Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.
As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.
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Warts
Warts are non-cancerous, benign growths on the skin that are caused by infection from viruses known as human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common type of warts include: common warts, plantar warts (warts that appear on the soles of the feet), flat warts, and genital warts. Warts can present as rough,
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Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease which causes the loss or inactivation of pigment producing cells in the skin, resulting in light or white patches of skin and hair. The degree and severity of pigment loss can vary from person to person. In some, it is localized to a small area or streak. In others,
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Venous Lakes
Venous lakes are bluish, purplish, vascular papules that occur on sun exposed areas such as the ears and lips. They are a result of long-term sun exposure and sun damage. As they are harmless, no treatment is necessary. However, they can be treated or removed if bothersome or symptomatic. Disclaimer:
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Urticaria (Hives)
Urticaria is the medical term for hives - a common skin rash which presents with itchy pink welts. The welts can vary in size, shape, and distribution. A defining characteristic is that the individual lesions are transient, appearing and resolving within a 24 hour period. So, even though an individual
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Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs as a result of the hair being pulled too tightly. It commonly occurs in hair styles such as ponytails, buns, tight braids, cornrows, hair weaves, and hair extensions. The prolonged traction or pulling leads to hair breakage and resultant hair loss
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Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is a common skin infection caused by the overgrowth of a yeast. Typically, it presents as patchy areas of lighter or darker discoloration on the trunk and shoulders that can be scaly in appearance. It can affect anyone, but is more common in teens
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Tinea
Tinea refers to a group of fungal infections which can affect the skin, hair, and nails. The specific name of the infection depends on the affected area of the body. A few common examples include: tinea capitis (infection of the scalp/head) - often referred to as ringworm tinea corporis (infection
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The Damaging Effects of UV Radiation
The sun emits UV radiation in the form of UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays, which are the longest, penetrate the deepest in the skin and are responsible for tanning and premature aging. UVB rays are shorter and responsible for vitamin D production in the skin. UVB rays are also the cause of sunburning. UVC
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Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a common cause of temporary hair loss caused by excessive shedding of telogen or resting hairs. All hair cycles through the stages of hair growth - from growing to involution to resting and eventually shedding. In a normal scalp, about 90-95% of hair follicles are in the growing
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Tattoo Removal
A tattoo is a permanent mark made by depositing ink or pigment into the skin. Various options are available for tattoo removal including: laser treatments, dermabrasion, chemical peels, and even surgical excision. Laser treatments are the preferred method for most tattoo removal. Laser therapy works
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Sunscreen
Sunscreen use is critical to protecting your skin from UV radiation. Wearing the right sunscreen will allow you to maximize your time in the sun while being protected from its harmful rays. Dermatologists recommend picking a broad spectrum sunscreen (one which blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF
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Sun Safety
Protection from UV radiation is important all year round, even on cloudy or cold days. UV radiation can even reflect off water, sand, and snow. Below are some tips on sun safety: Use sunscreen. Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen (one which blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF 30 or higher. Apply liberally,
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Stretch Marks (Striae)
Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when the skin stretches rapidly. Examples include: growth spurts during puberty, pregnancy, rapid weight loss or gain, and bodybuilding. It can appear as pinkish, purplish, or flesh colored linear bands or streaks on the skin that are depressed or indented.
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Statis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is a type of eczema that develops on the lower legs as a result of poor circulation. In affected people, the valves in the deep leg veins that help push blood back to the heart begin to fail, leading to the leakage of fluid, varicose veins, and subsequent swelling of the lower legs.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most commonly occurring type of skin cancer. It appears most frequently in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight, such as the face, nose, ears, lips, neck, and back of the hands. Squamous cell carcinomas can present as rough, scaly, red patches; wart or horn-like
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Skin Tags
Skin tags are very common, benign, skin growths. They present as fleshy outgrowths of the skin, at times extending from a stalk or stem. They are frequently found in areas of high friction such as around the neck, in the axilla (armpits), or in the groin folds. They are usually flesh colored, but can
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