General Dermatology

From the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea to the removal of warts, moles and skin cancer, our office provides a full range of general dermatology services so we can attend to all your skin care needs at one facility.

Eczema

Eczema is a group of skin conditions which result in chronic itchy rashes. It affects about 15 million people across the United States, including 10 to 20 percent of all infants. There are various types of eczema, and therefore proper diagnosis is essential to the treatment of this condition. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out in rashes when scratched.

Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks may include rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive heat or sweating, soaps, detergents, and synthetic fabrics. Environmental conditions and stress may also be linked to eczema.

In recent years, several new medications and therapies have enhanced the treatment of eczema.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis includes a group of chronic skin disorders that cause an itching and/or burning sensation, scaling and crusting of the skin. Over seven million men and women in the United States of all ages have some form of psoriasis, which can be mild, moderate or severe. The most commonly affected areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals.

Psoriasis can be treated successfully with remission lasting for months or years. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis, the patient's age, medical history, lifestyle, and the effect the disease has on the patient's general mental health. Significant advancements have been made in the treatment and understanding of psoriasis. Treatments include topical medications, phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms).

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that affects about 14 million Americans. It causes redness and swelling on the face and may also affect the scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin with 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, adults aged 30 to 50. It is not yet known what causes rosacea and the disease is not curable, although it can be treated with topical and oral medications. Several types of lasers can reduce the redness and broken blood vessels associated with rosacea.

Warts

Warts are normally non-contagious skin growths caused by viruses. Different warts respond to different treatments. Some go away on their own. Salicylic acid products, in the form of drops, gels, pads and bandages, effectively treat many warts by dissolving the cells harboring the virus. Others are treated via cryosurgery (liquid nitrogen), electrodesiccation or laser surgery.

Acne

Acne describes the blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper cysts that can develop on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. While it is common among teens, acne is not restricted to a specific age group. In fact, 20 percent of all adults have active acne making this the most common skin disease in the United States.

During puberty, rising hormone levels enlarge the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin. These glands produce and oily substance called sebum which enables the growth of bacteria. Though it is often limited in severity, untreated acne may result in permanent scarring. Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the lesions, skin type and the patient's age and lifestyle, but results are usually visible within four to eight weeks.

Skin Cancer

About one million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every year making it the most common type of cancer in the country. According to current estimates, forty to fifty percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is higher if you have fair skin that burns easily and have had significant sun exposure.

The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are generally slow growing cancers. Basal cell carcinoma seldom spread to other parts of the body while certain squamous cell carcinomas can have metastatic potential especially in immuno-suppressed (transplant) patients. Our office specializes in Mohs Surgery (see Mohs Surgery tab) which is the gold standard treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers.

Malignant melanoma are cancerous moles that have metastatic potential. Routine skin exams are essential to early detection and cure.