What is dermatology?
Dermatology is the care of the skin, hair and nails. Many everyday skin problems can be diagnosed and treated by your family doctor.
What conditions can dermatology treat?
We treat the most common skin conditions and refer to a dermatologist when specialized care is needed:
Acne
Clogged pores and inflammation that cause pimples on the face, chest and back; treated with topical and oral medications.
Psoriasis
A chronic immune condition that causes thick, scaly patches; creams and other therapies keep flares under control.
Eczema
Dry, itchy, inflamed skin that often starts in childhood; gentle skin care and anti-inflammatory creams help.
Warts
Small growths caused by a virus; they can be frozen or treated in the office.
Dermatitis
Skin irritation from allergens or irritants such as soaps, plants or metals; identifying the trigger is key.
How do I know if a spot on my skin needs to be looked at?
Use the ABCDE guide to check moles and spots:
“A” equals asymmetry
One half of the spot does not match the other.
“B” equals border
Edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
“C” equals color
The color is uneven, with shades of brown, black, red or white.
“D” equals diameter
The spot is larger than about 6 mm — the size of a pencil eraser.
“E” equals evolving
The spot changes in size, shape or color, or starts to itch or bleed.
How can I improve the appearance of my skin?
Daily sunscreen, gentle cleansing, moisturizing, not smoking and treating conditions early all help skin look and feel healthier.
This information is educational and does not replace a medical visit. In an emergency, call 911.