| General Dermatology Acne, Scarring and Treatment Acne is a common condition that affects almost everyone at some point in life. Acne also affects over 20% of all adults. Everyone knows what acne looks like and people who suffer with acne sometimes lead a life of low self-esteem. Poorly controlled acne can lead to both physical and emotional scars.
Today there are many successful treatments currently available to treat both active acne and evidence of past acne (scars). Dr. Schweiger has experience in a multitude of different treatments including traditional medical therapies and newer light and laser based modalities.
Moles, Melanoma and Skin Exams Moles are common benign growths that are known medically as "nevi.?Moles can be either flat or raised and come in several different shapes and sizes. They are usually tan to brown and smaller than a pencil eraser. While most moles are benign, some have the potential to become a deadly skin cancer known as melanoma.
Currently over 1 in 70 people will be diagnosed with melanoma at some point in their life. Melanoma is easily treated if caught early but can be deadly if it is not. Some melanomas arise from moles, while others arise on their own.
Knowing the ABCDE's of what make a mole atypical is important for self-monitoring. If you have a mole that fulfills any of the following criteria it is important to have the lesion examined by a dermatologist: Asymmetric, Border irregularity, Color (black or multiple shades), Diameter (bigger than a pencil eraser) or Evolving (changing).
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Evaluations and Surgery The skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are two of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. People with history of extensive sun exposure are at increased risk for these cancers.
It is important to have any new suspicious growth evaluated by a dermatologist. If diagnosed early, surgical excision of these lesions are curative. Dr. Schweiger has excised hundreds of these skin cancers on the face and body and prides himself on leaving patients with the smallest scar possible after surgery.
Excessive Sweating Excessive sweating ("hyperhidrosis") is a common condition that results from hyperactive sweat glands. This medical condition can affect any part of the body, but most often affects the hands, feet, or underarms. Hyperhydrosis can interfere with daily life and make people embarrassed and self-conscious. Cold, wet handshakes, soiled shirts and damp malodorous shoes are some common symptoms.
There are several treatments available today for hyperhydrosis. One of the most recent treatments is injection of botulinum toxin (Botox? into the area of excessive sweating. When Botox?is injected into the affected area, the sweat glands become less active and most patients report a decrease in symptoms for up to six months.
Psoriasis Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition which manifests as patches of red thick skin with silvery-white scale. These patches frequently form on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. Treatment depends on the severity and type of psoriasis. While no treatment is currently "curative,?there are now numerous therapeutic options available.
Rosacea Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by facial redness, frequent flushing and the appearance of acne-like red bumps. There are several effective therapies available for rosacea. Dr. Schweiger uses a combination of oral, topical and laser therapy to successfully treat his patients with rosacea.
Warts and Skin Tag Removal
Warts are growths on the skin caused by the HPV virus. These annoying lesions most commonly appear on the hands, arms and feet and can be very difficult to eliminate. Warts are contagious so it is best not to pick at them as you may spread these lesions to other parts of your body. There are several therapies available to treat warts including topical prescription medicines, freezing with liquid nitrogen, and removing them with lasers.
Skin tags are benign pedunculated lesions that tend to occur around the neck, in the underarms, and sometimes in the groin area. These lesions are completely benign and tend to run in families. They are very easy to remove surgically and oftentimes leave almost no residual scar. |
