Medical Dermatology
At Old Metairie Dermatology, we treat children and adults for a variety of dermatologic problems. Our focus is providing a comprehensive work up that may include a skin biopsy, allergy testing or blood work in order to confirm your diagnosis. We offer skin cancer and mole examinations and recommend that our patients see us yearly for a routine skin check-up. Our physicians are experts in skin care and anti-aging cosmeceuticals and can outline an individualized skin care regimen for you.
Acne is a condition that affects 90% of all teenagers, but can be problematic in adult men and women. Acne is often inherited and is a result of hormonal influences on oil glands. In adults, stress can play a major role in triggering acne. The treatment of acne needs to be individualized depending on the type of acne and severity. In addition to medications, many patients benefit from procedures like chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Our physicians are enrolled prescribers for the Ipledge program and may recommend isotretinoin (Accutane®) for more severe cases of acne.
Eczema affects both children and adults. Atopic dermatitis is eczema that begins in childhood, is often associated with asthma and allergies. Adult eczema is generally caused by dry skin and is exacerbated by cold weather. All patients with eczema complain of dry itching skin and may develop secondary skin infections as a result of scratching. Most eczema can be controlled easily with topical anti-inflammatory creams, moisturizers and oral antihistamines.
Warts, or verruca, can appear almost anywhere on the body. Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus and can be treated a variety of ways. Our physicians utilize a combination of treatments including topical antiviral medications, intralesional biologic therapy, and various methods of mechanical destruction such as liquid nitrogen therapy, Electrodesiccation, and laser therapy. Patience and persistence are crucial since warts can be difficult to eradicate.
Psoriasis is an itchy, scaly condition that can affect the scalp, knees and elbows. In more extensive cases any area of the body can be involved including the nails. Some patients with psoriasis develop a unique variant of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is not contagious but can be a significant cosmetic concern for those who suffer with it. Treatment of psoriasis depends on the extent of involvement and how much it affects your daily life. Mild cases of psoriasis can be controlled with topical medications but more extensive cases may require more aggressive therapies. Light treatments, oral medications and injectable biologics may be necessary to control severe cases of psoriasis.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting one in five Americans. The most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, result from excessive sun exposure. The good news is that if diagnosed early, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma can be cured. These skin cancers appear as a small bump or non-healing sore and can removed surgically in our office. There are also topical medications that can effectively remove superficial forms of skin cancer.
Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma can occur on any part of the body and is more likely to spread or metastasize than either basal or squamous cell carcinoma. If you develop a new mole or have a mole that’s changing or itching, this should be checked immediately. Our physicians perform comprehensive skin examinations as part of a routine skin maintenance program.
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