April 10, 2025
Skin Conditions 101: A Dermatologist's Guide to Common Skin Issues
in Providence, Brigham, and Garden City, UT, as well as Preston and Montpelier, ID
Have you ever woken up to a breakout right before a big event? Or deal with stubborn dry patches that just won’t go away? Skin conditions can be frustrating, but they are incredibly common. From acne and rashes to persistent dry skin, our skin often reflects our overall health and environment.
Understanding what is happening beneath the surface can help you take control of your skin's health. Whether your concern is cosmetic or medical, Lone Pine Dermatology is here to help with expert diagnosis and personalized skin treatments in northern Utah and southern Idaho.
Understanding what is happening beneath the surface can help you take control of your skin's health. Whether your concern is cosmetic or medical, Lone Pine Dermatology is here to help with expert diagnosis and personalized skin treatments in northern Utah and southern Idaho.
Acne is a very common skin condition that, unfortunately, many of us have dealt with or are currently dealing with. Acne causes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts when the hair follicles and oil glands become clogged with a mixture of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This blockage can then lead to inflammation and acne lesions. This is most often found in pubescent teenagers, but unfortunately doesn’t just stop there.
Though we know acne is caused by clogged glands on the skin, what is causing the glands to get clogged? This can be caused by many things, including:
So what can you do about it? The best route you can take is to see a professional. The experts at Lone Pine Dermatology in northern Utah include an experienced esthetician who has specialized medical acne treatments that actively target the problem areas. One example is a chemical peel, which can help to reduce the number of breakouts you might be having.
Another option you have is prescription medications. There are topical medications, oral medications as well as things like extractions, laser therapy, and light therapy. It is important to get a skin care plan tailored to your skin by professionals.
Though we know acne is caused by clogged glands on the skin, what is causing the glands to get clogged? This can be caused by many things, including:
- Excess oil production
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Hormonal changes (especially during puberty and menstruation)
- Certain medications
- Diet
- Stress
- Skincare habits and more.
So what can you do about it? The best route you can take is to see a professional. The experts at Lone Pine Dermatology in northern Utah include an experienced esthetician who has specialized medical acne treatments that actively target the problem areas. One example is a chemical peel, which can help to reduce the number of breakouts you might be having.
Another option you have is prescription medications. There are topical medications, oral medications as well as things like extractions, laser therapy, and light therapy. It is important to get a skin care plan tailored to your skin by professionals.
Rashes & Skin Irritations: What is Behind the Redness?
When it comes to skin rashes or irritations and redness, there are so many reasons they could be happening. It could be caused by allergies, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or many other skin conditions. Some are temporary conditions that can go away while some could be longer lasting or chronic conditions that we can only treat. An important thing to note about rashes is if it is persistent, painful, or spreading, you need to seek treatment from a dermatologist.
Our dermatologists have several options available to treat many of these skin conditions. Patch testing can be used to identify allergens. This entails having a dermatologist apply small amounts of potential allergens to patches, which are then taped to your back or other parts of your body. From these spots, they will be able to identify the reaction types and compare them to the rashes you have been dealing with. Another rash treatment option could be as simple as prescription creams or medications to manage chronic conditions.
Our dermatologists have several options available to treat many of these skin conditions. Patch testing can be used to identify allergens. This entails having a dermatologist apply small amounts of potential allergens to patches, which are then taped to your back or other parts of your body. From these spots, they will be able to identify the reaction types and compare them to the rashes you have been dealing with. Another rash treatment option could be as simple as prescription creams or medications to manage chronic conditions.
Dry, Flaky Skin: Is It More Than Just Dehydration?
Have you ever experienced dry, flaky skin and been told, “You just need to drink more water”? Sometimes, dehydration is the biggest factor, but there are other possible causes of this dry skin. Some possible causes can include:
So what can you do about your dry skin? A great place to start is to use hydrating skincare. Finding the best moisturizer for dry skin can make a big difference. If you are unsure where to find such a moisturizer, you can always schedule a consultation with Lone Pine Dermatology to get the best recommendations for you. They can also help if there is an underlying condition and help with eczema treatment options.
- Weather: This dry desert climate makes our skin think it, too, is a dry desert.
- Skincare products: If you aren’t using the proper products for your skin type, it can cause adverse reactions or make your skin condition worse.
- Underlying conditions: Sometimes, individuals might try and treat something smaller than what is really there. You may think you just have dry skin, but maybe you have something a bit deeper (like eczema or psoriasis), which would need further treatment or creams.
So what can you do about your dry skin? A great place to start is to use hydrating skincare. Finding the best moisturizer for dry skin can make a big difference. If you are unsure where to find such a moisturizer, you can always schedule a consultation with Lone Pine Dermatology to get the best recommendations for you. They can also help if there is an underlying condition and help with eczema treatment options.
Sensitive Skin & Rosacea
Like other skin issues, redness and skin irritation can be caused by many different things. What causes skin sensitivity? Genetics, harsh skincare products, and environmental triggers like allergies, weather, and air pollution could all be reasons your skin has become irritated.
If, after treatment for any of those causes, you are still facing persistent redness, small red bumps, burning, stinging, or an itching sensation, you may be dealing with rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that involves visible blood vessels, redness, and flushing on the face and can even affect the eyes. This can be treated with prescription treatments, customized skincare routines, or even laser therapy.
If, after treatment for any of those causes, you are still facing persistent redness, small red bumps, burning, stinging, or an itching sensation, you may be dealing with rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that involves visible blood vessels, redness, and flushing on the face and can even affect the eyes. This can be treated with prescription treatments, customized skincare routines, or even laser therapy.
Scars & Hyperpigmentation
Scarring can come from many different situations, including acne, surgery, or stretch marks. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetics, medications, inflammation, and other things. Both scars and hyperpigmentation can be treated with the following treatments at Lone Pine Dermatology:
- Laser therapy: Laser treatments can reduce scarring visibility and even your skin tone.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels help with skin rejuvenation and can increase the skin's collagen production.
- Microneedling: Microneedling aids the skin in lightening hyperpigmentation, scarring, and stretch marks and overall skin rejuvenation.
- Prescription creams: There are some prescription creams your dermatologist can prescribe that help to lighten hyperpigmented spots.
When To Seek a Dermatologist’s Help
Any and all of these skin issues can be treated by consulting with a dermatologist. If you have been trying your own treatments for some time without seeing results, or if you are experiencing painful or persistent redness or swelling, you should make an appointment with your doctor at Lone Pine Dermatology. Not only are they professionals with experience in each of these skin conditions, but they are invested in you and your overall skin health. Call (435) 554-8442 to make your appointment with Lone Pine today.
Located in Providence, Garden City, and Brigham City, Utah, as well as Preston and Montpelier, ID, we serve patients across the whole Cache Valley.
Make an Appointment
Schedule a consultation right away by calling 435-554-8442.