From treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea to removal of warts, moles and other lesions, our office provides a full range of medical dermatological services so you can enjoy the healthy skin you deserve.

Acne

Acne can be unattractive. It can also cause permanent scarring and emotional distress. Fortunately, several treatment options are available. Patients can often improve mild acne by washing with warm water and a mild cleanser twice a day and/or using a topical over-the-counter acne medication. For severe cases, laser treatment may be recommended. Results are usually visible as soon as the first session.

Acne scarring can be treated in a variety of ways including certain skin care products, chemical peels, laser or pulsed light treatments, soft tissue fillers, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion.

Eczema

Eczema is a term used to describe a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic itchy rashes. 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.

Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks may include rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive heat or sweating, soaps, detergents, disinfectants, fruit and meat juices, dust mites, animal saliva and danders, upper respiratory infections and stress.

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.

Skin Allergies

There are three major groups of skin diseases caused by allergy: eczema, allergic contact dermatitis and hives. Eczema occurs most commonly in children and involves a rash. Allergic contact dermatitis describes the onset of a rash, swelling, blistering or other effect after the skin touches an irritating substance such as clothing materials and dyes, latex, cosmetics, soaps, perfumes or certain plants like poison ivy. Sometimes the reaction is triggered by exposure to ultraviolet light (called photoallergy), for example putting on sunscreen and stepping outside. Hives, also called urticaria, are itchy rashes with bumps resembling insect bites. They can occur in small patches or all over the body, and last anywhere from a few minutes to several months.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis encompasses a group of chronic skin disorders that cause an itching and/or burning sensation, scaling and crusting of the skin. 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).

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disorder of skin pigmentation characterized by white patches affecting any part of the body. Approximately 1-2% of the population are affected and 20% of these people have a family member similarly affected.

The cells responsible for producing melanin pigment (melanocytes) are absent in the skin lesions of vitiligo. The exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, although a number of theories have been set forth.

The course and extent of pigment loss differs. Spontaneous repigmentation can occur, however, it is rare. Those who choose not to undergo therapy may benefit from self tanners or cosmetic cover ups and sunscreens alone. Vitiliginous skin must always be protected because it is more susceptible to sunburn and photodamage than pigmented skin.

A number of treatments are available including topical steroids, oral or topical photosensitizing agent combined with UVA light therapy ("PUVA"), skin grafting or depigmentation therapy. The choice of therapy may be influenced greatly by the age of the patient, extent of vitiligo, areas involved and general health status.

To date, there is no cure for vitiligo, but in consultation with a dermatologist, many options for treatment may be explored.

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