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    General Dermatology

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    General Dermatology  |  Skin Cancer  |  Moles & Birthmarks  |  Cysts  |  Pediatric Dermatology  |  Hair Loss  |  Nail Disorders

    General Dermatology

    Dermatology is the field of medicine dedicated to all diseases and problems of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes of the mouth and genitalia. Dermatologists train for at least four years after medical school, usually a year of internal medicine followed by three years of dermatology.
    Dermatologists are experts at all skin conditions for both in their diagnosis and management. Dermatologists provide invaluable services to patients with chronic skin diseases that cause chronic rashes, itching, blistering problems that require sometimes sophisticated treatment such as light therapy and anticancer drugs.
    Dermatologists are also expert at various cosmetic procedures, including removal of benign lesions on the face and elsewhere, laser surgery and liposuction of which some of the first procedures were performed in this country by dermatologists. The originator of tumescent anesthesia, Dr. Jeffrey Klein, was also a dermatologist. Chemical peels, hair transplants, laser resurfacing, and acne scar revision were all discovered and refined by dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons.
    Patients should have direct access to dermatology and, in fact, laws have been passed in various states which require health insurance companies to allow direct access to dermatologists. This makes sense because patients can see lesions on their skin and know when they have a problem, unlike many other organ systems. This is not often the case in a managed care setting but there is a growing trend toward direct access to dermatologists because they have proven themselves cost-effective by making the right diagnoses and providing the right treatments promptly for skin disease.

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    Skin Cancer

    Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (affecting cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis) and squamous cell carcinoma (affecting cells in the middle layer of the epidermis). A rarer but more dangerous skin cancer is melanoma, the leading cause of death from skin disease. Risk factors for developing skin cancer include pale skin, family history of melanoma, being over 40 years old, and regular sun exposure. Skin cancers vary in shape, color, size and texture, so any new, changed or otherwise suspicious growths or rashes should be examined immediately by a physician. Early intervention is essential to preventing the cancer from spreading. Our dermatologists and dermatology physician assistants offer the latest surgical treatments for skin cancer including Mohs microscopic surgery.

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    Moles & Birthmarks

    Moles and other birthmarks are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in color from tan, brown and black (moles) to red, pink or purple (vascular nevi, such as strawberry hemangiomas or port wine stains). Though most birthmarks are harmless, they may develop into ca. Moles exhibiting any of the following warning signs should be examined by a dermatologist or dermatology physician assistant immediately:

  • Larger than six millimeters.

  • Itches or bleeds.

  • Rapidly changes in color, size or shape.

  • Has multiple colors.

  • Is located where it can't be easily monitored, such as on the scalp.


    • Depending on their depth, location and color, as well as the patient's skin type, age and other factors, treatment for benign but unattractive birthmarks may take the form of surgical excision, laser or pulsed light therapy.

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    Cysts

    A cyst is a fluid-filled lump that forms in the deeper layers of skin when a hair follicle becomes blocked. They can be uncomfortable and unsightly but are harmless (benign). Nevertheless, any suspicious growth on the skin should be examined by a dermatologist or dermatology physician assistant to determine whether it is cancerous. If infected, a cyst may require treatment with antibiotics. Patients with large or painful cysts may choose to undergo minor surgery. Cysts can occur anywhere on the body but commonly appear on the face and scalp, trunk and fingernails.

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    Pediatric Dermatology

    Skin disease in children and adolescents can have a dramatic impact on their health and well-being.  It can impact a child’s growth and psychosocial development both in the home, as well as at school, potentially impacting a child’s ability to reach his or her full potential.
    The field of Pediatric Dermatology is dedicated to the care of infants, children, and adolescents with skin problems of all types.  Pediatric dermatologists complete additional training in the form of a fellowship dedicated to the care of pediatric skin disease.  Our staff and physicians have experience in the diagnosis and treatment of common and uncommon skin conditions.  We strive to create an environment focusing on the health and development of children and adolescents of all ages.
    Our doctors have expertise in the treatment of

  • Eczema, psoriasis and other forms of inflammatory skin conditions

  • Acne

  • Warts, molluscum contagiosum and other viral skin infections

  • Evaluation of moles and melanoma

  • Newborn skin rashes

  • Sun protection and skin cancer prevention

  • Bacterial and fungal infections of the skin, hair and nails

  • Autoimmune skin disorders

  • Rare, genetically based skin disorders

  • Hair loss

  • Various birthmarks, including evaluation and treatment for removal

  • Vascular anomalies, including hemangiomas or “strawberry marks”

  • Our doctors have expertise in dermatologic surgery and laser therapy for infants, children and adolescents for a variety of skin conditions.  In addition, our physicians are experienced in anesthesia and pain relief associated with surgical procedures in the pediatric population at an age appropriate level. 
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    Hair Loss

    Some hair loss is normal and incredibly common, according to dermatologists. Typically, each person sheds about 50 to 100 hairs a day, an amount that most people don't even notice. As people age their rate of hair growth decreases. A hair disorder is evident when hair loss is out of proportion to the normal amounts of loss on the scalp, or elsewhere on the body.

    There are many forms of hair loss, some of which are inherited and some of which are due to physiological stress or even a medical condition. If you have excessive hair loss, or notice your hair is becoming thinner or falling out, consult a dermatologist to find the reason for the disorder.

    Usually, a dermatologist can make a diagnosis through a clinical exam and personal medical history, including current medications and diet, noting your hair loss pattern; and seeking signs of illnesses or scalp infection. Sometimes a scalp biopsy may be necessary. Women may also require a blood test to detect possible hormonal abnormalities.
    When hair loss triggers anxiety:

  • Find out what's wrong.


  • Learn about different treatments.


  • Contact a national or local support group, such as the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, as they can offer assistance to people who are having trouble coping with hair loss.


  • Ask your dermatologist to pass your name along to other patients in the practice who can offer support.


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    Nail Disorders

    Due to their exposed location, nails take a lot of abuse. Nail disorders comprise about 10 percent of all skin conditions. Most of us, at one time or another, have closed fingers in doors, suffered from ingrown toenails, or endured minor nail infections. Most minor nail injuries heal on their own, although, they might be unsightly for a while due to the nail's slow growth rate. More serious injuries or disorders may require professional treatment. Symptoms that could signal nail problems include color or shape changes, swelling of the skin around the nails, and pain. Additionally, the persistence of white or black lines, dents, or ridges in the nail should be reported to

    Nail disorders can affect our ability to pick up small objects, the way we walk, and our sense of touch. Infrequent in children, nail problems usually increase throughout life and affect many of the elderly. This is due to the susceptibility of the nail to fungal infections, its increased thickness with age, circulation problems, and the regular use of medications that may affect the nails.

    In general, nail disorders respond very slowly to therapy because of the slow growth rate of the nail and its inability to absorb medications very well. Treatments are defined generally as surgical or non-surgical. Surgical treatment is common to remove tumors or correct structural abnormalities. Non-surgical treatments include the use of topical or oral medications.

    Since many nail disorders result from poor nail care, developing good nail habits early will help keep them healthy.

    Remember the following tips:

  • Keep nails clean and dry. This helps keep bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.


  • If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak them in warm salt water (one tsp. of salt to a pint of water) for five to ten minutes and apply a 10 percent urea cream - available at drug stores without a prescription. Trim as usual.


  • Nails should be cut straight across and rounded slightly at the tip for maximum strength. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers to do the job. Filing the nails into points will weaken them.


  • Do not remove your cuticle. It will allow infection to develop.


  • Use a "fine" textured file to keep nails shaped and free of snags.


  • Avoid biting fingernails.


  • Avoid "digging-out" ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. Seek treatment from a dermatologist.


    • Report any nail irregularities to your dermatologist. Nail changes, swelling, and pain could signal a serious problem. A vertical black or brown streak, especially if new, should be reported to a dermatologist. This is especially important in an adult with a single nail streak and/or pigment in the cuticle area (Hutchinson's sign). This can also be due to a benign mole, hemorrhage from trauma, or a fungal infection, but it should be evaluated by a dermatologist.


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