Treatments Offered
Acne
Acne is an inflammatory skin disease most common in the teenage years but also affecting adults. The hallmark acne lesion is a comedone which can be open or closed and often referred to as a blackhead or whitehead. These type acne lesions best respond to vitamin A derivitives such as tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), or tazorotene (Tazorac) which are applied nightly. Many individuals also experience acne lesions characterized by red bumps, cysts, and scarring. This type of acne is usually first treated with short courses oral antibiotics which are used for their anti-inflammatory properties as well as their antimicrobial action to kill bacteria associated with acne. Other anti-inflammatory and comedolytic medications such as topical dapsone (Aczone), azelaic acid (Finacea), benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid may be helpful. In cases where acne isn’t responding to conventional topical and oral treatment regimens, stronger vitamin medicines taken orally such as isotretinoin (Accutane, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan) may be indicated. Our goal is to tailor an acne treatment regimen that best fits each individual patient since many factors (skin type, oily or dry skin, medications already tried, presence of scarring, and type of acne) influence what will be most effective. It’s very important to treat acne as early as possible to avoid scars that may last forever.
Eczema/Dermatitis
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disease usually characterized by itchy dry skin. There are many different types of eczema which can affect different parts of the body. Based on the type of eczema, we tailor a treatment plan that will best suit you. Before coming to see your physician for eczema you might first try mild soaps (Dove, Cetaphil, or Aveeno) and heavy application of fragrance free moisturizers. Antihistamines and topical cortisones are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms and control the inflammation. Most kids grow out of eczema but some continue to have it into adulthood. It’s also not uncommon to get eczema for the first time later in adult life which may be precipitated by medications, hormonal changes, environmental factors, and heredity.
Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis is a common disorder involving the overproduction of sweat. This disorder affects millions of people on a daily basis who don’t even realize that there are treatment options available. Treatment options we offer include topical and oral agents to prevent sweat production as well as Botox treatments.
Hair Disorders
There are a wide array of hair disorders which include alopecias, fungal infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, and vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Many of these can be easily treated if properly diagnosed. Our providers will evaluate your hair and design a treatment regimen that best fits you.
Hives
Hives are itchy, raised welts on the skin that are typically red, pink, or flesh-colored.
Infection of the Skin
Many types of infection can affect the skin including bacterial, fungal, and viral. Our providers have been professionally trained to diagnose and treat many different types of skin infections including viruses (warts, molluscum, herpes, and shingles), bacteria (staph, impetigo, boils, and abscesses), and fungus (jock itch, nail fungus, ringworm, athletes foot, and yeast infections).
Melasma
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark, discolored patches on your skin.
Molluscum
Molluscum are benign skin growths caused by a virus. These are very common in children and almost always spontaneously resolve without treatment but sometimes this may take months to years to occur. Our providers can discuss with you treatments available to speed resolution.
Nail Disorders
Disorders of the nail are one of the most common problems seen in our practice. Many times the nail changes are secondary to other underlying medical problems, but often they are associated with a primary problem that we can help diagnose and treat. Many treatable disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, vitamin deficiencies, alopecia areata, and infections both fungal and bacterial may affect the nail.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease driven by the immune system which affects millions of men, women, and children on a daily basis. In years past treatments were lacking for psoriasis but today we have a wide array of excellent treatments that help clear your psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect both the skin and the joints creating a complex problem which need early detection and intervention to avoid permanent joint damage. More and more research is accumulating that shows direct correlation between the inflammation of psoriasis and increased risks of other problems such as cardiovascular diseases.
Rashes
Rashes are one of the most common skin problems encountered in adults and are often caused by dilated blood vessels, broken blood vessels, sun damage, or rosacea.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a very common skin disease of adults which is characterized by four main components: redness/broken blood vessels, enlargement of oil glands, inflammation of the glands in the eyelids, and red bumps similar to acne. Individuals with rosacea may have one or more of the components noted above. Treatment is tailored individually based on which types of rosacea are present. Topical and oral medications are often needed. We offer laser treatments that can be very beneficial for the redness of rosacea.
Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash.
Skin Cancer Screening
Our providers are experts in skin cancer screening and happy to discuss any unusual moles or changes in your skin.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition that causes loss of skin color.
Warts
Warts are a type of benign skin growth that arises from a virus that infects the skin. We offer many treatments for warts of any type in both children and adults. Ask one of our providers about the best therapy for you.