Acne 

Acne vulgaris is extraordinarily common - in fact it is one of the most common things I address in the clinic. 

Acne is often more than just ‘pimples’ and is seen across all age groups, from the neonate to the elderly.  Acne is a medical condition and treatment is recommended for many reasons, including the prevention or mitigation of permanent scarring and/or discoloration, reduction of the social angst that may accompany this condition, and evaluation of any underlying systemic factors that may be contributing. Acne is subdivided into several categories:

• Noninflammatory (a predominance of whiteheads and blackheads) 

• Inflammatory (pustules, papules, nodules) this type of acne can cause discoloration and scarring)

• Mixed (evidence of both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne)

• Nodulocystic (deep cysts, nodules, scars) this acne type is classified as severe and given the risk of permanent scarring, requires immediate attention

• Hormonal (seen mostly in females and tends to involve lower half of the face, often fluctuating with the menstrual cycle)

Categorizing your acne is critical because the causes and recommended treatments will vary based on the acne type.  Your board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your acne, create a comprehensive and customized skin care regimen, while recommending both over-the-counter skin care tools and any needed prescription  medications.  Acne medications range from over-the-counter formulations, to topical prescription gels, creams, or foams, to oral medications. Be sure to tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant, nursing, trying to become pregnant, or whether you are currently taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications. 

 Birthmarks

Birthmarks are very common and come in many different forms.  They can be roughly divided into three basic categories:

• Vascular (hemangiomas, port wine stains, capillary malformations, A-V malformations)

• Pigmented (café au lait macules, dermal melanocytosis, Nevus of Ota, Nevus of Ito, Becker’s nevus, speckeled nevi, congenital melanocytic nevi)

• Miscellaneous (nevus sebaceus, nevus comedonicus, nevus anemicus)

While the word birthmark implies that these lesions are present at birth, some may appear months to years after birth.  At Stone Ridge Dermatology, Dr. Chaudhry can provide specific information about your birthmark, what outcomes you may expect over time, and treatment options if applicable.

Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common skin conditions that dermatologists treat.  It is a dry skin, itchy, inflammatory condition seen in every age group, from birth to elderly patients. Eczema can range in severity from mild to very severe.  There are also several subtypes to consider.  The successful treatment of eczema requires thorough discussion regarding causes and triggers, setting expectations for appropriate treatment, and choosing a treatment plan based on severity, subtype, and distribution on the body.  Our understanding of this condition has grown in leaps and bounds over the last decade.  Your dermatologist can recommend specific over-the-counter products as well as prescribe medications and discuss applicable triggers.

Moles and Growths

There are a variety of moles and benign growths that can occur on the skin throughout a lifetime.  Some are present at birth while others may appear in childhood or adulthood. Moles, or ‘nevi’, are categorized into different categories based on their characteristics and can range from completely harmless to atypical. Your board-certified dermatologist can evaluate these lesions (sometimes using a tool called a dermatoscope) and can discuss the best course of action (or inaction).  If removal is suggested, your dermatologist can suggest the method of removal that best allows for diagnosis given the lesion’s characteristics.  Sometimes, close monitoring is recommended.  

Benign growths (cysts, lipomas, neurofibromas, etc.) are similarly evaluated.  Removal methods (if required or desired) can be discussed and scheduled.  It is important to note that your insurance will not cover the removal of all lesions, only those that your physician deem to be necessary or prudent.  Other lesions require out-of-pocket costs.  Your growth is not likely to be removed during the consultation visit (unlike concerning moles which are often biopsied same day depending on the number). 

Because moles and growths can have varying appearances, any new, growing, changing, or symptomatic lesions should be evaluated by your board-certified dermatologist. 

Molluscum

Molluscum contagiosum is a very common childhood viral infection that presents as small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin.  They may commonly be found in eczema prone skin but are seen in all skin types.  Adults may occasionally contract molluscum as well.  Like classic warts, this virus is usually harmless but can be persistent.  It is also contagious and may be easily spread between close contacts.  At Stone Ridge Dermatology, Dr. Chaudhry can diagnose and develop a treatment plan for molluscum, keeping in mind the age of the patient, skin type, distribution, and other factors to best limit discoloration and/or scarring.  

Rashes

Dermatologists treat hundreds of rashes, from acute to chronic.  Because of the wide variation of presentation and the many rashes and conditions that mimick others, google searches or queries in Facebook or social media groups are highly discouraged.  For example, not all round rashes are ringworm or Lyme disease. Your dermatologist is trained to identify specific morphologic features, characteristics, depth, progression, behavior, and distribution to evaluate, diagnose, and treat.  There are over 3500 conditions of the skin, hair, and nails and board-certified dermatologists are the experts in all of them!  If you have a new rash that doesn’t resolve in a day or two, symptoms, progression, discomfort, make an appointment with your dermatologist.  Remember to bring any medications you may have tried and take pictures in good lighting if your rash is intermittent and/or evolving.  

 Warts

Warts are very common, harmless growths that may appear any time from childhood to adulthood and present as growths on the body.  They can bleed easily, can cause functional discomfort (on fingers and feet) and are very persistent.  At Stone Ridge Dermatology, we can diagnose and treat your warts using a variety of methods depending on the age of the patient, skin type, severity of the warts, and functional impairment.  Because warts are very persistent, often a series of treatments may be necessary.  Call us for expert evaluation and treatment if you suspect you may have warts, including genital warts.