DERMATOLOGY SERVICES
SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. In fact, over 2 million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in the United States alone this year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. If caught early, skin cancer can be easily cured. However, people who have had skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing a new skin cancer, which is why regular self-examination and doctor visits are imperative.
ECZEMA (ATOPIC DERMATITIS)
Atopic Dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin disease affecting over 15 million American adults and children. It is a chronic skin condition that predominantly affects infants and young children but may last through adolescence and adulthood. It is characterized by itchy, red and irritated patches. In severe cases the skin can blister and weep, however eczema can also be dry and scaly or even cause a thickening of the skin. Atopic Dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body but often affects the skin folds, the arms and legs, and especially in adults, the hands.
SKIN ALLERGY/CONTACT DERMATITIS
Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, itchy, and inflamed after direct contact with a substance. The best known example of a contact dermatitis is poison ivy but the same type of rash can occur from exposure to compounds that we come in contact with every day.
HAIR LOSS/ALOPECIA
Everyone loses hair. In fact, it is normal to lose about 50-100 hairs per day. However, if you feel that your hair is coming out in handfuls or you are noticing bald patches, you could be experiencing hair loss or alopecia. Anyone — men, women and children — can experience hair loss.
ACNE
Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States. Many people assume that it is a normal part of adolescence and feel there is no reason to treat the condition. However, there are many reasons to treat acne. In teenagers, acne can be psychologically distressing and improving one’s complexion can improve self esteem. Also, acne can cause permanent scarring if not treated early and aggressively.
Also, acne does not just affect teenagers. In fact, acne is on the rise in adult women- affecting them in their 30’s, 40’s 50’s and beyond. Whatever the age, there are many effective treatments for acne. Our dermatologists specialize in topical, systemic, and cosmetic therapies for this condition. In addition to the traditional therapies, we are skilled in cosmetic treatments including peels, Hydrafacials, laser, microdermabrasion and Blu-U treatments for acne and its associated scarring.
ROSACEA
Rosacea, an associated condition, is often mistaken for acne. It also causes inflammation on the skin and is characterized by easy flushing, redness, and acne-like lesions. Other symptoms include pronounced blood vessels on the face (or telangiectasias), irritated or bloodshot eyes (ocular rosacea), or even a red and bulbous nose (also known as rhinophyma).
Rosacea can cause significant psychological distress but there are many ways to manage the condition. For starters, there are some well known triggers of rosacea. Some of these include: heat, sun, wind, emotional stress, alcohol, hot beverages and spicy foods. The doctors at Natural Image can help determine which of these might be affecting you and also help manage/avoid them. Also, there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that are effective in treating rosacea. These include many of the same that are used for acne such as topical and oral antibiotics, azeleic acid, topical retinoids and sulfur based compounds.
Rosacea also responds well to laser therapy, specifically, persistent redness and dilated veins on the face. Various lasers can be used to treat rosacea. These include the pulsed-dye laser and intense pulsed light treatment. Many patients see a dramatic improvement after one session but several treatments are often necessary to complete the treatment. We also now offer Hydrafacials as a cosmetic service to those who struggle with Rosacea.
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease affecting nearly 5-7 million people in the US. It consists of raised red patches covered in silvery colored scales. It most commonly occurs on the lower back, knees, elbows, and scalp. However, it can be widespread or also involve the nails and joints (psoriatic arthritis).