Medical Services
Not only will our doctors treat your existing conditions, we also work to prevent pain and illness from occurring. We strive to help you improve your quality of life, achieve your wellness goals, and heal your body to live your best life possible.
Skin Check
We encourage all patients to visit us annually so that we can perform a head-to-toe skin check to evaluate any spots of concern. Our providers use dermascope to discover potential skin cancers. They will then diagnose and treat the discovered spots accordingly. Additionally, our providers examine patient's skin for a variety of skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, nail fungus, hair loss, and much more. Below are a few medical treatments common in our office.
Cryosurgery
Our medical team uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy superficial skin growths such as warts and keratoses. Liquid nitrogen causes stinging and mild pain while the growth is being frozen and then thaws. This discomfort usually lasts for less than five minutes. After a liquid nitrogen treatment, the treated skin becomes swollen and red, and may blister. A scab or crust forms, which falls off by itself in one to three weeks. The skin growth will also come off with the scab, leaving healthy new skin.
Photodynamic Therapy
The BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator (PDT) is indicated for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick precancerous spots called actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin that can lead to skin cancer. PDT is unique because it uses a light activated drug therapy to destroy AKs.
Phototherapy
Ultraviolet Light B (UVB) is an effective treatment for psoriasis, as well as eczema, vitiligo and other conditions of the skin. It is found in natural sunlight. There are two types of UVB light, broadband and narrowband. Our office utilizes narrow-band UVB, which is a more specific type of light. Studies indicate that narrow-band UVB can clear psoriasis faster and produces longer remissions than broadband UVB. A patient will generally receive treatments three times per week and has regular follow up visits with the doctor. UVB treatment is used in conjunction with topical medications prescribed by the doctor.
Risks
While phototherapy can significantly improve a patient's skin and even completely clear certain conditions in some cases, phototherapy does carry these risks:
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UV light is a contributing cause of skin cancer
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UV light has been proven to prematurely age the skin
Dermatologists Carefully Weigh Risks and Benefits
Phototherapy is not appropriate for every patient. Dermatologists have the medical training and experience needed to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of phototherapy to determine if this treatment is right for a patient. In considering whether or not phototherapy is appropriate, dermatologists look at a number of factors, including the patient's age, health, medical history, severity of the condition, and history of previous treatment.