If we can see it, we can see you.
At Clarus, we see patients with diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (mouth, genitals). We are equally adept at diagnosing and treating acne and eczema as we are with dermatomyositis and bullous pemphigoid. We’ll help you identify what you need and develop a treatment plan.
Understanding Medical Dermatology
Medical dermatology is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Our dermatologists are experts in identifying and managing a wide range of skin issues, from common conditions like acne and eczema to more complex diseases such as psoriasis and skin cancer.
This branch of dermatology can encompass various treatment modalities, including topical and oral medications, laser therapy, and phototherapy. We carefully evaluate your situation to determine the best fit, leveraging our tools and expertise to help you find a solution that works.
If you’re experiencing skin, hair, or nail issues, we’re here to help. Some of these conditions, such as an abnormally shaped mole, can indicate more serious issues, such as skin cancer. Early detection can help prevent skin conditions from worsening and causing long-term complications, so it’s a good idea to consult with a skilled dermatologist as soon as possible.
Acne Treatments
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes various lesions, including whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and pustules. These lesions form when sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria clog hair follicles, inhibiting the skin’s natural shedding process.
If you have bad acne or can’t find a long-lasting treatment, we can help. We understand that acne can stem from multiple things and strive to help each patient find something that works for their specific needs.
Bad acne? Few long-lasting treatment results? Our evidence-based, cost-effective approach to acne treatment delivers results you can see and feel. Utilizing a variety of treatment options including topical creams, antibacterial washes, chemical peels and oral medications such as antibiotics, isotretinoin and hormone modulators, when medically indicated, we can treat any type and severity of acne.
Overview
Acne is the formation of multiple blemishes on, or just beneath, the surface of the skin, usually on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back.
Acne can affect anyone, but it most commonly affects adolescents and young adults.
Causes
Acne occurs when small openings in the skin, called pores, become blocked with dead skin cells and oil.
A blocked pore causes a buildup of oil in the sebaceous glands. These are the oil-producing glands of the skin. When trapped oil builds up within these glands, bacteria can multiply rapidly, which causes inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
Types of Blemishes
Acne blemishes may take the form of large pustules (pimples) or small red bumps (papules).
Small, dark clogged pores (blackheads), or small, white bumps (whiteheads) may also form, as well as small nodules or cysts beneath the skin.
Triggers
Acne breakouts can be triggered by hormonal changes associated with puberty or pregnancy, certain medications, and by a diet rich in dairy or carbohydrates.
Acne is not caused by eating greasy or sugary foods or by having dirt on the skin.
Treatment
Acne is usually treated with cleansing products designed to remove excess oil and bacteria from the skin.
Acne can also be treated with prescription-strength topical or oral medications, laser or light therapy, and cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that leads to dry, itchy, red, and sometimes painful skin. It may also cause rashes, scaly patches, skin infections, and blisters that weep clear fluid when scratched. It can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly affects the insides of the elbows, behind the knees, and in front of the neck.
Although atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, we can give you the tools and strategies to ensure that your skin never dictates your life. We treat patients of all ages and severity levels. You can rest assured that your care plan will be effective, evidence-based and mindful of your pocketbook .
Overview
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general irritation and swelling of the skin.
Eczema can include several types with varying symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but may be similar to allergies where the body's immune system becomes hyperactive due to a certain trigger.
Some triggers for eczema may include exposure to rough fabrics, cleansers and soaps with harsh detergents, high and low temperatures, stress, certain pollens, and animal dander.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of eczema is red, itchy skin. The skin may appear dry and puffy around the red areas, and may feel scaly and flake off.
Eczema most commonly appears on the face, knees, hands, and feet.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for eczema, it is not life-threatening and can be managed.
Treatments include moisturizing creams, cold compresses, topical and oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, and light therapy. Avoiding soaps, detergents, or creams with scents or harsh chemicals can also help reduce occurrences.
Psoriasis Treatments
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes itchy, scaly rashes. These rashes often appear on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp and may itch, burn, or sting. While psoriasis is incurable, we can help you find a solution that helps manage it.
From phototherapy to biologics we have you covered. Regardless of whether your psoriasis involves one finger, or your entire body, we can help. Our team can prescribe the full gamut of treatments… prescribe the full-gamut of treatments ranging from phototherapy to topical medications to systemic immune suppressive therapy including biologics.
Our phototherapy capabilities include a state-of-the-art Daavlin narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy cabinet.
Overview
Psoriasis is a common, and chronic skin disease that can cause dry, itchy, painful patches of skin.
Causes
Psoriasis is caused by a malfunction in part of the immune system that results in the immune system attacking healthy skin cells.
The skin responds by over-producing replacement skin cells. These cells grow rapidly beneath the skin and then rise to the skin's surface, where they build up to form scaly patches.
Triggers
Psoriasis can be triggered by infections, stress, cold, dry weather, and changes in climate or environment. It can also be triggered by alcoholic beverages, skin irritation from allergies or scratches, and some medications.
Symptoms
The main symptom is red patches of dry, itchy skin, usually covered by flaky white or silver scales. These patches may be small, or may cover large areas of the body.
The patches may be painful, and may crack and bleed. Rough fingernails is also common. The symptoms of psoriasis may come and go throughout a person's life.
Psoriatic Arthritis
If a person who has psoriasis also experiences joint pain, stiffness and swelling, these may be signs of psoriatic arthritis, a form of debilitating arthritis that can develop gradually over time.
Treatment
Treatments include medicated creams, soaps, and shampoos. Moisturizers may prevent flaking. Avoidance of irritating cosmetics and soaps may lessen symptoms. Light therapy is also used, including exposure to sunlight.
In cases of severe psoriatic arthritis, surgery may be needed to repair or replace a damaged joint.
Warts Treatments
Warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re often small and appear on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, face, and genitals. While they’re typically painless, some can cause irritation in certain spots (like on the soles of the feet).
Are you tired of your warts being endlessly frozen with no results? We have options. Ranging from immunotherapy using DPCP or candida antigen, to prescriptions such as imiquimod, to destructive therapy using lasers, we have the right solution for you.
Overview
Warts are small, rough skin growths that typically occur on the hands and feet. They may occur singly or in multiples, and may spread to other parts of the body.
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious.
Common Warts
Common warts typically occur on the hands, particularly on the knuckles and around the fingernails.
Common warts may bleed if picked, scraped, or cut, and usually contain small black dots, which are small, clotted blood vessels at the center of the wart.
Flat Warts
Flat warts are flat in shape, flesh-colored, and commonly occur in multiples. Flat warts typically appear on the face, neck, legs, and knees.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are hard, often painful lumps commonly found on the soles of the feet. They tend to be larger than common warts and are flesh-colored or brown with black specks.
Filiform Warts
Filiform warts are very small, thread-like warts typically found on the face, around the corners of lips and on the eyelids.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by a type of sexually-transmitted HPV. These small warts can occur on the genitals, pubic area, and rectum, or inside the vagina in women.
Treatment
Many warts can be successfully treated with an over-the-counter salicylic acid solution. Other treatment options may include cryotherapy, blistering compounds, surgical excision, laser surgery, and immunotherapy.
Even with proper treatment, warts can be stubborn and may reoccur.
Skin growths
Skin growths are lumps of tissue that protrude from surrounding skin. In many cases, they’re completely harmless, but in some instances, they can be malignant (cancerous). They can even be uncomfortable if they’re in areas of the body that rub against your skin or clothing.
Not sure if your skin growth is just a benign bump or a malignant mole? From common to rare, we can diagnose and treat skin growths of any type. Treatment options may include destruction (laser, liquid nitrogen, chemical peels), excision (surgical removal), or observation with photography.
Overview
Because moles can become cancerous, it's important to be aware of the characteristics that can signal skin cancer. Dermatologists use a handy mnemonic device to remember these characteristics: ABCDE.
With early detection and treatment, most cases of skin cancer can be cured.
A. Asymmetry
Normal moles generally have a regular shape. If one half of a mole is unlike the other half, the mole is suspicious.
B. Border
Normal moles have smooth, even borders. Moles that have irregular, poorly defined, notched, or scalloped borders are suspicious.
C. Color
Normal moles are a single color, usually brown or black. Moles that have different shades of color, multiple colors, or atypical colors such as white, blue, or red are suspicious.
D. Diameter
Any mole that has a diameter larger than a pencil eraser is suspicious.
E. Evolving
Normal moles generally do not change appearance. Any mole that is growing larger, changing shape, or changing color is suspicious.
Professional Care
A mole that displays one or more of these characteristics should be evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Skin cancer can be deadly, and postponing an evaluation can allow a cancerous mole to spread to nearby areas or to other parts of the body.
Rosacea Care
Rosacea, characterized by flushing or redness on the skin, is a chronic skin condition that often affects the face, neck, and chest. It can cause small bumps with pus inside that resemble acne lesions. It’s often triggered by factors like hot or cold weather, wind, stress, heavy exercise, and alcohol.
Tired of red blood vessels or red/pus bumps on the skin? With state-of-the-art laser treatments combined with medical interventions, we can help you control your rosacea.
Overview
Rosacea is a common skin disorder that causes chronic inflammation and redness, usually around the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose.
Rosacea is often mistaken for acne or skin allergies, and most commonly occurs in adults over age 30.
Causes
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but a variety of factors are known to
cause flares. These triggers include sun exposure, extreme weather, exercise, emotional upsets, spicy food, and alcohol.
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not cause rosacea - although it can cause rosacea symptoms to worsen.
Risk Factors
Rosacea most commonly affects adults between age 30 and 60, and tends to run in families. It is most common in women (particularly during menopause), but severe cases of rosacea occur most in men.
Although rosacea can develop in people of any skin color, it tends to occur most frequently in people with fair skin.
Symptoms
Rosacea can develop in people of any skin color, but occurs more more frequently in people with fair skin.
Many people with rosacea also experience eye problems, including redness, inflammation, itching, burning, or dryness. Most cases of rosacea are cyclic - symptoms may flare up or lessen for weeks at a time.
Treatment
A doctor may treat rosacea-related skin problems with topical or oral antibiotics. Rosacea-related eye problems can be treated with oral antibiotics, steroid eye drops, and good eyelid hygiene.
Although there is no cure, rosacea can be treated and controlled to improve the appearance of the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes acne, and how can it be treated?
Acne happens when the hair follicles underneath your skin become clogged, often with sebum and dead skin cells. This can lead to breakouts of pimples or zits, which can be painful.
The treatment for acne varies based on factors specific to you. In mild cases, treatment with over-the-counter products, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, may be suitable. In cases of moderate to severe acne, prescription creams or antibiotics, such as tretinoin, tetracycline, or doxycycline, may be a good option.
Are there specific treatments for hormonal acne?
There are a handful of treatments dermatologists use for hormonal acne. Topical treatments, including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, can be effective. In addition, oral medications such as spironolactone or an oral contraceptive pill (birth control) may be useful. It all depends on factors specific to you, including the treatments you’re open to and the severity of your acne.
What triggers eczema flare-ups?
Eczema triggers can vary from person to person. Common triggers include irritants, such as soaps and detergents, and environmental factors, including cool or dry weather, dampness, pollen, mold, or house dust mites. It may also be exacerbated by food allergies, close-fitting clothing, stress, or hormonal changes.
How is eczema treated?
Treatments for eczema can vary but may include specific moisturizers designed for deep moisturizing and topical medications, such as corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments. Your dermatologist can recommend specific moisturizers and prescribe corticosteroids to help treat and manage your eczema.
How often should I see a dermatologist?
Ideally, you should see a dermatologist at least once per year for a general check-up. However, if you notice any abnormalities in your skin or start experiencing skin issues, visit your dermatologist as soon as possible.