Chat with a doctor: Dermatology questions answered
Chat with a doctor: Dermatology questions answered
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Hi, I am a Licensed Master Aesthetician with 10 years of experience. I am excited to answer your questions regarding cosmetic skincare needs. -
I am a board certified dermatologist from Virginia Dermatology & Skin Cancer. I am glad to answer your dermatology-related questions.
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How can I get rid of moles on my face and is it expensive.
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I have had a couple moles removed but how do I know if I need additional checks for skin cancer?
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Elaine. Great question. If a mole has any concerning features (i.e. worrisome for skin cancer) then your insurance generally covers it. Simple cosmetic removal of moles is not usually covered by insurance and the price can vary depending on exactly what I am removing.
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Bill, If the moles were benign (not skin cancer) then annual biopsies are appropriate. Call us at 757.455.5009 to schedule a check up. We have 4 convenient locations in Hampton Roads.
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I had a pre cancerous brown spot removed from my forehead with nitro oxide I think--sort of like frozen off. Will have that circle left on my head for a long time or will it hopefully blend into my white skin. It is about dime size?
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Bill, Deanna meant to say "annual exams" are appropriate. If you have had a lot of sun damage then annual screening is also appropriate.
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Per previous question my bother at 73 and my sister at 77 both have same spot in same area on forehead. Is that hereditary or coincidence? I'm 67. Thanks
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Bruce J: Good question. Liquid nitrogen treatment is what we call a "destructive treatment". If done correctly it generally does not leave a lasting "mark". Depending on your skin tone and how thick the lesion was it can take a few months to heal.
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Bruce J: Great question. My mother, sister and I all have a similar mole on our hip. It is likely a coincidence.
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We have 4 locations in Hampton Roads, and recently moved to our brand new 16,000 sq ft building in Norfolk. Call 757.455.5009 today for more information, or check out our website.
www.virginiamohs.com -
When I bruise my shins it seems to take forever to heal up. Is that something to do with my blood make up or maybe nutrition. I'm 67 using blood pressure pills and a statin if that also may be affecting it?
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I am getting skin tags on my neck and collars on my shirts tend to keep them irritated. What causes them and is there anything I am doing to cause them. Having them clipped off or frozen is not very pleasant in that particular area. Thanks
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Bruce J: Thinning of the skin as we age is a common problem I see. Aging, sun damage and medications (aspirin and other blood thinners) can all contribute to this problem.
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Ive tried many over the counter treatments for Pseudofollcultis Barbae are there any good ones out there or should I just see a dermatologist.
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Harding: We do remove lipomas from the forehead. However, one problem with forehead lipomas is that they can often lie underneath the forehead muscle (frontalis) and be rather difficult to remove. Sometimes I will refer such patients to an ENT surgeon.
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I have been being treated for the past two-three years for eczema currently on fluocinolone acetonide oil. I have switched to fragrance free everything no change at all I'm frustrated What can I do now?
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Mike: Excellent question about skin tags. We do not really know for certain what causes them. Unfortunately treatment can be uncomfortable.
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Don T: If you have tried over-the-counter treatments for your pseudofolliculitis barbae I would recommend you be seen. This is a fairly common problem, particularly in the military. Some topical treatments work well but often laser treatment may be necessary. We would certainly be glad to see you.
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Don T: Here is the link to our website for you to find the most convenient location
www.virginiamohs.com -
Fishcarp: Eczema can often be a frustrating problem for patients to have. One of the most common problems they face is what to use or how many things should I use. It can often be simplified by preventing the skin from drying out and treating flare-ups with appropriate topical steroids. Considering that we are getting closer to the fall (let's hope) and cooler weather, a visit to a dermatologist can help you prepare for it and maybe minimize the severity of your problem.
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I had keyloids on my ears as a kid and had them removed. I'm over 50 now and am wondering is there still a risk for keyloids upon getting my ears pierced and if so, are there new treatments for the removal of keyloids since the 70's?
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Joni Davis: That's always an important question to try and answer. The first, most important part of scar treatment is to control the acne so you do not get new scars. This will also allow the old scars to heal. Sometimes we use lasers to treat scars. Injected steroids are also common. They will help a scar shrink. However, the best answer would be to examine an individual patient and tailor treatment.
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Jennifer: If you had keloid scars in the past then you are certainly at risk of developing them in the future. I generally recommend patients avoid any further piercings or other body ornamentation. However, any trauma to the skin can trigger a keloid in a susceptible patient.
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Joni-here is our website so you can call and schedule an appointment www.virginiamohs.com
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One of the procedures we offer is miraDry®, the only non-invasive, FDA cleared aesthetic treatment that safely removes underarm sweat and odor glands. It is a quick in-office procedure that provides a permanent solution for underarm sweat. Call us today 757.455.5009 to schedule a free consultation.
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What else can be a solution for sweaty/clammy hands? My dermatologist suggests botox shots in the hands. What I read about that is that it is expensive and painful.
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I was diagnosed with DFSP in 1991. I had 3 surgeries before they were able to remove all of the cancer. Occasionally I still have pain in that area of my lower back. How often should I see a dermatologist for follow up?
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Kris: Great question. Presently MiraDry is not yet approved for excessive sweating of the hands. Topical treatments are usually tried first (Drysol, CertainDri). They can often work but can be irritating. Sometimes we will try oral medicine but they can often be sedating. Botox does work well but it doesn't last. In some patients it can last up to 6 months but 2-4 months is fairly typical. You are correct, it can be expensive and is often not covered by insurance.
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I believe that my oily skin is the main cause of my acne. I was once placed on doxycyline for my acne which worked wonders. I stopped because I felt maybe it was unsafe to continue taking an antibiotic for a long period of time. Is long term use of doxycyline safe to use for acne?
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Cynthia: DFSP is always a challenging tumor to treat. Your experience is not an unusual to hear. Since yours was treated back in 1991 annual screening of the area is what I would recommend.
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Cynthia:Here is the location page, we would love to see you for an annual screening soon. www.virginiamohs.com
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Joni Davis: Excessive oil is definitely a problem for many acne patients. While doxycycline does not help for oiliness it is a great treatment for the inflammatory acne lesions that can occur when the skin pore is blocked. My goal with many acne patients is to use an oral antibiotic for only as long as necessary then try to simplify treatment as much as possible. I usually will keep a patient on something like doxycycline for 1-4 months but every patient is different. If you cannot be off the doxy without flaring back up then you might need to try something else.
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What is the best way to remove skin tags from neck area and arms? Do you find that the liquid tag removal products really work?
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Buddy: I have not seen much success with the over-the-counter liquid tag removal agents. However, I generally see patients for whom that treatment did not work. Some patients do note that this helps. For me, liquid nitrogen and electrocautery are the 2 most common things I do for treatment. If the tags are particularly large I would usually numb them and snip them off.
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We think we got into a patch of Wild Parsnip or Sumac. Skin on hand is swollen, painful and covered in large brown blisters. What can we do for relief ? -
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Ann: If you can address this very quickly after exposure then there are some over-the -counter products that can neutralize the resin. However, most patients don't know they were exposed until after they have developed symptoms. The resin from poison sumac is very allergenic. Blistering is often a problem. Treating these blisters as you would a blistering burn works the best. Often oral steroids (i.e. prednisone) are necessary to stop this inflammation.
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My daughter has pretty bad blackheads (no true whiteheads). What is the best facial wash for blackheads? She was using OTC benzoyl peroxide face wash, but ended up with a "rash". Our doctor said the wash was too strong and destroyed all the "good bacteria". So we have since switched to Cetaphil, but her blackheads have increased and are large. What facial wash and/or treatment do you recommend?
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I hope we are providing you all with some useful information. We are glad to be doing this.
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I'm in my late 40s & experiencing hair thinning & hair loss. What can I do?? Very embarrassing!
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As a 50 yr old Caucasian woman what kind of exam should I expect when seeking care with a dermatologist?
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how do you prevent ingrown hairs? I have a spot on my scalp and years ago it started as a hair but continues to reappear every few months.
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I have chin and neck facial hair that returns so quickly being over 40. Is there anything I can do to stop this continuing rapid growth . Keep in mind that I don't have a lot money for lacer surgery's
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I have granuloma annular. I have been getting kinelog injections. Is there anything else I can do?