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With more than 50 million Americans affected by acne each year, it’s the most common skin condition in the nation. Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, offers thorough diagnostic and treatment services for acne. If you’re ready to feel great about your skin, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Fatteh today. Online booking is one option, or you can always call or stop by the office to check availability.

What is acne?

Acne is a chronic skin condition marked by inflammation and breakouts. It affects nearly 85% of the American population between the ages of 12-24. While acne isn’t dangerous, it can cause significant scarring and have a negative impact on your self-esteem.

The best way to understand acne is to think about the roles your hair follicles and pores play in maintaining healthy skin. You have millions of hair follicles spread over virtually every area of your body except the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.

Each of those follicles connects an oil gland to a pore, which extends to the surface of your skin. Your oil glands produce sebum, an oily liquid that helps transport dead skin cells and other debris out of your body.

From time to time a hair follicle becomes blocked, and a combination of sebum, hair, and dead skin cells begins to accumulate into a plug. If that plug becomes infected by bacteria, inflammation follows. Acne is the culmination of the cycle involving plugged follicles, inflammation, and eventually a breakout at the surface of your skin.

What causes acne?

Researchers haven’t pinpointed the exact cause of acne, but there are several known factors that can contribute to the condition. Some of the factors that can trigger acne include:

• Hormone fluctuation
• Emotional stress
• Certain medications
• Menstruation
• Greasy cosmetics or pore-clogging skin care

There also seems to be a genetic component to acne. If you have a close family member who suffered from acne, you may be at an elevated risk.

What can I do to prevent acne breakouts?

It might not be possible to avoid all breakouts, but there are things you can do to reduce the effects that acne has on your skin and your confidence. One important thing to avoid is aggressive face scrubbing or washing. This will only force the infection deeper into your skin, making it harder for your body’s natural healing process to restore your skin.

These tips can also reduce breakouts:

• Avoid touching your face
• Wash your face no more than two times a day with mild soap and warm water
• Choose cosmetics and skin care products marketed for sensitive skin, and avoid oil-based products
• If your acne is on your body, avoid tight clothing that doesn’t let your skin breathe
• Wash your hands frequently
• Reduce anxiety and stress

Some breakouts will happen no matter how carefully you follow these guidelines, however, it’s important to be mindful of how your behavior affects the frequency of breakouts.

How is acne treated?

Dr. Fatteh begins by examining your skin and discussing your health history and your experience with acne. He creates a customized treatment plan that aligns with your specific set of needs.

Medication may play a role in your treatment path. For some women, oral contraceptives can help by altering your hormonal balance. Topical antimicrobial medications can help women and men by reducing bacteria known to trigger acne. Oral antibiotics can also be helpful in many cases.

Isotretinoin, sold under the brand name Accutane, is a drug that can help treat severe acne when other efforts have failed to yield the desired result. This medication carries a risk of serious side effects, which is why Dr. Fatteh works with you to determine if this is the best option for your needs.

Warts can be unsightly as well as painful, and over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective. For men and women living in or around Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology offers treatment for all types of warts. To learn more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fatteh today. Online booking makes it easy to find a time that fits your schedule, or you can always call to check availability.

What are warts?

Warts are small skin growths that have a rough texture. They can occur anywhere on your body, and they can vary in size from as small as the end of a needle to around the size of a garden pea.

While warts are technically a type of tumor, they are benign, and they will not become cancerous. There are several different types of warts, classified according to where on your body they develop. Common warts These warts can occur anywhere and have a surface that is firm, raised, and roughly textured. They are most commonly found on your fingers, knuckles, knees, elbows, and other places where broken skin is common. Plantar warts These warts are found on the soles of your feet, toes, or heels. They usually grow inward due to the pressure of your body weight. When a group of plantar warts develops in a cluster they’re called mosaic warts. Plane warts These warts lie flat against the skin and are smooth and round. They’re also called flat warts and tend to develop on areas of your skin that get the most sun exposure. Filiform warts These warts have a longer, thin shape, and are often found on your armpits, neck, and eyelids.

Most warts are usually painless, although plantar warts can cause pain on the soles of your feet. What causes warts? Warts are caused by a group of viruses known collectively as human papillomavirus (HPV). Various strains of HPV cause different types of warts.

These viruses can easily spread from one person to the next through skin-to-skin contact or even by touching something an infected person has recently touched. You can also transfer the virus to different areas of your own body by shaving, scratching the affected skin, or biting your fingernails if warts are located on your hands.

What are genital warts? Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease caused by several strains of the HPV virus. They can develop in any genital area. You can catch or spread genital warts through any form of sexual contact, including oral sex or intimate touching.

Unlike other types of warts, genital warts can be incredibly uncomfortable. They can cause burning or itching sensations and can lead to pain during sex. How are warts treated? There are several ways to treat warts, and the right approach depends on the location and size of the wart. Some over-the-counter products claim to treat warts, but this approach is rarely effective and can damage your skin.

Dr. Fatteh uses topical medications to break down warts layer by layer. For cases that don’t respond well to topical treatments, a surgical removal is an option. It’s essential to work with a dermatologist when pursuing surgical wart removal to reduce the risk of infection and scarring.

If you have questions or concerns about wart treatment or removal, schedule a visit with Dr. Fatteh today, online or over the phone.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than eight million Americans are living with psoriasis. For those in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the services of Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology can be a welcome relief from this chronic skin condition. If you’re tired of the discomfort and embarrassment of psoriasis, book an appointment with Dr. Fatteh today to explore treatment options. Online scheduling allows you to set up your visit around the clock, or you can call during business hours to check availability.

What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a common skin condition characterized by excessive skin cell development. It’s a chronic skin disease that can come and go over time. The problem usually arises in early adulthood.

If you have psoriasis, your skin cells can multiply as many as 10 times faster than a person without the condition. Your body is unable to shed old cells fast enough to make room for these new skin cells, so they begin to accumulate in stacks that look like patches of rough, scaly skin.

Most men and women with psoriasis only develop patches on a few areas of their body. In rare cases, psoriasis is widespread and covers larger areas. Your skin will go through cycles of healing before the condition worsens and patches return.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition, but there are several other types of psoriasis that cause slightly different symptoms.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis? The most common symptom of plaque psoriasis is patches of red, flaky skin covered in silvery scales. These patches are called plaques. At times they can crack and bleed. In some cases, your plaques can spread to the point where they merge and cover large areas of your body.

Some men and women also develop changes in their fingernails and toenails. Your nails can become discolored or pitted, and can eventually crumble and pull away from your nail bed.

It’s also possible to develop plaques on your scalp, which can cause large flakes that look like dandruff.

What is the cause of psoriasis? Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of psoriasis, but it appears that a problem with your immune system can trigger abnormal cell development. There also seems to be a genetic component at play, although the condition can skip generations.

Various things can trigger a psoriasis outbreak, including:

• Strep throat infection
• Certain blood pressure medications
• Emotional stress
• Cuts or scrapes
• Surgery

Because psoriasis causes easily recognizable skin plaques, it is relatively simple to diagnose.

What are my treatment options for psoriasis? There are numerous treatments that can help keep your psoriasis under control. Dr. Fatteh creates a customized treatment plan depending on your symptoms and needs.

Steroid creams can help control outbreaks and reduce inflammation. There are also prescription retinoid ointments and creams that can help. Certain types of light therapy can help by slowing skin cell growth.

For severe cases of psoriasis, oral medications can reduce plaque formation and help your skin stay clear. These drugs can cause serious side effects, so it’s important to try other methods first and to remain under the care of a dermatologist throughout treatment.

If you’re tired of itchy, inflamed, and unsightly psoriasis plaques, schedule a visit with Dr. Fatteh today to discuss treatment options. You can book a visit online or by phone.

Statistics compiled by the National Eczema Foundation assert that approximately 31.6 million Americans have some form of eczema. For many, the condition can be challenging to live with, but help is available through the care of Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. If you’re hoping to find an effective plan for managing your eczema, book an appointment with Dr. Fatteh today, online or over the phone.

What is eczema?

Eczema is not a single disease but a term used to describe a group of skin conditions that lead to itchy, inflamed, and red skin. It’s a common complaint, but eczema is also a manageable condition that can improve under the care of a skilled dermatologist.

 

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. Additional types include:

• Contact dermatitis
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema

The first step in finding the right treatment plan is determining which type of eczema you have.

What causes eczema?

Scientists have not yet determined the exact cause of eczema, but it appears that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are involved. It is clear, however, that eczema is not contagious, so it’s not possible to catch it from another person.

One of the most powerful steps you can take to manage your eczema is to identify your triggers and take care to avoid them whenever possible. Everyone has a unique experience with eczema, but some common triggers include:

• Harsh soaps, shampoos, detergents, or disinfectants
• Very hot or cold weather, high or low humidity
• Stress
• Hormonal fluctuations in females, especially during pregnancy or menstruation
• Dust mites, pet dander, mold, dandruff, or pollen
• Certain foods like dairy, nuts, seeds, soy, wheat, or eggs
• Certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi

Learning to recognize the things that cause your eczema to flare up takes time and patience, but can help you manage your condition.

What can I do at home to manage my eczema?

There are many self-care techniques you can use to reduce eczema flare-ups. These tips can help soothe your skin and reduce flare-ups:

• Wet dressings with topical corticosteroids
• Daily moisturizing with creams, sprays, ointments, or bath oils
• Bandaging to protect open skin
• Over-the-counter anti-itch medication
• Mild soaps and household products
• Clothing that is cool and smooth to the touch
• Stress reduction techniques

Some approaches may work better for you than others, so don’t hesitate to try a range of techniques to look for a good match.

How is eczema treated?

Dr. Fatteh has many different tools and techniques to help you manage your eczema.  Topical medications may help control itching and reduce inflammation. Antibacterial cream can also help if you have an infection, and it will also help prevent an infection in cracked or open skin.

Oral medications can also reduce inflammation. Some exciting new injectable biologic drugs show promise in treating severe cases of eczema. Dr. Fatteh will explain the pros and cons of each option to give you the details you need to make an informed decision about your care. Book your appointment online or by phone today to get started.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and early detection and treatment can lead to excellent outcomes. Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, has the training and expertise to treat both simple and complex skin cancers. If you’re concerned about changes in your skin or are seeking top-quality skin cancer treatment, come in and sit down with Dr. Fatteh to discuss your specific set of needs. Online booking is available, or you can always call to check availability.

What is skin cancer?

There are many types of skin cancer, but all share the commonality of uncontrolled skin cell growth. Skin cancer occurs when something in the environment triggers genetic mutations or defects that prompt your skin cells to rapidly multiply and form tumors.

 The treatment path for skin cancer depends on the type of cancer and how far the disease has progressed.

Basal cell cancer

The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinomas develop in the basal cells of your skin, located in the deepest layer of your epidermis. They rarely spread and respond very well to treatment.

Squamous cell cancer

This is the second most common type of skin cancer and occurs in the outermost layer of your epidermis. If allowed to grow without treatment, squamous cell carcinomas can become disfiguring.

Melanoma

This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Left untreated it can spread into the deeper layers of your skin and eventually to other parts of your body. Early detection is the key to successfully treating melanoma.

What causes skin cancer?

The primary cause of all types of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet rays, whether from the sun or from sources like tanning beds. Your risk level rises every time you experience a blistering or peeling sunburn.

 People with light skin and eyes have an elevated risk of skin cancer, but even those with darker skin can develop the disease. Those who work outdoors have higher rates due to years of UV exposure. There is also a genetic component to skin cancer, so if you have a family member with skin cancer — particularly melanoma — you should consider making an appointment with Dr. Fatteh for a diagnostic exam.

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatments vary depending on the type of skin cancer, the location on your body, and how far the disease has progressed. Dr. Fatteh has a wide range of treatment options to choose from, and he can explain which methods offer the best chance of eliminating your skin cancer.

Some cancers can be removed using liquid nitrogen to freeze away damaged tissue. Excisional surgery is another option, which works by simply cutting away cancerous tissues. Mohs surgery is a good approach for basal and squamous cell cancers; this works by removing incredibly thin layers of tissue and using a microscope to look for abnormal cells until a healthy layer of tissue is reached.

A powered blade or electrical current can also remove cancerous tissue. Laser therapy is sometimes a good option, and there are even biologic therapy options that harness the power of your own immune system to destroy cancer cells.

Dr. Fatteh designs a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. He thoroughly explains the process at every step along the way. Book your appointment online or by phone to get started.

If you notice sudden changes in your skin, you could have an infection called cellulitis. This is a common condition that brings many men and women to the care of Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Prompt treatment can help you avoid serious complications, so be sure to book a diagnostic exam any time you experience sudden changes in your skin. You can set up a visit online or over the phone, and same-day appointments are often available.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that is easily treated if caught in the early stages but can become life-threatening if left untreated. The infection is caused by streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria. Researchers are noting an increase in bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, which may complicate the treatment of cellulitis. You can develop cellulitis anywhere on your body, but the most common location is in your lower legs. Symptoms usually only occur on one side of your body, and might include:

• Redness
• Blisters
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Skin dimpling
• Fever
• Pain
• Sensation of warmth

If you have a sudden rash that seems to be changing rapidly call to book a same-day appointment to prevent the infection from spreading.

Am I at risk for cellulitis?

Anyone can develop cellulitis, but there are certain risk factors that increase your chances of an infection. These include:

• Compromised immune system
• Obesity
• Scrapes, cuts, burns, or any openings in your skin
• Skin conditions like eczema, shingles, or athlete’s foot
• Chronic swelling in your arms or legs
• Previous history of cellulitis
• Animal Bites

Recurring cellulitis infections can cause problems with your lymphatic system, which can lead to chronic inflammation in one or more limbs.

How is cellulitis treated?

There are steps you can take to prevent cellulitis and avoid the need for treatment. Any time the surface of your skin is breached, take immediate steps to clean the area and cover the wound with a bandage. Wash the site daily with soap and water, and use an over-the-counter ointment to reduce the risk of infection.

If you have diabetes or another condition that weakens your immune system you should develop a daily routine of checking your skin for injury and wearing protective gloves and footwear. Keeping your fingernails and toenails carefully trimmed can reduce your risk of infections.

Most cases of cellulitis respond well to a course of antibiotics. If your symptoms don’t clear up after a few days, let Dr. Fatteh know. You might need to be briefly hospitalized to receive intravenous antibiotics.

As you wait for your treatment to take effect, you might find a degree of relief by placing a cool, damp cloth over the area and elevating the affected limb. Over-the-counter pain medications can reduce discomfort.

If you’re concerned about cellulitis or other common skin issues like boils, viral infections, or abscesses, contact Dr. Fatteh to book a thorough diagnostic exam. You can set up a visit online or over the phone.

Sexually transmitted diseases are a serious personal and public health issue, and some STDs can affect the health of your skin. Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, can help by diagnosing common STDs and providing compassionate treatment that protects your health and wellness. If you have questions about STD testing or treatment, schedule a confidential, one-on-one exam with Dr. Fatteh today, online or over the phone.

What do sexually transmitted diseases have to do with dermatology?

Many sexually transmitted diseases exhibit symptoms that affect your skin, so it’s not surprising that many men and women first learn they have an STD when they visit their dermatologist to find answers about changes in their skin.

Herpes simplex virus

This disease leads to painful sores on your mouth or genitals. Herpes is caused by a virus, and while there is no cure, there are ways to manage the disease and reduce the risk of passing it along to a partner.

Genital warts

These skin growths are caused by several strains of human papillomavirus. Most cases aren’t painful, but genital warts can be unsightly.

Chlamydia

This disease is very common, and it can spread to your eyes if you touch an infected area and then rub your eyes or the surrounding skin.

Syphilis

This infection starts with a small, painless sore at the spot where the infection entered your body, usually on your genitals or rectum.  Left untreated, a rash can spread all over your body, and if still untreated, it can cause damage to your internal organs later, with potentially life-threatening consequences.

Many STDs can cause a rash, sores, or other symptoms in the visible portion of your skin. It’s important to come in for a diagnostic exam any time you notice changes. STD screening is fast and straightforward, and treatment can begin the same day.

How are STDs treated?

Your treatment path depends on the type of infection and how far it has progressed. Many STDs caused by parasites or bacteria can be cleared up with a simple course of antibiotics. In other cases, antiviral drugs can help reduce outbreaks and manage the condition.

Numerous new medications can help treat sexually transmitted disease. Even for those infections that cannot be cured, proper treatment can help keep you healthy and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

How can I prevent sexually transmitted disease?

The only way to completely avoid STDs is to refrain from all sexual activity. The next best level of protection is to remain in a mutually monogamous relationship in which both partners have been tested for STDs.

Using male or female condoms can reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, but it’s important to know that some infections are spread through simple skin-to-skin contact, which includes skin that cannot be covered with a condom.

In the case of HPV, vaccines are available that can bring your risk level down to nearly zero. In fact, pediatricians are vaccinating large numbers of boys and girls before their first sexual contact to reduce the spread of HPV in younger generations.

If you have questions or concerns about STD testing or treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule an exam with Dr. Fatteh online or by phone at your earliest convenience. He offers compassionate, non-judgmental care with the sole focus of preserving your health and wellness.

Sweating is a normal part of a healthy life, but some men and women develop a medical condition that causes excessive sweating. For those living in or around Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology offers treatments that can help get your sweating under control. Don’t live with excessive sweating when there are safe and effective treatments available. Schedule a visit online or by phone today to get started.

How much sweating is too much sweating?

Your body produces perspiration as a reaction to high air temperature. It’s also normal to sweat when you’re exercising, nervous, anxious, or under acute stress. Normally, the nerves that control your sweat glands send a message to stop sweat production when those factors are no longer present.

In some cases, a malfunction in that feedback loop causes your body to continue producing sweat even when there is no longer a need to perspire. This is a condition called hyperhidrosis, and it can occur in just one area of your body or all over.

How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?

Everyone sweats, and some people sweat more than others. Hyperhidrosis is different because the sweating occurs even when there is no clear cause.

You might find yourself sweating in an air-conditioned room, or when you’re doing nothing more strenuous than sitting down for dinner with friends or watching television. You might be perfectly dry one moment, then even the thought about an anxiety-triggering scenario can cause you to break out in heavy sweat.

What are some treatments for excessive sweating?

Your treatment path is designed with your specific needs in mind. Dr. Fatteh has multiple approaches from which to choose, and he can discuss the pros and cons of each option with you in detail.

BotoxⓇ injections can help control sweating by preventing your body from releasing a chemical that triggers your sweat glands. Injections are administered in your underarms or even in the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands. Results can last for nearly a year, but it may take multiple injections to achieve optimal results.

Certain medications can also help control excessive sweating. Some drugs work by preventing your sweat glands from activating, but they come with a risk of potentially serious side effects. Dr. Fatteh can help you decide if the benefits of drug therapy are worth the risks.

If you’re tired of never knowing when excessive sweating will get in the way of your normal daily routines, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fatteh to explore treatment options. You can set up a visit online any time of day or night, or call during business hours to check availability.

Excessive sweating is not usually a serious medical issue, but it can certainly be disruptive and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help get your sweating under control.