MEDICIAL DERMATOLOGY SERVICES:

​

Acne 

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Although it's common, accurate information about acne can be scarce which makes it difficult to get clearer skin. Waiting for acne to clear on its own can be frustrating. Without treatment, acne can cause permanent scars, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. To avoid these possible outcomes, dermatologists recommend that people treat acne. When the skin clears, treatment should continue. Treatment prevents new breakouts. 

​

Acne Scarring

Acne can leave behind scars that persist even after breakouts have cleared, affecting self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that can significantly improve acne scars. These treatments vary depending on the type of acne scarring, as well as the skin pigmentation of the patient. We offer a variety to treat acne scars including Chemical Peels, Fraxel laser, and dermal filler injections.

​

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (ak-ti-nik ker-ah-TOE-sis), or AK, is a rough, dry, scaly patch or growth that forms on the skin when the skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning. Most people get more than one AK. Anyone who has many AKs should be under a dermatologist’s care as they are considered precancerous. Left untreated, AKs may turn into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. By seeing a dermatologist for checkups, the AKs can be treated before they become skin cancer. If skin cancer does develop, it can be caught early when treatment often cures skin cancer.

​

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia (al-oh-PEE-shah) means hair loss. When a person has a medical condition called alopecia areata (ar-ee-AH-tah), the hair falls out in round patches. The hair can fall out on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Hair often grows back but may fall out again.  Alopecia is not contagious. It is not due to nerves. The immune system attacks the hair follicles (structures that contain the roots of the hair), causing hair loss. This disease most often occurs in otherwise healthy people.

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. This skin cancer usually develops on skin that gets sun exposure, such as on the head, neck, or back of the hands. BCC is especially common on the face, often forming on the nose. While BCC often develops on skin that has had the most sun, BCC can appear on any part of the body, including the trunk, legs, and arms. This type of skin cancer grows slowly. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Treatment is important because BCC can grow wide and deep, destroying skin, tissue, and bone.

​

Brown Spots or Sun Spots

Brown spots or sun spots are the result of aging and are more pronounced in areas of sun exposure like the face, chest, and hands. They are not cancerous, but can make you look and feel much older than your actual age. Fortunately, there are several options to treat brown spots safely and effectively. Both individual spots and larger areas like the face or chest can be treated. Treatments include chemical peels, Clear + Brilliant, Fraxel, and laser.

​

Cysts

Cysts are closed sacs found within the body. Location and the composition of the membrane lining differentiates cysts from one another. There are three types of cysts found in the skin that are considered common. These include:  Epidermal Cysts which is a freely movable nodule with essentially normal overlying skin. It is one of the most common benign skin tumors. The cyst wall is made of true epidermis (the most superficial part of the skin). The most common locations include the face, ears, neck, back and scalp. Trichilemmal Cysts (wens) appear very similar to epidermal cysts, however, they mainly occur on the scalp and are usually multiple.  Milia Cysts are usually found on the face, most notably around the eyes. They are small firm whitish lesions.

​

Dry Skin

Dry skin is common. It can occur at any age and for many reasons. Using a moisturizer often helps repair dry skin.

Sometimes people need a dermatologist's help to get relief from dry skin. Extremely dry skin can be a warning sign of a skin problem called dermatitis (derm-muh-TIE-tis). Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. It can cause an itchy rash or patches of dry irritated skin. The earlier dermatitis is diagnosed and treated the better. Without treatment, dermatitis often gets worse. Dry skin may also be called xerosis (ze-ROW-sis).

​

Eczema/Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis is also called: Eczema.  This is a common skin disease in children. It is so common that people have given it a few names: Eczema, Dermatitis, Atopic Eczema. Atopic Dermatitis.  To avoid confusion, we’ll use the medical term atopic dermatitis.

Children often get atopic dermatitis (AD) during their first year of life. If a child gets AD during this time, dry and scaly patches appear on the skin. These patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face. These patches are very common on the cheeks.

No matter where it appears, AD is often very itchy. Infants may rub their skin against bedding or carpeting to relieve the itch.

In children of all ages, the itch can be so intense that a child cannot sleep. Scratching can lead to a skin infection.

Because atopic dermatitis can be long lasting, it is important to learn how to take care of the skin. Treatment and good skin care can alleviate much of the discomfort.

​

Excessive Sweating/Hyperhidrosis

Many people who have hyperhidrosis sweat from one or two areas of the body. Most often, they sweat from their palms, feet, underarms, or head. While the rest of the body remains dry, one or two areas may drip with sweat. This excessive sweating can interfere with everyday activities. Hands can be so sweaty that it becomes difficult to turn a doorknob or use a computer. Sweat from the underarms often soaks through clothes, causing obvious sweat marks. Because the skin is often wet, skin infections can develop. Many effective treatments are available.

​

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is inflammation or infection that can affect one or more hair follicles. Your hair follicles are the small cavities that surround the roots of your hair. Folliculitis can occur on your skin wherever hair grows, including your scalp. It’s most likely to occur on your thighs, buttocks, neck, and armpits — places where friction is common. It usually appears as small bumps. It may look like acne or a rash. It can be isolated to one hair follicle or affect many. It can be acute or chronic. Acute cases occur for a short time, while chronic cases are ongoing.

​

Hives

Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised welts on the skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes; each one characteristically lasts no longer than six to 12 hours.  Hives are very common, and most often their cause is elusive.

Hives can change size rapidly and move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

Ordinary hives flare up suddenly, but occasionally hives are produced by direct physical stimulation by environmental forces like heat, cold, and sunlight.

​

Itchy Skin

There are many reasons for itchy skin. It could be the result of a skin condition, such as eczema, shingles, hives, or psoriasis, or it could be a sign of a contagious disease, like scabies or ringworm.  If your itch does not go away see a board-certified dermatologist. Some people have more than one reason to scratch, and a dermatologist can work with you to find the cause and relieve your itching.

​

Karatosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition, which appears as tiny bumps on the skin. Some people say these bumps look like goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. Others mistake the bumps for small pimples. These rough-feeling bumps are actually plugs of dead skin cells. The plugs appear most often on the upper arms and thighs (front). Children may have these bumps on their cheeks.

Keratosis pilaris is harmless. If the itch, dryness, or the appearance of these bumps bothers you, treatment can help. Treatment can ease the symptoms and help you see clearer skin.

​

Laser Hair Removal

If you're not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be an option worth considering.  Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorb the light. That destroys the hair.

​

Melanoma

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. Melanomas may appear on the skin suddenly without warning but also can develop on an existing mole. Melanoma is highly treatable when detected early, but advanced melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs, which can result in death. They most frequently appear on the upper back, torso, lower legs, head and neck.  If you notice a mole on your skin, you should follow the ABCDE rule, which outlines the warning signs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half does not match the other half.

• Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.

• Color: The pigmentation is not uniform. Different shades of tan, brown or black are often present. Dashes of red, white, and blue can add to the mottled appearance.

• Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter when diagnosed, they can be smaller.

• Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

If you notice a new mole, a mole different from others on your skin, or one that changes, itches or bleeds, even if it is smaller than 6mm, you should make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible. 

 

Melasma

Melasma is a common condition primarily seen in young women. It is patchy, brown, hyperpigmentation of the face most often located on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip. Melasma is usually triggered by sun exposure or hormonal changes caused by birth control pills or pregnancy. Vigilant sun protection and lightening creams can prove effective treatments; however, for more resistant melasma, stronger treatments include the Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel lasers.

​

Mohs Surgery

(also called Mohs micrographic surgery)  Used to treat skin cancer, this surgery has a unique benefit. During surgery, Dr. Stone (a trained Mohs surgeon) can see where the cancer stops, this isn’t possible with other types of treatment for skin cancer. The ability to see where the cancer stops gives Mohs (pronounced Moes) two important advantages:

1. Mohs has a high cure rate.

2. Mohs allows you to keep as much healthy skin as possible because the surgeon only removes the skin with cancer cells. This is especially important when skin cancer develops in an area with little tissue beneath (e.g., eyelid, ear, or hand).

​

Moles

While most moles are harmless, you shouldn’t ignore yours.  Melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, can begin in a mole. A bleeding or itchy mole can be a sign of melanoma. If you are 30 years old or better, a new or changing mole could also be a melanoma.  

While melanoma is the most serious problem a mole can cause, it’s not the only one.  A harmless mole can rise above the surface of your skin. If clothing or jewelry rubs against (or gets caught on) this mole, it can irritate the mole. You may notice the mole and skin around it feel uncomfortable. If you have a raised mole on skin that you shave, you may nick the mole, causing it to bleed. This can be bothersome. A mole can also be a problem if it makes you feel unattractive. Some people consider a mole more of a blemish than a beauty mark.  When a mole is a problem, it’s best to have a dermatologist examine it and decide whether it needs to be removed.

​

Plantar Wart

Plantar warts look like calluses on the ball of the foot or on the heel. They may appear to have small pinholes or tiny black spots in the center. The warts are usually painful and may develop singularly or in clusters. Plantar warts are caused by a virus that infects the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet. DO NOT use over-the-counter medications to dissolve the wart. If you are not sure if you have a plantar wart or a callus, let your doctor decide.

​

Psoriasis

Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) is a chronic (long-lasting) disease. It develops when a person’s immune system sends faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. New skin cells form in days rather than weeks, the body does not shed these excess skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.  Psoriasis may look contagious, but it's not. To get psoriasis, a person must inherit the genes that cause it. If you have psoriasis, you will have one or more of these types: Plaque (also called psoriasis vulgaris), Guttate, Inverse (also called flexural psoriasis or intertriginous psoriasis), Pustular, Erythrodermic (also called exfoliative psoriasis). Some people get more than one type. Sometimes a person gets one type of psoriasis, and then the type of psoriasis changes.

​

Rashes

To the untrained eye, all rashes may look alike and seem easily treatable with over-the-counter oral antihistamines or hydro-cortisone cream. However, it is not always so simple, say dermatologists. Rashes can appear as blotches, welts or blisters; they can be red, itchy, scaly, or dry; and they can occur in one area of skin or all over the body. In addition, some rashes may come and go, while others never seem to go away.

Although most rashes are not life-threatening, some rashes can signal something more serious. If you have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms, see a board-certified dermatologist or go to the emergency room immediately:

1. The rash is all over your body: A rash that covers the body could indicate something concerning, such as an infection or allergic reaction.

2. You have a fever with the rash: If this is the case, go to the emergency room. This could be caused by an allergic reaction or an infection. Examples of rashes caused by infection include scarlet fever, measles, mononucleosis, and shingles.

3. The rash is sudden and spreads rapidly: This could be the result of an allergy. Allergies to medications are common, and some can be serious. If breathing becomes difficult, go to the emergency room or call 911.

4. The rash begins to blister: If your rash is made up of blisters, or if the rash turns into open sores, it could be the result of an allergic reaction, a reaction to medication, or an internal cause. Seek medical attention if a blistering rash affects the skin around your eyes, multiple areas in your mouth or your genitals.

5. The rash is painful: Painful rashes should quickly be evaluated by a physician.

6. The rash is infected: If you have an itchy rash and you scratch it, it may become infected. Signs of an infected rash are yellow or green fluid, swelling, crusting, pain and warmth in the area of the rash, or a red streak coming from the rash.

Rashes can come in many forms and, depending on the cause, take days or even weeks to heal. Rather than treating the rash on your own, see a board-certified dermatologist for the proper diagnosis and treatment.

​

Ring Worm

If you have ringworm, you may think you have worms in your skin or a disease caused by worms. You have neither. Ringworm is actually a skin infection caused by fungus. No worms involved. The name “ringworm” probably comes from the rash that many people see. On the skin, the rash often has a ring-shaped pattern and a raised, scaly border that snakes its way around the edge like a worm.

Ringworm is common. You’ve already had it if you had: Athlete’s foot, Jock itch, Scalp ringworm. Ringworm can appear on just about any part of your body. On the palms, soles, scalp, groin, and nails, the rash lacks the ring-shaped pattern.  No matter where ringworm appears on the body, treatment is important. Without treatment, the rash tends to grow slowly and cover a larger area. You can also infect other areas of your body.  Treatment can get rid of the ringworm and stop the itch, which can be intense. Because ringworm is contagious, treatment can also prevent you from spreading it to others.

​

​

Rosacea, Facial Redness, Broken Capillaries and Blood Vessels

Rosacea is a very common skin condition affecting over 16 million Americans. It manifests in patients as redness, broken capillaries, or flushing, which can be treated with the laser. Most patients see improvement with one treatment, but multiple treatments may be required depending on the severity of the condition, the type of blood vessel, and the skin type of the patient.

​

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses are brown, warty growths that can develop on the face, neck and body as we age. They are extremely common and can vary in number, with some people having hundreds. Seborrheic keratoses are not cancerous, but can be irritating and cosmetically disturbing. They can be removed with minimal recovery time using electrosurgery or cryosurgery.

​

Shingles

This disease often causes a painful, blistering rash.Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. After the chickenpox clears, the virus stays inside the body. If the virus reactivates (wakes up), the result is shingles — a painful, blistering rash.  The risk of getting shingles increases with age. A vaccine can reduce your risk of getting shingles. Your doctor may recommend getting this vaccine after your 50th birthday or once you reach 60 years of age. There’s another — and maybe even more important — reason for getting the shingles vaccine. If you’ve had chickenpox, you can still get shingles after getting shingles vaccine. The vaccine also lessens your risk of developing serious complications from shingles, such as life-disrupting nerve pain.

The nerve pain can last long after the shingles rash goes away. Some people have this nerve pain, called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), for many years. The pain can be so bad that it interferes with your everyday life. The shingles vaccine reduces your risk of developing this nerve pain, even more than it reduces your risk of getting shingles.  An anti-viral medicine may also prevent long-lasting nerve pain if your get shingles. It’s most effective when started within 3 days of seeing the rash. The anti-viral medicine can also make shingles symptoms milder and shorter.

​

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It most often develops on areas of the skin exposed to the sun’s rays. Skin cancer affects people of all colors and races, although those with light skin who sunburn easily have a higher risk. Types of Skin Cancer:

​

Actinic Keratoses (AK)  These dry, scaly patches or spots are precancerous growths.

• People who get AKs usually have fair skin.

• Most people see their first AKs after 40 years of age because AKs tend to develop after years of sun exposure.

• AKs usually form on the skin that gets lots of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms.

• Because an AK can progress to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), treatment is important.

 

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) This is the most common type of skin cancer. 

• BCCs frequently develop in people who have fair skin, yet they can occur in people with darker skin.

• BCCs look like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin.

• BCCs develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.

• BCC are common on the head, neck, and arms, yet can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.

• Early diagnosis and treatment for BCC is important. BCC can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.

​

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)  SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer.

• People who have light skin are most likely to develop SCC, yet they can develop in darker-skinned people.

• SCC often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens.

• SCC tend to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. SCC can grow deep in the skin and cause damage and disfigurement. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this and stop SCC from spreading to other areas of the body.

 

Melanoma  (Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer)

• Melanoma frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot on the skin.

• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

• Knowing the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you find an early melanoma.

​

 

Skin Tags 

Skin tags are extremely common growths, which can be bothersome and cosmetically displeasing. Depending on the size and location, they can be removed simply by cryosurgery, electrodessication, or snip removal.

​

Skin Texture or Tone

Although everyone is born with baby soft skin, sun damage and exposure to the elements can take their toll resulting in rough, uneven skin texture and tone. We will offer an individualized skin care regimen and discuss other treatments including chemical peels, and laser therapies like Chemical Peels, Fraxel, and Clear + Brilliant.

 

Ulthera (Ultherapy)

Ulthera is a noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin on the face, neck and chest. Ultrasound energy heats the deep layers of the skin, creating microinjuries to the same layer that is lifted during a facelift. As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, creating a lift. Optimal results are seen six months post procedure. Ulthera is a great option for patients that are not ready or do not want to undergo a surgical procedure. Popular treatment areas include the lower face for a tighter jawline and minimized double chin, the brow to improve lid sagging, as well as the neck for firming and tightening of the skin. There is some minor discomfort during the procedure, which is managed with oral medications . A great part of Ulthera versus other invasive procedures is that there is no downtime. After Ulthera, patients look normal and can go out to dinner, or go back to work. 

​

Vitiligo

Because vitiligo (vitl-eye-go) affects a person’s appearance, many people consider it a “cosmetic problem.” Cosmetic means the problem only affects the way a person looks, but vitiligo is more than a “cosmetic problem" it is a medical condition. People get vitiligo when their body attacks its own melanocytes (meh-lan-oh-cites) — the cells that give our skin, hair, and other areas of the body color.

These cells live in the skin, hair, lips, mouth (inside of), nostrils, genitals, rectum, eyes, and inner ear. When the body attacks them, the result can be a few light-colored patches on the skin. Others see widespread loss of skin color. Hair can develop a white streak. This can happen to hair anywhere on the body, including the top of the head, an eyebrow, or eyelash. If the body attacks these cells in the inner ear, the person may develop hearing loss.  What causes the body to attack these cells is not entirely understood. Vitiligo may be an autoimmune disease. These diseases happen when the person’s immune system mistakenly attacks some part of the body.  It’s important to find a dermatologist, because people who have vitiligo have a higher risk of getting some other medical conditions.

​

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

With age, it is natural to develop static fine lines and wrinkles. Each person ages differently, as both genetics and lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure and smoking, influence the aging process. Wrinkles can be treated in many different ways. Botox injections relax facial muscles improving wrinkles that occur with movement. Filler injections plump up the skin restoring lost volume and improving deep lines.

For some patients, Botox and filler injections are not enough, and they require laser resurfacing to reduce wrinkles and stimulate new collagen formation. We use the latest technologies including Clear + Brilliant, and the Fraxel Laser to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

​

​

​

​