Do you feel like your skin has become more sensitive with time? Are there certain products that cause itching and a rash when you use them? Frustrated with buying new products and not knowing if your skin will tolerate them? Well, patch testing, a procedure available at our dermatology practice in Denver, can help determine if a product may be right for your skin or not.

Common forms of skin allergic reactions to products

Dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition that many patients experience – manifested by a red, scaly, sometimes itchy rash on the skin.  There are many types of eczema.  One of the more common types is irritant dermatitis – where certain products, mainly personal care products and cosmetics, cause burning or stinging with application.  There is also a form of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis – where one develops an allergic reaction to a product.  This can be to a new product or one that has been used for years.  The most common causes of these allergic reactions are preservatives, fragrances, and sunscreen agents found in products.

Are natural products the solution?

As our society becomes increasingly aware of allergic reactions and favor natural products, many more botanicals are being used in skin care products.  People often feel that because a product is natural it is good for the skin.  The problem is that many of these natural products contain botanicals, which people can become allergic to as well, leading to a rash with use.

Consider patch testing: knowledge is power

It can be frustrating for patients to ignore whether a product will cause their skin to react. Through the use of a special procedure, called patch testing, patients can learn which ingredients they are allergic to and start avoiding products that contain them.  Patch testing allows your dermatologist to recommend specific products that are right for your skin and will not cause a reaction. Knowing what to avoid is a powerful tool for allergy-prone shoppers who are trying to decide between the myriad of skin care products available on the market today.

Patch testing involves three visits to the office.  On the first visit small patches containing the most common allergens are applied to your back.  48 hours later you return to have these patches removed and a grid is drawn on the skin. The final visit is one week after the first and at this visit you will find out which ingredients you may be allergic to and are educated on how to avoid them.   A list of products that are safe for your skin will also be provided at this visit.

Tired of guessing if you will develop or not an allergic reaction to a skin care product? Wait no more. Schedule an appointment with one of SkinCare Physicians’ dermatologists in Denver to get your patch testing.

Chances are that you or someone you know has psoriasis. It is an incurable, non-contagious autoimmune skin disease that affects 3 out of every 100 Americans. Thankfully, remarkable progress in the treatment of psoriasis has recently occurred and dermatologists at SkinCare Physicians can now select from a multitude of therapies.

Living with psoriasis is often physically and emotionally disabling. Sufferers deal with intense itching, cracking, bleeding and flaking of their skin that can interfere with sleep, relationships, work and daily functioning. Unfortunately, the psoriasis condition commonly leads to feelings of despair, hopelessness and depression.

The good news is that the science of psoriasis therapies is evolving quickly. The wide variety of treatments available today enables our psoriasis specialists in Denver to personalize the care for each patient suffering from the disease, regardless of type and severity. New topical lotions, foams and sprays have replaced the messy ointments of the past. Phototherapy is more precise, and laser treatments are now a reality. However, the greatest advance is the development and approval of biologic therapies to treat those with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Medications such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade and Stelara directly address the excessive inflammation that is core to the problem underlying psoriasis. These agents offer hope for dramatic skin improvement as shown in the photos below, and potentially a long-term solution for this chronic disease.

Even better therapies are on their way. Dermatologists at SkinCare Physicians, who have led the way with clinical research on existing biologics, are now focused on the next generation of novel psoriasis treatments including other self-injectable medications and oral pills. It is an evolving and exciting time, and our Psoriasis Treatment Center in Denver has never been more equipped to help patients manage this disease.