Medical Dermatology

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the hair follicle and its associated sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin.  Acne typically occurs in adolescence but may persist into adulthood, especially in women.  The face is most commonly affected, but the back, chest, neck, and shoulders may also be involved.  We offer comprehensive array of treatments for acne, including topical and oral medications, isotretinoin (Accutane), and advanced exfoliation / chemical peels.  We also offer treatment for acne scarring and  “post-inflammatory” pigmentary changes (red and brown blemishes).

Why suffer with breakouts, blemishes, and scars? At Center City Dermatology, we can develop a customized treatment plan to clear your skin!

Actinic keratosis are crusty skin lesions that develop on chronically sun-exposed skin.  The most common areas of involvement include the scalp, face, ears, lips, back of the hands, forearms, and lower legs.  Actinic keratoses are “pre-cancerous” lesions that may over time progress into skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).  Treatment can eradicate existing lesions and prevent the development of new lesions, thereby decreasing the risk of future skin cancer.

We offer cryotherapy, as well as a variety of topical treatments for actinic keratoses.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles and resulting in localized patches of hair loss.  It may affect a small spot(s) on the scalp, eyebrow, or beard-area.  Less commonly, it may result in widespread loss of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, lashes, and/or body.  It is important to distinguish this form of hair loss from other causes in order to select the appropriate treatment.

We offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment of all causes of hair loss, including alopecia areata.

Atopic dermatitis, also commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by pink, dry, itchy patches.  It typically begins in infancy or childhood but may continue into adulthood.  Atopic dermatitis often waxes and wanes and may flare with changes in season or stress.  Those affected may have a history of seasonal allergies or asthma. We guide patients through acute and chronic management of atopic dermatitis with a comprehensive treatment regimen, including at-home skin care, topical medication(s), and in more severe cases, phototherapy or systemic therapy.  We treat adults and children with atopic dermatitis.

If you thought there was nothing that could help your eczema, think again! We offer safe and effective therapy for both adults and children, including the newest FDA-approved treatments available in the market (Eucrisa and Dupixent).

There are different types of brown spots (lentigos).  The most common form are solar lentigos, which appear on the face, upper chest/back, and the back of the hands from chronic sun exposure. They may be treated with cryotherapy, topical medications, or laser treatments.

These lesions must be carefully distinguished by a dermatologist from lentigo maligna, which is a slow growing form of melanoma (see Melanoma) that develops from a solar lentigo.

Brown spots on the face, chest, and hands? We can help reverse the signs of aging and chronic sun-damage.

Contact dermatitis can be divided into allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis.  Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when you come in contact with an allergen.  Red, scaly, itchy patches, sometimes with blisters, will appear hours to days after the exposure.  Poison ivy is a classic example of allergic contact dermatitis.  Identification and avoidance of the allergen is critical.  Treatment with topical steroids +/- oral steroids may be indicated depending on the severity.

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when you have prolonged contact with irritants, such as water, sweat, and/or  friction. Those with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to this condition. Avoidance of irritants and topical treatment may help to resolve the condition.

Eczema is a broad term for many types of skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis.  The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis (often these two terms are used interchangeably).  However, there are different forms of eczema including hand eczema, nummular eczema,  asteototic eczema (“dry winter itch”), eyelid dermatitis, intertrigo, and eczematous hypersensitivity reactions to medications or infection.  It usually presents as dry, scaling, pink, itchy patches.  Eczema must be distinguished from other common skin conditions such as psoriasis, tinea (“ring worm”), and even some forms of skin cancer.  The diagnosis can usually be confirmed by clinical examination, skin biopsy, and / or a culture to rule-out fungal infection.

If you have a red, scaly, itchy rash, you may be suffering from eczema. We can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan that will have your skin looking and feeling better soon!

There are many causes and potential contributing factors in hair loss.  Hair loss is broadly divided into “non-scarring” and “scarring” categories with a number of different diseases in each category.  Common forms of non-scarring hair loss are androgenetic alopecia (male- or female-pattern hair loss), telogen effluvium (stress-induced hair loss), and alopecia areata (autoimmune).  Scarring alopecias include Central Centrifugal Cicatrial Alopecia (CCCA), Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), and Traction alopecia.  Comprehensive evaluation requires a detailed patient history, careful examination,  blood tests, and in some cases a scalp biopsy.  Successful treatment is available for many types of hair loss.

If you are suffering with hair loss, we can help! We offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment of all causes of hair loss.

Hemangiomas are benign growths made of cells that line blood vessels, thus providing the red color. Infantile hemangiomas in babies go through an initial rapid growth phase, followed by a period of regression over time.  Cherry hemangiomas appear as small red bumps, often on the chest, back, and abdomen.  They develop during adulthood and may become more numerous over time.  These angiomas tend to be stable in size, but and do not resolve on their own.   Cherry hemagiomas can be easily treated with laser or electro-cautery for cosmetic reasons.

If you're tired of all the little red "moles" you've accumulated, we can make them disappear!

Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is commonly experienced in the axilla (underarms), hands, and feet.  When severe, hyperhidrosis can be debilitating.  Treatment options include prescription antiperspirants, oral medication, and Botox injections which typically stop sweating for 6 months or more.

Stop living with excessive sweating. At Center City Dermatology, we can get your sweating under control!

Keloids are a type of scar that grows beyond the original area of skin injury.  Keloids are frequently associated with itching, pain, and/or discomfort.  Localized steroid injection into the keloid scar maybe  effective in shrinking the scar and relieving the symptoms.  In some cases, surgical excision can be performed to remove the keloid although close follow-up is required to minimize the risk of recurrence.

We offer treatment for keloids and other scars.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and can be found in people of all skin colors (races).  It most often occurs on sun-exposed areas but can develop anywhere on the skin and very rarely in other organs as well.  Melanomas may arise from an existing mole, or may appear on previously normal skin.  Early detection through careful skin cancer screening is paramount to timely intervention that can be life-saving.

Aside from sun protection and routine screening by a Dermatologist, periodic self-examination for suspicious moles or changes in the skin is recommended.  Any change in a mole, such as size, color, or shape, can be a warning sign of melanoma.  Symptoms of itch, pain, or bleeding may also be a suspicious change.

For learning to detect growths suspicious for melanoma, the “ABCDE” guideline is helpful.  Any one or more of these characteristics may be found in melanomas.

A stands for Asymmetry in mole (one side looks different from the other side)
B stands for irregular or poorly defined Border
C stands for multiple Colors or uneven Color
D stands for large Diameter  (> 6 mm)
E stands for Evolving mole or mole/growth that stands out from the rest

Melanoma can affect anyone, anywhere on the skin, regardless of race, age, or sun-exposure. Early detection can be life-saving. Schedule your screening at Center City Dermatology today!

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is classically characterized by thickened, red areas of skin covered with silvery scales.  It may be associated with itching or burning.  In the U. S., approximately  2% of the population has this condition, although the majority are not on appropriate treatment. Some people will only have discrete, localized areas on the elbows, knees, scalp, or hands, and others may have generalized body involvement.  The joints and nails may also be affected with the disease.  Recent studies have established a link between moderate-to-severe psoriasis and cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes.  Psoriasis is not contagious, but it may be found in multiple members of the same family.

Psoriasis cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with treatment.   Appropriate treatment is based on a patient’s health, age, lifestyle, and the severity of the disease.

Don't suffer the heartbreak of psoriasis any longer. With so many effective treatment options available, we can help you find the one that is right for you!

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes persistent facial redness and flushing / blushing.  Those with rosace often have sensitive skin, and many develop acne-like pimples as well. Rosacea tends to occur on the central part of the face including the cheeks, chin, and nose.  Common triggers include exposure to sun, wind, or extreme temperatures, consumption of alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine, or spicy food, exercise, and stress.  Some people also develop ocular (eye) rosacea which can manifest as chronic dry eye, frequent styes, and inflammation along the eyelid margins (blepharitis).

Early diagnosis and treatment can control rosacea so that it is usually not visible or uncomfortable and may also stop rosacea from progressing.  Aside from appropriate skin care and avoidance of triggers, treatment options include topical and oral medications as well as laser treatment.

if you have been living with rosacea, we can help. There are several new treatment options available that help to reduce facial redness associated with rosacea.

More than one million skin cancers are found in the U. S. each year, and the rate has been increasing.  The leading cause of skin cancer is sun exposure, and people who have fair skin or burn easily in the sun are most susceptible. However, skin cancer can be found in people of all types (color).

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and can appear in different forms: shiny smooth bump, non-healing sore, waxy scar, or pink scaly patch.  Although basal cell carcinoma very rarely spreads to other parts of the body, early detection and treatment are important to prevent extensive destruction of the tissue in the area.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It generally appears as red, scaly or crusty growths on sun-exposed areas. Squamous cell carcinoma can grow deep into the tissue and if neglected, can metastasize and become life-threatening.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. (Click on the Melanoma tab for more information).

Skin cancer can be detected by a simple full-body skin examination. Adults should be screened at least once a year. If you are concerned about a new or changing growth, or you haven't been screened in the past year, schedule your appointment today!

This is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and flaking on oily areas such as the scalp, face, and/or certain parts of the trunk.  People with dandruff may be considered to have the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis, but they lack the redness or inflammation that is characteristic in seborrheic dermatitis.  There is no cure for this condition and it tends to flare with stress.  Seborrheic dermatitis may be controlled by using shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid.  In recalcitrant cases, prescription strength topical medications may be indicated.

If you have dandruff that is not responding to over-the-counter shampoos, you may need something more effective. At Center City Dermatology, we've got you covered!

These are benign wart-like growths that usually begin as small tan-brown bumps that can gradually enlarge and thicken.  They generally occur in people who are middle-aged or older.  In some cases, hundreds of lesions may develop over time,  but they are not contagious or harmful.  The cause of these growths is unknown, but there is often a genetic predisposition to developing multiple lesions.  Because they are benign growths, treatment is not usually necessary; however, if a lesions turns black, bleeds, itchy, or becomes painful, it should be removed.  If unsightly or bothersome, seborrheic keratoses can easily be removed for aesthetic reasons.

If you're tired of the ugly brown growths that have been popping up on your body, let us make them disappear!

Warts are viral infections caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).  They tend to grow on the hands, feet, elbows, and knees, but can be found anywhere on the body. They may cause pain, itching, and bleeding in some cases.  In adults, genital warts (condyloma) can be spread through sexual contact or shaving.

Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) is another type of viral wart that is common in children.  They may be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, sharing towels, and through exposure in swimming pools.  Adults may develop genital MC by sexual transmission.

There are a variety of treatment modalities, including debridement, cryotherapy, application of topical medications, and laser therapy.

Get rid of unsightly and contagious warts today. At Center City Dermatology, we have safe and effective options for tailored for both young children and adults!

Wrinkles are a manifestation of aging in the skin with reduced collagen in the dermis, which provides cushioning and elasticity in the skin. The most common cause of premature aging in the skin is caused by chronic sun exposure. Other than regular application of broad spectrum sun block, there are different approaches to prevent aging, diminish the appearance of wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin. Treatment modalities that may be used include application of topical medications, chemical peels, Botox injection, dermal filler injection, and laser treatment.