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.
