Actinic keratoses are rough pink spots on the skin that occur in sun-exposed areas due to cumulative sun damage. These lesions are precancerous and have the potential to turn into a basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment options include: freezing (liquid nitrogen treatments), prescription topical chemotherapy creams or photodynamic “blue light” therapy.
Photodynamic therapy is a form of field treatment for actinic keratoses, or precancers. This procedure is performed in the office with the application of a topical solution called aminolevulinic acid followed by exposure to a blue light device. This causes selective destruction to the precancers in the area that is treated. Following the treatment patients typically experience redness and must avoid the sun for up to 3 days. Some peeling may occur, but overall the procedure is very well tolerated. A significant reduction in the number of precancers is seen after 1 treatment, but your doctor may recommend a second treatment depending on the amount of photo-damage you have in a given area. Areas that can be treated include the face, scalp, chest, and arms.
In addition, blue light therapy can be used for acne treatments as well.
Atopic Dermatitis (commonly referred to as eczema) is inflammation of the skin that causes severe itching and rash. Treatments may include include a combination of prescription topical medications, moisturization and anti-itch medications.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is extremely common and can occur in the axilla as well as on the palms and soles of the feet. Prescription grade anti-perspirants can be prescribed, as well as Botox injections. Botox injections are quick to administer and can provide a decrease or resolution of sweating in the areas treated for up to 12 months.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It is considered the most effective technique for treating many basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common types of skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes a thin layer around the cancer progressively in stages and examines it under the microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. The goal of this surgery is to remove the cancer in its entirety while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue which results in a smaller scar. Mohs surgery is done in the office under local anesthesia. It is used to treat specific types of skin cancer. Generally it is used for cancers that have recurred from other treatments, those of a larger size, more deeply invasive, poorly defined borders, more aggressive subtypes of basal and squamous cell carcinoma, patients who are immunocompromised or at high risk of recurrence, as well as those tumors located in areas where preservation of as much surrounding skin is necessary such as around the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet, scalp and neck.
Dermatologists are trained in the diagnosis and management of 3000 conditions of the skin, hair, and mucous membranes. There are many potential causes of rash and your Dermatologist can diagnose and treat you by a clinical examination and a biopsy if needed.
Other Dermatologic conditions that we treat include: allergic skin reactions, cysts, fungus, hives, itching, shingles, skin tags, vitiligo, and warts.
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