Medical Dermatology

In cryosurgery, liquid nitrogen is used to treat skin growths and viral infections, fade age spots, and treat some pre-cancerous lesions and early skin cancers. Our physicians apply frozen nitrogen using either a cotton swab or a spray device. The goal is to freeze the skin quickly and then allow it to slowly thaw to cause maximum destruction to targeted skin cells. In some cases, more than one application may be needed.

A skin biopsy is a technique in which a lesion is removed and sent to a pathologist to render a microscopic diagnosis. There are four main types of skin biopsies: shave biopsy, punch biopsy, excisional biopsy and incisional biopsy. The choice of skin biopsy technique is dependent on several factors including size, location and the suspected diagnosis. If needed, our physicians will perform the required biopsy to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of your specific skin condition.

We evaluate and treat the spectrum of skin eruptions and lesions. Skin rashes can include bumps that look like pimples or sores; blotchy, scaly or red skin; and itchy or burning skin. Allergens, heat, and certain medical conditions can all cause skin reactions. The location, appearance, and color of a skin rash are all factors in determining the right diagnosis and treatment. Skin lesions include a part of the skin that has an abnormal growth or appearance compared to the skin around it. There are many conditions that cause skin lesions including acne, cold sores, eczema, impetigo, psoriasis and contact dermatitis. In order to accurately diagnose a skin lesion, our dermatologist will conduct a thorough physical exam and recommend an individualized course of treatment.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Melanoma is a less common type of skin cancer, but more dangerous because it’s more likely to spread. We provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings to check the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other marks that are unusual in color, size, shape or texture. Regular skin cancer screenings can help find cancer in its earliest stages when it’s easier to treat.

If your doctor identifies a skin cancer, an excision may be necessary to remove the cancer. This is typically referred to as skin cancer surgery or a skin cancer excision. Surgical excisions can be used to treat melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. This procedure is conveniently performed in our office using a local anesthetic. After the skin cancer is removed, your dermatology surgeon will close the incision with stitches, which are removed approximately two weeks later.