Comprehensive Skincare for Adults and Children in Sugar Land, TX
At Sweetwater Dermatology, we care for patients of all ages struggling with conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Whether you would like a full skin examination for skin cancer prevention, an effective and safe solution for your teenager’s stubborn acne, or the most up-to-date treatments for eczema or psoriasis, we are here to help.
Acne
Acne affects all age groups from newborns to teenagers to adults. It occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin and can range in appearance from small whiteheads and blackheads to larger pimples, cysts, and scars. Acne can feel socially and emotionally distressing, but dermatologists are equipped to help you achieve the clear skin you desire. Acne treatment can range from topical medications to oral prescriptions to chemical peels. Call or schedule an appointment online today to discuss your personalized options.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are skin growths or spots that are present at, or shortly after, birth. Dr. Likhari can evaluate these for abnormalities and provide guidance.
Dermatitis and Rashes
If you are looking for relief from a rash or skin irritation, we are here to help. Dr. Likhari is trained in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of skin rashes that run the gamut from allergic contact dermatitis to lichen planus to autoimmune blistering diseases and more.
Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema
Eczema is a chronic condition that occurs when there is a defect in your skin’s natural barrier, allowing irritants to enter microscopic cracks in the skin, ultimately leading to inflammation, redness, and itching. It affects three million Americans a year in all age groups from newborns to seniors, and can be debilitating. Treatment of eczema requires a thorough evaluation, counseling on good skincare, and a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Likhari is experienced in the treatment of all types of eczema and will work with you to develop a regimen that best fits your needs.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating usually affecting the underarms, palms, soles, and sometimes the face and scalp, unrelated to temperature or exercise. It is a distressing condition that affects 15.3 million people in the US. There are a variety of treatment approaches, including topical therapies, oral medications, and even neurotoxin injections (Botox). Call or schedule online today for an evaluation.
Alopecia and Hair Loss
Alopecia is a general term for hair loss and there are many different causes and types of hair loss, ranging from stress and medication-related, hormonal, autoimmune, and more. Hair loss due to all causes is incredibly common but can be very disturbing to the patient. Dr. Likhari has years of experience in the evaluation and treatment of hair loss. A consultation with her involves diagnosis, patient education and counseling, goal-setting, and a personalized treatment plan to achieve those goals.
Moles
Moles are common skin growths characterized by an overgrowth of pigment cells. The majority of moles are harmless, but sometimes a mole can be abnormal or even cancerous. If you have a new mole that does not look like the rest of your moles, or an old mole that is changing, itching, bleeding, or growing rapidly, it is a good idea to have this evaluated by a dermatologist. Dr. Likhari can evaluate your moles during a skin check and biopsy anything that looks suspicious. Call or schedule online today if you have any concerns about your moles.
Nail Diseases
A wide variety of diseases affect the nails, from fungal infections to psoriasis. Sometimes changes in the nails are a marker of disease processes inside the body. Rarely, skin cancers can also present in and around the nails. If you have concerns about your nails, Dr. Likhari can provide guidance and treatment.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a lifelong, inflammatory skin condition affecting 1% of the population. It occurs when the body produces skin cells over a period of days rather than weeks. These skin cells pile up on top of each other quicker than they can shed, resulting in thick, scaly plaques on the elbows, knees, belly button, lower back, scalp, ears, and/or private area. Psoriasis can also cause nail disease and joint pain. Treatment can range from creams for mild disease to pills or injections for moderate or severe disease. Psoriasis can be itchy, flaky, painful, and debilitating, but the good news is that compared to even a decade ago, there are numerous treatment options available to patients. Dr. Likhari has the experience and expertise to guide you through these options and select the best one for you. Call or schedule today for a consultation.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition on the face that includes a tendency to flush, along with acne-like breakouts, broken blood vessels, bumpy changes on the nose, and itchy, red eyes. Sun exposure and even diet, in some cases, can trigger rosacea. Thus, sun protection and trigger avoidance are the first steps to treating it. When conservative measures alone don’t work, prescriptions may be needed, and Dr. Likhari can develop a personalized treatment regimen for your specific type of rosacea.
Skin Cancer and Pre-cancers
Millions of skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States every year, making it the most common type of cancer. The good news is that regular skin examinations with a board-certified dermatologist can make skin cancer both preventable and, when caught early, highly treatable. Sun-worshippers, redheads, light-complected patients, and those with a strong family history of skin cancer should strongly consider establishing care with a dermatologist for yearly or more frequent skin checks. Dr. Likhari takes her time educating patients on sun protection and is proactive about treating precancers that have the potential to turn into skin cancers. If you notice persistent, scaly, red spots; sores that aren’t healing; a lesion that is growing rapidly, bleeding, or itching; or a growth that doesn’t look like the rest of your spots (the “ugly duckling”), call or schedule an appointment today.
Warts and Molluscum
Warts and molluscum are both benign skin growths caused when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Warts affect patients of all ages and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Molluscum typically affects young children and is caused by a poxvirus. Both are contagious through direct contact, especially when the skin is damaged or cut. Warts and molluscum can be a nuisance and sometimes even painful. They can resolve on their own but often require treatment. Dr. Likhari uses a number of techniques including liquid nitrogen, topical medications which cause inflammation, and prescription medications. She is mindful of choosing methods that are gentle, yet effective, especially for her pediatric patients.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease caused by loss of pigment cells (the cells which give us our skin tone), resulting in white patches. This is often due to our own body’s immune system attacking those pigment cells. It is not entirely clear why this happens, although there is sometimes a family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune diseases or a personal history of vitamin D deficiency and/or eczema. Vitiligo is not life-threatening or contagious, but it can be very distressing to patients. Dr. Likhari approaches this condition, like all conditions, with sensitivity and compassion. She can discuss treatment options and develop a personalized plan.