Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

If you have an actinic keratosis (AK) on your skin, you have one of the most common skin conditions that dermatologists treat. It is estimated that more than 40 million Americans develop actinic keratoses (AKs) each year. These precancerous skin growths are common because many people seldom protect their skin from the sun with sunscreen, clothing, and shade. Without sun protection, the sun’s harmful rays can damage your skin. While your body may repair some of this damage, the sun’s rays continue to damage unprotected skin. Over the years, this damage builds up and can cause precancerous changes to your skin.

Dr. Angela Moore and Arlington Center for Dermatology offer everything from prevention to reversal of aging and/or sun-damaged skin. First we will evaluate what are your skin concerns and goals. Then we will discuss options for improving your skin health and rejuvenation with treatment and product methods such as light and laser treatments, chemical peels, skin-lifting treatments, BOTOX Cosmetic®, and injectable fillers. We will also customize a skin care program made up of professional and/or prescription products.

Your skin can have a reaction that occurs when you touch or come in close contact with substances to which you are allergic. Your skin can become itchy, cracked, red, sore and may even bleed. The substances that cause this reaction are referred to as allergens and can be an ingredient in your shampoo, soap, makeup, aftershave, jewelry, medication and your clothing. You may also have a reaction to an allergen in your workplace because allergens are common in cleaning supplies, paper and ink, disinfectants, construction materials and rubber products.

Melasma is a skin condition that occurs on the face in the form of brown patches. A change in hormonal status (higher levels of estrogen) is thought to trigger and be the cause of the condition (i.e. birth control pills, pregnancy), although many women without these risk factors also develop melasma.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting about 6 million people in the United States. Small or large round or oval red patches with thick white scales characterize it. These are sometimes itchy, occasionally hurt or bleed, or can be asymptomatic, except for the annoyance of shedding flakes of skin. The most common locations are elbows, knees and scalp, but it can occur on any part of the body. 5% of people with psoriasis also have arthritis. The onset of psoriasis can occur at any age including childhood and old age, although it most commonly appears in the teens-twenties. Sunlight tends to make it better for reasons explained below, whereas alcohol ingestion, lack of sunlight and stress tend to exacerbate it.

Eczema or dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis in the skin results in dry, red, scaly patches that often itch. There are many types of eczema and the causes are diverse and include heredity, irritation, allergy, dryness and excessive sweat. The usual treatments for eczema include anti-inflammatory creams, moisturizers, avoidance of factors that make it worse and occasionally oral anti-histamines or anti-inflammatory medications. Some forms of eczema are chronic and can only be controlled as opposed to cured. Dermatitis is not contagious.

Rosacea is a disorder of the skin affecting 13 million people in the United States characterized by redness of the central face, especially the nose. Pimples (acne eruption), reddening and sensitivity of the eyes and thickening or enlargement of the nose (rhinophyma) also may accompany it. The expression of rosacea can be as mild as a slightly reddish appearing nose or “rosy cheeks”. It may also become severe, manifesting itself as a breakout of large red pimples, frequently infected or inflamed eyes, a greatly enlarged nose (“WC Fields” nose) or frequent incapacitating bouts of flushing.

Moles are dark spots or irregularities found in the skin. They come in various shapes and sizes. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, from the nose and other facial area, as well as arms and chest areas, in groups, or by themselves. They can be present at birth, or can begin to appear over time. Some moles go unnoticed, and some, like facial “beauty marks,” are actually considered attractive. However, moles are bothersome to some people, and can even lead to dangerous health risks.