Medical Dermatology

Acne is an extremely common skin condition that develops when hair follicles on the face become clogged with dead skin cells and oil.

Moles are common. Almost every adult has a few moles. It is normal for new moles to appear during childhood and adolescence.

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.

Eczema is a common skin condition that also goes by the names atopic eczema, dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. The condition, which is especially common in children, causes red patches to appear on the skin that are scaly, itchy, and dry.

The National Psoriasis Foundation describes psoriasis as an immune disease affecting approximately three percent of the American population. Immune diseases stem from faulty signals in the body that typically have no known cause and result in widespread inflammation. The most obvious signs of psoriasis are scales on the skin and raised plaques. The appearance of plaques can be considerably different based on skin tone and type of psoriasis.

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder causing white patches of skin to appear on the body due to loss of pigment. This happens when pigment-making cells in the skin, called melanocytes, are destroyed. The precise cause of vitiligo is complex and not fully understood. Some evidence suggests a combination of autoimmune, genetic and environmental factors are to blame. Vitiligo usually develops before a person’s 40th birthday and can also affect mucous membranes and the eye area.