MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY

Rosacea is a common skin condition that primarily affects the face. It is an inflammatory disorder of the skin that causes redness and swelling in the small blood vessels of the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. While rosacea may occur in anyone, research shows that middle-aged women with fair complexions as well as people with a family history of rosacea are more susceptible.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin which causes the skin to become inflamed, red and itch. Eczema can be quite common in children and some adults and tends to have periods of flaring, usually due to a trigger. While eczema can be seasonal (worse in winter or spring), it is often associated with people who have allergies and/or asthma.

Moles are quite common and most people have some form of mole on their body. Moles are benign skin growths of highly pigmented cells that can start in childhood. Moles may change shape and color as a person grows and this is normal. However, it is important to become familiar with the moles on your body through monthly skin checks as a way to identify any changes that may be occurring.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune skin condition that is distinguished by plaques or areas of red skin that are often covered with white or silvery scales.  This skin disorder causes cells to multiply at a much faster rate than normal skin cells. Over 90% of patients with psoriasis experience uncomfortable itching or pain during a flare.

Hair thinning and hair loss is a common problem that can affect both men and women at any point during life. Hair loss can be hereditary and affects nearly 80 million men and women in the United States. There are three main types of hair loss. Although there is no cure for hair loss, we offer a wide range of treatment options to help slow or stop the progression.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that affects the hair roots causing painful bumps to form near sweat glands. This condition is also known as acne inversa. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that usually begins after puberty in the teenage years or early 20s. There is no cure for this skin condition, but there are lifestyle changes that can be implemented to reduce flare-ups and provide relief.

Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, red or skin-colored bumps that appear after exposure to an allergen. Hives are generally very itchy and can form as one bump, many bumps in an area or widespread large hives that cover the entire body. They can be round, or take on any random shape. People can develop hives after being exposed to a known or unknown allergen either through ingesting the allergen or coming in contact with it.

Dry skin is a common problem, especially in older adults and during the colder months. As we age, our skin tends to lose the ability to retain moisture and natural oils causing dryness and itching. Xerosis is the medical term for abnormally dry skin. Using special moisturizers combined with daily hygiene modifications can help to relieve the discomfort of dry skin.

Hyperpigmentation is a term used by dermatologists to describe areas of the skin that appear darker in color. Patches of darker skin can appear in all shapes and sizes and it may cover large areas of the body. Hyperpigmentation by itself is not harmful; however, it may be caused by other health conditions or may be a symptom of another disease.

Seborrheic keratoses are common skin growths that develop in middle age and older adults. They have a wide range of colors from white to black and most often appear tan or brown with a waxy, scaly, raised surface. They may form anywhere on the body with the exception of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Precancerous skin lesions, formally known as actinic keratosis (AK) or solar keratosis is the most common form of precancerous skin lesion. These types of precancerous skin lesions can potentially develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis begins to form in people over the age of 40 usually on skin areas that are most exposed to sunlight.

When the skin turns pink, red and painful, the damage from a sunburn has been done. The ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is what causes damage to the skin.  Sun damage has a cumulative effect and having one or more sunburns increases your risk of developing skin cancer. One of the most obvious effects of sun damage is premature aging. Excessive sun exposure can add years to your appearance.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own organs and tissues. It can affect many different systems within the body such as the joints, skin, blood cells, kidneys, brain, heart and lungs. Most people with lupus will develop some sort of skin condition.

It is normal for people to notice the subtle signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes or creases in the brow region of the forehead. From simply using skin care products to help retain moisture to minimally invasive treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, we can work together to ensure your skin is healthy and looking its best.