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Dermatology

At Independence Health System, our dermatology department is dedicated to providing comprehensive skincare services. As a leading health system, we offer advanced healthcare services, thereby allowing our patients to receive the best possible care for their specific needs.

What is a Dermatologist?

Medical experts specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin disorders and conditions are called dermatologists, who are also qualified to diagnose and treat conditions and diseases that affect the hair and nails. These physicians customize a skincare regimen appropriate for the client’s goals and work with them to present all available treatment options in order to find a solution to meet their unique needs. It’s understandable a skin problem has an effect on your self-image and confidence, and we employ a range of techniques and technologies to treat skin-related concerns.

Skin Conditions We Treat

Our skilled team of dermatologists at Independence Health System diagnosis and treat a wide array of skin conditions. We work closely with patients to understand their medical history and health needs, so treatment plans can be tailored toward the unique requirements of each patient. Our team has experience treating the following dermatological conditions and more:

  • Acne - Acne isn’t just a skin problem experienced by teens; plenty of adults suffer from acne, too. Acne is the leading type of skin condition in the United States. When it comes to curing acne, there is a variety of information but a scarcity of helpful answers. Working with a caring, knowledgeable, and experienced dermatologist is the best way to find an answer to problematic acne.
  • Actinic Keratosis (AK) - Also known as solar keratosis, this condition creates a crusty or scaly growth caused by damage from exposure to the sun. Other artificial sources of ultraviolet light (tanning beds) can also cause this pre-cancerous condition. Left untreated, AK can develop into skin cancer. Most often, AK forms on the exposed areas of the skin. Symptoms may include itchy, inflamed, or bleeding skin.
  • Allergic Reactions - Symptoms that may be associated with allergic contact dermatitis vary from one patient to the next. You may have dry, scaly skin from an allergic reaction, or hives, oozing blisters, skin redness, a burning sensation, itching, or swelling. Often, allergic contact dermatitis goes on its own once the irritating substance is no longer in contact with the skin. You should avoid scratching and keep your skin clean with mild soap and lukewarm water. Discontinue any product you believe might be causing the allergic reaction. For instance, your allergic reaction may come from fragranced skincare products. Try over-the-counter treatments such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to relieve itching.
  • Age Spots - These darkened skin areas vary in size and typically appear on the face, hands, shoulders, arms, and legs. They are common in adults over the age of 50, especially those with fair skin. While they may look like cancer, they don’t require treatment. However, many are embarrassed and find age spots unsightly. Fortunately, age spots can often be removed or lightened with skin brightening treatments.
  • Cysts - When enclosed pockets of tissue fill with fluid, pus, or other materials, it becomes a cyst. These noncancerous lesions can appear anywhere on the skin and may look like a large pimple. Cysts are slow-growing, smooth to the touch, and under the skin surface. Cysts develop as a result of the sebaceous glands (oil glands) becoming clogged or infected. They can be removed surgically and you should not attempt to “pop” a cyst, especially because of the risk of infection and the high likelihood the cyst will re-fill.
  • Dry Skin - Many people of all ages experience dry skin. It may develop as a result of certain skin diseases like psoriasis, or it can be brought on by environmental factors such as cold weather, hot showers, harsh soaps, or sun exposure. Patients with dry skin complain of rough-feeling, tight skin that may be itchy or red. It is often only a temporary problem and can be managed through simple home and lifestyle measures, such as using moisturizers and special creams or avoiding hot showers and baths. For more severe cases, prescription creams and ointments may be recommended to calm skin.
  • Eczema - The word “eczema” means irritated skin. It occurs when the immune system causes the skin to overreact, often when certain triggers are present such as sweating, harsh soaps, fruit juices, dust, scratchy clothing, animal dander, or a mild sickness. Some of the factors that can lead to eczema include family history, or having allergies or asthma. There are also environmental factors. Eczema is more common in polluted places or cities, as well as in northern regions.
  • Folliculitis -This condition occurs when the hair follicles become inflamed. You can have folliculitis on any part of your body with hair, but it is most common on the arms, back, buttocks, legs, or beard area in men. This condition can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or another type of fungus. Shaving or tight-fitting clothing can rub the skin and irritate the follicles, and sweat, oils, or makeup can cause folliculitis.
  • Hives - These welts can appear suddenly on any part of the skin. They often itch, and can vary in size. Hives usually subside within 24 hours or less, but can last for days or even weeks (acute hives). Typically, hives are the result of the body’s reaction to specific allergens. The most common causes are allergic reactions to specific foods, medications, or from infections. Hives lasting longer than 6 weeks are more challenging to identify the cause and require further evaluation by the physician.
  • Moles - While most moles and other skin growths are not of medical concern, it is important to screen for cancer and other skin conditions that can develop in some cases. Full-body skin exams help detect any new moles and growths and monitor existing growths; are recommended on a yearly basis to screen for skin cancer and detect any abnormalities in their earliest stages. To classify a mole, your doctor will evaluate its color, size, border end any asymmetries that may indicate a potential for cancer. If any suspicious lesions are found during this exam, additional testing will likely be performed.
  • Nail Fungus - Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cuts or cracks in your skin. It can be painful and change the color or thickness of the nail. Left untreated, this infection can spread to other toenails, fingernails, or the skin.
  • Poison Ivy/Oak - Contact with poison ivy or oak is the result of irritation from the sticky oil called Urushiol. It causes an itchy, blistering rashes when it comes in contact with the skin. Typically, the rash forms within 24 to 72 hours after contact, and can last as long as 3 weeks. Keep the area clean and control the itch with over-the-counter calamine lotion or hydrocortisone creams. Severe reactions in addition to rashes include nausea, fever, shortness of breath, or when the rash covers a large area of the body, is on the face, or close to your eyes.
  • Psoriasis - Psoriasis looks like dry, scaly patches on the skin. It is caused by excessive buildup of skin cells and is thought to be caused by the immune system. A dermatologist may recommend medication, therapy, or a topical ointment to help remove the skin scales and to prevent skin cells from building up.
  • Rashes -There are many different types of rashes, and various causes as well. If your rash is accompanied by fever, covers your whole body, gets infected, occurs suddenly and spreads quickly, or causes you pain, you should seek medical attention right away.
  • Rosacea - Rosacea calls redness of the skin, often accompanied by small bumps that are filled with pus or visible blood vessels. 16 million Americans suffer from rosacea, most often fair-skinned women in middle age. Without treatment, rosacea can get worse. Your dermatologist may recommend anti-acne medicine or antibiotics to treat rosacea.
  • Skin Cancer - Detection and treatment of skin cancer is a major priority of our dermatologists. Using a very detailed mapping techniques, the “roots” of the skin cancer are extracted in a precise manner, giving Mohs Surgery a higher cure rate than any other skin cancer procedure. Skin cancer is the leading type of cancer in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 5 individuals in the United States will develop skin cancer.
  • Warts - Warts are small, noncancerous growths that are caused by a viral infection of the top skin layer. Warts often occur on hands. They can spread by contact.

Schedule a Dermatology Appointment Today

Whether you are dealing with a common skin condition or seeking specialized treatment for a recurring issue, our dermatology providers are ready to help.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the office directly.

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