FAQs

What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin disorder that causes a background of redness, flushing, visible blood vessels of the nose and cheeks, and sometimes can progress to acne-like lesions. On occasion, the skin thickens and has a bumpy texture. Eyes may become red and irritated, and sometimes eyelids can be swollen.

What causes Rosacea?
Patients with Rosacea tend to have more sensitive skin.

How do you get rid of Rosacea?
Our Albuquerque dermatologists provide Rosacea treatment that can reduce the redness, bumps, and inflammation of Rosacea. We offer recommendations on lifestyle changes, proper skincare regimens, as well as prescription topical and oral medications along with laser options for treatment of Rosacea.

What are moles on your skin?
Moles are colored lesions that appear on the skin during childhood and adolescence. They can be skin-colored or a variation of brown. Some moles will darken, and others will lighten. 

What does a skin cancer mole look like?
In older adults, new moles and changes to existing moles can be a sign of an abnormal mole or melanoma. Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.

A change to a mole or a new mole may be the first sign of melanoma or abnormal mole. You can find melanoma early by checking your own skin. If you see a mole or other spot that’s growing, itching, bleeding, or changing in any way, please make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists. If our Dermatology team is suspicious about one of your moles a simple biopsy on the same day of your appointment can be performed.

How do you treat moles? 
Your Dermatology of New Mexico health provider will tailor a plan that best suits your personal needs. If you would like to make an appointment with our Albuquerque dermatologists, please call us.

What is actinic keratosis (AKs)?
Actinic Keratosis (AKs) are non-healing scaly pink precancerous areas on the skin that form when the skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from years of sun exposure or indoor tanning. Most actinic keratoses occur in individuals above 40 years old, but may occasionally be seen in younger adults. 

What is the best treatment for actinic keratosis?
Most people who develop one actinic keratosis will develop more over time. That is why it is so important to establish a baseline relationship with our Albuquerque dermatologists who can see you on a regular basis for evaluation and treatment. If left untreated, actinic keratosis may turn into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. By seeing our Albuquerque dermatologists for checkups, the AKs can be treated before they become skin cancer. Treatments will be tailored to your specific case, and may include cryotherapy and prescription cream options. If skin cancer does develop, it can be caught early and appropriate treatment recommendations will be made by our highly trained our Albuquerque dermatology team.

Seborrheic Keratosis

What is seborrheic keratosis?
Seborrheic Keratosis is a very common benign (not dangerous ) skin growth in people over 40 years old. They have a wart-like appearance and can be skin-colored to dark brown. Most people who have Seborrheic keratosis have multiple and they can be found anywhere on the skin, except the palms and soles. Most often, you’ll see them on the chest, back, head, or neck. 

How do you get rid of seborrheic keratosis?
Our Albuquerque dermatologists provide seborrheic keratosis treatment. Treatment of these is typically considered cosmetic for non-inflamed lesions but some insurances may cover a few when inflamed or very irritated. Treatment includes cryotherapy as a first-line option.

What are warts?
Warts are common benign (not dangerous) skin growths that grow when the HPV virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin. Warts are most often skin-colored and rough, but can be brown, flat, and smooth.

What causes warts?
Someone is more likely to get one of these viruses if there is a cut or damage to the skin in some way. Children are more susceptible to warts but they can occur in any age individual. Wart viruses are contagious and can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart.

How do you get rid of warts?
Our Albuquerque dermatologists offer wart treatment for kids and adults that are effective, safe, and painless. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn about the best wart treatment for you. 

What is eczema?
Eczema also known as Atopic Dermatitis is a common condition in children but can occur in adults or those of any age. Itchy, dry and scaly patches appear on the skin. These patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face most often in children. In adults the trunk or extremities are more likely involved. No matter where it appears, eczema is often very itchy.  

How do you get rid of eczema?
Because atopic dermatitis can be long-lasting, it is important to learn how to take care of your skin. Treatment and good skin care regimen offered by our Our Albuquerque dermatology team can alleviate much of the discomfort. We also offer Allergy Patch Testing (TRUE TEST) to help determine if you are allergic to any of the most common topical allergen triggers which may worsen eczema. Contact us to find out the best eczema treatment for you. 

What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common condition that presents with thick, scaly pink plaques. Plaques can appear anywhere on the skin, but you’re most likely to find them on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Plaques tend to vary in size and may appear on the skin as a single patch or join together to cover a large area of skin. No matter the size, plaques tend to be slightly itchy up to very itchy.

What causes psoriasis?
Most forms of psoriasis are chronic and thus it is very important to seek treatment early on. We can help you make lifestyle changes to improve your psoriasis. 

How do you get rid of psoriasis?
Our Albuquerque dermatologists offer therapy ranging from prescription creams to oral and injectable medications that help achieve clearer skin. Having a board certified dermatologist on your team will help give you control over psoriasis and can also help you to feel better, improve your overall health, and prevent the psoriasis from worsening. Seeing a board-certified dermatologist has another benefit. Psoriasis can increase your risk of developing certain diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Our Albuquerque dermatologists can watch for early signs of disease. If you do develop another disease, early treatment helps to prevent the disease from worsening.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff is a very common skin disease that causes scaly flaking up to pink orange scaly patches on the scalp and sometimes facial skin. Cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis found in infants. Seborrheic dermatitis is also a chronic condition in adults that may wax and wane.

What causes seborrheic dermatitis?
Flare-ups are common when the weather turns cold and dry and stress also can trigger a flare-up.

How do you get rid of seborrheic dermatitis?
Our Albuquerque dermatologists provide seborrheic dermatitis treatment that can reduce flare-ups and bring relief to itchy, inflamed, and scaly skin.

What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis occurs when something that touches our skin causes a rash. Some rashes happen immediately and others take time to appear. It often starts with dry, cracked hands. In time, the skin on their hands may begin to sting and burn. The skin becomes very tender. Sometimes, the skin itches and bleeds. When a rash does not clear within a few weeks, you should see a dermatologist.

What causes contact dermatitis?
In allergic skin reactions, only certain people develop allergies and it takes time to develop. Examples include allergy to Poison ivy, nickel, makeup, and latex gloves. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and develops in any individual when the offending agent comes in contact with the skin for a long period of time. Examples include exposure to harsh cleaning products, diaper rash, dry, cracked hands due to lots of contact with soap and water, and irritated skin around the mouth due to lip licking. People who often develop irritant contact dermatitis at work include: beauticians, nurses, bartenders, and others who spend lots of time with wet hands.

How do you get rid of contact dermatitis?
When contact dermatitis develops, treatment is important. It can prevent the contact dermatitis from worsening and help your skin heal. If you are suffering from ongoing rashes, dry and itchy skin, or are uncomfortable, please call our Albuquerque dermatologists so we can help figure out what’s triggering your dermatitis and help treat your contact dermatitis. 

What is dry skin (xerosis)?
Dry skin (xerosis) is common and can occur at any age and for many reasons. Extremely dry skin can be a warning sign of a skin problem called xerotic dermatitis. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. It can cause an itchy rash or patches of dry irritated skin. 

How do you get rid of dry skin (xerosis)?
Using a moisturizer often helps repair dry skin. In New Mexico’s dry climate, our Albuquerque dermatologists can help you to get relief from dry skin. The earlier dermatitis is diagnosed and treated the better. Without treatment, dermatitis often gets worse. Our team of Albuquerque dermatologists and medical assistants can help with lifestyle modifications that can greatly help your dry skin issues!

What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating. Many people who have hyperhidrosis sweat excessively from their palms, feet, underarms, or head. While the rest of the body remains dry, one or two areas may drip with sweat. This excessive sweating can interfere with everyday activities and be embarrassing. 

What causes hyperhidrosis?
Sweating cools the body, which prevents us from overheating but people who have hyperhidrosis, however, sweat when the body does not need cooling. 

How do you get rid of hyperhidrosis?
Our Albuquerque dermatologists offer several treatment options ranging from prescription pills, wipes and Botox treatment. Call us for an appointment so we can provide you with the care you need. 

What is melasma?
Melasma is a common skin problem that causes brown to gray patches on the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. Women are more likely to get melasma than men. It is common during pregnancy and may be seen in women starting in their 30s. 

What causes melasma?
Certain hormones seem to trigger melasma in some women.

How do you get rid of melasma?
In our Albuquerque dermatology clinic, we have an array of sun protective methods, creams, peels, and lasers that can help to lighten these areas of skin and help you achieve a more even skin tone!

What is Botox?
Botox is a simple, safe, effective and non-surgical treatment for unwanted wrinkles and lines of the face. Botox cosmetic provides a more youthful, relaxed appearance to the face and can result in wrinkle prevention when done regularly. Common areas treated include the frown lines between the eyes, crows feet around the eyes and across the forehead. 

How long does a Botox treatment take?
The procedure often takes just a few minutes with little to no downtime. A minute amount of botox is injected directly into the underlying muscle, causing it to relax and gradually smooth out the appearance of the overlying skin.

How long does a Botox treatment last?
The improvement generally lasts about three to four months before the effect gradually fades and muscle action returns. It is expected that the average patient will require re-injection at various intervals between 3-6 months. With repeated treatments, thinning of the muscle may occur, which usually produces longer lasting results

Our Albuquerque dermatologists have given a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance to thousands of patients and will customize your treatment regimen to your needs.