss your treatment goals and help you decide.

To learn more about moles and treatment options available, call the office nearest you to speak with a friendly staff member and schedule your consultation. Online booking is also available and is fast and easy.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by a scaly, sometimes painful skin rash. While there is no cure for psoriasis, treatment can improve the appearance and feel of your skin.  

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, as many as 7.5 million American adults have psoriasis. There are multiple types of the disease, and having psoriasis increases your risk of numerous general health conditions, including psoriatic arthritis.  

Researchers believe that psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease. This means your immune system mistakenly perceives a risk of harm and responds to that risk by hastening the production of new skin cells.  

Your existing skin cells cannot shed fast enough to accommodate the newly produced cells, so your skin begins to thicken in patches. This creates the scaly rash associated with psoriasis. Known as plaques, these areas of thickened skin can itch, sting, or burn.

Rashes are patches of red and irritated skin. They can take on a few different features, like redness or hives, but are generally quite itchy or irritable. Your skin changes in tone and texture, often becoming thicker or darker in response to a rash. 

When you notice a rash on yourself or your child, you should visit Northshore Dermatology for professional assessment and personalized care. The team examines the rash, makes note of your medical history, and asks a brief series of questions about the rash and its circumstances. 

Once the team determines the cause, they can make recommendations for treatment. They also provide advice on how to soothe your skin and make it less itchy or irritated.  

Rosacea is a common skin issue that often begins with a tendency to blush or flush easily. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, as many as 14 million Americans are living with rosacea. 

These risk factors increase your chances of developing rosacea:

• Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry
• Ages between 30 and 50
• Being Caucasian
• Being female
• Family history of rosacea
• Fair skin tone and green or blue eyes

The causes of rosacea are not fully understood. There are many different types of rosacea, and determining what type you have plays a role in treating the condition. 

Sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays causes most cases of skin cancer, but other cases are genetic. 

Skin cancer can appear on areas of your body that never get exposed to the sun, including your genitals and the soles of your feet, which is why regular skin cancer screenings are so important to your health.

During your yearly skin cancer screening, the team looks for all types of precancerous and skin cancer lesions, such as actinic keratosis. The primary forms of skin cancer are: 

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) 

• BCC is the most common type of skin cancer; it looks like a bump or patch of skin that’s pink or flesh-colored. 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

• SCC is a sore that won’t heal or keeps recurring; it may look like a red bump or scaly patch.

Melanoma

• The most malignant form of skin cancer; appears as a dark spot or evolves from a pre-existing mole. This type is aggressive, so early detection is important.
  
  

If the team identifies a precancerous or cancerous lesion on your skin, they remove it immediately.

During your screening, the team examines your entire body and also checks areas that may be hard for you to see, such as:

• Between fingers and toes
• Palms of hands
• Soles of feet
• Scalp
• Behind ears
• Between buttocks
• Genitals

You should get a skin cancer screening every year, especially if you have used a tanning bed. 

Skin cancer signs can be subtle. Perform regular skin checks at home, taking note of any apparent changes. Every month check your moles for the ABCDE signs:

• A — Asymmetry
• B — Ragged or notched borders  
• C — Dark brown, black, red, or varied colors 
• D — Diameter bigger than a pencil eraser  
• E — Shape, size, color, or texture that evolves

Contact Northshore Dermatology immediately if you notice any of the ABCDE signs in an old or new mole or if you have a mole or lesion that bleeds or oozes. The team treats skin cancer by removing the lesion using MOHS surgery. 

Regular skin cancer screenings at Northshore Dermatology can save your life. Schedule your appointment by calling the nearest office, or request a screening online today.

Dermal fillers are a type of injectable treatment designed to replace lost facial volume and enhance volume to refine facial contouring. They are among the most popular medical aesthetic treatments available. 

During your younger years, a thick layer of collagen creates more rounded facial contouring. Over time, you lose much of that natural padding, leaving your skin to sag and fall into wrinkles, lines, and folds. 

Considerable time and effort go into researching which treatments to introduce to Northshore Dermatology. The practice is proud to offer dermal fillers from the Juvéderm® family of products. Juvéderm is an industry leader with a strong track record of creating safe and effective filler products. 

Many dermal fillers are created using synthetic hyaluronic acid. Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, which plays a role in maintaining plump, hydrated skin. When injected into the deeper layers of skin, dermal fillers create soft, rounded contouring.  

Juvedérm offers a number of different dermal filler formulations. Each is designed for use in a specific area of the face. 

Thicker formulations are great for adding volume to the mid-face, which can lift sagging skin at your jawline. Thicker fillers are also well suited for plumping nasolabial folds. These are the lines running from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth.  

Thinner formulations are great for smoothing lines and wrinkles around your eyes and lips. There are even fillers created for plumping your lips or smoothing the skin on the backs of your hands.

At Northshore Dermatology, the team works with you to find out what’s causing your hair loss and what you can do about it. They rely on several widely trusted hair loss treatments that stimulate natural hair growth. 

Several medications can treat hair loss, including well-known options like minoxidil and finasteride. Some medicines for hair loss are applied topically or are contained within special shampoos and other hair products. Other medications are taken orally every day. Some procedures work to reactivate dormant hair follicles in your scalp.

Our Northshore Dermatology dermatologist in Hammond Louisiana and dermatologist in Madisonville Louisiana, offers the following:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) 

One such procedure is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to heal damaged hair follicles. PRP provides a new and exciting option for those who are not good candidates for a hair transplant. Using PRP sourced from your blood, a hair restoration specialist injects PRP into your scalp in areas containing thinning hair. 

This procedure stimulates natural hair regrowth without medicine or surgery.

Nutrafol Vitamins

When it comes to thinning hair, science is on your side. The Northshore Dermatology team might recommend Nutrafol vitamins to help improve your hair’s growth, strength, and thickness and to prevent excess shedding. Nutrafol is the only supplement that uses Sensoril® Ashwagandha to help balance elevated stress hormones and build resistance to stress. 

Nutrafol Vitamins are available for men and women, including postpartum.

Riboflavin, folate, biotin, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. To learn more about vitamin deficiencies that could be contributing to your hair loss, among other potential root causes, schedule a hair restoration consultation at Northshore Dermatology. The team can speak with you in further detail and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. 

Call Northshore Dermatology to speak with a friendly staff member and learn more about the hair restoration treatments available to you. Schedule your in-office consultation by phone or request your appointment online today.

Lip fillers are a type of dermal filler, which are injectable substances that work to increase volume in targeted areas. At Northshore Dermatology, considerable time and effort go into researching which products and services to bring to the practice. 

The team uses Juvéderm® for all lip enhancement procedures. Backed by years of experience and clinical trials, this product offers safe, reliable results that create a truly beautiful and natural-looking finish.

Anti-aging treatments are services that work against the age-related changes that happen to your skin. You cannot stop the aging process or avoid factors that contribute to aging, like sunlight or smoking entirely, so you can expect to see the signs of weathering on your skin at some point in your life. 

Fortunately, anti-aging treatments can keep these features to a minimum by tightening your skin or increasing cell turnover. These treatments can minimize:

• Fine lines
• Larger wrinkles
• Sagging skin
• Scarring
• Hyperpigmentation
• Age spots

The team at Northshore Dermatology helps you review your procedure options when you come in for a consultation. They develop a custom care plan according to your skin type and specifications.

Anti-aging treatments can make your skin look more youthful without causing additional damage. After a complimentary consultation, the team may recommend options like:

Laser treatments 

Laser treatments use energy to stimulate a natural healing response inside your skin, including the growth of new collagen to restore firmness. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a popular example available at Northshore Dermatology, medical spa in Hammond Louisiana, medical spa Madisonville Louisiana.  

Facials

Northshore Dermatology offers many options for facials, including microneedling, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), FotoFacial, hydrafacial, radiofrequency treatments, and chemical peels.

Medical-grade skin care

As the preferred dermatologist in Hammond Louisiana and dermatologist in Madisonville Louisiana, our medical spa in Hammond Louisiana, medical spa Madisonville Louisiana carry top-of-the-line skin care products, available for purchase at any of our locations. Medical-grade skin care products are stronger than any of the moisturizers, serums, and other products you can find at the local drugstore. Your dermatologist can make personalized recommendations and teach you to use those products to your advantage.

After your customized anti-aging treatment plan, you might wonder how you can keep your skin looking so immaculate. The team gives you aftercare instructions according to the treatment you get and might have additional recommendations, such as:

• Using skin care products appropriate for your skin type
• Staying hydrated
• Using sunscreen every day
• Avoiding smoking
• Drinking less alcohol
• Exercising
• Eating healthy

While your skin’s aging continues, take these steps to help slow the process down. You can also get follow-up procedures to keep your skin looking fantastic for as long as possible.  

Call Northshore Dermatology or book an appointment online for anti-aging treatments and services today.

In order to understand how laser hair removal works, it helps to think about how your hair grows normally. Your body is covered in hair follicles, each of which acts as a tiny channel into the deeper layers of your skin.  A hair root lies at the base of each follicle, producing the hair cells that stack atop one another to create strands of hair. Hair growth occurs in a cycle, including the following phases:  

• Anagen (growing)
• Catagen (transition)
• Telegen (resting)
• Exogen (shedding)

Laser hair removal works by using carefully controlled beams of light to create heat in the hair follicle. That heat damages the hair root, preventing normal regrowth. Laser hair removal only works during the anagen phase, which is why you need multiple treatments to achieve the best possible results.

Laser treatments use the power of light to create changes in your skin. There are many different treatments to choose from, but each works by directing concentrated beams of light that penetrate into the deeper layers of skin.  

That light creates heat, but the surface of your skin remains at a comfortable temperature. Your body perceives that heat as damage and responds with a healing reaction. 

The treatment platforms used by our medical spa in Hammond Louisiana, medical spa in Madisonville Louisiana in laser therapy are some of the best technology within modern medical aesthetics. Team members at Northshore Dermatology go through additional training to learn how to make the most of these advanced machines without compromising patient safety.