Posts by Kris

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used drug in dermatology and other medical fields. It affects the immune system in ways to help fight against inflammation in the body. In high doses, it can be used for chemotherapy, but it is used in very low doses for various types of arthritis, psoriasis, urticarial (hives), Grover’s disease…

Acne is a common skin problem. It occurs most often in people between ages 10 and 30, but it can affect persons of any age. Acne is caused by a complex combination of factors. These include hormones, bacteria and an individual’s genetic tendency to have blocked pores. For the most part, having acne has very…

Spontaneous ecchymosis (also called ‘actinic purpura’) is extremely common. It occurs primarily on the forearms and hands but can also occur on the legs. Basically, tiny vessels rupture in the skin and leave black, purple and/or red patches. The patches can easily tear. Though the process is similar to “bruising”, this occurs in the skin…

Hand Dermatitis is a descriptive term that includes any number of entities that result in a recurrent tendency for the hands to become irritated, itchy, scaly and/or generally inflamed. Sometimes the feet can be involved as well. Hand Dermatitis is a very common problem. It is quite frustrating and can be tricky to treat at…

Sun damage is a major problem in the U.S. Skin cancer (including Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma) is becoming more prevalent every year. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in the world. There are also a variety of non-cancerous lesions that are sun induced and other inflammatory disorders…

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a specialized surgical technique where skin cancer is precisely removed, and the tissue is processed in the same office to insure that all of the cancer has been eliminated. The procedure is so named in honor of Dr. Frederic Moh, the surgeon who developed the procedure. The Mohs procedure is not…

Nummular Dermatitis (which is sometimes called “Eczema”) is a term that describes a constellation of findings that is quite variable (in appearance, age of onset, symptoms etc.) but is very common. It is one of the most frequently made diagnoses in all of dermatology. Nummular Dermatitis can occur at any age, but it more frequently…

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a very common skin infection that causes pearly/whitish bumps, often with indented centers. It is caused by a virus. It is especially common in children, but adults can get it as well. The bumps can occur anywhere on the body. Sometimes the patient has only a few bumps, but sometimes they…

Rosacea (pronounced “Ro-zay-sha”), which is also called Acne Rosacea, is a common skin disorder that affects more than 5% of the U.S. population. It tends to occur in patients between the ages of 30-55 but can occur in any adult patient. Women are affected more often than men. Rosacea tends to be a chronic disorder…

(please read carefully and completely before your surgery) You have been scheduled (or tentatively scheduled) for surgery here at our practice. This information will help you prepare for your procedure. Read it carefully and completely. We strongly recommend that you bring someone along with you the day of surgery if at all possible. That person…