General Dermatology
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ABCD's of Skin cancer
While prevention is your best defense against skin cancer, if a melanoma should develop, it is almost always curable with early detection. Check your skin regularly for changes or new lesions. Compare each mole to the pictures found in the comparison chart. Dr. Eric Kusseluk’s state-of-the art practice offers comprehensive general dermatology for both the treatment and prevention of skin-related diseases in patients from infancy through all phases of adulthood. He specializes in medical treatment of the following Acne and complexion problems
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. Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, skin type and the patient’s age and lifestyle, but on average results are visible in six to eight weeks. Moles, warts, cysts and growths
Brown spots on the skin vary from ordinary moles and freckles to dangerous skin cancers. Moles and brown spots should be routinely evaluated by a dermatologist for signs of skin cancer. They can also be removed for cosmetic reasons. Development of brown spots increases with age, as long-term sun exposure begins to take its toll on the skin. Warts are skin growths caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). While there are many strains of HPV, those that cause common warts (typically on the hands and feet) are very different from the strains that cause genital warts. Different warts respond to different treatments, and some go away on their own. Because they can cause pain, discomfort, and be unsightly, warts can be treated using various methods. Over-the-counter salicylic acid products are often effective; however, nitrogen, acids, or electrodessication may be required. Surgery may be recommended for painful or large warts that do not respond to these treatments. Skin cancer and Melanoma
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and anyone can get it. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Most of the time, skin cancer is caused by sun exposure and use of tanning beds. Any new growth or change in the skin should be carefully evaluated by a dermatologist. If a diagnosis of skin cancer is made, our dermatologists will recommend the best treatment for you, depending on the type and location of the skin cancer, and your medical history. Surgical excision remains the most common method of skin cancer removal. This method is done in our surgical suite, under local anesthesia. Other surgical methods of removing or destroying skin cancers include ED&C (electrodessication and curettage), cryotherapy, and Mohs surgery. In addition to the above surgical options, application of certain medications can, in some instances, also be used to treat skin cancer. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It occurs when the cells that make melanin (brown pigment) stop behaving like normal cells and became cancerous. The most common sign of a melanoma is a changing mole. Any pigmented lesion that changes over time or bleeds should be immediately evaluated by a dermatologist for biopsy and surgical removal if necessary. Later stages of melanoma treatment may also include chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy all cancer cells. Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or "atopic eczema"). Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood. In general, atopic dermatitis will come and go, often based on external factors. Although its cause is unknown, the condition appears to be an abnormal response of the body’s immune system. In people with eczema, the inflammatory response to irritating substances overacts, causing itching and scratching. Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured. However, for most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers. Melasma
Melasma is a very common patchy brown, tan, or blue-gray facial skin discoloration, usually seen in women in the reproductive years. It typically appears on the upper cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and chin of women 20-50 years of age. Although possible, it is uncommon in males. Most of those with melasma are women. It is thought to be primarily related to external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes as seen in pregnancy. Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. Melasma is most common among pregnant women, especially those of Latin and Asian descents. People with olive or darker skin, like Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern individuals, have higher incidences of melasma. Freckles, age spots and brown spots
Also known as sun spots, solar lentigines, liver spots or freckles, age spots occur in response to cumulative sun exposure. However, they get the name “age spots” because they usually start becoming more visible with age (commonly in the 40′s). Not to be confused with ephelides (the tan freckles that appear in the summer and disappear by winter), age spots are permanent dark areas that do not fade over time. While they are not a health concern, some forms of skin cancer look like age spots when they first appear so it’s important to monitor any new spots. If you’ve noticed any questionable or changing skin lesions, it’s important to have them checked by a board-certified dermatologist. Botox® for excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where patients experience excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis can affect the entire body, or isolated parts. While it is most common in the underarms, hyperhidrosis also typically affects the hands and feet. Excessive sweating can cause skin irritation from the constant increased moisture, and patients may also feel embarrassed or self-conscious by their condition. Treatment is available in the form of topical medications and injections. Scalp and nail problems
The health of your hair, scalp and nails is likely not something you think about often, at least until a problem arises. In general, healthy hair, scalp and nails are an indication of overall good health. Changes of your nails, including discoloration or thickening, can signal health problems such as liver or kidney diseases, heart and lung conditions or anemia and diabetes. If you notice a sudden change in the condition of your hair, scalp or nails, contact your healthcare provider for an in-person evaluation. The team at Advanced Dermatology is trained to diagnose and treat many conditions that affect the hair, scalp and nails. Pediatric skin conditions
Dr, Kusseluk provides care and treatment for the following common pediatric skin conditions:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a term that encompasses a group of chronic skin disorders that affect any part of the body from the scalp to the toenails, but most frequently affect the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. Over seven million men and women in the U.S. of all ages have some form of psoriasis, which may be mild, moderate or severe. In addition it may be categorized into different types: plaque, pustular, erythrodermic, guttate or inverse psoriasis. Most forms involve an itching and/or burning sensation, scaling and crusting of the skin. Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years and occasionally even permanently. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis; the patient’s age, medical history and lifestyle; and the effect the disease has on the patient’s general mental health. The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms) Skin Cancer Screenings
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and anyone can get it. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Most of the time, skin cancer is caused by sun exposure and use of tanning beds. Any new growth or change in the skin should be carefully evaluated by a dermatologist. If a diagnosis of skin cancer is made, our dermatologists will recommend the best treatment for you, depending on the type and location of the skin cancer, and your medical history. Surgical excision remains the most common method of skin cancer removal. This method is done in our surgical suite, under local anesthesia. Other surgical methods of removing or destroying skin cancers include ED&C (electrodessication and curettage), cryotherapy, and Mohs surgery. In addition to the above surgical options, application of certain medications can, in some instances, also be used to treat skin cancer. Vascular Malformations
Capillary vascular malformations (telangiectatic naevi or nevi) are sometimes referred to as flat haemangiomas. However, these are not haemangiomas but are malformed dilated blood vessels in the skin. Lesions are non-cancerous and appear as blotches of red or purple skin discolouration on any part of the body. They are always present at birth, although they may become more obvious with time. They may vary in size from a small dot to occasionally involving a whole limb, and they grow in proportion to the child's general growth. |