Dermatology at Butler Health System
Excellence in Dermatology Services
The BHS Dermatology team provides a full range of high-quality, highly
personalized dermatology services in a warm and welcoming environment.
Our facility is state-of-the-art and equipped with advanced, leading-edge
tools and technologies designed to achieve best results for patients.
Learn more about our dermatology department:
Conditions Treated at BHS Dermatology
A dermatologist is a medical expert who specialists in the diagnosis, treatment,
and prevention of skin disorders and conditions. Dermatologists are also
qualified to diagnose and treat conditions and diseases that affect the
hair and nails.
We consistently achieve desirable outcomes in treating a wide range of
skin conditions, including but not limited to the following:
Acne
Acne is a common condition that causes blocked pores, pimples, cysts and
other lesions on the skin of the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and
upper arms. Acne is not life-threatening, but can lead to physical disfigurement
and emotional distress. Ask your doctor about treatment options to help
improve the appearance of the skin and prevent future breakouts from occurring.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis (AK) also known as solar keratosis is a crusty or scaly
growth caused by damage from exposure to the sun or artificial sources
of ultraviolet light (tanning beds). AK is considered a pre-cancer because
left untreated it can develop into skin cancer. They typically appear
on sun exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, shoulders, neck and
the back of the hands for forearms. They are often rough in texture, elevated
and red in appearance however some can be tan, white, pink or flesh toned.
They can itch, become inflamed and even bleed. If you feel you may have
this condition it’s important to be seen by a dermatologist for
further evaluation.
Allergic Reactions
Symptoms that may be associated with allergic contact dermatitis include
dry, scaly skin, hives, oozing blisters, skin redness, skin that burns,
itching, swelling and/or sun sensitivity. Often cases go away on their
own once the substance is no longer in contact with the skin. Avoid scratching,
keep your skin clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, discontinue any
product you believe might be causing the problem and try over the counter
treatments such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. If the reaction
is close to your eyes or mouth, covers a large area of your body or does
not improve with home care, consult the physician who can prescribe additional
treatments.
Age Spots
Age spots are dark areas on your skin that vary in size and typically appear
on the face, hands, shoulders, arms and legs - areas most exposed to the
sun. Age spots are very common in adults over age 50, and more common
in people with light skin. They can look like cancer, but don’t
need treatment, however some can be removed or lightened with skin brightening
treatments. Have your doctor look at spots that are dark or have changed
in appearance. These can be signs of a serious form of skin cancer.
Cysts
Cysts are enclosed pockets of tissue filled with fluid, pus or other materials.
They are noncancerous and can appear anywhere on the skin. Cysts are slow-growing,
smooth to the touch and feel like peas under the skin surface. Cysts develop
as a result of the sebaceous glands (oil glands) being clogged, or infected.
They typically are not painful unless they rupture or become infected.
If bothersome, cysts can be drained, treated with an injection of cortisone
to shrink it, or may be removed surgically.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common condition that can develop as a result of certain
skin diseases like psoriasis or environmental factors such as cold weather,
hot showers, harsh soaps and sun exposure. Patients with this condition
often experience skin that feels rough, tight and may be itchy or red.
For most, this is only a temporary problem and can be managed through
simple home and lifestyle measures including using moisturizers and special
creams or avoiding hot showers and baths. For more severe cases, prescription
creams and ointments may be recommended to calm skin.
Eczema
Eczema is a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic itchy
rashes. About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer From some form of eczema,
including 10-20 percent of all Infants. Symptoms vary from person to person
but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out
in rashes when scratched.
Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks may include
rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive heat or sweating,
soaps, detergents, disinfectants, Fruit and meat juices, dust mites, animal
saliva and danders, upper respiratory infections and stress.
Treatment involves the restriction of scratching, use of moisturizing lotions
or creams, cold compresses and nonprescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid
creams and ointments. If this proves insufficient, physicians may prescribe
corticosteroid medication, antibiotics to combat infection, or sedative
antihistamines. Phototherapy is a common procedure that uses light to
reduce rashes For severe cases, drugs such as cyclosporine A may be recommended.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is and inflammation of the hair follicles. You can have folliculitis
on any part of your body that has hair, but it is most common on the arms,
back, buttocks and legs. In men it is common in the beard area. This condition
can be caused by bacteria, yeast or another type of fungus. Shaving or
close fitting clothing can rub the skin and irritate the follicles, and
sweat, oils or makeup can cause folliculitis. If you believe you have
this condition, see the physician for an evaluation.
Hives
Hives are welts that can appear suddenly on any part of the skin. They
often itch and vary in size from very small to very large. Hives often
go away in 24 hours or less but can last for days or even weeks (acute
hives). Typically hives are the result of the body’s reaction to
certain allergens or for unknown reasons. The most common causes are foods,
medications, or infections. Hives lasting longer than 6 weeks are more
difficult to identify the cause and require further evaluation by the
physician.
Moles
While most moles and other skin growths are not of medical concern, it
is important to screen for cancer and other skin conditions that can develop
in some cases. Full-body skin exams help to detect any new moles and growths,
as well as to monitor existing growths; are recommended on a yearly basis
in order to screen for skin cancer and detect any abnormalities in their
earliest stages. To classify a mole, your doctor will evaluate its color,
size, border end any asymmetries that may indicate a potential for cancer.
If any suspicious lesions are found during this exam, additional testing
will likely be performed.
Nail Fungus
Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cuts or cracks in your
skin. It can be painful and change the color or thickness of the nail.
Left untreated, this infection can spread to other toenails, fingernails
or the skin. Please see the physician for an evaluation and treatment.
Poison Ivy/Oak
Poison Ivy or Oak produce a sticky oil called Urushiol that causes an itchy,
blistering rash when it comes in contact with the skin. Typically the
rash forms within 24-72 hours and can last as long as three weeks. Keep
the area clean and control the itch with over the counter calamine lotion
or hydrocortisone creams. Be cautious! Dogs or cats may carry the oil
on their fur, and the oil remains active, even on dead plants. Do not
burn the plants. It can release chemicals that can bother your eyes, nose
and lungs. See your doctor if you have a severe reaction in addition to
the rash like nausea, fever, shortness of breath, or if the rash covers
a large area of the body, is on the face or close to your eyes.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a group of chronic skin disorders that cause Itching and/or
burning, scaling and crusting of the skin. 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. The most commonly affected areas are the scalp,
elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals.
Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes
for months or years at a time and occasionally even permanently Treatment
depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis. The patient's
age, medical history and lifestyle may also have a significant impact
on the methods utilized, The most common treatments are topical medications,
phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication
(For severe symptoms).
Rashes
A rash is a change in the skin's color or texture. Simple rashes are called
dermatitis, which means the skin is inflamed or swollen. Contact dermatitis
is caused by touching an Irritating substance such as clothing materials
and dyes, latex, cosmetics, soaps or certain plants like poison ivy. Seborrheic
Dermatitis forms red patches and scaling, usually on the face and head,
where it is more commonly known as dandruff or cradle cap, Other common
rashes include eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, shingles, chicken pox, measles,
scarlet fever, Insect bites and those caused by medical conditions such
as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
A dermatologist is usually able to identify the rash by looking at it and
asking about accompanying symptoms. Mild rashes can often be treated with
simple home care practices such as avoiding soaps and bathing in warm
water. Others may require moisturizing creams, prescription medications
or more extensive treatment.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the
face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes may also be affected.
Symptoms range from red pimples. lines and visible blood vessels to dry
or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. Many people find that
the emotional effects of rosacea - such as low self-confidence and avoidance
of social situations - are more difficult to handle than the physical
ones. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned,
light-haired adults aged 30-50. It is not yet known what causes Rosacea
and the disease is not curable, although it can be treated with topical
and oral medications, laser therapy, or laser surgery.
Shingles
Singles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash that can occur
anywhere on your body. If often appears as a single strip of blisters
that wraps around the left or right side of your torso. Shingles is caused
by the same virus, varicella-zoster that causes chickenpox. After you’ve
had chickenpox the virus lives inactive in the nerve tissue near your
spinal cord and brain and become reactivated years later as shingles.
While shingles isn't life-threatening, it can be very painful. Early treatment
can help shorten the infection and lessen the chance of complications.
Evaluation by the physician is recommended.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and
involves abnormal growths of skin cells that can form anywhere on the
body, but most frequently appear on skin that is exposed to the sun. There
are more than a million new cases of skin cancer in the US each year.
Although most cases of skin cancer can be successfully treated, ii Is
sllll important to keep skin safe and healthy and try to prevent this disease.
There are three major types of skin cancer that affect associated layers
or the skin, These major types are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma affects the squamous cells, which are just below
the outer surface of the skin and serve as lhe inner lining
- Basal cell carcinoma affects the basal cells, which lay under the squamous
cells and produce new skin cells.
- Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and affects the melanocytes,
which produce melanin.
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Skin Tags
A skin tag is a benign small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin. They
are most common in women and in the elderly. Typically found on the neck,
chest, back, armpits, under the breasts or in the groin area, skin tags
are not dangerous and don’t usually cause pain. Skin tags can however
become irritated by anything that rubs on them such as clothing and jewelry
and can easily be removed by the physician.
Warts
Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. Different warts respond to different
treatments; some go away on their own Salicylic acid products (in the
form of drops, gels, pads and bandages) can help self-treatment of many
warts by dissolving the keratin protein that makes up the wart end the
dead skin above it. Others can be removed via liquid nitrogen freezing
or electrical stimulation. Surgery may be recommended for painful or large
warts that do not respond to these treatments.
Developing Personalized Care Plans Tailored to Our Patients
At Butler Health System, we view each patient as an individual and strive
to craft care plans tailored to their needs rather than taking a "one
size fits all” approach. Our goal is to serve you in the best and
most effective manner possible. Combining general and surgical dermatology,
our dermatologists at Butler Health System are uniquely able to create
a comprehensive treatment plan personalized to your needs. We ensure the
highest quality care by taking the time to talk with each patient and
educate them on their condition and treatment options.
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