EXPERT
Dr. Darshan Vaidya, MD
Dermatologist
- Somerset, New Jersey
- New Jersey Medical School
- Accepting new patients
Actinic Keratoses
What Is Actinic Keratosis? An actinic keratosis (AK) is a rough, persistent, scaly patch that occurs on chronically sun-exposed skin. The color can be red/pink or brown (pigmented...
Can a dermatologist help with skin cancer?
Thank you.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD, FAAD
Can vaseline remove acne scars?
Vaseline is intended to serve as an emollient for dry skin. It is not indicated to treat acne scars. Retinol creams, silicone-based scar creams, and procedures such as microneedling/laser may help.
Regards,
Dr. Vaidya
Intertriginous dermatitis?
Intertrigo can be caused by various conditions. For a condition like this, it is best to be seen and evaluated in person for diagnosis and treatment regimen. In the meantime, keep the area dry and use powders to help absorb moisture. Moisture and friction tends to cause flares of dermatitis in this location.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr. Vaidya
Is it bad to squeeze out sebum?
No, there is nothing wrong with squeezing out sebum. It may be beneficial for you to start using oil blotting clothes and a topical prescription strength retinoid to help with oily skin.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD
Strange itching?
This sounds like neuropathic itching (i.e., stemming from nerves/anxiety/stress). Sometimes there can be other underlying condition associated with itching such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or kidney disease. Please visit your primary care doctor to initiate a workup to look for a potential cause vs. treating the nerve induced itching.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD
How do you clean your nose pores?
It is important to use a retinoid cream every night at bedtime as prescribed by your board certified dermatologist to help exfoliate the skin and prevent more acne down the line. Furthermore, you can see an esthetician for extractions/acne facials to help mechanically remove these blackheads. If you are using retinoids, make sure to use sunscreen and moisturizer everyday.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD, FAAD
Is warm water enough to remove excess oil?
Oil does not cause eyebrows to fall out, so don’t worry about it. Use foaming oil washes (i.e, Cetaphil foaming cleanser) twice daily to help wash and degrease the oily skin.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr. Vaidya
Skin issue?
Brown spotting on the back can represent a condition called tinea versicolor, which is caused by yeast that normally live on the skin. It can be worse in the hot, humid weather and on areas of the skin with high density of oil glands. You can treat with OTC lotrimin cream and Selsun Blue shampoo as a wash. There are other entities that can sometimes mimic tinea versicolor as well, so I would recommend getting an evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD, FAAD
Dry rough spot on ankle that tingles?
This type of rough patch sounds like a condition called lichen simplex chronicus, which can be caused by and exacerbated with chronic scratching/rubbing. Usually, treatment consists of topical creams and avoidance of scratching and it does not signify anything dangerous. Please have it evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD
Fungal infection?
If it truly is a fungal infection (caused by various species of fungi), it has to be appropriately treated with oral +/- topical antifungal medications to cure it. There are other rashes that can flare up with sun exposure also, so it is important to differentiate. Please see a board-certified Dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Vaidya
How do dermatologists remove blackheads?
Blackhead can be extracted using a comedo extractor. However, it is advisable to use a retinoid cream daily to help exfoliate/remove and prevent blackheads. Please see your board-certified Dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
Hope this helps. Thank you.
Dr. Vaidya
How do I permanently get rid of blackheads on my nose?
There is no permanent solution to remove blackheads. Using retinoids to exfoliate in combination with microdermabrasion and/or extractions is generally a very safe and effective solution.
I hope this helps.
I have bumps that started on my forehead over a year ago?
“Bumps” on the forehead is a very generic description that can include acne, milia, folliculitis (bacterial or fungal/yeast), etc. Fox-fordyce disease doesn’t usually affect the forehead and cheeks. Please see your board-certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
Good luck.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD, FAAD
What causes an itchy rash on hands?
Itchy rash on the hands can be from eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, excessive dry skin (due to hand washing), etc. It is important to get your condition assessed and treated by a board-certified dermatologist. You will learn tips on long-term maintenance as well.
Good luck.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD, FAAD
Can you get Mohs surgery on your back?
There are certain criteria that determine when Mohs surgery is appropriate. Mohs surgery may be appropriate for a skin cancer on the back in certain situations (depending on size of tumor, pathology type, recurrent tumor, etc.). However, in many cases non-Mohs treatment is appropriate. I hope this answers your question. Please have a discussion with your board certified dermatologist about your specific scenario.
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD, FAAD
What happens if you don't shave before laser hair removal?
If your hairs are too long at the time of laser hair removal, they will singe and you will feel a burn. Shave about 1 week prior to your appt and have short stubble at the time of your appointment.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Vaidya
Does popping pimples cause acne scars?
Yes, popping pimples can definitely increase the risk of scarring. Sometimes trying to pop a pimple will cause it to rupture internally, leading to more inflammation and subsequent scar formation. Just let the treatment regimen your board-certified dermatologist lays out for you take its effect and give it time.
Regards,
Dr. Darshan Vaidya
How long does it take for acne scars to fade?
Patients usually refer to post-acne pigmentation as "acne scars," and these can generally fade away within a few months. True acne scars (depressions in the skin), may slightly improve over time (months-years), but likely will need chemical peels, microdermabrasion or other modality to improve. Sunscreen use daily and Retinol qhs will be helpful.
Dr. Vaidya
Dark Patch?
Did you try a chemical peel or mask or something new that could have irritated your skin? The discoloration appears to be due to something that irritated your skin. Moisturize well to allow the skin to heal, use gentle cleansers and avoid irritants, and use sunscreen to prevent it from healing with dark pigmentation, especially with the summer weather upon us.
Dr. Vaidya
Do charcoal masks help acne?
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Darshan Vaidya, MD, FAAD