MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY
Our board-certified dermatologist specializes in all of your skin needs.
SKIN CANCER SCREENING
Skin cancer is an extremely common form of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in the United States will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Skin cancer most commonly arises from damage to skin cells from UV-radiation. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. All of these are highly treatable - especially when identified early. It is important to see a board-certified dermatologist for skin examinations to evaluate any new, growing or changing skin growths or if you have a personal or a strong family history of skin cancer. When you go for your skin cancer screening, it is most helpful if you do not wear any make-up or product on your skin as this can affect our ability to examine you fully.
ACNE
Acne is an extremely common skin condition that commonly affects adolescents but can affect adults as well. There are many different treatment options for acne ranging for medicated soaps and topical antibiotics to various types of pills such as antibiotics, vitamin-A pills (like isotretinoin) or even that affect hormones (like birth control pills or spironolactone). When left untreated, acne can become severe and even leave scars.
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can be genetic that leads to thick pink or red plaques with silvery scale. Psoriasis can be asymptomatic or can be very itchy depending on the person. It can affect almost any surface of the skin including the scalp, body, and even the nails. Psoriasis also does more than affect the skin. It can be associated with arthritis and with cardiovascular disease, which is why it is important to see a professional for a discussion of treatment options. Depending on the patient, there are a variety of treatment options including topical medications, pills or even injections or infusions.
ECZEMA
Eczema is a skin condition that leads to itchy red skin. It can present as a flat rash or as small plaques or even bumps. Eczema is part of the allergic triad which also includes asthma and seasonal allergies and it often runs in families. Many patients with eczema have times of the year that are worse for their skin. Over the last few years, there have been amazing advancements in the treatment of eczema. We will have topical medications that can help in mild disease but we now have an injection for eczema that can help patients with severe disease.
RASHES
There are many different types of rashes that can appear on the skin. Depending on the appearance and the history surrounding the rash helps your board-certified dermatologist arrive at a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy (or a skin sample) can be helpful to narrow down the cause of the rash and to help tailor treatment.
VITILIGO
Vitiligo is an auto-immune skin condition where the body attacks its own cells that make pigment. These cells are called melanocytes and they create each of our unique skin colors. When you have vitiligo, the body destroys those cells in certain areas leaving white patches (or areas of depigmentation). There have been significant advances in the treatment of vitiligo ranging from topical medications to oral antioxidants to newly approved immunomodulators such as JAK-inhibitors. Certain types of laser treatments can also help vitiligo as can certain surgical procedures to replace the melanocytes.
ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS
Allergic contact dermatitis refers to rashes due to products or chemicals that come into contact with the skin. These types of rashes can look like red itchy skin or breaks in the skin or bumps - it all depends. There are treatments to help with the symptoms but they key is identifying the cause of the eruption and coming up with strategies to avoid the allergen. This is done through skin patch testing by a dermatologist. Patches are taped to your back of the most common allergens in an effort to identify your trigger.
ALOPECIA
(HAIR LOSS)
Hair loss is complicated. There are different types and causes. It can cause scarring on the scalp or can be non-scarring. It can be genetic and age related (androgenetic alopecia) or due to an autoimmune condition (alopecia areata). In order to help you with you specific cause of hair loss, it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist who can examine your scalp and provide in-person guidance. Treatments vary depending on the type of hair loss identified during the examination.
HIVES
There are multiple potential causes of hives (or urticaria). Sometimes the cause can be identified and about 50% of the time, it cannot be. Even still, there are treatments available that can help with relief of symptoms if you break out in hives.
RINGWORM
Ringworm is a common term for a fungal infection on the skin (called tinea). It can occur almost anywhere on the skin including the body, the scalp, the nails and the genitalia. Sometimes a microscope is used to confirm the diagnosis. This test can be done while you wait in the office. Depending on the location affected, there are different treatment options.
Melasma
Melasma is a disorder that causes darkening of the skin typically in sun-exposed areas. It is most common in women of reproductive potential. Melasma is most effectively treated with a multimodal approach. It is important to practice excellent sun protection. Other treatment options include bleaching creams, combination creams, chemical peels, laser therapies and even oral agents.
OTHER SKIN CONCERNS
As part of our training to become a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologists are trained in the common and the rare diseases that affect the skin. I have listed a few of the more common concerns that patients have but as a board-certified dermatologist, I have been trained in all areas of the skin.