Our dermatology staff at Butler Memorial Hospital provides a full range
of high-quality, highly personalized dermatology services in a warm, welcoming
environment. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced,
leading-edge tools and technologies designed to achieve optimal patient
results for patients of all ages. Our goal is to offer personalized medical
and cosmetic treatment solutions to meet your goals and needs. You can
expect to reveal a more beautiful “you” from our dermatologic
services delivered by board-certified dermatologists who can uncover any
skin problems that stand in your way.
What Is a Dermatologist?
Medical experts specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
of skin disorders and conditions are called dermatologists, who are also
qualified to diagnose and treat conditions and diseases that affect the
hair and nails. These physicians customize a skincare regimen appropriate
for the client’s goals and work with them to present all available
treatment options in order to find a solution to meet their unique needs.
It’s understandable a skin problem has an effect on your self-image
and confidence, and we employ a range of techniques and technologies to
treat skin-related concerns.
Skin Conditions We Treat
We consistently achieve desirable outcomes in treating a wide range of
skin conditions, including but not limited to the following:
Acne: This common condition causes blocked pores, pimples, cysts, and other lesions.
Acne may appear anywhere, but it is most commonly found on the face, neck,
chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. While it is not life-threatening,
it can lead to physical disfigurement from acne scars, not to mention
significant emotional distress. A dermatologist is the best medical professional
to treat acne to improve the skin’s appearance. A dermatologist
also works to prevent future breakouts.
Actinic Keratosis (AK): Also known as solar keratosis, this condition creates a crusty or scaly
growth caused by damage from exposure to the sun. Other artificial sources
of ultraviolet light (tanning beds) can also cause this pre-cancerous
condition. Left untreated, AK can develop into skin cancer. Most often,
AK forms on the exposed areas of the skin. Symptoms may include itchy,
inflamed, or bleeding skin.
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms that may be associated with allergic contact dermatitis vary from
one patient to the next. You may have dry, scaly skin from an allergic
reaction, or hives, oozing blisters, skin redness, a burning sensation,
itching, or swelling. Often, allergic contact dermatitis goes on its own
once the irritating substance is no longer in contact with the skin. You
should avoid scratching and keep your skin clean with mild soap and lukewarm
water. Discontinue any product you believe might be causing the allergic
reaction. For instance, your allergic reaction may come from fragranced
skincare products. Try over-the-counter treatments such as hydrocortisone
cream or calamine lotion to relieve itching.
Age Spots: These darkened skin areas vary in size and typically appear on the face,
hands, shoulders, arms, and legs. They are common in adults over the age
of 50, especially those with fair skin. While they may look like cancer,
they don’t require treatment. However, many are embarrassed and
find age spots unsightly. Fortunately, age spots can often be removed
or lightened with skin brightening treatments.
Cysts: When enclosed pockets of tissue fill with fluid, pus, or other materials,
it becomes a cyst. These noncancerous lesions can appear anywhere on the
skin and may look like a large pimple. Cysts are slow-growing, smooth
to the touch, and under the skin surface. Cysts develop as a result of
the sebaceous glands (oil glands) becoming clogged or infected. They can
be removed surgically and you should not attempt to “pop”
a cyst, especially because of the risk of infection and the high likelihood
the cyst will re-fill.
Dry Skin: Many people of all ages experience dry skin. It may develop as a result
of certain skin diseases like psoriasis, or it can be brought on by environmental
factors such as cold weather, hot showers, harsh soaps, or sun exposure.
Patients with dry skin complain of rough-feeling, tight skin that may
be itchy or red. It is often only a temporary problem and can be managed
through simple home and lifestyle measures, such as 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: Inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic itchy rashes may be caused
by eczema. About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of
eczema, including 10 to 20% 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 dander, 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 these treatments are unsuccessful or insufficient,
a dermatologist may prescribe corticosteroid medications, 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: This condition occurs when the hair follicles become inflamed. You can
have folliculitis on any part of your body with hair, but it is most common
on the arms, back, buttocks, legs, or beard area in men. This condition
can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or another type of fungus. Shaving or
tight-fitting clothing can rub the skin and irritate the follicles, and
sweat, oils, or makeup can cause folliculitis.
Hives: These welts can appear suddenly on any part of the skin. They often itch,
and can vary in size. Hives usually subside within 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 specific allergens. The most common
causes are allergic reactions to specific foods, medications, or from
infections. Hives lasting longer than 6 weeks are more challenging 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 detect any new moles and growths
and monitor existing growths; are recommended on a yearly basis 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.
Poison Ivy/Oak: Contact with poison ivy or oak is the result of irritation from the sticky
oil called Urushiol. It causes an itchy, blistering rashes when it comes
in contact with the skin. Typically, the rash forms within 24 to 72 hours
after contact, and can last as long as 3 weeks. Keep the area clean and
control the itch with over-the-counter calamine lotion or hydrocortisone
creams. Severe reactions in addition to rashes include nausea, fever,
shortness of breath, or when the rash covers a large area of the body,
is on the face, or close to your eyes.
Psoriasis: This autoimmune disorder is a group of chronic skin disorders that cause
itching and/or burning, scaling, and skin crusting. More than 7 million
Americans 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).
We Develop Personalized Dermatologic Care Plans Tailored to Our Patients
At Butler Memorial Hospital, 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 Memorial Hospital 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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