We focus on providing state-of-the-art dermatologic care in a pleasant and caring environment.   Our goal is to provide progressive and individualized treatments for a variety of dermatology problems.    We maintain our certification in Dermatology with the American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org) and continue to update our medical knowledge through a variety of continuing education courses, workshops and seminars sponsored by local, national, and international dermatology and medical societies.

Some of the common conditions that we treat include:  

• Acne
• Eczema
• Moles
• Nail Disorders
• Psoriasis
• Rashes
• Ringworm
• Rosacea
• Skin Cancer
• Varicose and spider veins
• Warts

In many cases, a medical condition can leave your skin with unwelcome damage, such as scarring and discoloration.   We offer a variety of cosmetic procedures that can aid in improving the appearance of your skin.  

Melanoma/Skin Cancer

Screening our patients for skin cancer is an extremely important part of our practice. Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common cancers in men and women in the United States. In 2007, it is predicted that approximately 1,000,000 new cases of Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma will be diagnosed. While these types of cancers are rarely fatal, they must be removed from the skin since they will continue to grow. Diagnosing these cancers at their earliest stages, preferably in a pre-c ancer state, is imperative since removal of the cells can be performed as a simple, in-office procedure. In more advanced stages, basal or squamous cell cancers may need to be removed surgically.

Although less common, Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer. Every year, more than 50,000 people in the United States discover that they have melanoma. What is particularly troubling is that the annual number of new cases has doubled in the past 30 years, and the average age of the cancer victim has been steadily decreasing. In addition, the incidence of melanoma in young women, ages 15 to 29, has been steadily on the rise, most likely due to tanning bed usage.

If detected in its early stage, melanoma can usually be treated successfully. But left undetected, melanoma can spread to internal organs and result in death. Each year, there are close to 9,000 deaths from malignant melanoma.

A Skin Cancer Screening involves a 2- to 3-minute visual inspection of the patient's entire body including the scalp, hands, and feet. We will also ask you questions about any personal or family history of skin cancer, the amount of time you are typically in the sun each day and your sun protection routine. All of this information will help determine how often you should be screened for skin cancer. That frequency could range anywhere from 3 month intervals to an annual screening.

Patients are also encouraged to learn as much as possible about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer so they can conduct their own skin examinations on a more frequent basis. We recommend that you review the National Cancer Institute’s online brochure, entitled “What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer.”

Most importantly, always practice good sun protection habits, including wearing protective clothes, staying out of the sun during peak hours, and using sunscreen every day with an spf factor of 20 or more.

• 1,000,000 Americans will get skin cancer this year.
• 111,900 new cases of melanoma occurred in 2006.
• More than 10,700 persons are expected to die of melanoma this year.
• Since the 1930s, the incidence of melanoma has increased more than 2000 percent.
• One person dies of melanoma every hour.

The "ABCD" of Melanoma Examination
Exam your skin on a regular basis and look for these telltale
characteristics of Melanoma:

A - Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half

B - Border irregularity: The border of the mole is not
regular, i.e., extends into the surrounding skin.

C - Color Change: The color of the mole is not uniform. You may see shades of brown, black, or even white, blue or red on the mole.

D - Diameter: Really, we should call it size.
The mole is bigger than a pencil eraser.