Blog Archive

Here in the Sunshine State, we have the luxury of wearing shorts and skirts year round thanks to the warm temps, yet you’re keeping your legs under wraps thanks to varicose and/or spider veins. It may be of some consolation to know that you’re not alone. Most people develop a...

You find yourself hiding your hands, or maybe you hesitate to take someone else’s hand, thanks to a few warts that have made you more self-conscious. The most important thing to understand about the warts on your hands is that they are most likely benign and not a sign of...

We try to chase after our youth in many ways as we fight off aging, inside and out, but there are some things that we do want to grow out of, such as acne.  Acne is, far and away, the most common skin condition, affecting about 50 million Americans each...

Yes, psoriasis can develop in adulthood.  In fact, psoriasis affects more than 7.5 million Americans of different ages, different genders, and different skin colors. While kids can, and do, get psoriasis, the chronic inflammatory skin condition tends to strike as you get older In this blog, Dr. Matthew Zarraga and...

  When you have a skin condition like rosacea — and about 16 million people in the United States fit this bill — prevention is key. If you haven’t already noticed, rosacea tends to flare under certain circumstances, which makes avoiding those circumstances a great first line of defense. Here, the...

Few products can truly claim to change their fields radically, but Botox® certainly did just that. In 2002, this cosmetic injectable gained FDA approval to smooth out wrinkles on the top half of the face, and the aesthetic world hasn't looked back since. Today, Botox and its colleagues, including Xeomin®...

If you’ve got warts on your skin, usually around your hands, the good news is that these growths aren't exactly cause for alarm. And as you may have already figured out, they can be stubborn about going away. As dermatology experts, the skin care team here at Z-Roc Dermatology, led...

Living in Florida, we’re blessed with abundant sunshine year-round, but this blessing hides a darker side — ultraviolet (UV) radiation — which explains why Florida ranks number two in melanoma diagnoses in the United States. While getting outside is important, the team here at Z-Roc Dermatology, led by Dr. Khongruk...

We enjoy warm temps and abundant sunshine year round here in Florida, so we often bare our skin. And when we wear shorts and skirts, our common blemishes, like spider veins, are on full display. If you’re covering up your legs because of these pesky veins, we offer innovative laser...

We’re kicking this blog off with two statistics:  By the age of 70, 1 in 5 people in the United States will develop skin cancer Mohs surgery to excise skin cancer can garner up to a 99% success rate If you’ve joined the millions of people who have skin cancer in this country,...

Over time, you watch as your face succumbs to the signs of aging, including deep lines on the lower half of your face and volume loss under your eyes and in your cheeks. While it may have taken years for these signs to develop, we can erase them in just...

If you’re waging war against acne, you’re certainly not alone — acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million people annually. And, like 49,999,999 million others, you appreciate how stubborn acne can be, often ignoring your every effort to regain clear skin....

It would be no exaggeration to say that since it burst onto the cosmetic scene more than two decades ago, Botox® has changed how we address aging. Since its introduction, Botox and its counterparts have held the top position for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the United States. As dermatologists, Dr. Khongruk Wongkittiroch, Dr. Matthew Zarraga, and...

Slightly more than 10% of the population in the United States has some form of eczema, which means that, on any given day, scores of people are struggling to find relief during a flare-up. If you find yourself in this boat, you want the episode to be as brief and...

We’re going to get right to the question posed in the title of this blog about whether you can get rosacea in middle age — Yes. In fact, this skin condition usually makes its first appearance during the middle years, typically between the ages of 30 and 60. The team...

Year after year, your skin defends and protects you and can take a beating in the process. If you’ve resolved to better support your skin this year, there are some great rules of thumb that you might want to consider. At Z-Roc Dermatology, Dr. Matthew Zarraga and Dr. Khongruk Wongkittiroch...

Your skin is your largest organ — it covers an average of 22 square feet — and shields you against the hazards around you. Evidence of this protective role continually mounts over the course of your life, typically in the form of scars, rashes, discolorations, and lesions. As the new additions to...

The holidays, and a new year, are coming up, and you want to explore ways in which you can put your best face forward this year (and next). You’re in luck as we have more tools than ever at our disposal that work quickly and effectively at revitalizing, refreshing, and...

You want clear, blemish-free skin when you face the world, but life — and your actions — may be getting in the way of your goals. While there may have been little you could do to avoid the scar that came by way of an accident, there are certain practices...

About 100 different types of herpes exist, but only eight are known to infect humans. These herpes viruses can lead to cold sores, genital warts, shingles, and even cancerous lesions on your skin. If you’re having herpes-related skin problems, the team at Z-Roc Dermatology, led by Drs. Matthew Zarraga and...

Over the years, your skin has done a fantastic job protecting you from the world, but the toll can be great. Age spots, wrinkles, uneven texture, and a duller complexion all converge to give your face an older, more weathered look that may be very unwelcome. To give your skin...

You wanted an easy road to preventing an unplanned pregnancy, and you’ve opted for hormonal contraceptives. While the birth control is certainly doing the trick, you’ve developed darker patches of skin on your upper body, perhaps on your face, neck, or forearms, called melasma, and you wonder whether the two are...

If you add up the hours and the money you spend on shaving, waxing, and plucking the unwanted hair on your face, the total might surprise you. If you want to make your life more hassle-free, while reaching your aesthetic goals, you should consider laser hair removal. At Z-Roc Dermatology,...

Whether it was a feat of derring do, clumsiness, or a surgical procedure that created the scar, all you know is that you’re tired of the reminder, and you want to hit the reset button and return to your once-smooth skin.  Thanks to advanced laser technologies, Drs. Matthew Zarraga, Khongruk...

You eye that delicious chocolate bar and you want to indulge, but you’re worried that it may cause acne. The connection between acne and chocolate is complicated — there’s good news and bad. To help you better understand the link, the team here at Z-Roc Dermatology, headed up by Drs....

Despite incredible medical advancements in treating and managing HIV/AIDS, complications can, and do, develop, especially when it comes to your skin. More than 90% of those who are infected by HIV experience skin problems, which makes having an expert and experienced dermatology team in your corner important. Such a team...

For the 3% of the population in the United States who struggle with psoriasis, the road to relief can be frustrating, but there’s hope for this autoimmune disorder. Since your skin is on the front line when it comes to psoriasis, the team here at Z-Roc Dermatology, led by Drs....

Does it seem like each time you look in the mirror, a new line has taken its place among a growing number of wrinkles? While there may be little we can do about the forward march of time, there’s much we can do to erase its passage.  Skin is our...

Whether you’re a skinny woman, of normal weight, or you’re carrying a few extra pounds, cellulite can make a most unwelcome appearance, turning your once smooth skin into a landscape of peaks and valleys. You exercise, you diet, you smooth creams over the area, and the cellulite persists, despite your...

There’s a good reason why Florida is called, “The Sunshine State,” as our year-round weather features abundant sun and warm temperatures. All of this time out of doors, however, also leaves us more vulnerable to skin cancer, which we can stay one step ahead of through skin cancer screening. As...

You hear the word “cancer,” and your first thought is that you want it gone, which often means cutting it out. Excision is often the first, and best, approach, when it comes to cancer, which is certainly true of skin cancer. Unfortunately, this approach often sacrifices healthy tissue at the...

Auto-immune disorders like eczema are incredibly frustrating as medical researchers continue to seek answers as to why your immune system turns on your body. In the meantime, you’re left with considerable discomfort and quality-of-life issues and you want solutions.  While there may not be a magic bullet, we offer plenty...

For nearly two decades, Botox® has been one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States, with more than 2.6 million in 2020 alone. There are many reasons why Botox reigns supreme in the world of anti-aging, and we explore them here. Under the direction of Drs....

The numbers surrounding the prevalence of skin cancer are large enough that it would lead one to (reasonably) assume that no one is safe from this potentially dangerous and life-threatening disease. There is some truth to that if you consider that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by...

Your skin is your largest organ, and its primary role is to protect and shield your body. So what do you do when your first line of defense has its own issues, which is certainly the case with rosacea? That’s where the experienced and highly qualified team at Z-Roc Dermatology,...

You look in the mirror and find that those wrinkles that used to only appear when you smiled or frowned are now taking up permanent residence on your face. While these lines are usually the first visible signs of aging, they’re far from the only changes taking place in your...

The average human skin covers a whopping 21 square feet, making it the human body’s largest organ. Since your skin plays an invaluable protective role, keeping it looking its best is not only a cosmetic endeavor, but also a health and wellness one. Unfortunately, there are many bad habits that...

Are you tired of seeing fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, brown spots, or acne scars? Then don’t. Thanks to breakthrough technology, you can minimize these and many other skin imperfections to the point where they’re barely visible.  Traditional microneedling (aka Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy) is effective, but now there’s a...

Let’s start this discussion with a surprising statistic — every day in the United States, 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer. While these numbers may seem terrifying, skin cancer has a very high survival rate, especially when it's caught in the earlier stages. This is why it’s important for...

One of the great appeals of living in Florida is the abundant sunshine and warm temps we enjoy year-round. While our seasons may not be as severe as elsewhere in the United States, there are some seasonal changes to consider when caring for your skin. To help keep your skin...

Florida may not be known for blizzards and freezing temperatures, but it does usher in cooler temperatures and drier air that can make your eczema flare up. Our goal at Z-Roc Dermatology is to keep your skin in the pink of health year-round. To that end, Drs. Khongruk Wongkittiroch and...

Scarring is your body’s way of protecting itself, and it pays little heed to the visible aftermath once the job is complete. In most cases, scar tissue isn’t excessive as it simply covers the damaged skin to shore up your skin’s protective shield. With keloids, however, your body’s scarring mechanism...

As time goes by, the evidence of your life can begin to pile up in the form of scarring and stretch marks. While each develops for different reasons, both are caused by the same response in your tissue. Fortunately, we can address both using advanced laser technology to clear away...

When it comes to erasing damage on your skin, whether it’s damage done by the sun or by acne, photodynamic therapy provides you with incredible results without resorting to more invasive approaches like surgery. Since the goal of our PDT is to eliminate damaged and abnormal cells, it’s important that...

When the United States ground to a halt in March, everything from car maintenance to healthcare was put on the back burner as we sheltered at home. Tending to this backlog as we slowly make our way into the world can be daunting, especially as the virus continues to make...

I am sure most of you have seen and or heard that COVID-19 is on the rise and we must not let our guard down. We cannot emphasize enough that everyone inside and outside of the office adheres to the CDC guideline. More and more people are getting infected by...

More than 100,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2020, which accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancer diagnoses. Unfortunately, melanoma also leads to the most skin cancer deaths thanks to its aggressive behavior, which makes catching and exercising the cancer in its...

Spider and varicose veins can be extremely frustrating conditions to deal with — once they develop, they don’t go away on their own. But thanks to exciting laser technology and sclerotherapy, you’re not sentenced to a lifetime of mottled skin. At Z-Roc Dermatology, Drs. Matthew Zarraga and Khongruk Wongkittiroch lead...

Melasma is a tricky skin condition that largely affects the skin on your face, leaving darkened patches of color. While sun exposure plays a considerable role, there are other factors at play, including hormones, skin color, and heredity. At Z-Roc Dermatology, our team of experienced skin care specialists routinely helps...

Warts that develop on your hands and feet aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they can lead to considerable discomfort, as well as pose cosmetic concerns. And when it comes to genital warts, they’re an outward sign of a sexually transmitted infection that needs to be addressed. No matter what kind of...

The ever-evolving world of aesthetics has helped millions of men and women achieve their cosmetic goals, whether it’s turning back the clock on aging or increasing breast size. For men who are disappointed with the size of their penis, however, there are few options, most of which are invasive. At...

How you look affects how you feel. Whether you’re struggling with a skin condition, such as acne or rosacea, or you’re simply unhappy with the negative effects aging has had on your appearance, then it may be time to consider photorejuvenation.  At Z-ROC Dermatology, our cosmetic dermatology experts Dr. Khongruk...

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that compromises a person’s immune system. It’s spread through unprotected sexual contact with someone who has HIV or through contact with infected blood. HIV can lead to AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. With a weakened immune system, your body is at...

As time passes by, it leaves its marks on your skin in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin. And while we may enjoy the almost ever-present sun here in Florida, it takes its toll in the form of dark spots and sun damage. When you’re unhappy with...

When you think of acne, do you think about middle school and teenagers? Think again: Some adults struggle with acne into later decades. Even in your 30s and 40s, whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic acne may appear on your face and upper back. Still, adult acne differs from teenage acne in...

Eczema and psoriasis are some of the most common skin issues reported by young children and adults alike. They are conditions known for causing dry or scaly skin that lead to itching or discomfort. While several other conditions may also cause red, dry, or inflamed patches on the skin, it...

Are you tired of spots, scars, or stretch marks? Acne, sun damage, and aging can bring unwelcome changes to your skin, but you don’t have to accept imperfection. Laser treatments can significantly improve the appearance of your skin, treating your problem spots and giving you back a smooth, youthful look. ...

Your skin plays a significant role in your health. It protects you from the elements and microbes, and allows your body to regulate a normal temperature. It also allows you to experience sensations such as cold, warmth, and touch. While skin is protective, it can’t protect itself.  By learning to...

If you’re one of the estimated 415 million people around the world who live with rosacea, you’ll probably do just about anything to stave off the facial pustules, itchiness, skin sensitivity, stinging, burning, and flushing it causes. Learning more about rosacea triggers -- and how to avoid -- them is...

Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably. It happens when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells leads to genetic mutations or genetic defects, which cause the skin cells to multiply and form cancerous tumors. Damage from the ultraviolet (UV) rays is the primary cause of this damage, although...

One of the most common complaints many people have about their profile is the presence of a double chin. A bit of extra chin fat is surprisingly common regardless of size or weight, and often difficult to get rid of. In the past, you would’ve needed to undergo liposuction to...

As your frontline defense against the world, your skin undergoes a considerable amount of abuse throughout your life. And the effects can begin to pile up as the years go by, leaving your skin looking a little worse for the wear. If you’d like to freshen it up, restoring a...

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with more than 3 million people in the United States receiving the diagnosis each year. While a cancer diagnosis of any kind is never good news, skin cancer has a high cure rate, especially with the advent of innovative techniques like...

As your face starts to lose volume and tautness as you age, lines and wrinkles appear around your eyes, nose, and mouth. Your cheeks hollow out more and your lips may thin, contributing to an aged appearance. Dermal fillers help restore volume and facial compounds that give your skin its...

If your skin is beginning to show a little more wear-and-tear these days, a chemical peel is a wonderfully versatile solution that takes going skin deep to a new level. With different ingredients and varying strengths, chemical peels can accomplish a great deal — from gently clearing away the surface...

Wearing pants during the winter in Florida may not be a big deal. But summer is always right around the corner and you don’t want to spend another one covered up because you’re embarrassed by the bulging road map of veins on your legs. Matthew Zarraga, DO, and Khongruk Wongkittiroch,...

An estimated 40-50 million Americans suffer from acne at any given time. While you may associate acne with adolescence, many adults – especially women – acquire acne in their 30s and 40s, often due to hormonal changes.Acne occurs when dead skin and oil clogs your pores. The cells trapped in...

Open up the latest celebrity magazine and you’ll see the flawless faces of A-list celebrities looking back at you. Sure, much of their perfection is owed to Photoshop, but when your face is your brand, you’d better look your best, even when those filters are off. That’s why Hollywood’s beautiful...

When you’re looking to make cosmetic enhancements to your face or other parts of your body using Botox® or dermal fillers, you shouldn’t rely on just anyone. These minimally invasive treatments require the expertise of a skilled, board-certified physician who is highly trained in the injection procedures.At Z-ROC Dermatology, you...

That’s right, facial fillers in Fort Lauderdale are giving men and women a new way to age. Thanks to medical advancements and inventions, people can look younger for much longer. As humans age, they naturally lose some of their facial fat and collagen. While that may sound like a good thing, the...

No matter how careful you are, or how much sunscreen you wear, your skin will eventually show the fine wrinkles and sun damage that come with age. For people in South Florida who want to refresh their appearance but aren’t ready for surgery, there are a variety of chemical peels in...

In this day and age, the cosmetics industry is booming. More and more people are starting to appreciate the body they live in, and are recognizing that their self-confidence matters. As a result, handfuls of people every day are investing in body sculpting in Fort Lauderdale. Weight-loss can be difficult for...

Wrinkles and scars are not always considered bad, but they aren’t necessarily a feature that most people want to highlight. In fact, some people would rather they not be there at all. Luckily, this is where laser resurfacing in Fort Lauderdale comes in. The medical advancement allows patients to remove unwanted blemishes...

It’s summertime, and you’re ready to hit the beach, with confidence. You’ve worked incredibly hard to get the body you’ve always wanted. And you’re rocking that swimsuit. But are you really going to let body hairs ruin that picture? We didn’t think so! Our team of licensed and certified medical...

It’s summertime, which means barbecues and picnics, family reunions and of course, summer vacations. And naturally, there will be lots of picture-taking. Are you ready for that? It’s not too late to feel better about smiling for the cameras, with the help of facial fillers. You can get facial fillers in...

Just like women – men are spending much more time grooming themselves. “Manscaping” as it’s called, is growing more popular, especially during this time of year. We’re quickly approaching the season of exposure. So yes, my Man – you, too, should book an appointment for laser hair removal in Fort Lauderdale.How...

It’s true – South Florida is a paradise, where swimsuit season is pretty much year-round. But people here still get excited over the arrival of summer. And yes—it’s almost here. All winter long, you’ve been hitting the gym non-stop, while eating clean – trying really hard to get rid of...

Let’s face it – we live in an increasingly vain and visual society. Almost everyone wants to look his or her absolute best. And that is not a bad thing. You know the deal – when you look good, you feel good. So, why wouldn’t you want to do what...

Beach season is here, and that means time to flaunt your bikini body and smooth skin. That’s why you should consider laser hair removal in Fort Lauderdale. Waxing and shaving are relics of the past. Technology has made laser hair removal in Fort Lauderdale more effective. An increasing number of people...