Mid-County Dermatology

If you have a stubborn rash around your mouth that won’t respond to moisturizer — or gets worse with steroid creams — it may be perioral dermatitis.

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory facial rash that presents as clusters of small red papules and pustules around the mouth, nose, and sometimes the eyes. It overwhelmingly affects women between the ages of 20 and 45, though children are not immune. It is frequently confused with acne, rosacea, or contact dermatitis — leading to treatments that can actually make it worse.

The most common culprit: topical corticosteroids. Even low-potency OTC hydrocortisone applied to the face can trigger or significantly worsen perioral dermatitis. This is one of the most important reasons to avoid self-treating facial rashes without a diagnosis.

Other known triggers include heavy or occlusive moisturizers, fluorinated toothpaste, inhaled corticosteroids, and hormonal fluctuations.

Treatment centers on stopping all topical steroids — which may cause an initial flare before improvement — combined with prescription topicals like metronidazole or erythromycin, and oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline for more persistent cases. With the right protocol, most patients see significant clearing within 8 to 12 weeks.

An accurate diagnosis is everything with this condition. Link in bio to schedule with Mid-County Dermatology.

Those small pearly bumps on your child’s skin? They may be molluscum…a viral infection that’s more common than most parents realize.

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus and presents as small, firm, flesh-colored or pearly papules with a characteristic central dimple called umbilication. It is extremely common in school-age children but can also affect adults, particularly those who are immunocompromised or who contract it through close skin-to-skin contact.

How it spreads: direct skin contact, shared towels or clothing, pool water, and scratching — which autoinoculates the virus to nearby skin and explains why clusters form.

Will it go away on its own? Yes, in immunocompetent individuals, molluscum typically self-resolves within 6 to 18 months. However, lesions can spread extensively in that window, cause significant itching or irritation, and carry social stigma, particularly in children. Treatment is often recommended to reduce transmission and limit spread.

Treatment options include cantharidin (applied in-office), curettage, cryotherapy, and topical retinoids or imiquimod for larger or resistant cases. A dermatologist can determine the right approach based on lesion count, location, and patient age. Link in bio to schedule with Mid-County Dermatology.

🖤❤️💚 Happy Juneteenth!
Today we honor the journey toward freedom and equality that began on June 19, 1865.

At Mid-County Dermatology, we celebrate our diverse St. Louis community and remain committed to providing excellent healthcare for ALL patients.

Together, we stand for equality, inclusion, and healing.

Rosacea is not just sensitive skin — and it won’t go away on its own.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting an estimated 16 million Americans, most commonly presenting on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It is frequently mistaken for acne, eczema, or a simple blush — leading to years of mismanagement before a proper diagnosis is made.

The four subtypes: Erythematotelangiectatic (flushing, visible blood vessels), Papulopustular (acne-like breakouts), Phymatous (skin thickening, often on the nose), and Ocular (dry, irritated eyes). Many patients present with overlapping features.

Common triggers include UV exposure, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, exercise, stress, and certain skincare products — particularly those containing fragrance, alcohol, or exfoliating acids.

What actually works: Prescription topicals like metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin cream are first-line treatments for papulopustular rosacea. Oral antibiotics (doxycycline at sub-antimicrobial doses) address inflammation without promoting resistance. Laser and light therapies are highly effective for persistent redness and visible vessels.

There is no cure, but rosacea is very manageable with the right treatment plan. A board-certified dermatologist can identify your subtype, pinpoint triggers, and build a protocol that actually works for your skin. Link in bio to schedulewith Mid-County Dermatology.

Sunburn is UV-induced skin damage — and how you treat it in the first 48 hours matters.

When UV radiation overwhelms your skin’s repair mechanisms, inflammation sets in — causing the redness, pain, and peeling most of us know well. Here’s what the evidence actually supports for home care:

Cool it down. Apply cool (not ice cold) compresses or take a cool shower to reduce surface heat and ease discomfort. Avoid ice directly on skin, which can cause further damage.

Hydrate aggressively — inside and out. Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface. Drink extra water and apply a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer like aloe vera gel or a ceramide-based lotion while skin is still slightly damp.

Anti-inflammatories help. Ibuprofen or aspirin taken early can reduce redness and pain by targeting the inflammatory pathway — more effective than acetaminophen for this purpose.

Do not pop blisters. Blisters are the skin’s natural barrier against infection. Breaking them increases risk of secondary bacterial infection significantly.

Avoidance is always the best treatment. Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ applied 15 minutes before sun exposure, reapplied every two hours, and paired with protective clothing and shade remains the most evidence-based intervention of all. No sunburn means no damage to repair. See us if blistering is widespread, you develop fever or chills, or your skin shows signs of infection. Link in bio to schedule with Mid-County Dermatology.

Ever wonder why red light therapy actually works for acne?

Here’s what’s happening under your skin in 3 steps:

1️⃣ Red light (630–660 nm) penetrates 2–3 mm into the dermis — deep enough to reach the source of inflammation, not just the surface.

2️⃣ It activates porphyrins inside acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes), generating a burst of oxygen that destroys them from within. At the same time, it signals sebaceous glands to dial back excess oil production.

3️⃣ Mitochondria in skin cells absorb the light and produce more ATP — the energy your skin needs to repair itself. This also reduces the cytokine activity responsible for the redness and swelling you see with inflammatory acne.

The result: fewer active breakouts, less redness, and faster post-acne healing — without antibiotics, retinoids, or downtime.

Worth noting: red light works best on inflammatory acne (papules, pustules, cysts). It’s less effective for purely comedonal (blackhead/whitehead) acne, and results typically require consistent sessions over 4–8 weeks.

💬 Have questions about whether this is right for your skin type? Drop them below — we read every comment.

Why does poison ivy make you itch so badly?

Poison ivy triggers an allergic contact dermatitis — a reaction to urushiol, an oily resin found in the plant’s leaves, stems, and roots. Even a microscopic amount on your skin can cause a significant response in sensitized individuals.

What to expect: intense itching, redness, and swelling within 12–72 hours of contact, followed by fluid-filled blisters that may weep and crust over. The rash itself is not contagious — but urushiol on clothing, pets, or tools absolutely can transfer to others.

Important myth to break: scratching does not spread the rash. New areas appearing days later are simply slower immune responses to lower amounts of urushiol on the skin.

Mild cases can be managed with cool compresses and over-the-counter hydrocortisone. Severe reactions — widespread blistering, facial swelling, or rash near the eyes — require prescription corticosteroids. See a dermatologist promptly if symptoms are intense or not improving. Link in bio to schedule with Mid-County Dermatology.

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Warts are common, contagious, and often stubborn—but the good news is that they’re treatable.

These small skin growths are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can show up on the hands, feet, face, or other areas of the body. Some go away on their own, but many linger, spread, or become painful—especially plantar warts on the feet.

At Mid-County Dermatology, we can help diagnose and treat warts with effective options tailored to your skin and the location of the wart. If you have a growth that isn’t going away, it’s worth getting checked.

📍Serving the St. Louis area
🌐 midcountyderm.com

What is Jock Itch?

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a common fungal infection affecting the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It’s caused by the same family of fungi responsible for athlete’s foot — meaning it can spread from your feet to your groin if left untreated.

Signs to watch for: a red or brownish ring-shaped rash, persistent itching or burning, dry or flaking skin, and discomfort that worsens with sweat or physical activity.

Who’s at risk? Tight clothing, excess moisture, shared towels or gym equipment, and a weakened immune system all increase your chances.

While OTC antifungal creams can address mild cases, recurring or spreading infections often require prescription treatment. A board-certified dermatologist can also rule out conditions like psoriasis or eczema, which closely mimic jock itch. Early, accurate diagnosis means faster relief — and fewer relapses. Link in bio to schedule with Mid-County Dermatology.