What Causes Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects more than 70% of people at some point in their lives. At HyperCharge Health, Dr. Holder specializes in treating acne and acne scarring. Effective acne treatments must target one or more of the four primary causes of acne:

Key Contributing Factors:

• Clogged hair follicles and overactive sebaceous (oil) glands

• Bacteria on the skin (Propionibacterium acnes)

• Hormonal imbalances

• Generalized skin inflammation

Best Prescription Acne Treatments

The most effective prescription treatments for acne include:

• Topical Retinoids – Help regulate skin cell turnover and prevent clogged follicles that lead to breakouts.

• Topical Antibacterial Medications – Reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

• Oral Antibiotics – Target and eliminate acne-causing bacteria, especially in moderate to severe acne cases or deep cystic acne.

• Hormonal Treatments – Address hormonal acne, particularly in women experiencing breakouts on the lower face, jawline, chin, and back. These treatments help regulate androgenic (male hormone) influence, which is a common cause of hormonal acne.

Medical Extractions

Over 40 million people suffer from acne, regardless of severity. Acne cysts form when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and debris. Even those with otherwise clear skin can develop cystic acne. While it may be tempting to pop these cysts, improper extraction can worsen breakouts by pushing bacteria deeper into the skin. Medical extractions, performed using sterile techniques, can safely clear clogged pores and improve skin health.

Adult Acne & Hormonal Breakouts

Is adult acne common? Absolutely! Many adults, particularly women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, experience acne influenced by hormonal changes.

• Best Treatments for Adult Acne: Prescription retinoids not only treat acne but also provide anti-aging benefits. Many women benefit from hormonal treatments, which help regulate androgen levels and prevent breakouts.

• Treatments to Improve Acne Marks: Many adult patients prefer treatments that reduce acne scars and discoloration, eliminating the need for heavy makeup. Options like chemical peels and KTP laser treatments can significantly improve skin texture and tone.

At HyperCharge Health, we are dedicated to helping patients achieve clear, healthy skin. Hormonal acne, in particular, is on the rise, but it doesn’t have to be endured. With the right combination of treatments, clear skin is possible!

Skin Cancer Awareness & Prevention

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 2 million cases diagnosed annually. Any suspicious lesion—such as a hard, scaly, irregular, crusty, or rapidly growing spot—should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can develop in a mole you’ve had your entire life. Did you know that Minnesota ranks 3rd in the country for new melanoma diagnoses?

The good news is that melanoma is highly treatable when caught early. It can appear anywhere on the body—not just the face—so regular skin exams are essential.

Full-Body Skin Exam

Routine full-body skin exams are one of the most effective ways to detect skin cancer early and prevent its progression. When caught in the early stages, skin cancer treatment is often simple and highly successful. However, if left untreated, it can become life-threatening.

Types of Skin Growths & Removal Options

Many types of skin growths can be removed through a simple outpatient procedure. These may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), so a biopsy and microscopic examination are recommended for accurate diagnosis.

Common Growth Removal Techniques:

• Tangential Shave: A numbing agent is applied, and the growth is shaved off with a blade. No sutures are needed, and the wound heals naturally

• Elliptical Excision: A deeper removal method using a scalpel and sutures, often required for moles and skin cancers.

Most procedures result in minimal scarring, though some patients may develop raised scars (keloids), which can be treated with steroid injections.

Common Skin Growths

Benign Growths:

✔ Seborrheic Keratosis

 ✔ Warts & Skin Tags

 ✔ Cysts

 ✔ Lipomas

 ✔ Angiomas

 ✔ Pyogenic Granulomas

 ✔ Neurofibromas

 ✔ Moles

 ✔ Dermatofibromas

Malignant Skin Cancers:

❌ Basal Cell Carcinoma

❌ Squamous Cell Carcinoma

❌ Melanoma

If you notice new, changing, or suspicious growths, it’s crucial to have them evaluated as soon as possible.

Early detection saves lives!

What is hair loss?

Losing up to 100 hairs daily is normal, but excessive shedding with little regrowth is called alopecia. It can affect anyone, including children, and may be temporary or permanent. 

Types of Hair Loss:

• Androgenic alopecia: Hereditary baldness in men and women. 

• Alopecia areata: Autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss. 

• Telogen effluvium: Sudden shedding due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes. 

• Anagen effluvium: Rapid hair loss from medical treatments like chemotherapy. 

Common Causes:

• Genetics 

• Stress, illness, or hormonal changes 

• Medical treatments (chemotherapy, medications) 

• Nutrient deficiencies (iron, protein) 

• Hairstyles or treatments that weaken hair follicles 

Symptoms:

• Thinning hair or receding hairline 

• Patchy bald spots 

• Hair loss on the scalp and body 

Diagnosis:

A healthcare provider may check your medical history, perform blood tests, examine your scalp, or conduct a biopsy to determine the cause. 

Treatment Options:

• Medications

• Hair Transplants

• Addressing underlying causes

Prevention Tips:

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet 

• Manage stress 

• Avoid tight hairstyles and harsh treatments 

• Use a cooling cap during chemotherapy 

Hair loss can be distressing, but treatments exist to slow or reverse it. Schedule a consult TODAY with Dr. Holder for the best approach to maintain healthy hair. 

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a condition that can be both embarrassing and frustrating. It most commonly affects the underarms, palms, feet, and face and can significantly impact personal and professional life. Over-the-counter antiperspirants often don't provide sufficient relief for those with hyperhidrosis.

Skin Discoloration Treatment

Skin discoloration can result from various factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, medications, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. Dr. Holder is committed to identifying the underlying cause of your discoloration and creating a personalized treatment plan to restore your skin’s natural tone.

Melasma Treatment

Melasma is a common form of skin discoloration that primarily affects women, appearing on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead. It is triggered by a combination of sun exposure and hormonal fluctuations. Prevention is key, with broad-spectrum sunscreen being essential. Treatment options may include lightening creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy, used alone or in combination for optimal results.

Brown Spots and Discoloration

We offer advanced laser treatments for brown spots and discoloration. Each session delivers noticeable improvement, though the number of treatments required varies based on individual needs and desired results. During your consultation, we will determine the best laser treatment for you and estimate the number of sessions needed. To maintain results and prevent recurrence, it is crucial to avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

We understand how frustrating and uncomfortable skin conditions can be. Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease, appears as red, scaly patches, while eczema causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. In the U.S., over 31.6 million people struggle with eczema, and more than 7.5 million are affected by psoriasis. Fortunately, advancements in dermatology have made managing these conditions more effective than ever.

At our clinic, Dr. Holder will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your skin’s unique needs. From topical and oral medications to cutting-edge LED therapies we offer a range of solutions to help restore your skin’s health. Additionally, making lifestyle changes—such as identifying triggers and maintaining a proper skincare routine—can significantly reduce flare-ups.

You’re not alone in this journey! Our team is here to help you experience the confidence that comes with healthy skin.

Eczema Treatment

Eczema causes sensitive, rough, red, and scaly patches that can be intensely itchy. When eczema begins in childhood, it is classified as atopic dermatitis, a genetic condition.

Several common types of eczema include:

• Dyshidrotic eczema – Small, fluid-filled blisters on the hands and feet that peel over time.

• Contact dermatitis – Triggered by allergens such as fragrances, preservatives, metals, or strong chemicals, leading to well-defined irritated areas.

• Nummular dermatitis – Characterized by round, coin-shaped itchy spots on the skin.

At HyperCharge Health we focus not just on treating eczema but also on identifying its underlying causes. Often, eczema is linked to a contact allergy. Dr. Holder offers extensive patch testing, a specialized form of allergy testing performed by select dermatologists, to determine the exact triggers of your eczema.

If you’re in the Minneapolis area and seeking effective eczema treatment, contact HyperCharge Health today!

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated condition that causes red, scaly plaques on the skin. In some cases, it can also affect the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis. Common areas impacted by psoriasis include the scalp, face, and body.

At HyperCharge Health, we develop customized treatment plans that may include:

•  Topical or oral medications

•  Injectable treatments

•  Advanced LED therapy options

With over 7.5 million Americans affected by psoriasis, we recognize that it is more than just a skin condition—it has both physical and emotional impacts. While family history and environmental factors play a role in its development, effective treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and affordable psoriasis treatments that help you achieve clearer skin and long-term relief. Let us partner with you on your journey to better skin health!

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a chronic inflammatory condition that predominantly affects men of color. Affected individuals develop pink papules and pustules around the hair follicles on the face and neck due to shaving. As the papules and pustules resolve, it can result in hyperpigmentation (darker discoloration) and scarring. The condition is thought to be caused by shaved hairs growing back and curling back into the skin, causing localized irritation and inflammation. Management of the condition focuses on discontinuing shaving if possible or adjusting shaving techniques to minimize the formation of new lesions. Treatment may include prescription medications, corticosteroid injections, and laser hair removal. 

Rosacea is a skin breakout that causes skin redness, typically around the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rosacea sometimes looks like an intense blush but can also result in small, red, pus-filled bumps on the skin or red blood vessels on the skin, or your nose might seem redder and more bulbous looking. In some extreme cases, rosacea may affect the eyes.

Causes and Symptoms of Rosacea

While there is not a clear cause for rosacea, it is often triggered by intense exposure to sun and heat, as a reaction to strong emotional situations, and as a reaction to high consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. You could also have a genetic predisposition to rosacea if your parents have suffered from it.

Rosacea has four subtypes, and each subtype has its own symptoms.

• Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR) is associated with facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. Its symptoms include redness in the center of the face, broken blood vessels, swollen and sensitive skin, stinging or burning sensations on the skin, and rough and dry skin.

• Papulopustular Rosacea (or acne rosacea) is associated with acne-like breakouts and often affects middle-aged women. Its symptoms include breakouts on the skin (oily and sensitive skin), visibly broken blood vessels, and raised patches of skin.

• Rhinophyma is associated with the thickening of the skin on your nose. It usually affects men and is often accompanied by another subtype of rosacea. Its symptoms include bumpy skin, thick skin on the nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears, large pores, and visibly broken blood vessels.

• Ocular Rosacea affects the eye area and can affect sight if left untreated. Its symptoms include bloodshot and watery eyes, burning sensation in the eye, gritty eyes that feel dry and itchy, sensitivity to light, cyst-like formations in the eye, reduced clarity of vision, and broken blood vessels on eyelids.

For some people, self-care options help keep skin problems under control, but most people will need to consult a dermatologist who can advise them on treatment and medication for their specific skin problem.

Treatment Options

For some people, over-the-counter rosacea medications like topical creams can help ease and, in some cases, resolve this skin problem. If such remedies have not worked for you, it may be time to consult an experienced dermatologist who can recommend prescription-strength medication or other treatment options for your skin condition.

Rosacea Treatment

The first step to treating rosacea is to know what triggers it in your body and form habits that help avoid those triggers. And while there is no permanent cure for rosacea, mindful self-care and timely treatment can help you manage skin redness and ease any discomfort.

Treatment for rosacea can take a few weeks or months to show results. Sometimes, additional procedures, lifestyle modifications, and skincare products may be recommended by your doctor to treat your rosacea. These may include:

• Lasers That Use Intense Light to Treat Swollen Blood Vessels

• Red/Blue Light Therapy

• Stress Management Techniques

• Skincare Products That Don’t Irritate the Skin

Many individuals experience recurring eczema flares or persistent rashes without a clear cause, which can be both frustrating and difficult to manage. To identify potential triggers, many of our patients opt for patch testing, a reliable method for detecting skin allergies.

Allergy patch testing is a straightforward procedure. The process takes place over three visits within the same week, typically scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday:

1. First Visit: A panel of common allergens is applied to your back.

2. Second Visit: The panel is removed, allowing the skin to react to potential allergens.

3. Third Visit: Our specialists assess your skin to determine which allergens may be causing irritation. We then review your results and discuss which products commonly contain the identified allergens.

Patch testing is an effective way to pinpoint specific ingredients that may be triggering allergic reactions. By identifying these allergens—such as dyes, fragrances, and preservatives—we can help you take the necessary steps to prevent future flare-ups and maintain healthier skin.

What is Vitiligo? 

Vitiligo (pronounced "vit-il-EYE-go") is a skin condition that causes a loss of pigment, leading to lighter or white patches on the skin. These depigmented areas are called macules if they are less than 1 centimeter wide and patches if they are larger. If vitiligo affects a hair-bearing area, the hair may turn white or silver. 

What Causes Vitiligo? 

Vitiligo occurs when the body's immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin—the pigment that gives skin its color. While the exact cause is unknown, possible triggers include: 

• Autoimmune response: The body mistakenly targets melanocytes as harmful and destroys them. 

• Genetic factors: Mutations in over 30 genes may increase the risk of developing vitiligo. 

• Stress: Both emotional and physical stress can impact melanocyte function. 

• Environmental factors: Exposure to UV radiation or toxic chemicals may contribute to depigmentation. 

Who Can Develop Vitiligo? 

Vitiligo affects all races and genders equally, though it is more noticeable in people with darker skin. The condition typically appears before the age of 30. Individuals with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes (Type 1), lupus, thyroid disease, or rheumatoid arthritis may be at a higher risk. 

Types of Vitiligo 

• Generalized Vitiligo: The most common type, affecting various parts of the body. 

• Segmental Vitiligo: Occurs on one side or a specific area of the body. 

• Mucosal Vitiligo: Affects the mucous membranes in the mouth and genitals. 

• Focal Vitiligo: A rare type where depigmented spots remain localized without spreading. 

• Trichrome Vitiligo: Creates a bullseye pattern with different shades of pigment loss. 

• Universal Vitiligo: A severe form affecting more than 80% of the body. 

Symptoms of Vitiligo 

• Patches of skin losing color, appearing lighter or completely white. 

• Premature graying or whitening of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard. 

• Depigmentation in mucous membranes (inside the mouth, nose, or genitals). 

• Some people may experience itchiness before the skin changes. 

How is Vitiligo Diagnosed? 

Dr. Holder can diagnose vitiligo through: 

• Visual examination of the affected skin. 

• Wood’s lamp test (using UV light to highlight depigmented areas). 

• Medical history assessment, including family history and autoimmune conditions. 

How is Vitiligo Treated? 

Vitiligo is primarily a cosmetic condition, but treatment options are available to restore pigment or even out skin tone: 

• Medications

• Light Therapy to stimulate melanocyte activity. 

• Depigmentation Therapy

• Counseling & Support: Emotional and psychological support can help improve self-confidence. 

Living with Vitiligo 

• Sun Protection: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent sunburns on depigmented areas. 

• Cosmetic Camouflage: Makeup, self-tanners, or micropigmentation (tattooing) can help cover affected areas. 

• Emotional Well-being: Support groups or counseling can help with self-esteem challenges. 

Warts are skin growths caused by different subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While anyone can develop warts, individuals with weakened or suppressed immune systems may be more susceptible. The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact.

Fortunately, wart removal can be achieved through various treatment methods, ranging from gentle topical medications (often recommended for children) to cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), laser treatments, surgical removal, and injections.

A combination of in-office treatments and at-home care can speed up the healing process, helping patients achieve faster results while reducing costs and minimizing repeat office visits.