Dermatologists are trained to treat patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. This includes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems of the skin, hair and nails. Conditions common among children are moles and birthmarks, dermatitis, acne, warts, vitiligo, insect bites and birth defects. In adults we treat a range of conditions such as cancers and pre-cancers, rosacea, psoriasis and shingles. We also treat eczema, allergies and other disorders that occur in all age groups, and carefully examine moles or other growths to determine whether they are or may become cancerous.
Acne is the term for the blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While it affects mostly teenagers, and almost all teenagers have some form of acne, adults of any age can have it. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress.
Treatment for acne varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, as well as the patient's skin type, age and lifestyle. Options include:
Acne scarring can be treated in a variety of ways as well. These include:
Warts are 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) can help self-treatment of many warts by dissolving the keratin protein that makes up the wart and the dead skin above it. Others can be removed via liquid nitrogen freezing or electrical stimulation. Surgery may be recommended for painful or large warts that do not respond to these treatments.
Moles or “nevi” are composed of groups of pigment producing cells called melanocytes. They are important to monitor because of their potential risk for turning into malignant melanoma. People with more moles have an increased risk of melanoma. Most Caucasian adults have about 20 nevi. Dysplastic moles, which are clinically and microscopically atypical appearing, are putative precursor lesions of melanoma. Dysplastic moles occur in 30% of patients with primary melanoma and in 6% of their family members. People with a family history of dysplastic nevi or who have numerous atypical appearing moles themselves should be carefully monitored for melanoma. It is important to watch for the warning signs of melanoma and the ABCD’s of melanoma.
Moles may be removed because they are clinically worrisome or simply for cosmetic purposes. No matter what the reason, we are happy to examine your moles and also to discuss mole removal options.
About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of eczema, including 10-20 percent of all infants. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out in rashes when scratched.
Treatment involves the restriction of scratching, use of moisturizing lotions or creams, cold compresses and nonprescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams and ointments. If this proves insufficient, physicians may prescribe corticosteroid medication, antibiotics to combat infection, or sedative antihistamines. Phototherapy is a common procedure that uses light to reduce rashes . For severe cases, drugs such as cyclosporine A may be recommended.
Over seven million men and women in the U.S. of all ages have some form of psoriasis, which may be mild, moderate or severe. The most commonly affected areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals.
Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years at a time and occasionally even permanently. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis; the patient's age, medical history and lifestyle; and the effect the disease has on the patient's general mental health. The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms).
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin frequently referred to as "adult acne". It is characterized by redness, broken blood vessels, and flushing of the face and scalp. Patients may also experience pimples, swelling, itching, and scratchy eyes. It is also common for rosacea patients to have seborrheic dermatitis-basically dandruff of the scalp and face, characterized by rashes with greasy scale of the forehead, eyebrows, and around the nose. Rosacea is most often seen in patients with lighter skin color, although we do see it in all skin types. Triggers for rosacea include sunlight, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, hot liquids, and extreme temperatures. There is no cure for rosacea, but fortunately, there are many excellent treatment options available for patients today.
© 2010 Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center and MedNet Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
MedNet-Sites - Powered by MedNet Technologies, Inc.