General Dermatology

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

Acne

Acne 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.

Treatment for acne varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, skin type and the patient’s age and life ; on average results are visible in six to eight weeks. Options include:

Laser resurfacing
Soft tissue fillers and fat transfer
Punch excisional surgery for deep "ice-pick" pitted scarring
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion

Eczema

Eczema Woodbury Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder categorized by scaly and itching rashes. Eczema is most common in children. In adults, it is generally a chronic or recurring condition.

A hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) occurs in the skin, causing chronic inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Chronic irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery-textured.

There is often a hereditary component to eczema. There may be a family history of seasonal allergies, asthma, and sinus problems. Keeping your skin well moisturized can minimize eczema flares. Eczema may be treated with topical or oral medications and light treatments (photo therapy).

Moles

Moles are small clusters of pigmented skin cells. Nearly everyone has moles, which usually appear after birth. Moles are also called nevi or "beauty marks". We continue to make more moles over our lifetime.

Congenital nevi (moles present at birth) have an increased risk of becoming skin cancer (malignant melanoma). This is especially true if the nevus covers a large area of the body (larger than a fist). All congenital nevi should be examined by a dermatologist and any change in the birthmark should be reported. Watch for changes in the size, color and shape or the appearance of sudden ulceration, bleeding, or itching in the birthmark.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious infection of the skin caused by a fungus. Ringworm can affect your skin anywhere on your body, your scalp, your groin area or feet (also called athlete's foot). The symptoms of ringworm include a circular and itching skin rash. They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. A simple skin scraping test done in the office can help differentiate a fungus infection from eczema and dictate the proper treatment.

Rosacea

Rosacea Woodbury Rosacea is a chronic disorder involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may cause redness, prominent blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne. The cause of rosacea is unknown. The disorder involves enlargement of the blood vessels just under the skin. It occurs most often in fair skinned people, particularly those who blush easily. Women are more commonly affected, but men are usually more severely affected. Symptoms usually begin between ages 30 to 50.

Symptoms include:

Rashes
- Erythema (red areas on the face)
- Discrete areas or the entire face
A tendency to flush, blush easily
Increased vascularity (telangiectasias) of the face

A red, bulbous nose
Acne-like skin eruptions
A burning or stinging sensation of the face

Treatments consist of topical and oral medications, avoiding certain foods, and laser treatments for the veins and redness.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis Treatment Woodbury There are several forms of psoriasis, and each form has unique characteristics that allow our dermatologists to visually identify psoriasis to determine what type, or types, of psoriasis is present. Sometimes a skin biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Psoriasis treatments fall into several categories:

Topical (applied to the skin) - Mild to moderate psoriasis
Phototherapy (light, usually ultraviolet, applied to the skin) -
Narrowband for whole body
XTRAC- laser for localized areas
Systemic (taken orally or by injection or infusion) - Moderate, severe or disabling psoriasis

Warts

Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus. They are generally harmless. However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they itch or hurt (particularly on the feet). Most adults are familiar with the look of a typical wart and have little trouble recognizing them. However, unusual warts with smooth surfaces or flat warts in children may be more difficult for parents to recognize. They can be contagious, but transmission from person to person is uncommon.

Treatment options include topical medications, liquid nitrogen freezing, surgery, lasers, or injecting the warts with medications. Generally, multiple treatments are required to get rid of warts.