Patient Education

gw dermatology patient education resources

At GW Dermatology, we offer a full range of dermatology services for adults with skin conditions as common as warts and as complicated as skin cancer. Our goal is to provide each patient with the best care possible, whether we are treating acne or a skin condition including but not limited to:

Acne

Acne is a skin condition caused by changes to the oil glands which surround hair follicles. The associated pimples may surface more commonly on the face, but may also affect the chest and back.

Acne occurs most commonly during the teenage years, but frequently continues into adulthood. For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear during the early twenties. Some people will continue to suffer well into their thirties, forties and beyond.

Acne can be treated with oral medications, topical creams, laser therapies like Isolaz, and chemical peels. Make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists who will evaluate your skin and suggest a treatment plan.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic redness of the skin which generally is visible across the cheeks, nose, or forehead, but can also affect the neck, chest, ears, and scalp. In some cases, there may be additional symptoms including small bumps, burning and stinging sensations, even a swollen, red nose.

Warts

Warts usually are small, rough growths, typically on hands and feet, which resemble blisters. They are caused by viral infections and they are contagious. They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can recur.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a skin rash which may appear swollen, or red and be itchy. It may be caused by an infection, allergic reaction or exposure to some irritating substance such as detergents, soaps, cleaners, waxes, and chemicals. These substances can wear down the oily, protective layer on the skin’s surface and lead to irritant contact dermatitis.

Dermatitis can be treated with topical creams, cortisone, antihistamines or oatmeal baths.

Skin Tags

Skin tags look like tiny bits of hanging skin and typically occur in sites where clothing rubs against the skin. They develop with age and affect about 25% of the population.

Skin tags can be removed during an in-office procedure if they are irritating to the patient.

Skin Cancer Detection

Skin cancer develops mainly on areas of skin exposed to a lot of sun, most commonly the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, legs, arms and hands. Some skin cancers appear as small growths or as sores which bleed, scab over, heal and reopen. With melanoma, an existing mole may change or a new, suspicious-looking mole may develop. Melanoma can form in areas not normally exposed to sunlight, such as the scalp, breasts, genitals, and the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can save your life. Make an appointment to see your dermatologist if you notice a new skin growth, a change in the appearance or texture of a mole, or a sore that doesn't heal within two weeks.