Medical Dermatology

About Seborrheic Keratosis

What is it?

Also known as seborrheic verruca, most people will develop at least one seborrheic keratosis during a lifetime. Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin growth. It may seem worrisome because it can look like a wart, pre-cancerous skin growth (actinic keratosis), or skin cancer. Despite their appearance, they are harmless, benign, and don’t become cancerous. They are characterized as brown, black or yellow growths that grow singly or in groups and are flat or slightly elevated. Often they are mistaken for warts and generally no treatment is required unless the growth becomes irritated. However, because it looks similar in appearance to precancerous growths, your dermatologist might biopsy the tissue to confirm the diagnosis.

What causes Seborrheic Keratosis?

People who are prone to develop these harmless growths tend to have fair skin, and they can also be hereditary, so check with family members if you are worried. These growths also develop in people with medium to dark skin and tend to be smaller and around the eye area. If you are pregnant or had estrogen replacement therapy, people have been known to develop these. Most people develop seborrheic keratoses later in life. People who have had a lot of sun exposure tend to develop more of these. These are not contagious, and if you are getting more of them, it’s usually due to age.

Common treatments

Trust your dermatologist to tell if your skin growth is a seborrheic keratosis or skin cancer. If there is any question we will remove the growth and do a biopsy. Most seborrheic keratoses are harmless like skin tags, and might not need treatment. Talk with your dermatologist if you have any concerns, or if they are getting irritated from rubbing or clothing. A common way of treating these is with cryotherapy, your dermatologist will apply liquid nitrogen to the growth, and will tend to fall off in a few days. There are other ways as well, and depending on your skin type your dermatologist will recommend the best solution for you. After removal, it usually does not return. We offer treatment options tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals, and we’re here to address your concerns and provide support throughout the process. Call an office today and make an appointment if you are concerned you have seborrheic keratosis.

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Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths of fatty tissue that develop under the skin. They are usually soft, slow-growing, and painless, and can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the shoulders, back, neck, arms, or thighs. Here’s a detailed guide to understanding and managing lipomas:

Characteristics of Lipomas

• Texture: Soft, doughy, and easily movable under the skin.
• Size: Usually small (2 to 3 cm), but they can grow larger in some cases.
• Pain: Typically painless, though they may cause discomfort if they press on nerves or are near joints.
• Shape: Usually round or oval.
• Growth: Slow-growing and generally stable over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Genetics:
   • Family history of lipomas increases the likelihood of developing them.
   • Associated with certain genetic conditions (e.g., familial multiple lipomatosis).
2. Age:
   • Commonly appears in middle age (40 to 60 years old).
3. Injuries:
   • Trauma to an area might trigger lipoma formation, though this is rare.
4. Medical Conditions:
   • Linked to conditions like Madelung’s disease, Gardner syndrome, or Dercum’s disease in rare cases.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While lipomas are benign, consult a doctor if:

• The lump grows rapidly.
• It becomes painful or tender.
• It feels hard, immovable, or irregular.
• There are associated symptoms like redness, warmth, or drainage.
• The lump interferes with movement or daily activities.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist may use the following to confirm a lipoma:

1. Physical Examination:
   • Assess size, texture, and mobility.
2. Imaging Tests:
   • Ultrasound: To determine the lump’s composition.
   • MRI or CT Scan: For deeper or larger lipomas.
3. Biopsy:
   • To rule out other conditions, such as liposarcoma (a rare cancer).

Treatment Options for Lipomas

Most lipomas do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Treatment options include:

1. Observation

• If the lipoma is small, painless, and not growing, regular monitoring is often sufficient.

2. Surgical Removal

• Procedure: The lipoma is excised under local or general anesthesia.
• Indications:
  • Large or growing lipomas.
  • Painful or symptomatic lipomas.
  • Cosmetic concerns.

3. Steroid Injections

• Reduce the size of the lipoma temporarily, but they do not remove it completely.

We have various treatments to help, contact our office today! Trust your skin to the experts at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics—book your appointment now.

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Pediatric Dermatology focuses on diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions in children, from birth to adolescence. Children’s skin is different from adults, making tailored care essential for effective treatment.

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Common Pediatric Dermatology Conditions

1. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):
   • Symptoms: Itchy, red, and inflamed skin.
   • Treatment:
     • Moisturizers (e.g., ceramide-based creams).
     • Topical corticosteroids for flare-ups.
     • Antihistamines for itching.
2. Diaper Dermatitis (Diaper Rash):
   • Symptoms: Red, irritated skin in the diaper area.
   • Treatment:
     • Frequent diaper changes.
     • Barrier creams (e.g., zinc oxide or petroleum jelly).
     • Antifungal creams for yeast-related rashes.
3. Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis):
   • Symptoms: Yellow, greasy scales on the scalp.
   • Treatment:
     • Gentle washing with baby shampoo.
     • Apply mineral oil or baby oil before washing to loosen scales.
     • Antifungal shampoo in severe cases.
4. Acne:
   • Symptoms: Pimples, blackheads, and cysts, especially in adolescents.
   • Treatment:
     • Gentle cleansers and non-comedogenic moisturizers.
     • Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for mild cases.
     • Prescription retinoids or antibiotics for moderate to severe acne.
5. Molluscum Contagiosum:
   • Symptoms: Small, pearly, flesh-colored bumps caused by a virus.
   • Treatment:
     • Often resolves on its own.
     • Cryotherapy or topical treatments (e.g., cantharidin) for persistent cases.
6. Warts (Verruca Vulgaris):
   • Symptoms: Rough, raised growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
   • Treatment:
     • Over-the-counter salicylic acid.
     • Cryotherapy or laser treatment in resistant cases.
7. Impetigo:
   • Symptoms: Honey-colored crusts, often around the mouth and nose.
   • Treatment:
     • Topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin).
     • Oral antibiotics for widespread infections.
8. Ringworm (Tinea):
   • Symptoms: Ring-shaped, scaly patches.
   • Treatment:
     • Antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole).
     • Oral antifungals for scalp infections.
9. Birthmarks:
   • Types: Hemangiomas, port-wine stains, and café-au-lait spots.
   • Treatment:
     • Observation for benign birthmarks.
     • Laser therapy or beta-blockers for problematic hemangiomas.
10. Hives (Urticaria):
    • Symptoms: Raised, itchy welts.
    • Treatment:
      • Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine or loratadine).
      • Identify and avoid triggers.
11. Psoriasis:
    • Symptoms: Thick, scaly patches, often on elbows, knees, or scalp.
    • Treatment:
      • Topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs.
      • Phototherapy or systemic treatments for severe cases.
12. Skin Infections:
    • Bacterial: Impetigo, cellulitis.
    • Viral: Herpes simplex, molluscum contagiosum.
    • Fungal: Tinea capitis or corporis.
13. Keratosis Pilaris:
    • Symptoms: Small, rough bumps, often on arms or thighs.
    • Treatment:
      • Gentle exfoliation.
      • Moisturizers with lactic acid or urea.
14. Heat Rash (Miliaria):
    • Symptoms: Tiny red or clear bumps in hot, humid weather.
    • Treatment:
      • Keep skin cool and dry.
      • Use lightweight clothing.

When to See a Pediatric Dermatologist

• Suspected autoimmune or genetic skin conditions.
• Severe or persistent rashes.
• Skin infections that do not improve with treatment.
• Concerns about unusual moles or birthmarks.

Our dermatologists work closely with other pediatric specialists when managing complex conditions and use age-appropriate treatments to ensure effective and safe care for younger patients. Ready for real results? Let Design Dermatology & Aesthetics design the perfect treatment plan for you.

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What are they?

Vitiligo is the patchy loss of your skin’s natural color. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that determines your skin’s color, is damaged or destroyed. Although vitiligo can negatively impact your self-esteem, it is physically harmless. Vitiligo affects about 2 percent of Americans and develops in people of all skin colors; however, if you have dark skin, the contrast between the dark skin and the lighter areas of color loss is more noticeable. Moreover, this condition is often unpredictable. You may personally experience only small patches of pigment loss, but for others, the condition may be much more widespread. It can be temporary for some and permanent for others. In extreme cases, it can alter a hair or eye color and/or develop inside the mouth.

What causes it?

The exact causes of vitiligo are unknown, but several possibilities are thought to be major contributors. Among these include immune system dysfunction, certain viruses, stress, sunburn, injury, and exposure to certain chemicals. As mentioned, symptoms include the development of white patches of skin, often with reddish-brown boundaries. These white patches can appear on many areas of the body, including the forehead, eye area, lips, mouth, hands, arms, elbows, underarms, knees, feet, neck, and torso.

Common treatments

Treatment for vitiligo varies and depends on the extent of your specific form of vitiligo. Realistic expectations are important and should include reducing the contrast between your normal skin and the lighter areas and improving your self-esteem and confidence. Effective solutions for vitiligo include topical medications, sun avoidance and/or sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), UV-B light therapy, a combination light, and medication therapy, or, in severe cases, skin grafting.

Our approach & expertise

We know that sudden or unusual changes in your pigmentation, such as with vitiligo, can cause social and emotional distress. As your knowledgeable community skin healthcare providers, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. We work with you to find the best solution, and you can lean on us for support in managing this condition. Trust your skin to the experts at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics—book your appointment now.

Schedule your appointment now.

What are they?

A wart is harmless, though contagious, skin growth that feels rough to the touch and is often characterized by minuscule clotted blood vessels that resemble tiny black dots. Though not a health risk, you may wish to have it removed because of social embarrassment. Warts can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which are the following: common gray or brown growths with a round top that grow anywhere, particularly on the fingers or toes; plantar wart growing into your skin, rather than protruding from it, they are hardened growths on the soles of your feet, making walking difficult and painful; flat, small growths that can be pink, yellow, or brown, and which often develop on the face, arms, or thighs, filiform small, flesh-colored skin flaps on your nose or around the mouth, chin, or neck; and periungual painful growths under or around your nails, often inhibiting nail growth.

What causes them?

Warts are caused by HPV, the human papillomavirus. Through a tiny cut or scratch in your skin, this virus will attack skin cells, causing rapid growth that becomes warts. These warts can easily spread via direct skin-to-skin contact, although indirect means are also common, such as touching a towel or clothing that also has touched a wart. They can also spread on your own body once a single one forms.

Common treatments

We offer treatment options tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals, and we’re here to address your concerns and provide support throughout the process. When treating warts, the goal is to destroy the growths themselves or fight off HPV. Either way, our dermatology specialists will work with you to find the best solution for your unique conditions. In many cases, warts simply disappear on their own, though this may take years. For immediate treatment, we offer several effective methods: prescription-strength salicylic, bichloroacetic, or trichloroacetic acids, pulse-dyed lasers, and cryotherapy. Our neighborhood practitioners urge patience when treating warts, as it can take weeks or even months to produce results.

Our approach & expertise

We understand how warts can be a physical nuisance and even affect your self-esteem. As your experienced community skin experts, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us if you have a wart that you want to eliminate so you can have clear, smooth skin once again. Reveal your best skin yet—schedule your personalized consultation at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics today.

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What is it?

Rosacea is characterized by persistent skin redness, the prominence of blood vessels, blotchiness, and reddish bumps or pimples on the face; it’s as if you have the inclination to blush or flush quickly and without reason. In particular, it commonly develops in the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, ears, and neck.

What causes it?

The exact causes of rosacea are unknown, although genetics, problem blood vessels, and irregular immune system function are thought to contribute. There are, however, known common triggers that you should avoid, such as sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, and hot liquids.

Common treatments

There is no outright “cure” for rosacea and it is often unpredictable; even if you avoid triggers and follow a treatment plan that eliminates the symptoms, it can return without warning. However, the skin experts at our dermatology practice can help you manage the condition by minimizing symptoms as much as possible. For milder cases, topical medications can reduce redness while oral medications can shrink bumps and pimples. For more severe symptoms, laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy is effective for improving blood vessels and/or reducing blushing and flushing.

Our approach & expertise

We understand the effects that rosacea can have on you, both physically and psychologically, due to characteristics that make you feel self-conscious. As your neighborhood skin experts, we have the experience and knowledge to provide support and encouragement as well as answer questions you may have about this bothersome skin issue. Because you always have a say in your treatment, we provide customized solutions to meet your needs and goals. We’re beside you every step of the way, addressing your concerns with advice and after-care guidance.

 

Contact an office today if you notice rosacea characteristics so that we can help you combat this condition. Trust your skin to the experts at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics—book your appointment now.

Schedule your appointment now.

Excessive Perspiration

What is it?

Perspiration is a temperature-regulating mechanism that allows your body to cool, but when it happens excessively and for no reason, it’s called hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by relentless perspiration, typically on the hands and feet as well as under your arms. If left untreated, excessive perspiration can cause painful skin irritation due to the chronic dampness of the skin.

Here at Design Dermatology in Miami, Florida, we treat Hyperhidrosis

What causes Excessive Perspiration?

The causes of hyperhidrosis are not fully clear, but it’s believed that genetics plays a role or that it occurs because of an underlying systemic issue. What is certain is that it’s not due to stress; in fact, the condition often causes stress, apprehension, and even anxiety about being in public situations.

Common treatments?

We know it’s not unusual to have excessive perspiration in a nerve-wracking social or professional situation. However, if you suffer from this condition all day every day even when there is no clear cause, it’s possible that you have hyperhidrosis. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to help you treat this condition, regardless of where it’s occurring in your body. Some of these treatments include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis (a device that prevents sweat production), prescription oral medications, Botox (yes, Botox!).

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have excessive perspiration so that we can help you deal with this often embarrassing condition. Reveal your best skin yet—schedule your personalized consultation at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics in Miami, Florida, today.

Schedule your appointment now.

What are they?

The term “rash” covers a wide range of skin conditions, usually referring to changes in the skin that manifest as bumps, blisters, or red patches. Most of these are harmless, but they can be indications of other skin problems or health issues. Common types of rashes include chronic skin problems, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and viral infections.

What causes them?

There are many reasons why you could develop a rash, and some of the most common factors include the following: stress, allergies, genetics, food or drink, various infections, certain medications, insect bites or stings, and sun or heat exposure. If you have a rash that does not disappear after 1-2 weeks, be sure to schedule an appointment to discuss your condition, receive a proper diagnosis, and learn more about your available treatment options.

Common treatments

Skin rash treatments vary widely depending on the type, causes, and symptoms. The skin rash experts at Design Dermatology and Aesthetics have the knowledge and experience needed to examine you visually and determine exactly the type of rash you have. Once your rash has been identified, we’ll determine a proper treatment for your particular rash. Rash treatments offered at our center include moisturizing lotions and/or creams, topical anti-itch medications, oral antihistamines, topical anti-fungal medications, and light therapy.

Our approach & expertise

Skin rashes can be troublesome, as they not only itch but can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your neighborhood skin expert, Design Dermatology & Aesthetics has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you manage this condition. Contact an office today if you notice a rash that isn’t being controlled easily so that we can address your particular skin issue. Ready for real results? Let Design Dermatology & Aesthetics design the perfect treatment plan for you.

Schedule your appointment now.