Medical Dermatology
Acne
There are many available treatments for reducing and clearing acne, but the most important component of care is understanding the specific type and potential causes of your acne. We will work with you to find a therapy that is effective and tailored to your specific needs.
Typical acne begins with blackheads and whiteheads, otherwise known as comedones. These initial lesions can become inflamed causing pimples, pustules and cysts. Our goals for treating acne are to prevent scarring and ensure confidence in one’s appearance.
Treating acne is a relatively slow process; there is no overnight remedy. Some treatments include:
- Benzoyl Peroxide — Used in mild cases of acne, benzoyl peroxide reduces the blockages in the hair follicles.
- Oral and Topical Antibiotics — Used to treat any infection in the pores.
- Hormonal Treatments — Can be used for adult women with hormonally induced acne.
- Tretinoin — A derivative of Vitamin A, tretinoin helps unplug the blocked-up material in whiteheads/blackheads. It has become a mainstay in the treatment of acne.
- Extraction — Removal of whiteheads and blackheads using a small metal instrument that is centered on the comedone and pushed down, extruding the blocked pore.
Eczema
Eczema is a broad term that describes an itchy rash that can be caused by many different triggers including a genetic predisposition or environmental exposures. Atopic dermatitis is a more specific term for the type of eczema that typically begins in childhood and affects between 10-20% of the children. It is a chronic condition characterized by recurring itchy rashes and sensitive skin. We know that eczema can be very uncomfortable to live with, so we offer evidence-based treatments to help control eczema symptoms for you or your child. Our dermatologists are devoted to providing exceptional pediatric dermatology care.
Developing a plan of how to carefully take care of your skin is one of the most effective ways to reduce eczema flare-ups. Plans might include special baths, the use of moisturizers that help protect the skin, and avoiding common triggers. Every patient is unique and everyone’s eczema responds differently to treatments. We will be your guide and resource as we determine how best to improve your symptoms.
For some patients that have difficulty controlling their symptoms of itching. we are affiliated with Rhode Island Hospital's phototherapy treatment, a specialized wavelength of ultraviolet light that has been used to treat eczema for the past 20 years.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that develops from inflammatory signals in the skin, which cause isolated areas of thickened and flakey skin. It can involve any area of the skin including the scalp and nails, and the degree of involvement can vary from a few small lesions to the entire surface of the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious, and it may have a genetic predisposition in some individuals. It can present at any time of life and can flare with illness, infection, or even lifestyle.
We know that psoriasis can be frustrating and difficult to manage. Fortunately, there have been major advancements in the understanding and treatment of psoriasis in the past decade. At School Street Dermatology, we focus on preventative strategies and treatment options to find what will be the safest and most effective treatment plan for you. We are not only knowledgeable and familiar, but also have years of experience with tried and true options for the treatment of psoriasis.
We know your skin is personal, so we make sure our care is grounded in well-researched practices and is tailored specifically for you.
Rashes
Rashes can be a caused by a myriad of conditions and appear in many different ways, such as blotches, welts, or blisters. The art of dermatology is to determine the cause of your rash and whether or not it is indicative of a more severe condition.
Many rashes can look similar, however there are small clues that dermatologists use to help narrow the potential diagnosis. Additionally, a sample of skin can be easily obtained to help determine the cause of the rash. In general, a definitive diagnosis is important to establish prior to treating the rash.
Please note, if you have a high fever with a rash, or if the rash begins to blister and you are unable to reach our office, you should seek immediate medical attention at your local hospital.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that is most commonly characterized by redness of the central face. Individuals with rosacea have a tendency to flush or blush easily and sensitive facial skin. Rosacea can vary in its appearance. Some people mostly experience redness and an overabundance of small blood vessels in the skin, while others present with acne-like lesion such as pustules and papules.
At School Street Dermatology, we can help you identify what treatments and skin care routines will best help your type of rosacea. When symptoms are severe or persistent we are able to help control your disease with various medications.
In addition to providing medical treatments, we can help identify potential lifestyle and environmental triggers that provoke flare-ups. Though rosacea currently doesn’t have a cure, we believe achieving control is always possible.
Skin Cancer Screening
It is estimated that skin cancer will affect one out of five Americans. One of the best ways to detect skin cancer is a skin examination by a board-certified dermatologist. When you schedule a skin cancer screening, your physician will carefully look at your skin to evaluate your moles and distinguish between spots that are a normal and spots that are more concerning or need to be followed. Early detection is always key. Even something that might look normal to you may be something that warrants further examination. Our goal is to keep you healthy and safe.
During a skin cancer screening, we examine your skin from head to toe and evaluate each and every lesion on your skin. You can prepare for your exam by noting any lesions that are causing you concern. If possible, avoid wearing make-up to your exam and know that we may ask you to remove your makeup in the office. Because of the extensive nature of a skin cancer screening, we may need to schedule an additional visit to address additional dermatologic issues such as acne or rashes.
If you have a lesion that is rapidly changing, bleeding, or continually growing, please alert our staff when booking an appointment. We will schedule within the week or sooner for a “spot” check so you can have peace of mind.
Warts
Affecting people of all ages, warts are one of the most common—and often the most irritating—skin issues that individuals may have. Warts are growths caused by viruses that infect cells on the skin. Because they are contagious, they can spread locally or to other people. Many over the counter remedies exist, and often warts resolve spontaneously.
In some cases, warts continue to spread, enlarge, or are painful. Many solutions exist for treating warts, and using our personalized approach to care, we can help eliminate troublesome warts.