Ottawa naturopathic medicine provider, Dr. Kandis Lock treats various skin conditions utilizing a holistic approach to provide Ontario patients with symptom relief and long-term skin health management strategies.

For Ottawa patients experiencing changes in their skin, such as rashes, inflammation, or persistent itchiness, it’s crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare professional–like Kandis Lock, N.D.. Skin conditions result from a variety of factors, including genetics and lifestyle choices. Ottawa naturopathic medicine provider, Dr. Kandis Lock treats skin conditions holistically utilizing a combination of medications, specialized creams or ointments, and potential lifestyle adjustments.

From common skin irritations to more serious concerns of skin cancer, Ottawa naturopathic medicine doctor, Kandis Lock, N.D. provides the necessary support and guidance to Ontario patients for effective treatment and long-term management. Some skin conditions are managed with consistent self-care practices, however it’s important to remember that on-going supervised treatment can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and provide long-term relief. Kandis Lock, N.D. is here to discuss your skin health concerns and provide holistic treatment options for overall wellness and wellbeing.

Call Ottawa skin heath expert, Kandis Lock, N.D. at (613) 738-4779 to schedule a personalized skin health consultation and reclaim your skin’s healthy glow today!

Common Skin Conditions

Some skin conditions are minor, while others may lead to more severe symptoms. Common skin conditions treated by Ottawa skin health expert, Kandis Lock, N.D. include:

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that targets the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss on the scalp, beard, and potentially eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. Hair loss due to alopecia can be unpredictable, due to the hair follicles remaining intact, normal hair growth can resume at anytime–only to suddenly fall out once more.

Eczema is a skin condition characterized by the development of dry, itchy, and bumpy patches. Eczema compromises the skin’s protective barrier, which aids in moisture retention and shields the body from external irritants. It is a non-contagious skin condition that can flare-up upon contact with environmental irritants or allergens.

Indications of skin cancer include the appearance of new bumps or patches on the skin, as well as changes in the size, shape, or color of existing skin growths. Typically, as old skin cells die, new one’s regenerate to take their place. When this process is disrupted, such as by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, skin cells begin to generate more rapidly. Early detection significantly improves the treatability of most forms of skin cancer.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that triggers extensive skin inflammation. It results in the presence of thick, discolored patches on the skin covered with scales, known as plaques. Typically, psoriasis only affects a small portion of the skin. However, severe cases can result in plaques connecting to cover large areas of the body.

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that results in facial redness, commonly found on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Rosacea can extend to other facial features, including the eyes. Some forms of rosacea can lead to the development of pimples and skin swelling.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that impacts the skin and underlying tissues. Typically, cellulitis affects the lower regions of the body, such as the legs, feet, and toes. However, cellulitis can frequently affect the face, arms, hands, and fingers. Cellulitis results in swelling and pain of the affected area.

Acne occurs when skin pores become blocked, resulting in the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples which are painful and filled with pus. Acne typically manifests on the face due to pore blockages from oil or dead skin cells. However, acne can also occur on the chest, shoulders, and upper back area.

Oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), easily transmitted through skin contact. Cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth or face generally indicate an HSV-1 outbreak, which can recur over a lifetime but typically resolves on its own. In contrast, genital herpes from the herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), leads to internal and external sores and blisters in the genital area, often emerging days, weeks, or months after exposure.

Vitiligo results in the loss of skin color or pigmentation, resulting in smooth white or light patches on the skin known as macules. Commonly affected areas include the hands, forearms, feet, and face. While treatment for vitiligo isn’t mandatory, Kandis Lock, N.D. can suggest options if you’re uncomfortable with the changes in your skin tone.

Causes & Symptoms of Skin Conditions

Causes of Skin Conditions

Certain lifestyle choices or existing health conditions can impact your skin’s health and contribute to the onset of skin conditions. Commonly known triggers for skin diseases involve:

  • Bacteria trapped within pores or hair follicles
  • Conditions affecting the thyroid, kidneys, or immune system
  • Environmental triggers like allergens or skin contact with an affected individual
  • Genetics
  • Fungus or parasites on the skin
  • Certain medications
  • Viruses
  • Diabetes
  • Sun exposure

Symptoms of Skin Conditions

Symptoms of skin conditions can vary extensively–contingent upon the specific skin condition. It’s crucial to note that not all skin changes are indicative of skin diseases. For example, wearing ill-fitting shoes might result in blisters on the skin. However, if unexplained skin changes arise, they could potentially be associated with an underlying skin health issue. Generally, skin conditions may result in symptoms such as:

  • Discolored patches of skin
  • Dry skin
  • Open sores, lesions, or ulcers
  • Peeling skin
  • Rashes, with or without itchiness or pain
  • Red, white, or pus-filled bumps
  • Scaly, rough skin

How Are Skin Conditions Diagnosed?

Ottawa skin health expert, Kandis Lock, N.D. can typically diagnosis a skin condition by visually examining the skin. If further information is needed to make an accurate diagnosis, Kandis Lock, N.D. may use tests such as:

  • Biopsy – removing a small piece of affected skin to examine under a microscope
  • Culture – testing a skin sample for bacteria, fungus, or viruses
  • Skin Patch Test – applying minimal amounts of substances to the skin to test for allergic reactions
  • Wood Light Test – utilizing an ultraviolet light to view the skin’s pigmentation more extensively
  • Diascopy – pressing a microscope slide against the skin to see if there is skin color changes
  • Dermoscopy – utilizing a dermatoscope to diagnose skin lesions
  • Tzanck Test – testing fluid from a blister to check for herpes simplex virus

Treatment and Management of Skin Conditions

Typically, skin conditions respond well to treatment. Ottawa naturopathic medicine doctor, Kandis Lock, N.D. provides holistic, individualized treatment options that may include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Antihistamines
  • Laser skin resurfacing
  • Medicated creams, ointments, or gels
  • Moisturizers
  • Oral medications
  • Steroid pills, creams, or injections
  • Surgical procedures

Additionally, Ottawa skin heath expert, Kandis Lock, N.D. understands that skin conditions can be impacted by lifestyle choices. Kandis Lock, N.D. may also recommend the following types of lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms:

  • Manage stress
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Avoid or limit certain foods
  • Avoid excessive alcohol use or smoking
Ottowa Skin Conditions Treatment

Time to Love the Skin You’re In

Call (613) 738-4779 to speak with Ottawa skin health expert, Kandis Lock, N.D. and schedule a consultation today!

Ottawa Integrative Naturopathic Telemedicine provider, Dr. Kandis Lock treats skin concerns for women in Ottawa and Brampton, Brockville, Cornwall, Kitchener, Markham, Mississauga, Pembroke, Perth, Smiths Falls, Toronto, Vaughan, Hamilton, Hawkesbury, Kanata, Orleans, Ottawa, Windsor and Nepean Ontario.