Medical Skin Conditions
Acne is a condition involving the hair follicles of the skin. There are two types of acne, comedonal and inflammatory (commonly referred to as “cystic”) each have a wide spectrum of severity and commonly overlap. Nearly everyone develops acne to one degree or another due to hormonal changes and commonly lasts for a few years. Yet, in some people, it may continue into one’s 20’s or 30’s. If you have acne on your face, chest, back and/or shoulders that is not responding to over the counter products, it is time to see a dermatologist. Acne that is inadequately treated can cause permanent scarring of the skin and have a significant impact on your self-esteem. Note! For those who already have acne scarring, Dr. Miller has achieved excellent results in diminishing acne scars with his resurfacing laser
Eczema is an umbrella term for rashes or dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). For most doctors “eczema” and “rash” are synonymous, but for dermatologists’ eczemas are a specific subset of rashes. Dr. Miller is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis.
Hives are short-lived variably pale/red swellings of the skin (called “wheals”) that can be quite itchy and are very common. About 20% of people will have at least one episode in their lifetime. Potential causes are numerous, but about half (50%) of cases are idiopathic (unknown cause). Recognized causes include infections, particularly viral infections (e.g. cold or flu viruses), foods, medications, and physical stimulation, such as sunlight, cold, vibration, or exercise. Mild to moderate hives are commonly treated with antihistamines. Cortisone treatment can be very helpful in stubborn cases. Urticaria is generally classified into idiopathic, immune or non-immune subtypes. Dr. Miller has helped thousands of patients with this common condition.
Puritis is itching associated with various skin conditions. It is most often caused by dry skin but can be associated with diabetes, cancer, aging, seasonal allergies, asthma and hayfever. The key to relieving the itching is determining the cause and treating the underlying condition. To prevent it, the best approach is to keep the skin moisturized. Use mild soap and warm, not hot water. Avoid fabrics that cause itching. Hot dry air or cold dry air can aggravate it. You may need topical steroids and antihistamines.
Fungal Infection of the Skin and Nails
Fungal infections are responsible for about 50% of nail conditions. Toe nails are most commonly affected because they are confined in a warm, moist environment. They thicken, change color and shape and can cause pain while walking or running. Fungal infections can also affect the skin. Dr. Miller has excellent treatments for fungal infections.
Did you know that sunbathing is more dangerous than driving? Each year skin cancer kills more people than car accidents? Skin cancer rates are on the rise and the main culprit is UV exposure. There are several types of skin cancers: basal cell and squamous cell cancer, and the worst type of skin cancer, melanoma. Melanoma kills one person every hour. 1 in 50 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime. Melanoma is the most common type of cancer in young people aged 15-29. Your risk for melanoma increases by 80% if you have had more than 5 sunburns. An atypical mole increases your risk of developing melanoma. For a screening, the first stop is your dermatologist. Dr. Miller will give you a full body skin exam. Early detection is a key to preventing skin cancers.
Warts are skin growths caused by a virus that infects the epidermis (top layers of the skin). The virus is called human papillomavirus (HPV) and enters your skin through a cut or scape. These warts are contagious and can spread by contact. If over the counter treatments do not get rid of your warts, Dr. Miller has many treatments that will help.
Rosacea (sometimes called acne rosacea or adult acne) is a common skin disease. It can appear as redness, flushing and visible broken blood vessels and progress to acne like breakouts. The skin may thicken and develop a bumpy texture. It can affect the eyes and eyelids as well causing a bloodshot appearance and can affect your vision. It is a chronic disease that flares up and remits, affecting your quality of life. Treatment can control and improve your quality of life. Treatment can prevent worsening of this condition. Dr. Miller will prescribe a treatment regimen tailored to your individual signs and symptoms.