Dermatology Services

At Central Florida Dermatology Institute, we diagnose and treat a variety of common skin conditions. We provide our dermatology services to patients of all ages. Our services include medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology with an emphasis on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dermatology conditions treated include the following:

Skin Cancer

Skin cancers are by far the most common type of cancer worldwide. In the United States alone, over 3 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. There are many different types of skin cancer, but the three types that account for the vast majority of cases are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It usually grows slowly and rarely metastasizes (travels to other parts of the body). If left untreated, the cancer will continue to grow and may become disfiguring.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It is less predictable than basal cell cancer, as it may grow slowly or more rapidly. It does have the ability to metastasize and be fatal if left untreated.
Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer and is far more likely to metastasize than BCC and SCC. Early detection of melanoma is critical and can be lifesaving.
Skin Cancer Treatment
All three of these types of skin cancer are typically treated by surgical removal. Other reasonable treatment options may be available and will always be discussed to ensure the right decision is made for your individual situation. Surgical procedures are performed here in the office under local anesthesia, meaning we don’t put you to sleep, we just numb the area around the cancer. The cancer, along with a small margin of normal appearing skin around it, is cut out (excised) and the wound is sutured closed. Sutures stay in for a week or two, depending on location. The skin that is removed is always sent to the lab to check if the edges are clear of cancer. These are very common procedures we perform in the office every day.

Acne

Acne is a very common condition that affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Acne can present as small skin color bumps, red inflamed bumps, “whiteheads”, or painful cysts beneath the skin. Patients can be classified as having mild, moderate or severe acne.

Mild Acne Treatment
Mild cases can often be treated with over-the-counter products and may not warrant a visit to the dermatologist. Moderate cases may require treatment with prescription medications, prescribed either by a primary care provider or a dermatologist. Severe acne, particularly with deep nodules and cysts, may lead to permanent scarring and is usually managed by a dermatologist.
Severe Acne Treatment
One VERY effective treatment for severe acne is oral isotretinoin, formerly known as Accutane. Unfortunately, some people immediately dismiss the use of this medication, believing it to be too dangerous to even consider. Isotretinoin, when used and monitored appropriately, is a remarkably effective and safe medication. If you or your child are suffering from severe acne, I encourage you to have a discussion with your dermatologist to decide if this treatment is right for you.

Rashes

Overview & Treatment
Rashes can present in a variety of ways. They may be localized to a single spot or region of the body. Some rashes are persistent while others come and go. Itching may or may not be present. They may appear suddenly or develop gradually. Rashes may undergo changes over time or remain the same. These are all things to take note of and may be helpful in making a diagnosis. Any number of things can cause a rash, such as medications, infections, internal diseases, or contact with external substances. Regardless of cause, the goal is to try to find the underlying cause and to provide relief of associated symptoms.

Eczema

Overview

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a condition characterized by dry, red, inflamed skin. It has been called “the itch that rashes,” as itch often comes before the rash. Eczema may start in infancy and continue through adulthood, however many “grow out” of the condition during childhood. Some people do not develop symptoms until they are adults.

Managing Eczema
Managing eczema can be difficult and requires a proactive effort to try and maintain a healthy skin barrier, as well as treating episodes of worsening, known as flares, when they occur.

Psorasis

Overview & Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause red, scaly patches anywhere on the body, with the knees and elbows most commonly affected. The distribution may be limited to specific areas, such as the scalp, or may be widespread. Psoriasis has a tendency to go through cycles of improving and worsening (flares).

About 10-30% of patients with psoriasis develop an associated arthritis, know as psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include stiffness, pain, and swelling of the tendons and joints. Stiffness is often worse in the morning. Treatment of psoriasis depends on the severity and location of involvement and may include topical, oral, or injectable medications.

Hair Loss

Overview & Treatment
Hair loss, known as alopecia, is a very common in both men and women and can be emotionally distressing for patients. Hair loss can be separated into two broad categories: scarring and non-scarring. The most common type of hair loss in both men and women is a non-scarring form called androgenetic alopecia, also called pattern hair loss. Male pattern alopecia occurs predominately on the top of the scalp, while female pattern hair loss tends to be a more generalized thinning of the hair. If treated early, patients with non-scarring forms of alopecia may have the potential to regrow hair. Unfortunately, scarring alopecia results in permanent hair loss and the goal of treatment is to prevent further loss. Regardless of type of hair loss, identifying the underlying cause is important to guide appropriate therapy.

Warts

Overview & Treatment

Warts come in all shapes and sizes and can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly appear as rough, raised bumps on the hands or feet. All warts are caused by viruses. Treatment options vary based on location of the wart and patient preference but may include over the counter or prescription topical medications, freezing, curettage, or a combination of those methods. Warts can be stubborn and may take more than one treatment to resolve.

Rosacea

Overview & Treatment

Rosacea is a common skin condition affecting adults that may appear in a variety of ways. Patients may present with persistent, rosy red cheeks, with or without the presence of visible fine blood vessels. Some may develop red bumps or pimples on the nose, cheeks and chin and others may suffer from dry, irritated eyes. An enlarged, bumpy, red nose is characteristic of a another form of rosacea. These presentations may occur alone or in combination with one another. Not all types of rosacea are treated the same, so an individualized approach is best. Treatment options may include topical creams, oral medications, or even “laser” therapy.