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GENERAL DERMATOLOGY
COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY
PATIENT INFORMATION
ACNE
ACTINIC KERATOSIS
ECZEMA
MOLES
NAIL FUNGUS
PSORIASIS
ROSACEA
SKIN CANCER
SKIN TAGS
WARTS
ACNE
Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. For most people, acne diminishes over time. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later. Prescription medications, as well as products available at Ada Aesthetics, are very effective in clearing up troubled skin and preventing scarring.
ACTINIC KERATOSIS (AK)
Actinic keratosis, by far the most common pre-cancer, is the result of prolonged exposure to sunlight. AK's are thick, scaly, crusty patches of skin. Actinic keratosis is usually accompanied by solar damage. An actinic keratosis site can be dark or light, tan, pink, red, a combination of all these, or have the same pigment as the surrounding skin. It may appear on any sun-exposed area, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, backs of hand, forearms, or lips. Since some of these pre-cancers progress to squamous cell carcinoma, they should be treated.
ECZEMA
Eczema typically presents itself as an inflamed, itchy skin rash that can be limited to a few areas of the body or become widespread. Eczema can occur at any age, but is most common in infants and young adults. About 50 percent of patients are affected throughout life. Eczema tends to run in families, particularly those with allergies. Additionally, many eczema patients tend to have skin allergies to various products. Here at Dermatology Associates, we have the ability to perform skin patch testing for common allergens and contact dermatitis.
MOLES
Everybody has moles, but it may be difficult to appreciate which ones are safe and which ones need to be removed. Moles are usually brown in color and can vary in size and shape. The brown color in moles is caused by special cells containing pigment called melanin. Dark, flat moles are especially concerning as they may progress to melanoma.
Studies have found that sunburns and excessive sun exposure may increase a person's risk for the disease. The American Academy of Dermatology and Dermatology Associates recommend the following:
- Stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 and 3
- Never go to tanning booths
- Wear sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours while exercising or sweating
- Wear a hat and sunglasses while outdoors
Know Your ABC's
Recognize the warning signs of malignant melanoma by using this easy-to-remember guide:
A - Stands for ASYMMETRY. Beware of moles where one half doesn't match the other half in shape.
B - Stands for BORDER. Watch for moles with ragged, blurred or irregular borders or edges.
C - Stands for COLOR. Look for uneven coloration, more than one color, or moles with unusual colors.
D - Stands for DIAMETER. Give special attention to moles with a diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
E - Stands for EVOLUTION. Any changes of a mole in size (vertically or horizontally), color or shape should be examined immediately.
NAIL FUNGUS
Fungal infection of the nail is called Onychomycosis. This condition may affect toe- or fingernails, but toenail infections are particularly common. The nail plate can have a thickened, yellow, or cloudy appearance. The nails can become rough and crumbly, or can separate from the nail bed. There is usually no pain or other bodily symptoms, unless the disease is severe.
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease wherein the skin becomes inflamed, with red, thickened areas and silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. There are medications available to treat this condition, additionally, we offer medical light therapy treatments.
ROSACEA
Rosacea is a condition that typically affects men and women after age 30. Small blood capillaries come to the surface of the skin, where they remain and appear red or "blushed." This can cause redness and pore enlargement. Often referred to as "adult acne." Rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. It also may involve the ears, chest, back and even the eyes. This condition rarely reverses itself and may last for years. With treatment, however, this condition can be controlled successfully.
SKIN CANCER
Dermatology Associates provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for the common types of skin cancer listed below. Early detection is important for the early diagnosis of skin cancer, so keep an eye on any moles and schedule regular check-ups with us.
Studies have found that sunburns and excessive sun exposure may increase a person's risk for the disease. The American Academy of Dermatology and Dermatology Associates recommend the following:
- Stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 and 3
- Never go to tanning booths
- Wear sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours while exercising or sweating
- Wear a hat and sunglasses while outdoors
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
MALIGNANT MELANOMA
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
This tumor of the skin usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck or other part of the body. The tumor does not spread quickly and may take months of even years to reach the diameter of half an inch. Although basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can extend below the skin and outwardly causing considerable damage.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
These tumors may appear as bumps or red, scaly patches. Squamous cell carcinoma is typically found on the rim of the ear, the face, the lips and mouth. The tumors can become larger and even can spread to other parts of the body if neglected.
MALIGNANT MELANOMA
It is estimated that this type of skin cancer will affect 32,000 Americans every year. It is curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread. Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning - but may also begin in or near an existing mole or other dark place on the skin. It is not certain how all cases of melanoma develop, however, it is clear that excessive sun exposure can promote melanoma development. There is evidence that ultraviolet radiation used in indoor tanning equipment may cause melanoma. The risk for developing melanoma may also be inherited. Periodic skin examinations at Dermatology Associates can truly be life saving. See below for an explanation of the ABC's of Melanoma.
Know Your ABC's
Recognize the warning signs of malignant melanoma by using this easy-to-remember guide:
A - Stands for ASYMMETRY. Beware of moles where one half doesn't match the other half in shape.
B - Stands for BORDER. Watch for moles with ragged, blurred or irregular borders or edges.
C - Stands for COLOR. Look for uneven coloration, more than one color, or moles with unusual colors.
D - Stands for DIAMETER. Give special attention to moles with a diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
E - Stands for EVOLUTION. Any changes of a mole in size (vertically or horizontally), color or shape should be examined immediately.
SKIN TAGS
A skin tag is a small, brown or flesh-colored flap of skin that is usually narrow at its base and may range in size from very tiny to the size of a pencil eraser tip. Depending on where they are located on the body, they have the potential to become twisted, irritated, or inflamed. Skin tags occur most frequently at sites where the skin is rubbed by clothing or other body parts, such as, around the neck, under the arms, under the breasts, in groin creases, and on the inside of the upper thigh area. They can be removed easily, right in our office.
WARTS
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. They are usually skin- colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat or smooth. Warts are very common, and are caused by a viral infection. They are contagious, sometimes indirectly, and can spread from one area of the body to another. It is also possible to get warts from using towels or other objects. Warts can be treated with several different therapies available at Dermatology Associates.
BOTOX® COSMETIC
RESTYLANE®/PERLANE®
COSMETIC REMOVAL
BOTOX® COSMETIC
This innovative injection treatment is helping many patients effectively reduce facial wrinkles without surgery or significant downtime. The unique protein composition of BOTOX® actually relaxes facial muscles, eliminating crow's feet and frown lines and helping patients to break the wrinkle-forming habit, regaining a more youthful appearance. BOTOX® injections have been used safely and effectively for over thirty years to treat many other medical conditions. Each year, thousands of patients receive BOTOX® treatments for a variety of conditions, and it is the most popular treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging. The positive effects of BOTOX® can last three to four months and it's a safe, non-surgical procedure that is providing our patients with exciting results.
RESTYLANE®/PERLANE®
Restylane & Perlane are "fillers" made of hyaluronic fluid, which is already present in your skin. These fillers are introduced underneath the skin's surface using a tiny injection that lasts only seconds. At Dermatology Associates, we use different kinds of numbing techniques in the area of the injecion, to make it more comfortable for you. There may be swelling in the areas of injection, and occasionally, fillers can cause minor bruising. The best way to minimize the chance of brusing is to avoid Ibuprofin, Aspirin and herbal supplements for up to 2 weeks prior to your visit. The area, where the injections are done, may be a bit tender, but this shouldn't affect normal daily routines.
Results are long-lasting, but not permanent.
COSMETIC REMOVAL
At Dermatology Associates, we also offer removal of certain types of spots and lesions. Because these spots/lesions are benign, removals are considered to be "cosmetic," and insurance companies will not pay for treatment. Patients will be responsible for the cost of treatment at the time of service.
The following are examples of spots/lesions that can be cosmetically removed:
- ANGIOMAS (Red Spots)
- LENTIGINES (Freckles)
- MILIA (White Facial Bumps)
- SEBACEOUS HYPERPLASIA (Enlarged Oil Glands)
- SEBORRHEIC KERATOSES (Age Spots)
- SKIN TAGS
- TELANGIECTASIAS (Dilated Vessels)
INSURANCE
PATIENT FORMS
WOUND CARE INSTRUCTIONS
INSURANCE
We are currently contracted with the following insurance providers:
- Medicare
- Champus/Tricare
- Paramount Healthcare
- Frontpath
- Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Medical Mutual of Ohio
We do not accept:
- Medicaid
- Paramount Advantage
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
Other insurance companies that we are not directly contracted with, we will bill. What the insurance does not pay will be billed to the patient.
PATIENT FORMS
NEW PATIENT INFORMATION
MEDICAL INFORMATION
WOUND CARE INSTRUCTIONS
CARE OF SKIN BIOPSY SITE WITH SUTURES
After 24 hours, remove the dressing or band-aid. You may shower, after which, you clean the stitched area gently with soap and water. Pat the area dry. Lightly apply Vaseline or Bacitracin on the suture line and cover with a band-aid. Repeat this twice daily until you return to the office as scheduled for suture removal. Call the office with any sign of infection.
CARE OF SKIN BIOPSY WITHOUT SUTURE
After 24 hours, remove the dressing or band-aid. You may shower, after which, you clean the biopsy site with soap and water, Pat the area dry. Lightly apply Vaseline or Bacitracin ointment and cover with a band-aid. Repeat this twice daily until the biopsy site heals. Call the office with any sign of infection
PAIN
Normally, there is a little pain associated with this procedure. If pain or discomfort is felt, take Tylenol or equivalent for relief.
POST-LIQUID NITROGEN TREATMENT
No special care is needed after liquid nitrogen treatment. Just ignore it. You can wash your skin as usual and use makeup or other cosmetics if you wish. If clothing irritates the area, cover it with a small bandage (band-aid).
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