Treatment Options for Medical Skin Conditions

Millions of people suffer from skin conditions that directly impact their quality of life. Some of these conditions are irritants, while others are painful or even life threatening.

Treatment options for medical skin conditions vary greatly, depending on the specific condition, but a medical dermatologist will be able to diagnose and determine which therapies will be most effective. Options include everything from laser therapy to skin surgery. The following are common medical skin conditions and their related treatments:

1) Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that can produce redness and bumps, particularly on the face. Though there is no absolute cure for this condition, there are topical medicines and treatments that can diminish and help patients manage the symptoms, including laser therapy to break up pigmentation.

2) Acne

Though acne is typically associated with the teenage years, the reality for many people is that the condition lingers or reappears well into adulthood. There are medications that can reduce the severity of acne, but other treatments such as laser therapy have also proven effective.

3.) Eczema
This bothersome medical condition produces patches of dry and itchy skin for a number reasons that include expose to allergens or other irritants. Because eczema is caused by so many different things, medical treatment for this concern is customized for patients' needs. Typical care includes topical mediation to soothe skin and prevent infection.

4) Skin Cancer

Unfortunately, skin cancer is on the rise, and it is affecting people at a younger age than ever before. For this reason, it is imperative that patients get screened on a regular basis; treatment is always more effective when the cancer is identified early. Surgical removal of the cancer is typically the best solution.

Whatever your condition, no matter how severe, there are treatments that can alleviate pain and discomfort, improve your appearance, and help you to feel better about yourself. Our highly trained and experienced dermatologists can recommend the right set of treatments for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Mohs Surgery vs. Traditional Skin Cancer Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery offers an alternative treatment for skin cancer that is particularly effective at removing skin lesions. Microscopic control gives dermatologists a higher degree of precision, allowing them to remove multiple layers of cancer with a clear view of the borders. Each layer is carefully mapped with a special dye that the Mohs surgeon uses to pinpoint the exact location of the cancer.

The Advantages of Mohs Surgery

Complete mapping and examination of the margins of the cancer are what make Mohs surgery so effective. With tradition surgical procedures, there is more guesswork, which means there is also a greater chance of leaving cancer cells behind. If any cancer cells are left behind, there is the risk that the cancer will regrow.

Because of the microscopic nature of Mohs surgery, it is easier to tell if all of the cancerous area has been removed. The surgeon is also able to examine tissue layers without having to re-excise the entire area. And because of the microscopic examination of the margins, the surgeon is better able to remove only the cancerous areas, preserving as much normal, healthy skin as possible.

Mohs surgery can usually be performed within several hours, and if there is an onsite lab, examination of the tissue can take place at the same location. While a sample of tissue is being examined, the patient’s wound is temporarily dressed. Once lab results are obtained, the surgery can proceed. Of course, after surgery, periodic visits to the dermatologist are recommended in order to track progress and identify any possible recurrences of cancer as soon as possible.

A dermatologist who performs Mohs surgery has at least one year of additional training, so they are experts in all aspects of this technique. The precision of Mohs surgery has given it a cure rate of 99 percent for most types of skin cancer. This is quite a bit higher than traditional cancer removal techniques.  

The higher success rate involved in Mohs surgery means fewer procedures down the road, which saves the patient a lot of time in the long run. By removing more of the cancer cells and preserving more of the patient’s natural skin, Mohs surgery will give the patient a better long term result in treating and eliminating skin cancer.

At Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology, our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon – Dr. David Adams – has completed extensive training in order to bring this treatment to skin cancer patients who visit our dermatology clinic.  For more information about skin cancer surgery, call our office for your dermatology consultation. 

5 Things You Didn’t Know about Skin Cancer

Skin cancer grows slowly and can spread throughout the body, but it can be treated effectively when caught early.  The more you know about skin cancer, the better armed you are to take care of yourself and your skin.

Here are five facts about skin cancer that you might not know.

1) Skin Cancer Is More Common on the Head, Face, Arms, and Legs

Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but it is more common in areas that are exposed to the most sunlight -- this is why it frequently appears on the head, face, hands, arms and legs. However, even areas that do not receive sunlight are susceptible, so it is important to keep an eye out for any moles or spots that seem suspicious.

2) Symptoms Can Be Difficult to Identify

If you spot any unusual skin changes, it is a good idea to get them checked out by a dermatologist, as skin cancer can take on many different forms. Red or black spots, swollen areas, open sores or peeling skin, are all possible indications of skin cancer. Patients often delay visiting a doctor because the cancer doesn’t look the way they believe it should. As a rule, if you are concerned about any mark on your skin, it’s best to see a dermatologist right away.

3) Moles Are the Most Dangerous

If you have a mole or mole-like growth on your skin with irregular borders, you have a higher chance of developing melanoma. These growths are called “nevi” and they are responsible for up to 20 percent of all melanomas. If you have numerous nevi on your body, you need to pay special attention to them.

4) Sunscreen Isn’t Always Enough

It is always a good idea to use sunscreen when you are out in the sun. However, sometimes sunscreen by itself just isn’t enough to keep skin cancer from developing. During the brightest hours of the day, it is a good idea to seek shade. Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and be particularly cautious around water or snow, as these can reflect sun rays and increase your chances of getting sunburned.

5) The Sun Is Not the Only Cause of Skin Cancer

Although exposure to sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer, there are many things that can increase your risk. Smoking and a bad diet are two other common contributing factors, as are chronic infections and exposure to arsenic. Don’t assume that you are not at risk just because you don’t spent a lot of time outdoors.

The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the better your chances or making a full recovery. It is important to get checked out periodically, and if you have any strange or unusual marks on your body, get them looked at right away. Contact Coastal Skin Surgery today to schedule your dermatology check-up today.

Welcome to our blog!

We're excited to announce the official launch of our Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology blog.

We'll be posting helpful skin care tips, news from the dermatology industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in cosmetic and medical dermatology.

We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our current and future patients.

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