Medical Dermatology Care for Healthy Skin

Acne occurs when pores become clogged by oil (sebum), dead skin cells, keratin, and/or microbes, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed bumps. Acne can affect the face, chest, back, shoulders, and sometimes the scalp.

Types of Acne

• Acne vulgaris (blackheads, whiteheads, papules)
• Pustular acne / cystic acne (deeper inflammation, pus-filled lesions)
• Nodular acne (deep, painful nodules; often harder to treat)

How Dermatologists Treat Acne

Treatment is personalized based on acne type, severity, scarring risk, and contributing factors (including hormones). Your visit may include a medical history review, exam, and—when appropriate—testing (such as a swab or labs).

Common acne treatments may include:

• Topical therapies (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, azelaic acid, antibiotics)
• Oral medications (select antibiotics, isotretinoin, or hormonal therapy when appropriate)
• In-office treatments (extractions, chemical peels, CO2 laser)

Tips to Help Prevent Acne Scarring

Gentle skincare, non-comedogenic moisturizer, and consistent sunscreen help reduce irritation and post-inflammatory discoloration. Avoid picking or squeezing. For rapid relief or painful lesions, professional treatment is safest.

Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne commonly affects the lower face/jawline and may flare with menstrual cycles or hormonal shifts. We offer targeted treatment plans to address hormonal drivers and reduce recurrence.

Eczema (dermatitis) is inflammation caused by a disrupted skin barrier and an overactive immune response. Symptoms can include dry, scaly skin, redness, itching, burning, and blistering—often in flares.

Types of Eczema

• Atopic dermatitis (most common)
• Nummular eczema (coin-shaped patches)
• Dyshidrotic eczema (hands/feet blisters)
• Seborrheic dermatitis (often scalp/face; flakes and redness)

Diagnosing Eczema

Diagnosis typically includes history + visual exam. Patch testing may be recommended to identify contact triggers, and labs may be used selectively. Biopsies are rarely needed.

Treating Eczema

Treatment depends on severity and body location, and may include:

• Topical corticosteroids (low to high potency, based on location)
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) for delicate areas (eyelids/neck)
• Biologic therapy for moderate-to-severe disease (e.g., Dupixent® when appropriate)

Eczema Management & Prevention

Moisturizing consistently, avoiding triggers, and using gentle skincare products can reduce flares. Products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™ may be helpful for some patients.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and thickened, scaly plaques. Treatment is tailored to psoriasis type, severity, and areas involved.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. Some patients develop ocular rosacea, which can cause burning, gritty eyes or eyelid inflammation.

Diagnosing Rosacea

Diagnosis is typically clinical (exam + history) and may include ruling out similar conditions. Tools like dermoscopy may be used as needed.

Rosacea Treatment Options

There's no cure, but many patients achieve excellent symptom control. Treatment may include:

• Topical therapies (metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin, vasoconstrictors like brimonidine/oxymetazoline)
• Oral medications (commonly low-dose doxycycline when appropriate)
• Laser/light-based therapies for redness and visible vessels (e.g., IPL)
• Treatment strategies for ocular rosacea when present

Managing Rosacea

Sun protection (SPF 30+), gentle skincare, and identifying triggers (heat, alcohol, spicy foods, stress) help reduce flares.

At Clarus Dermatology, we provide expert in-office wart removal for patients of all ages. Warts are common benign growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) that can spread through skin contact and may be stubborn without professional treatment.

Common Wart Types

• Common warts (hands/arms)
• Flat warts (smooth, often face/arms)
• Plantar warts (soles; can be painful)
• Filiform warts (thread-like, often face)
• Periungual warts (around nails)
• Genital warts (typically managed with appropriate specialty care)

Diagnosing Warts

Most warts are diagnosed visually. Rarely, a biopsy is recommended to rule out other conditions.

Our In-Office Wart Treatments

We offer a range of effective in-office treatments tailored to your wart type, location, and treatment history:

• Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen)
• Electrosurgery / laser therapy
• Curettage or surgical removal
• Topical or in-office chemical therapies (when appropriate)
• Candida Antigen injections (in-office immunotherapy)

Preventing Spread

Avoid picking, cover the wart during treatment, and practice good hygiene—especially in shared wet areas like locker rooms.

Skin cancer screening is a key part of medical dermatology. We recommend routine full-body skin exams, especially for patients with increased risk (personal/family history, significant sun exposure, immunosuppression, etc.).

How Often Should I Have a Skin Cancer Screening?

Many adults benefit from annual screenings; higher-risk patients may need more frequent exams. Your dermatologist can help determine the right schedule based on your individual risk factors.

In addition to in-office screening, monthly self-checks and consistent sun protection can reduce risk.

Rashes and skin infections can be caused by many conditions—including allergies, autoimmune disease, heat rash, and infection. Skin infections may be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic and range from mild to urgent.

How Dermatologists Diagnose Skin Infections

We evaluate timing, triggers, symptoms, and medical history, perform a focused exam (sometimes with dermoscopy or Wood's lamp), and may take a swab or skin scraping for lab analysis when needed.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include:

• Topical or oral antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Topical or oral antifungals for fungal infections
• Antiparasitic medications for scabies/lice when appropriate
• Incision and drainage for abscesses when needed

Important: If you have a rapidly worsening infection, fever, spreading redness, or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical care.