General Dermatology - Dermatologists are trained to treat patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. This includes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems of the skin, hair and nails. Conditions common among children are moles and birthmarks, dermatitis, acne, warts. In adults we treat a range of conditions such as cancers and pre-cancers, rosacea, psoriasis and shingles. We also treat eczema, allergies and other disorders that occur in all age groups, and carefully examine moles or other growths to determine whether they are or may become cancerous.
Pediatric Dermatology - If your child suffers from acne, eczema or other skin problems, our caring and professional staff are here to help. Dermatology services are offered not only for adults wishing to counteract the signs of aging or otherwise improve their appearance; children and adolescents, too, can require treatment.
Learn more about our Pediatric Dermatology
Acne is the term for the blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While it affects mostly teenagers, adults of any age can have it. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress.
Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles in the skin on the face, neck, back and chest. They produce an oily substance called sebum, which normally reaches the skin surface through the opening of the follicle (pore). When follicles become plugged, sebum cannot reach the surface of the skin. This blocked sebum promotes the growth of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes) beneath the skin, which in turn produce chemicals and enzymes that attract white blood cells, causing inflammation. Eventually the follicle wall breaks down and the sebum, skin cells and bacteria erupt to form lesions or pimples. These are the visible effects of acne.
Treatment for acne varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, skin type and the patient's age and lifestyle; on average results are visible in six to eight weeks. Options include:
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes may also be affected. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. Many people find that the emotional effects of rosacea – such as low self-confidence and avoidance of social situations – are more difficult to handle than the physical ones. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. It is not yet known what causes rosacea and the condition is not curable, although it can be treated with topical and oral medications, laser therapy or laser surgery.
Psoriasis is a term that encompasses a group of chronic skin disorders that affect any part of the body from the scalp to the toenails, but most frequently affect the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. Over seven million men and women in the U.S. of all ages have some form of psoriasis, which may be mild, moderate or severe. In addition it may be categorized into different types: plaque, pustular, erythrodermic, guttate or inverse psoriasis. Most forms involve an itching and/or burning sensation, scaling and crusting of the skin.
Plaque psoriasis (the most common type): raised, thickened patches of red skin covered with silvery-white scales;
While the cause of psoriasis has yet to be discovered, suspected triggers include emotional stress, skin injury, systemic infections and certain medications. There is a possibility that susceptibility to psoriasis is inherited.
Mole and skin cancer evaluation and treatment including Foto Finder, a computerized digital hand held microscope to enhance the physician's diagnostic accuracy for the early detection of melanoma.
Facial peels help exfoliate the damaged layer to reveal the younger, healthier skin beneath. Made of natural fruit and plant extracts, essential oils, vitamins, collagen, elastin or other ingredients, facials are a faster and gentler alternative to laser resurfacing.
Maintaining the health and appearance of your skin relies on gentle but effective daily care and regular visits to your dermatologist's office to help prevent, diagnose and treat any potential abnormalities. The skin is susceptible to many different conditions, from acne, eczema and psoriasis to moles, warts and skin cancer lesions. Detecting these conditions as early as possible can often help minimize long-term damage to the skin, while a customized skincare regimen can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions and related complications.
Our doctors are highly trained and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of general skin conditions such as moles and birthmarks, rosacea, acne, skin cancer and more. In addition to having your skin examined by a professional on a regular basis, it is important to practice healthy skin care habits on a daily basis to help protect conditions from developing. Unhealthy skin care habits can lead to long-term problems such as skin cancer and premature aging.
To learn more about our Medical Dermatology Services and to find out whether or not it is right for you, please call 800-968-0418 today to schedule a consultation.