Medical Dermatology

About Lumps, Bumps, and Moles

What are they?

“Lumps, bumps, and moles” is a general term that typically refers to warts, skin tags, cysts, fat deposits, and more. Normally, these skin growths and irregularities are benign; however, they can have a negative impact on your self-esteem because they often form on parts of your body that are easily visible, such as the face or neck. Other areas of the body that frequently develop lumps, bumps, and moles include the torso, back, arms, legs, and groin.

What causes them?

Since lumps, bumps, and moles can develop from a multitude of reasons, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who can properly identify and treat your particular skin condition.

Common treatments

Our dermatologists have the training, knowledge, and experience to help you manage a variety of lumps, bumps, moles, warts, cysts and other skin irregularities. Treatment options include surgical excision, and prescription oral or topical medications. In some cases, such as with moles, only simple observation is necessary. However, since benign skin growths and irregularities vary from person to person, a consultation with one of our dermatologists is the only way to know which treatment is best for you.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that abnormal lumps or bumps in your skin may seem like nothing more than just a sign of aging, but they may actually be damaging the health and appearance of your skin. As your neighborhood skin specialists, we’re here to provide information and advice about a variety of lumps, bumps, and moles. Our compassionate staff of dermatology experts are ready to answer your questions and address your concerns, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Rosacea

About Rosacea

What is it?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. It tends to develop gradually and may worsen over time if left untreated.

What causes it?

The exact causes of rosacea are unknown, although genetics, problem blood vessels, and irregular immune system function are thought to contribute to the skin condition. There are, however, known common triggers that should be avoided, such as sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, and hot liquids.

Common treatments

While there is no cure for rosacea, the skin experts at our dermatology practice can help you improve or even eliminate your rosacea symptoms. Treatments range from topical to oral medications.

If you notice rosacea like symptoms, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Actinic Keratoses

About Actinic Keratoses

What is it?

Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. It’s often found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands.

Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40.

You can reduce your risk of this skin condition by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Left untreated, the risk of actinic keratoses turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is about 5% to 10%.

What causes it?

Actinic keratoses vary in appearance. Signs and symptoms include:

Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter
Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin
In some cases, a hard, wartlike surface
Color variations, including pink, red or brown
Itching, burning, bleeding or crusting
New patches or bumps on sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, hands, and forearms

Common Treatments

Freezing (cryotherapy). Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Your doctor applies the substance to the affected skin, which causes blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the damaged cells slough off, allowing new skin to appear. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment. It takes only a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office. Side effects may include blisters, scarring, changes to skin texture, infection, and changes in skin color of the affected area.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have actinic keratosis so that we can help you.

Skin Cancer

About Skin Cancer

What is it?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, affecting around 20 percent of Americans. However, it does not have to be fatal, especially when caught early. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore unusual skin bumps, lesions, discolorations, and other irregularities when they appear. Although the causes of skin cancer vary, there are common risk factors to be aware of, which include chronic sun exposure, a family history of skin cancer, fair skin, multiple sunburns throughout your life, precancerous skin lesions, and sunny and/or high-altitude climates and locales.

What causes it?

Skin cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, which then spreads to adjacent cells. When the spread is rapid or uncontrolled, it can easily become malignant. Three types of skin cancer are prevalent. The first is squamous cell carcinoma, which is located in cells just beneath the skin surface. The second is basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer) which develops in the layer beneath squamous cells. Lastly, there is melanoma, the most dangerous variant. Melanoma forms under the other two layers of cells. A precancerous lesion, actinic keratosis (AK), also is possible; it usually is not life-threatening, but it can become cancerous if ignored.

Common treatments

Our skin cancer experts have the experience and training to help you overcome this disease. We highly recommend regular skin cancer screenings, especially if you are prone to the above risk factors. If a carcinoma is found, we’ll discuss the best solution with you from among the following treatment options: excisional surgery, electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C), cryotherapy, and Mohs micrographic surgery.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We provide an assortment of treatment options that can be customized to suit your needs based on your goals, concerns, and opinions about which treatment is right for you. We’ll be with you throughout the process with compassionate care and support so you can have your life back and live it to the fullest. We understand that a diagnosis of skin cancer can be traumatic and painful, both physically and emotionally. As your community skin cancer specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement, advice, and answers to your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. What sets us apart is our focus on you as a person. Our warm, compassionate practitioners are ready to address your concerns to be here as an essential part of your support.

Psoriasis

About Psoriasis

What is it?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which your skin produces skin cells much faster than normal. This causes them to build up into thick, flaky, itchy, inflamed patches. There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and several other types that are rare. Common areas of the body where psoriasis develops include the scalp, torso, arms, thighs, armpits, groin, fingernails, and toenails. There’s also very painful psoriatic arthritis, in which both the skin and the nearby joints are stiff and inflamed. While psoriasis most commonly appears in people between the ages of 15 to 35, approximately 10% of people who develop psoriasis will be under the age of 10 when symptoms appear and 4% will have their first sign of psoriasis occur over the age of 60.

External Symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis, especially early on, can be similar to other conditions like eczema or skin allergies. However, as time goes on, the physical symptoms of psoriasis can worsen including itchy, flaking skin that bleeds or cracks and thick, discolored, and/or ridged nails.

Internal Symptoms

Some of the most damaging symptoms of psoriasis occur internally with the emotional distress one faces with psoriasis, as well as psoriatic arthritis which occurs in 30% of people who are affected by the disease. Psoriatic arthritis is painful and affects the joints most commonly in the fingers and toes, feet, and lower back. Also, there is a higher rate of heart disease, stroke, and other internal diseases associated with psoriasis.

What causes it?

Genetics and the immune system function play major roles in the appearance of psoriasis. Instead of the immune system protecting the body from viruses, foreign proteins, and bacteria, the immune system in someone with psoriasis “misfires” and attacks healthy cells. This causes inflammation in the skin leading to more rapid growth of skin cells. The increased growth of skin cells requires more blood circulation to feed the process which results in a multitude of psoriatic symptoms.

The genetic predisposition to psoriasis involves the abnormal function of the inflammatory cells called T-lymphocytes, or “T-cells”. While many people live with these abnormal T-cells without having symptoms of psoriasis, there are many situations that can trigger these cells to create the red, scaly patches of psoriasis.

Common triggers include…

Strep infections

For children ages 10 or younger, the most common trigger for psoriasis is strep infection, the most common of which is strep throat.

Emotional distress

Emotional distress is a common trigger of psoriasis in adults.

The abuse of substances like alcohol and tobacco

Skin irritation

Skin irritations such as scrapes or irritations from getting a tattoo applied are other triggers for psoriasis.

Medications

Certain medications including lithium, antimalarials, Inderal, quinidine, and indomethacin have been associated with triggering psoriasis.

Common treatments

Though psoriasis is not contagious, it is unpredictable. You may heal without warning only to have it return just as quickly or years later. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for psoriasis, but our dermatologists have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you manage your symptoms. Our psoriasis treatment options include topical medications, Vitamin D (steroids or retinol creams/gels), oral treatments, biologic treatments (retinoid pills, chemotherapy medicine), light therapy, and UV-B light (controlled doses of sunlight).

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that an aggressive and troublesome skin condition like psoriasis can affect you both physically and psychologically. As your community skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and answers to questions you may have about this problematic skin issue. Contact us today if you notice symptoms of psoriasis so that we can help you deal with this unpredictable condition. We provide treatment options that can be tailored to suit your needs and goals, and we’ll be by your side each step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing advice and after-care support.

Acne/Acne Scars

About Acne

What is it?

Affecting more than 50 million Americans, acne is the most common skin problem in the country. Acne is the result of clogged pores that eventually become small red bumps, or pimples, which can be characterized as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, and more. While these blemishes commonly appear on your face, they also can develop on the neck, shoulders, upper arms, chest, back, and buttocks.

What causes it?

When the clogging in your pores builds up too much, they become a breeding ground for P. acnes, the bacteria that cause pimples to develop. However, it’s important to remember what doesn’t cause acne: stress, fried foods and other poor diet choices, poor hygiene, and hormones. While it is true that these things can worsen your acne, there is no truth to the myth that they actually cause the condition.

Common treatments?

Many acne treatments are available, but their efficacy can differ from person to person; what works for you may not work for someone else. Furthermore, some medications and treatments are more effective for milder cases of the condition, while other treatments are better for severe breakouts. Mild or moderate cases of acne (i.e., a few blemishes, whiteheads, and/or blackheads) can be erased with simple over-the-counter medications with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid. However, for severe acne cases (red, swollen, often painful blemishes consisting of cysts and/or nodules), an array of treatments can work: these include prescription-strength topical or oral medications, antibiotics to destroy the acne-causing bacteria, a variety of light therapies (including lasers), chemical peels, and drainage and extraction procedures for the most stubborn acne.

Acne Scars

Acne scars are marks left on the skin after acne lesions have healed. They can vary in appearance, depth, and color, and can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Understanding the types of acne scars, their causes, and available treatment options is essential for managing this common skin concern. Here’s a comprehensive overview of acne scars:

Types of Acne Scars:

Atrophic Scars: These are the most common type of acne scars, characterized by a loss of tissue. They can be further categorized into:
- Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow scars that resemble small puncture wounds.
- Boxcar Scars: Wide, shallow depressions with steep edges, resembling chickenpox scars.
- Rolling Scars: Indentations with a wave-like appearance, caused by damage to the skin’s underlying structure.
Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are raised and result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. They may become less pronounced over time but can be persistent.
Keloid Scars: Similar to hypertrophic scars, keloids extend beyond the original injury site and can be larger than the acne lesion itself. They are more common in individuals with darker skin types.

Causes of Acne Scars:

Inflammation: Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation. The body’s response to this inflammation can damage surrounding skin tissue, resulting in scars.
Severity of Acne: More severe forms of acne, such as cystic acne, are more likely to cause scarring due to the depth and extent of tissue damage.
Picking or Squeezing: Manipulating acne lesions can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
Delayed Treatment: Not addressing acne promptly or effectively can lead to more extensive damage and a higher likelihood of scarring.

Treatment Options for Acne Scars:

Topical Treatments:
- Retinoids: Prescription or over-the-counter retinoids can promote cell turnover, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of scars.
- Chemical Peels: Mild chemical peels can help exfoliate the skin, improving texture and tone.
- Silicone Gels and Sheets: These can help flatten hypertrophic and keloid scars by hydrating the scar tissue.
Dermal Fillers:
- Injectable fillers can temporarily plump up atrophic scars, making them less noticeable. The results typically last several months, requiring repeat treatments.
Microneedling:
- This procedure involves using a device with fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving the appearance of scars over time.
Laser Treatments:
- Ablative Lasers: These remove the outer layer of skin and are effective for deeper scars.
- Non-Ablative Lasers: These stimulate collagen production without damaging the surface of the skin, making them suitable for less severe scarring.
Subcision:
- This minor surgical procedure involves inserting a needle under the skin to break up fibrous bands that tether scars to the underlying tissue, allowing them to rise to the surface.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how acne can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. Our knowledgeable dermatologic experts work with you to minimize the effects of this condition and offer solutions that can be customized just for you. We’ll also address all of your concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.

Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to find out how we can address your acne condition to improve both your skin and self-esteem.