MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY IN BIG LAKE, MN

Full body exams and skin cancer screenings include a complete exam of the skin to detect any suspicious moles, growths, or lesions that could be an issue.

• Dermoscopy used during skin exam  

  • A dermatoscope is a noninvasive instrument used to further evaluate skin lesions

• Photos may be obtained at exam 

• Determine if a biopsy (sample of a lesion) is indicated at exam

  • Shave or punch biopsy 

  • This may or may not be performed on the same day of the exam

Acne treatment: A wide range of treatment options to manage acne, depending on type and severity.

• Occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells

• Different types of acne

  • Whiteheads (closed comedones) and blackheads (open comedones)

  • Red bumps (papules), fluid filled bumps (pustules), larger painful bumps (nodules), and larger fluid filled bumps (cysts

• Stress, genetics, and hormones can attribute to acne

  • Common in teenagers but may also occur across the lifespan

• Treatment may include topical/oral medications

  • May target hormones 

  • Chemical peels, steroid injection, extractions (in office)

Diagnose and treat, including the discussion of a proper skin care regimen, lifestyle changes, and/or prescribing topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, and immunomodulators.

• Chronic skin condition that involves inflamed skin, itching, and a rash

  • Also known as atopic dermatitis

  • Prone to secondary infection 

  • May be correlated with asthma and allergies

• Primary areas of involvement include face, torso, inner arms, and behind the knees, patterns may vary

  • Infants and children most commonly affected but can occur in adulthood

  • Patch testing may be indicated (see below)

Diagnose and treat, including the discussion of vast treatments now available to stop the disease and minimize symptoms. Therapy may include topicals, light treatment, immunosuppressant/

immunomodulating therapy (to include oral/injectable medications).  

• Chronic autoimmune condition that can result in a combination of raised bumps and larger skin lesions (plaques)

• Approximately ⅓ of patient with psoriasis may develop joint involvement 

• May run in families (not always)

  • Other triggers may include medications, stress, pregnancy, injury to the skin, skin infection, and other lifestyle habits

• Common locations for skin involvement include scalp, elbows, knees, torso/trunk, hands, and feet

  • May be widespread or localized to one area of the body

Diagnose and treat rosacea, with treatment options to include topicals, oral medications, or laser therapy.

• Chronic inflammatory condition occurring on facial skin

  • Involvement may include red bumps, fluid filled bumps, redness, or blood vessel change

  • Flushing may occur with flares

  • Most common in ages 30 to 50

• Triggers may worsen condition

  • Sun protection is important 

  • Avoid alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods, and chocolate 

  • Watch for eye related involvement (dry, gritty sensation) 

Evaluate and treat various hair and scalp conditions, including hair loss (alopecia), dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), scalp psoriasis, and fungal infections.

• Scarring vs Nonscarring Alopecia 

  • Determining type of alopecia helps to further guide treatment

• Additional testing may be indicated 

  • Labs may be obtained

  • Punch biopsy of the scalp may be performed

• Treatment is based on type of hair loss occurring

  • May include topical/oral medications

  • Supplements 

  • Injections (depending on type of hair loss)

Patch testing may be indicated to help identify allergens that may be causing allergic contact dermatitis which is a skin rash caused by coming into contact with a certain substance.

• True Test patch testing (testing for 35 allergens)

• Patches placed on the patient’s back, left on for 48 hours and then removed

• Following the initial removal, patient will then come back in another 48 hours for the final reading

• Extensive patch testing can be performed, if needed

  • Referral for this testing 

Diagnose and treat conditions such as bullous disease, lupus, lichen planus, vasculitis, or connective tissue disorders that affect the skin.

• Thorough history obtained and evaluation of skin performed

• Biopsy may be indicated to validate diagnosis 

• Lab work-up may be performed

• Treatment may include collaboration with other specialties 

Diagnose and treat, with various treatment options available (cryotherapy, in-office topical/injection, over the counter treatment, prescription topical or compound medications)

• Caused by a virus

  • Warts-most commonly caused by HPV virus

  • Molluscum-most commonly caused by Pox virus

• May spread to other parts of the body and/or to others

  • Treatments help to reduce spread

  • May take multiple treatments