Florida Dermatology and Skin Care Specialists

Florida Alternative Medicine and Weight Loss now offers dermatology and skin care services.

What is Dermatology

Dermatology is the field of medicine that encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of the skin as well as diseases of the hair, mucous membranes and nails. Dermatologists not only deal with fundamental skin health issues, but are also versed in internal medicine and numerous environmental and occupational components which repeatedly are the culprits of skin problems.

The Importance of Dermatology and Skin Care

The skin is considered to be the human body’s largest organ. Moreover, skin is the initial defense against bacteria and injury, and frequently reflects a person’s general status of health. An excess of external factors, such as various common chemical compounds, can have harmful and lasting effects on the skin. Dermatologists also take into account medicine taken by patients due to side effects of many drugs on the skin including rashes. This not only applies to prescription drugs but also includes over-the-counter, functional and complimentary medicine and/or alternative remedies. Complementary and/or alternative medicine has really surged in the last decade as a result of the internet, making integrative remedies more readily available to patients.

Another aspect of dermatology is the psychological factors that skin health has on patients. Due to the fact that skin is critical to our body image, skin disease and/or issues are many times looked upon with revulsion by the general public. As a result, distress results in the person with the skin issue and often the psychological ramification is out of proportion with the medical significance. First impressions leave a lasting view in the minds of most people. Although not all skin diseases cause depression in patients, psychological stress is often seen by the reaction of a patient’s colleagues, friends and relatives who associate skin disease with uncleanliness and often include sexual overtones. In the last several years, there has been greater awareness about the impact of skin health on leisure and social activities, sexual relationships and even work.

Dermatology and Skin Care Conditions

Dermatologists treat more than 3,000 skin conditions or issues, including but not limited to the following:

• Acne, is a condition which concerns the oil glands of the skin and as a result causes various types of pimples. Acne has been shown to cause depression, lower self-esteem as well as facial and/or body scarring.
• Dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition, and generally includes itchy rash and/or swelling. While there are many forms of dermatitis, the most common are atopic, contact and seborrheic.
• Eczema, is a severe inflammatory skin condition, and can cause certain areas of the skin to become cracked, itchy, red and rough. In some circumstances eczema can result in blistering of the skin.
• Fungus and Fungal Infections. Hair, nails and skin can all become infected by fungus, and are generally mild in severity. Fungal infections are more concerning to people who have compromised immune systems and can cause a variety of infections such as balanitis and oral thrush.
• Hair loss, affects more than 80 million people in the United States. Although some hair loss is due to hereditary factors, there can be other underlying conditions such as alopecia.
• Nail Health. The most common nail issues that dermatologists deal with include ingrown toenails and fungal infections. However, nail health issues can also be caused by other more serious conditions.
• Psoriasis, is a skin disease which accelerates the growth of new skin cells. This is an autoimmune skin disorder, which is also chronic.
• Rosacea, is a skin condition that produces facial redness. Some of the symptoms include the appearance of minor pus-filled bumps, which can lead to discernable blood vessels as well as eyelid swelling. Spreading can occur from the cheeks and nose to the chin, forehead, ears and even to other parts of the body such as the back and chest.
• Skin cancer treatments are given to more than 5 million people in the United States every year. Furthermore, according to statistics, one in five people will develop some type of skin cancer during their lifetime. The most common skin cancer types include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
• Shingles, is a skin disease that is caused by a viral infection, concerning the nerve endings in the skin.
• Vitiligo, is a skin condition caused by the excessive loss of melanin, and as a result, areas of lighter colored skin are formed in various parts of the body.
• Warts, are caused by a viral infection that results in non-cancerous skin growths, which are also contagious.

Dermatology and Skin Care Treatments

Dermatologists can treat patients in a variety of ways including non-invasive therapy and medication, however some situations require more invasive treatment. Many of the treatment procedures, can be performed right in the doctor’s office.

Some of the common procedures performed by dermatologists include:

• Biopsies, is a type of diagnostic procedure used to better evaluate certain skin conditions. The three most common skin biopsy types are, excision biopsies (removal of the entire abnormal looking skin area), punch biopsies (removal of a small circular section of the skin), and shave biopsies (removal of only the top sections of the skin).
• Chemical Peels, involves the application of a chemical mixture to the skin. The chemical solution peels off a layer of skin and brings up smoother regenerated new skin. Chemical peels are frequently used as treatment for skin that has been damaged by the sun as well as certain kinds of acne.
• Cosmetic injections, are used to treat scarring, wrinkles and to provide more fullness in facial areas. The most common injection treatment is Botox (botulinum toxin), as well as collagen and fat fillers.
• Cryotherapy, involves applying liquid nitrogen in order to freeze warts and/or other affected skin cells.
• Dermabrasion, is a process where a rotating high-speed brush takes off the topmost layer of the skin and used in the removal of scar tissue from surgery, tattoos, pre-cancerous areas of skin, and subtle wrinkles.
• Excisions, is a procedure where skin lesions are removed in order; to prevent the spreading of disease and/or infection, cosmetic goals, reduction of symptoms and for certain diagnosis.
• Hair removal, involves the destruction of hair follicles by laser hair epilation and/or electrolysis.
• Hair restoration, includes surgical and drug treatment for hair loss.
• Laser surgical procedures, involve using a specific beam of light to treat various skin issues including; birthmarks, moles, scars, tattoos, unwanted hair, warts and wrinkles.
• Liposuction (Tumescent), is a cosmetic body contouring procedure.
• PUVA (Psoralen and Ultraviolet A), involves the drug Psoralen, which increases skin sensitivity and is combined with radiation in order to treat serious skin diseases.
• Vein therapy, also referred to as Sclerotherapy is used to treat spider veins.