Skin Cancer, Skin Rashes, Sun Damage and Skin Infections

Skin Conditions

Skin Rashes

Skin rashes are a signal that a person's body doesn't like something…such as a medication, an ingredient in a shampoo, a metal, or food. Although some skin rashes disappear without treatment, others are chronic and require regular check-ups to keep them under control. These include severe forms of acne, atopic dermatitis and rosacea. Allergies, viral infections and reactions to medications can also cause various types of rashes. The location, appearance and color of a rash will help your dermatologist make the diagnosis.

See your doctor immediately if you have a skin rash and also experience bleeding blisters in the mouth or eyes, skin that is quickly turning black, peeling of a large amount of skin, any rapid swelling that is causing shortness of breath, or pain associated with a rash.

Skin Cancer

Many skin cancers are treated by quick and effective office procedures. Minor treatment can include freezing the cancer site, scraping and cauterizing the cancer site, or removing the cancer site. Some topical medications can be used on certain superficial skin cancers, therefore eliminating the need for surgical treatment.

See your dermatologist if you notice:

• A dark bump that may have started within a mole or blemish
• A fleshy, growing mass on or near your nose or eyes
• Any unusual growth on your face, from the lip to the lower face or chin
• Dark or black raised spots that keep growing

If your dermatologist identifies a suspicious spot, a small sample of skin is removed in the office using local anesthesia. The tissue is examined under the microscope to determine if it is cancerous or not.

Sun Damage

Repeated, prolonged sun exposure causes skin damage, especially in fair skinned individuals. Sun damaged skin becomes dry, wrinkled and may form rough spots that are scaly. Sun damage is also known as actinic keratosis. Do you have scaly, pink, gray or tan patches or bumps on your face, scalp or on the back of your hands? There are many treatments for sun damage and although actinic keratoses are not skin cancers, this type of lesion can become cancerous. Therefore, it is important to consult a dermatologist who can recommend the best treatment for you. We offer skin care products to help correct & prevent sun damage and premature aging.

Skin Infections

Skin infections are very common and can usually be prevented by avoiding contact with an infected person. Bacterial infections of the skin may include boils, impetigo or warts. Fungal infections of the skin include ringworm and athlete's foot.