Medical Dermatology

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.


Acne Treatments

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.

Hormonal 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.

Acne care

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.

Acne causes

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.

Pregnancy Acne treatments

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.

Acne Treatments

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)

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 .

Eczema treatment

Overview

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general irritation and swelling of the skin.

Eczema can include several types with varying symptoms.

Eczema Cause

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.

Eczema Symptoms

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.

Eczema Treatments

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

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.

Psoriasis treatments

Overview

Psoriasis is a common, and chronic skin disease that can cause dry, itchy, painful patches of skin.

psoriasis care

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.

Psoriasis Symptoms

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.

Psoriasis treatments

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

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.

Psoriasis treatments

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

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.

Wart mole removal

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

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.

Wart removal

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.

Warts treatments

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.

Genital warts

Filiform Warts

Filiform warts are very small, thread-like warts typically found on the face, around the corners of lips and on the eyelids.

Medical dermatology treatment

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.

Warts Treatments

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

Is it 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.

Wart mole removal

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.

Melanoma excision

A. Asymmetry

Normal moles generally have a regular shape. If one half of a mole is unlike the other half, the mole is suspicious.

Normal Moles

B. Border

Normal moles have smooth, even borders. Moles that have irregular, poorly defined, notched, or scalloped borders are suspicious.

Melanoma surgery

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.

Removal of benign growths & unwanted moles

D. Diameter

Any mole that has a diameter larger than a pencil eraser is suspicious.

Moles Skin Cancer

E. Evolving

Normal moles generally do not change appearance. Any mole that is growing larger, changing shape, or changing color is suspicious.

Mole removal dermatologist

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

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.

Rosacea Treatments

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.

Rosacea Cause

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.

Rosacea treatment

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.

Rosacea treatment

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.

Rosacea Care

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.