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Dermatology
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. AcneAcne 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. Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles in the skin on the face, neck, back and chest. They produce an oily substance called sebum, which normally reaches the skin surface through the opening of the follicle (pore). When follicles become plugged, sebum cannot reach the surface of the skin. This blocked sebum promotes the growth of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes) beneath the skin, which in turn produce chemicals and enzymes that attract white blood cells, causing inflammation. Eventually the follicle wall breaks down and the sebum, skin cells and bacteria erupt to form lesions or pimples. These are the visible effects of acne. Contact us to learn more on Acne » Rosacea
Contact us to learn more on Rosacea » Sun Damaged SkinRepeated exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet light, can cause a variety of cosmetic and medical problems in our skin. These include telangiectasia (red or purple “spider veins”), uneven pigmentation, lines and wrinkles, thinning of skin, loss of skin elasticity, and melanoma and other skin cancers. The damage our skin suffers from sunlight is cumulative and often gradual, so the effects appear as we age and worsen with time. Adequate protection from the sun and avoidance of other sources of ultraviolet light such as tanning salons are an important part of preventing this damage. However, there are ways to cosmetically improve damage that has already been suffered. Injectable fillers such as BOTOX®, Restylane®, collagen and Hylaform fill out lines and wrinkles to give the skin a fuller, smoother look and feel. Phototherapy can reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation, spider veins and other vascular lesions. Laser treatments may also be effective for these conditions. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion remove the surface layer of skin to expose a fresh, healthier, younger-looking layer beneath. Contact us to learn more on Sun Damage » Skin Cancer
There are three major types of skin cancer that affect associated layers of the skin. These major types are:
CausesEveryday skin cells die and new ones form to replace them in a process controlled by DNA. Skin cancer can form when this process does not work properly because of damage to DNA. New cells may form when they are not needed or older cells may not die. This can cause a growth of tissue known as a tumor. DNA damage is often a result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps. Since skin cancer can sometimes affect areas not exposed to the sun, heredity may also be a factor. Certain factors, such as fair skin, moles, a weakened immune system and age, can also increase the risk of skin cancer. Signs and SymptomsSkin cancer can often be identified as a new or changed growth on the skin that may often occur on the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands or legs. The appearance of the growth depends on the type of cancer, but can appear as:
DiagnosisIt is important to see your doctor if you notice any skin changes. Early detection is valuable in successfully treating skin cancer. Regular full body screening is recommended as well. A biopsy is performed to properly diagnose suspected cancerous growths. TreatmentTreatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size and location of the tumor. Most options remove the entire growth and are usually effective. Removal procedures are usually simple and require only a local anesthetic in an outpatient setting. Some of the treatment options for skin cancer include:
Other treatment options are also available, including new methods that are currently being studied. Although most treatment for skin cancer is successful, new tumors can still form. It is important to practice preventive measures and see your doctor on a regular basis. You can also perform self skin checks to spot any changes as soon as possible. Contact us to learn more on Skin Cancer »  |
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Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes may also be affected. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. Many people find that the emotional effects of rosacea – such as low self-confidence and avoidance of social situations – are more difficult to handle than the physical ones. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. It is not yet known what causes rosacea and the disease is not curable, although it can be treated with topical and oral medications, laser therapy or laser surgery. 
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and involves abnormal growths of skin cells that can form anywhere on the body, but most frequently appear on skin that is exposed to the sun. There are more than a million new cases of skin cancer in the US each year. Although most cases of skin cancer can be successfully treated, it is still important to keep skin safe and healthy and try to prevent this disease.
