Mid-County Dermatology

05/12/2026

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.

05/05/2026

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.

04/30/2026

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.

04/27/2026

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.

04/24/2026

Celebrate Mom the way she deserves 💕
Our Mother’s Day Specials are here!
✨ $50 OFF Botox (minimum 20 units)
✨ $100 OFF Filler
✨ $10 OFF Spray Tans
Spots are limited — book now!
Because she gives so much, give her a little time for herself 💖
Schedule a tan-
https://dermabronze.glossgenius.com/about
Schedule Botox/Filler with Denise Apprill: https://www.midcountyderm.com/schedule

04/23/2026

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

04/21/2026

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.

04/16/2026

Preparing for Botox? Our dermatologist-approved guide covers everything you need to know to minimize bruising and maximize results. Read practical pre- and post-care tips from experts and feel confident going into your appointment. Read more: https://wix.to/kmeqTeE

Learn how to prepare for Botox injections with our expert guide. Get practical, dermatologist-approved tips to minimize bruising and maximize your results.

04/13/2026

Wondering how to reduce the appearance of scars? Our St. Louis dermatologist breaks down evidence-based at-home care and professional treatments in this practical guide — from scar massage and silicone sheeting to laser and microneedling options. Read the full article for tips tailored to different scar types and recovery stages. https://wix.to/MIgAkho

Discover how to reduce appearance of scars with dermatologist-backed tips. From at-home care to professional treatments, learn what really helps.

04/10/2026

04/08/2026

DERMA BRONZE SPRAY TANNING
✨ Introductory Pricing

Custom Spray Tan — $25
Enhance your result:
Hydration Treatment — $8
Fragrance Infusion — $5

Limited availability. This week only.

If you have questions or scheduling questions or requests, comment below and I will reach out!

https://dermabronze.glossgenius.com