Psoriasis is a skin condition which shows up as a rash with dry, silvery scaling patches, and can flare up for no apparent reason. The affected areas often crack and are sometimes painful. Psoriasis is found maily on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest and trunk, and can also affect the toenails and fingernails. It may begin in late childhood or young adulthood abd usually continues throughout life. The cause is unkown. Psoriasis can be controlled, but not cured. Topical steroids are the first line of treatment to control inflammation. Combination therapies using topical steroids and Vitamin D or A prescription creams provide more relief from the symptoms. Tar preparations applied directly to the infected area at bedtime is most effective. Various oral medications are available for severe cases.
Warts are a very common skin problem. They are caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin or mucous membranes. Although seen most frequently on the hands and feet, warts can appear anywhere in the body. They are harmless but can be difficult to treat. We offer the latest treatments (cryotherapy, electrosurgery, etc.), which are relatively painless and leave little or no scarring.
Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it is also the easiest to treat. A very important part of lifesaving cancer technology is the early detection and surgical cure of skin cancer. If a skin biopsy reveals that an area of the skin is cancerous, the dermatologist has an array or surgical procedures to treat the cancer, depending on the needs of the individual patient. Early detection and removal offer the best chance for a cure.
Actinic Keratoses are small scaly spots and back of the hands in fair-skinned individuals who have had significant sun exposure. If not treated, some actinic keratoses may become skin cancers. If diagnosed in the early stages, can be removed easily by cryotherapy (freezing), chemotherapy, laser surgery or other dermatologic surgical procedures. Sunscreens help prevent this condition.
Hair Loss, or Alopecia, can have many different causes and require a detailed history to determine the most likely cause. Hereditary balding or thinning is the most common cause of thinning hair. It is often necessary to obtain blood tests to determine the underlying cause of hair loss. Topical steroids and steroid injections into the scalp can help those suffering from hair loss or thinning by promoting new hair growth. This type of therapy is used predominantly where a medical cause of hair loss is determined. Several oral and topical medications are available for men with hereditary hair loss, which may slow the progression of the loss and increase the hair count. Topical therapy is available for women suffering from genetic hair loss.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a very common skin disorder that causes greasy while flaking or crusty yellowish scales and mild redness of the skin. It most often affects the scalp. In adolescents and adults, it is commonly known as "dandruff". Seborrheic Dermatitis can also affect the skin of the face, nose, eyebrows, ears, arms, trunk, legs and groin. Itching can occur, but is usually painless unless it becomes infected. It is usually worse in the winter months. The exact cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis is unknown. Treatment depends on the person's age and its location on the body. For adolescents and adults with dandruff, treatment with shampoos containing tar, salicylic acid, or zinc will relieve mild cases of scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Infants with cradle cap can use a mild shampoo that contains tar. More severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis located on the skin will require stronger treatment with topical steroid lotions.
Athlete's Foot is actually ringworm of the foot. It is a fungal infection of the top layer of skin on the feet and is common in adolescents and adults. There are many different types of rashes, but the most common are scaling, flat areas, and patches, which often have a worm-like border. Itching is common and often the biggest complaint. Treatment includes topical anti-fungal ointments. More severe cases may require stronger oral medications. A medicated powder may also be given to help keep the feet dry. A fungal infection can last for several weeks.
Folliculitis is a surface inflammation of the hair follicle on the body's skin. It may occur anywhere on the skin, but it is most commonly distributed on the face, neck, buttocks, and thighs. Folliculitis can also be found in teh beard area, known as barber's itch or pseudofolliculitis and sometimes on the scalp along the front hairline with small, very itchy rash-like pustules. Folliculitis is caused by many different organisms; the most common causes are bacteria, yeast, fungi, friction from tight clothes or by shaving. Treatment depends on the type of orgaism or injury causing folliculitis. Most cases are mild and can be managed with a godo skin cleansing regimen, using mild cleanser such as Cetaphil. The cleanser may cause some dryness, which can be treated with gentle moisturizer. More extensive treatments include topical antobiotics or antifungal creams. Topical medications are sometimes used in combination with oral antibiotics or oral antifungals.
Acne, also known as pimples, although not considered a medically serious problem, can impair one's appearance and self-image, and in more serious cases cause permanent scarring of the skin. Although many cases for acne are seen in young people, there is a very large number of adults who suffer from acne. There are many different therapies available for the treatment of acne, and these treatments are oriented toward preventing flare-ups and minimizing scarring. Each case of acne is different. We strongly recommend individually tailored therapy.
Eczema is a general term that means a rash that is itchy. Eczema can be caused by allergic reactions to something we come into contact with. If there is a family history of allergies, this condition can be inherited. Eczema can be treated very effectively by avoiding certain substances, and by the use of topical and oral medications.
Dermatologic Surgery
We have focused in on providing special surgical procedures such as the removal of skin cancers, moles, and cysts. Many of these skin problems are best treated through in-office surgery, which is relatively painless.may be applied to the site to further reduce discomfort.