Patients usually recover from Mohs surgery in an easy and uneventful manner. In general, getting as much rest as possible during the initial few days after the procedure is helpful.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide skin care treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.

Recovery Process

Following Mohs surgery, the sutures (stitches) are typically removed at the surgeon’s office between four to 14 days from the date of the Mohs procedure. The doctor will inform the patient on when to return for suture removal.

A majority of patients report negligible discomfort following the surgery and need minimal to no pain drugs.

Patients will mild to moderate pain may need to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or another pain medication. Pain relievers such as aspirin or those that contain aspirin may lead to increased bleeding. In rare cases, the patient may require prescription pain meds to address severe pain.

The doctor will let the patient know what pain drugs are recommended for their particular condition.

A majority of patients are able to resume work or school the next day after their Mohs procedure. Depending on the treated area, they may need to avoid heavy lifting, straining, and aggressive exercise for seven to 21 days. The doctor will explain what activity precautions they may need to take depending on the area and extent of the procedure.

The patient may go out in the sun after applying sunscreen and with protective hats and clothing. Excess exposure to the sun has been linked to skin cancer.

It is helpful to use sunscreen or another cover-up on the scar for at least six months after the procedure to minimize scarring. It is vital to follow the doctor’s guidelines for wound care and sun protection.

How to care for the surgical area following Mohs surgery?

Patients should check with their surgeon for specific post-op wound care guidelines. They will usually be asked to return home and relax for the remainder of the day. Some patients prefer to resume work the day after their Mohs procedure.

The patient should avoid heavy lifting and exercise, particularly during the first 24 to 48 hours following the surgery.

The doctor will typically offer the patient more detailed guidelines depending on the size and area of the surgery. The patient will usually have a bulky “pressure” dressing on the surgical site for one day.

They may be asked to keep the site dry for 24 hours. Many doctors allow the patient to shower the next day following the surgery. The wound care may involve cleaning the wound with hydrogen peroxide or soap two to three times daily and applying petroleum jelly to the site.

Mild inflammation is not uncommon on the first or second day after the procedure. This swelling can be reduced by an ice-bag application, ice cubes or chips in a small Ziploc baggie, or frozen peas in the bag.

Inflammation occurs more commonly for surgeries around the lips or eyes. If the patient sleeps in an elevated position, it may help reduce the inflammation after the surgery of the face and head area.

The surgeon will need to understand if the patient is experiencing increasing pain after one to two days following the surgery or if they have fever or other concerning symptoms. Patients with such symptoms may need to be seen at the surgeon’s office, and the surgical area may need to be examined for infection or bleeding.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for skin care procedures.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Psoriasis is not simply a “skin condition.” In reality, it develops underneath the skin. Psoriasis is a chronic or long-lasting condition of the immune system that can range from mild to severe. At times, it may be linked to diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide advanced skin care treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.

How Psoriasis Occurs

The psoriasis symptoms on the skin’s surface are only a part of the complete story. The body takes around 28 to 30 days to produce new skin cells and shed the old ones if the skin is healthy.

When an individual has plaque psoriasis, the immune system becomes hyperactive causing skin inflammation. This leads to the skin cells being produced faster than normal. The new skin cells are pushed to the skin’s surface in three to four days instead of the standard 28 to 30 days.

But the body cannot shed the new skin cells so rapidly. This causes old, dead skin cells to collect over each other as new skin cells are being produced at a rapid rate. This rapid generation of new skin cells causes the old ones to be pushed to the surface of the skin.

This leads to the development of red, itchy, thick, and flaky patches known as plaques. But the exact causes for the development of psoriasis are unknown.

Psoriasis Types

Many people are not aware that there are various forms of psoriasis. However, a person typically has one form of the condition at a time. Every type of psoriasis has distinct symptoms that can manifest on the skin in various ways.

It is vital to understand and share with other individuals that regardless of the location of psoriasis or what it looks like, it is not contagious.

Plaque Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions that are covered by silvery white scales. Plaque psoriasis typically develops on the lower back, elbows, knees, and scalp. This is the most commonly occurring type of psoriasis, and 80 percent of all psoriasis patients have this form.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis typically initiates in childhood or young adulthood. This type of psoriasis appears as tiny, pink individual spots on the legs, arms, and torso. These spots are usually not as thick as plaque lesions.  

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis occurs in sites such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and other skin folds around the buttocks and genitals. This type of psoriasis appears as bright-red lesions that are smooth and shiny.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis usually develops in adults. It is characterized by the presence of blisters of noninfectious pus surrounded by red skin. It can be localized to particular body areas such as the feet or hands or may cover a substantial part of the body.  

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis is especially inflammatory and affects most of the body’s surface. It is characterized by the presence of extensive, periodic red skin and the shedding of scales in sheets.

Psoriasis and Joint Pain

In case a patient has psoriasis and experiences pain, stiffness, or swelling in and around their joints, they may be suffering from the symptoms of a condition associated with psoriasis, known as psoriatic arthritis.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for state of the art skin care procedures.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Psoriasis causes the development of red, scaly patches on the skin. It may appear as a rash, so one may worry about getting it from someone else or passing it to others. But psoriasis is not a contagious condition, and cannot be acquired from touching a person who has it.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide advanced skin care treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.

What causes psoriasis?

Although the symptoms of psoriasis manifest on the skin, the disease is actually a problem with the immune system, known as an autoimmune disease. This means that the defenses of the body overreact or react at the wrong times. This impacts the body from within and externally.

In psoriasis, the immune system causes the skin cells to grow much more rapidly than normal. They pile up too fast and cause the development of thick, scaly lesions.

While there are various forms of the condition, the most common one is plaque psoriasis. Lesions usually appear on the elbows, knees, or scalp, but may develop anywhere on the body.

These patches may feel inflamed, sore, and itchy, and may bleed and crack. Other forms of the condition may lead to tiny red spots, pus-filled bumps, or red patches all over.

How do people get psoriasis?

Scientists are aware that specific genes are linked to psoriasis. Therefore, a person is more likely to develop psoriasis if someone in their family has the condition.

Even if a person is genetically predisposed to developing psoriasis, they will also require something that wakes up or triggers their condition. It may be something physical, such as a scratch, cut, bad sunburn, or an infection like strep throat.

Certain medications, stressful lifestyle, and cold weather (which can lead to cracked, dry skin) are also common triggers. However, being around someone with psoriasis does not trigger it.

After something triggers the condition, it becomes chronic or long-lasting. This means that a majority of people will have it for the rest of their lives, but may be able to manage it with drugs and other treatment.

What about physical contact?

Psoriasis was earlier often confused with leprosy as doctors did not know what caused the condition. People with this condition were thought to be contagious.

However, now we understand that this condition cannot be passed on by brushing up against someone who has it. Additionally, a person cannot get it from having sex, kissing, or swimming in the same water.

People get psoriasis due to their genes, and not because of poor hygiene, diet or lifestyle, or other behaviors. Just as they did not get it some another person, they cannot infect others either.

Despite this, there is a great stigma around the condition, which can adversely impact individuals with the condition. They may feel ill at ease when people stare at their lesions or avoid touching them, and they may try to hide their lesions under loose, long clothing.

For psoriasis patients, talking openly with friends, family, and co-workers can help end the confusion. If you know someone who has it, ensure that they know that their condition does not impact your opinion of them or make you want to avoid being around them.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for state of the art skin care procedures.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Botox injections are an appropriate treatment for the non-surgical correction of facial signs of aging.

This injectable procedure was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the cosmetic reduction of frown lines on the forehead. In 2013, Botox received FDA approval for the cosmetic reduction of crow’s feet.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide Botox injectable treatment to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities.

Reduction of Eye Bags with Botox

The correction of dark circles or under eye bags by injecting Botox is a non-label use in the US. In a 2003 study aimed at understanding whether Botox around and under the eyes could reduce the appearance of wrinkles in these areas the medication was administered to 19 female participants.

Women who received Botox injections in the lower eyelids and crow’s feet region were more likely to report positive results compared to those who only received Botox in the lower eyelids.

These results indicate that Botox injections can add volume and fullness to the lower eyelid, which helps reduce wrinkles and under eye bags.

Reduction of Crow’s Feet with Botox

Crow’s feet, or lateral canthal lines, are the fine lines and wrinkles that radiate from the far outside corner of the eye. These wrinkles may create a tired appearance in the eye region making a person appear older than their years.

Botox is FDA-approved for the cosmetic reduction of crow’s feet. This procedure aims to develop a rejuvenated and youthful eye appearance.

Botox Study for Crow’s Feet Reduction

Allergen Inc., the manufacturer of Botox, conducted extensive research and tests to showcase the effectiveness of these injections in mitigating the appearance of crow’s feet. This earned Botox FDA-approval for the reduction of these lines. Allergan carried out a significant study involving over 1,000 adult participants who were divided into two groups.

One group consisted of 833 participants who received Botox injections for crow’s feet while the other group did not undergo any treatment. The Botox treated group displayed a significant reduction in the appearance of crow’s feet in comparison to the group that did not receive any treatment.

Botox for the Treatment of Frown Lines

The presence of frown lines can make a person appear tired or angry. Botox can efficiently remove these lines between the brows, making a person appear more personable and rested at work or social settings.

Botox injectable med spa treatment relaxes the muscles of the face that cause the development of fine lines and wrinkles. It prevents these lines from becoming deeper. The procedure takes only around ten minutes to complete.

Administering Botox is an art where the most beautiful and natural looking outcomes require injecting it in the right muscles and at the correct dose by a skilled provider.

How does Botox Work?

Botox contains the neurotoxin called botulinum, which obstructs the communication between the nerve and muscle when injected into the muscle in the correct dose.

It is a non-invasive treatment, and the provider uses fine needles to inject it directly into the overactive muscle that is causing wrinkle development. The chemical blocks the communication between the muscle and nervous system temporarily.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for Botox injections.
If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.