Medical Dermatology
A
Acne
Acne is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States.
Treatment options: Topicals (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide), oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, isotretinoin (Accutane)
Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses is rough, dry, scaly patch or growth that forms on the skin that has soaked up a large amount of sun over an extended period of time. An AK is rough, dry, scaly patch or growth that forms on the skin.
Treatment options: LN2, topical creams (5-FU, imiquimod), photodynamic therapy, biopsy if suspicious
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a form of dermatitis that causes a rash from contact with poison ivy, nickel, makeup, jewelry or latex gloves.
Treatment options: Patch testing, topical steroids, short-course oral steroids, allergen avoidance
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease in children. Children often get atopic dermatitis (AD) during their first year of life. If a child gets AD during this time, dry and scaly patches appear on the skin. These patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face. These patches are very common on the cheeks.
Treatment options: Topical steroids and non-steroid topicals, biologics, phototherapy, moisturizer plan
Atypical Fibroxanthoma
Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a skin tumor that most often develops in older adults with significant sun damage or a history of radiation therapy.
Treatment options: Biopsy, Mohs surgery, wide local excision
Atypical Moles
Atypical moles, also called dysplastic nevi, are moles that look different from ordinary moles — often larger, with irregular borders or uneven color. Having them increases your risk of melanoma.
Treatment options: Full skin exam with dermoscopy, biopsy, excision
B
B-Cell Lymphoma of the Skin
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body’s immune system. Rare lymphomas that start in the skin are called skin lymphomas.
Treatment options: Biopsy, oncology coordination
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.
Treatment options: Biopsy, Mohs surgery, surgical excision, topicals for superficial cases
Bumps and Growths
There are a number of skin conditions that cause bumps and growths to appear on the surface or just below the skin.
Treatment options: Biopsy, excision, LN2, cyst removal
C
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma is a class of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a type of cancer of the immune system. CTCL is caused by a mutation of T cells. The malignant T cells in the body initially migrate to the skin, causing various lesions to appear. These lesions change shape as the disease progresses, typically beginning as what appears to be a rash which can be very itchy and eventually forming plaques and tumors before metastasizing to other parts of the body.
Treatment options: Biopsy, topical steroids, phototherapy, oncology coordination
D
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare skin cancer. It begins in the middle layer of skin, the dermis. DFSP tends to grow slowly. It seldom spreads to other parts of the body.
Treatment options: Biopsy, Mohs surgery or wide local excision
E
Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, irritated, and often intensely itchy skin. It affects roughly 1 in 10 people in the U.S., from infants to older adults. The itch leads to scratching, which further irritates the skin and worsens the rash.
Treatment options: Topical steroids and non-steroid topicals, biologics, phototherapy, moisturizer plan
Extramammary Paget's Disease
Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare skin cancer that appears as a slowly spreading, red, scaly, often itchy patch in areas rich in apocrine sweat glands, most commonly the groin, genital, or perianal skin.
Treatment options: Biopsy, surgical excision, topicals in select cases
F
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a common skin condition caused by inflamed hair follicles most commonly occurring on the chest, back, arms, legs and buttocks. Follicles are the small pockets that surround the root of your hair. Folliculitis can look like acne and can be painful or itchy.
Treatment options: Topical or oral antibiotics, antifungals if fungal, culture
H
Hair and Scalp Disorders
Hair loss and scalp conditions affect millions of Americans, and the causes range from genetics and hormones to autoimmune disease, stress, and scalp inflammation.
Treatment options: Scalp biopsy, topicals, steroid injections, oral medications
I
Itchy Skin
There are many causes of itchy skin such as bed bugs, hives, poison ivy, oak and sumac.
Treatment options: Exam to find the cause, topicals, oral antihistamines
L
Lymphomas of the Skin
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system.
Treatment options: Biopsy, oncology coordination
M
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer and can significantly jeopardize your long-term health. If gone undetected, melanomas can spread rapidly to other parts of the body. Once melanomas spread, they can often be fatal.
Treatment options: Biopsy, wide local excision, oncology referral and follow-up skin checks
Melasma
Melasma is one of the most common skin problems. It can lead to noticeable dark brown discoloration in the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and especially the upper lip. It can even appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.
Treatment options: Topical lightening agents, chemical peels, sun protection plan
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disease caused by a virus. This virus easily spreads from person to person.
Treatment options: LN2, curettage, topical treatments
O
Other Lymphomas of the Skin
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system.
P
Painful Skin/Joints
There are many causes and treatments to painful skin/joints.
Treatment options: Evaluation, biopsy, referral to rheumatology if needed
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly, thickened patches of skin. It can look similar to eczema and other rashes, so a dermatologist’s evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis. Psoriasis often runs in families and can begin at any age. It is a lifelong condition that tends to flare on and off, but it is very treatable.
Treatment options: Topicals, phototherapy, biologics, oral systemic medications
R
Rashes
“Rash” is a broad term for many different skin conditions, from eczema and allergic reactions to infections, medication reactions, and autoimmune disease. Some resolve on their own, but others need targeted treatment.
Treatment options: Exam, biopsy, patch testing, skin scraping for fungus, topicals
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that occurs most commonly on the nose and central face. Patients with rosacea may notice facial flushing and blushing frequently and may have red bumps on the nose, forehead, cheeks or chin. Sensitive skin is often a complaint of patients affected by rosacea.
Treatment options: Topicals, oral antibiotics, trigger and skincare guidance
S
Sebaceous Carcinoma
Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare skin cancer. It is considered an aggressive skin cancer because it can spread.
Treatment Options: Biopsy, Mohs surgery or wide local excision
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic condition that causes flaking, redness, and itching in oil-rich areas — the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, and chest. Dandruff is its mildest form.
Treatment options: Antifungal creams and shampoos, topical steroids
Skin Cancer
Early detection and treatment of any form of skin cancer is essential both to prevent the disease from spreading to other areas of the body and to achieving better outcomes.
Treatment options: Full body skin exam, biopsy, surgical treatment
Sun-Damaged Skin
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can cause premature skin aging, skin cancer and other conditions.
Treatment options: Skin checks, topical retinoids, LN2, photodynamic therapy
Seborrheic Keratoses
A seborrheic keratosis, also known as seborrheic verruca or a senile wart, is a non-cancerous skin tumor that originates from cells in the outer layer of the skin. Like liver spots, seborrheic keratoses are seen more often as people age.
Treatment options: LN2, shave removal
Sweaty/Dry Skin
Skin that sweats too much — or produces too little moisture — can disrupt daily life more than most people realize. Both hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and chronic dry skin are real medical conditions with effective treatments.
Treatment options: Moisturizers, prescription antiperspirants, Botox for hyperhidrosis
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are similar to basal cell carcinomas in that they tend to arise in sun-damaged skin. Also, they are an incredibly common cancer, with approximately 700,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Women frequently get SCC on their lower legs. However, unlike basal cell carcinomas, SCCs can spread to other parts of your body. With early diagnosis and treatment, SCC is highly curable.
Treatment options: Biopsy, Mohs surgery, surgical excision
U
Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
Pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma.
Treatment options: Biopsy, wide local excision, oncology coordination
V
Verruca Vulgaris
A viral wart is a very common skin growth caused by infection with human papilloma virus (HPV).
Treatment options: LN2, topical treatments, Candida antigen injections