Medical Dermatology Services
At Soderma Dermatolgy we are a comprehensive medical dermatology practice. We treat patients of all ages to include infants through the elderly as well as all skin types. While we cannot list every skin condition, we treat all dermatologic conditions and are experts in the use of cutting-edge biologics in the treatment of chronic conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and hidradenitis. We will work individually with you to design a personalized treatment plan to help you look and feel your best.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Risk factors include pale skin, family history of melanoma, being over 40 years old, and regular sun exposure. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost always curable if detected and treated early.
The most common skin cancers are:
- Basal cell carcinoma – 80-85% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma affects cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – 10% of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma affects cells in the middle layer of the epidermis.
- Melanoma – 5% of all skin cancers. Melanoma is a rare but very dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.
Skin cancers vary in shape, color, size and texture, so any new, changed or otherwise suspicious growths or rashes should be examined immediately by a physician. Early intervention is essential to preventing the cancer from spreading.
Treatment Options at Soderma
Keloids
Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that forms after a skin injury such as a surgical incision or wound. A keloid may be red, pink, hyperpigmented or flesh-colored and forms over the site of the injury as a nodular or ridged growth. The cause of keloids is unknown, but they are believed to be a result of the body’s failure to end the healing process and stop repairing skin. There is likely a strong hereditary component as well.
Keloids can be large, disfiguring and painful. Historically, the treatment of keloids has been challenging. Cryotherapy, repeated steroid injections and laser treatments have all been used with various but often low levels of success to treat keloids. Surgical excision of a keloid without close follow-up and repeated monthly steroid injections often resulted in the keloid returning larger than the original keloid.
Over the past few years, the treatment of keloids has advanced tremendously with the development of superficial radiation therapy (SRT). This treatment now allows to remove keloids and minimize the chance that they will recur.
Psorasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that involves a rapid production of skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin and form scales, patches and other unwanted symptoms. Over seven million people in the US are affected by psoriasis, including men, women, and children of all ages.
This condition develops as a result of an autoimmune disorder, in which skin cells replace themselves every three to four days, rather than every 30 days, creating a buildup of cells and causing symptoms to develop on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. While there is no cure currently available for this chronic condition, there are several treatment options available to effectively relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
Soderma Dermatology offers comprehensive therapy for psoriasis to include a variety of topical therapies as well as ultraviolet light treatment and newer biologic medications.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a common skin condition in which patches of the skin lose pigmentation and appear white. These patches develop when melanin is not produced properly, and tend to spread over time as the condition progresses. Some patients may also experience premature whitening of the hair and a loss of color inside the mouth. Although not harmful, patients with vitiligo are often bothered by their appearance and may seek treatment to correct their skin tone. Treatment for vitiligo depends on the severity of the condition, and may include oral or topical medications, UVB therapy, depigmentation or skin grafts. While there is no cure for this condition, treatment is often effective in improving the appearance of the skin.
Acne Scarring
Acne scarring can be very distressing. Unfortunately, there is no one single treatment that will address all of the different types of scars. At Soderma Dermatology we are well versed in treating all types of acne scars. These types include dark marks (hyperpigmentation) depressed (atrophic), or icepick acne scars. Appropriate therapy may include a single therapy or often a combination of therapies to fully address one’s acne scars.
Techniques that we frequently utilized:
Hydroquinone compounds: minimize dark acne scars by physically targeting the pigment in the skin
Dermal infusion: smooth texture, reduce pore size, polish the skin and helps lighten hyperpigmentation
Chemical peels: address more significant hyperpigmentation and textural irregularities
Ematrix radiofrequency treatment: shrink acne scars by way tightening collagen through a mild to moderate skin resurfacing treatment
TCA Cross Technique: excellent treatment for minimizing ice pick acne scars in lighter skin types
Punch excision and Subcision: Physically removing the acne scar by way of small circular knife (punch), or using a sharp needle beak up the scar tissue under a bound-down acne scar (subcision)
Bellafill: is a dermal filler that is FDA approved for the treatment acne scars and for the treatment of smiles lines. It instantly smooths lines and stimulates your natural collagen to produce results that can last up to 5 years. With regard to acne scars it helps fill in depressed areas by stimulating collagen production. This treatment can be combined with ematrix.
Facial Moles
Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra (DPN) is a very common condition affecting many people of color that often appears as small brown growths on the face and neck resembling moles. This condition usually begins to occur in the late 20s or early 30s and progresses with time. The number of lesions one ultimately develops is purely based on genetics and family history.
While the development of these lesions can be distressing the condition is very treatable with a technique known as electrodessication.
With this technique a pinpoint electrical current is applied to the lesions. The current results in superficial destruction of the growths. At the time of treatment, the growths become slightly grey in color and ultimately fall off over the next few days to few weeks depending on the size of the lesions.
Smaller lesions are often resolved with one treatment while larger lesions may need several multiple treatments every 3 – 4 weeks before resolving.
To make the procedure comfortable. A topical anesthetic is usually applied about 30 min prior to treatment.
Price: $250 – $800 depending on the number and size of lesions.
Pricing for PRP Treatments at Soderma Dermatology:
- A package of 3 monthly PRP treatments is $2700 if pre-paid prior to the first treatment.
- A single PRP treatment is $1000 for patients that have not previously purchased a package or completed a series of 3 initial treatments.
Alopecia
Alopecia (hair loss) can be a very distressing condition and affects both men and women.
There are several different causes of alopecia and determining the cause can often be challenging.
In general there are 2 main types of alopecia
- Scaring alopecia
- Nonscarring alopecia
Scaring alopecia is caused by trauma and inflammation of the hair follicle, which ultimately leads to damage and destruction of the hair follicle, producing a scar. While their can be many causes of scarring alopecia, one of the main causes of scarring alopecia especially in women of color is damage caused by the cumulative long-term effect of chemical relaxers, heat damage and pulling and tugging on the scalp over years leading to a condition called CCCA. The first signs of early scarring alopecia are often itching and tenderness in the crown of the scalp. Women who frequently pat the crown of their scalp, “The pat sign”, because it is itching may not recognize this as an early warning sign of inflammation and possible future or already active hair loss.
When treating scaring alopecia, early recognition and diagnosis is extremely important because once the hair follicles die, they usually cannot be recovered without a hair transplant.
We are well versed in treating scaring alopecia, especially chemically induced alopecia, having seen and treated several thousand patients with this condition over many years.
In addition to highly advanced medical therapies for scarring alopecia, we have a full line specially developed products to help soothe the aggravated scalp and help your hair grow.
Non-scarring alopecia involves hair loss without damage to the hair follicle. The most common causes of this type of hair loss include both male and female pattern hair loss, post-pregnancy, hair loss from stress traumatic events or nutrient or vitamin deficiencies, early traction alopecia and alopecia areata.
Nonscarring alopecia is often very treatable but may require some ongoing treatment over time.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatment
PRP (platelet rich plasma) is a new treatment for mild to moderate nonscarring alopecia, especially male and female pattern hair loss as well as traction alopecia (hair loss along the temporal area – “edges”)
While the precise mechanism of action of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is not specifically known, it is thought that the concentrated platelets stimulate the release of various growth factors which collectively help to stimulate hair growth and prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle.
During the treatment, a technician draws about 6cc of your blood and spins it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and plasma. Dr. Soden then injects the plasma into the scalp where the hair loss has occurred. Injections are administered monthly for 3 months.
After three monthly treatments, patients follow up 1-3 months after the last treatment to evaluate effectiveness.
Hair regrowth typically begins within 90 days of starting treatment and the amount of regrowth ranges anywhere from 30-70 percent.
PRP therapy is more likely to be effective if your hair loss is recent (within 3-5 years). The longer the hair loss has been present the more difficult it can be to make nongrowing hair follicles grow.
If there is regrowth or thickening of the hair, maintenance treatments will be needed every 3-9 months. The injection schedule will depend on your genetics, pattern and amount of hair loss, age and hormones.
There are virtually no side effects from PRP, except for a mild feeling of pressure at the injection site and sometimes some mild temporary tenderness after treatment.
There is no specific limit with regard to the number of treatments that can be given. Patients that obtain excellent results may wish to proceed with maintenance treatments more regularly.
Results from PRP are often enhanced when combined with other established treatments for hair loss such as minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride (Propecia), multivitamins for hair and nails and spironolactone.
Also, if you have an underlying autoimmune disorder such as lupus or thyroid disease, PRP may be ineffective because these conditions will continue to cause hair loss over time.
Individuals on blood thinners may not be appropriate candidates for PRP, as certain blood thinners can reduce platelet function and make the treatment ineffective.
Price: A package of 3 monthly PRP treatments is $2700 if pre-paid prior to the first treatment. A single PRP treatment is $1000.
Pediatric Dermatology
Pediatric dermatology involves comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services for the unique skin of infants, children and adolescents. While children and adults experience many of the same skin conditions, certain conditions are more prevalent in younger patients and require special care that takes into account the growing needs of these patients. Children are often at risk for fungal and bacterial infections of the skin, as well as a wide array of other acquired and congenital conditions.
Our treatments are gentle yet successful, allowing children to engage in their everyday activities while efficiently managing their skin ailment. Children with healthy skin can also be seen by our doctor for regular examinations to learn about proper skin care, including adequate sun protection. Early examination by a dermatologist can promote a lifetime of healthy skin for our pediatric patients.
Our doctors are highly skilled and experienced in treating pediatric skin conditions and strives to provide a comfortable, safe and worry-free experience for both child and parent. We take the time to educate parents about their child’s condition to help ensure proper treatment and home care so children can enjoy clear, healthy skin as they grow.
Some of the most common pediatric skin conditions we treat are:
- Rashes
- Eczema
- Birthmarks
- Acne
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and swelling on the face and occasionally on the neck, ears, chest, back and eyes as well. The specific cause of rosacea is unknown, but is suspected to involve a combination of hereditary and environmental factors, and is most common in fair-skinned adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Certain triggers, such as consuming alcohol or spicy foods, may worsen symptoms of rosacea.
Treatment for rosacea aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. This can be done through a combination of approaches, including topical and oral medications, antibiotics, Accutane®, or surgery for severe or permanent symptoms. Your doctor will develop a customized treatment plan after a thorough evaluation of each patient’s individual condition. While there is no cure for rosacea, many patients can achieve effective symptom relief for long periods of time.
Acne Treatment
Acne is the term for the blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While it affects mostly teenagers, and almost all teenagers have some form of acne, adults of any age can have it. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress.
Cyst Removal
Sebaceous cysts, commonly known as just cysts, are small, closed sacs that contain solid or fluid material and can be found anywhere on the skin. They develop as an infection, often from a swollen hair follicle, and require treatment to prevent it from enlarging or becoming cancerous.
Cyst removal is done through surgical excision. A small incision is made in the area of the cyst and then the cyst and surrounding tissue will be removed to ensure complete excision. A local anesthetic is used for this procedure. Most cysts do not return when thoroughly removed. Some patients are left with a small scar after a cyst is removed, which can be further treated with a reconstructive treatment, although most scars will fade over time.
Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is the name of a group of skin conditions involving red rashes that become irritated, moist, oozing or bumpy when scratched. Atopic dermatitis, also called infantile eczema, is a common form that affects about 10 percent of children. Symptoms almost always appear before the age of 5 and include dry, itchy, red, bumpy skin on the face or scalp that may crust over and spread to other areas of the body. The condition often improves and worsens cyclically over time, with flare-ups commonly occurring at puberty, but most patients outgrow the condition by the end of adolescence.
Atopic dermatitis is inherited and cannot be prevented, but it is treatable. Since rashes are caused by exposure to allergens in the environment (as opposed to contact dermatitis, which worsens when the skin physically touches an irritant), known triggers such as heat, wool, hot water, certain foods or skin products, soaps and detergents should be avoided or removed from the home. A child or teen who has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis may be given steroid creams, antihistamines to relieve itching, and/or antibiotics to treat any infections caused by scratching. Trying not to scratch the area is also important and can reduce the likelihood of developing skin scales or lichenification (thickening).
Scar Revision
Scar revision is performed to reduce the appearance of scars caused by injury or previous surgery. Scars are by definition permanent, but surgery can narrow, fade and otherwise reduce the appearance of severe or unattractive scarring, which is especially helpful in areas of cosmetic importance such as the face and hands. There are many surgical methods of scar revision, only some of which may be appropriate for a particular type of scar or its location. These include surgical excision, skin grafts, flap surgery and Z-plasty (repositioning a scar so that it aligns with the face and is less noticeable). The effectiveness of scar reduction depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the injury, your body’s healing mechanism, the size and depth of the wound, how much blood supplies the area and the thickness and color of your skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrhea is a chronic skin condition of unknown origin which causes scaling, oiliness and redness of the skin, most commonly on the scalp (in which case it is often referred to as dandruff), face, ears, navel and genitals. Although symptoms imply that skin is dry, seborrhea actually involves excess oil production in the glands. For this reason, self-treatment methods such as moisturizing often prove ineffective and may even worsen the condition. Professionally recommended treatments such as cortisone creams and lotions and reduction of yeast on the skin surface, in combination with frequent gentle washing and avoidance of harsh or perfumed soaps, can alleviate symptoms.
Warts
Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. Different warts respond to different treatments; some go away on their own. Salicylic acid products (in the form of drops, gels, pads and bandages) can help self-treatment of many warts by dissolving the keratin protein that makes up the wart and the dead skin above it. Others can be removed via liquid nitrogen freezing or electrical stimulation. Surgery may be recommended for painful or large warts that do not respond to these treatments.
Skin Allergies
There are three major groups of skin diseases caused by allergy: eczema, allergic contact dermatitis and hives. Eczema occurs most commonly in children and involves red, thickened, swollen patches of skin on the cheeks, scalp, neck and trunk that itch and can be painful. Allergic contact dermatitis describes the onset of a rash, swelling, blistering or other effect after the skin touches an irritating substance such as clothing materials and dyes, latex, cosmetics, soaps, perfumes or certain plants like poison ivy. Sometimes the reaction is triggered by exposure to ultraviolet light (called photoallergy), for example putting on sunscreen and stepping outside. Hives, also called urticaria, are itchy rashes with bumps resembling insect bites. They can occur in small patches or all over the body, and last anywhere from a few minutes to several months.
Hair & Nail Disorders
There are several different disorders affecting the hair and nails that may occur as a result of genetics, fungal or bacterial infections, hormone production or life habits. Nail disorders most often affect the toenails and involve bacteria or debris entering into the nail area. Common hair disorders include alopecia (hair loss), baldness, hirsutism (excessive female hair growth) and hair shaft disorders caused by how you treat your hair.
Treatment for hair and nail disorders depends on the type of disorder and its underlying cause. Many nail disorders can be effectively treated through oral or topical medications to get rid of the infection, while hair disorders can also be treated with medication to stimulate or prevent hair growth. Proper hygiene is also important in treating and preventing both types of disorders.