Medical Dermatology

What is it?

Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. It often appears as a red, swollen area that is painful, warm, and tender to the touch. The skin may look pitted, like the peel of an orange, or blisters may appear on the affected skin. Some people may also develop fever and chills. Cellulitis can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the feet and legs. It occurs when a crack or break in your skin allows bacteria to enter. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening.

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

 

What causes it?

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.

Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter disrupted areas of skin, such as where you’ve had recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis. Animal bites can also cause cellulitis, being one of the most obscure ways to obtain this skin condition. Bacteria can also enter through areas of dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.

 

Common treatments?

The great news is cellulitis can be treated in many ways and depends on the type that you have. Your doctor will let you know the best way to get it under control, and quickly. Keeping the area clean and dry is a good idea, which will assist in the healing process until it’s treated properly. The area can be treated with oral or topical antibiotics, depending on the severity.

Reveal your best skin yet—schedule your personalized consultation at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics in Miami, Florida, today.

 

Schedule your appointment now.

About Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

What is it?

At Design Dermatology in Miami, Florida, we realize that our culture tends to associate suntanned skin with a lifestyle that is healthy and active. Unfortunately, this is a myth that should be retired; sun and age damage go hand in hand and can affect you both physically and psychologically. A “healthy tan” is not good for your skin; any sun exposure, no matter how small, causes irreversible damage. The subsequent damage is not just skin deep, as it alters the DNA of your skin cells. That’s why as much as 90 percent of the signs of aging / sun damaged skin are related to sun exposure.

The sun gives off ultraviolet light that damages the skin and contributes to premature skin aging, dark spots, and other problematic conditions.

What causes Aging / Sun Damaged Skin?

The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of aging, sun-damaged skin. Sun and age damage are linked because they exacerbate one another. Together, they reduce your skin’s elasticity by breaking down collagen while decreasing your skin’s shape and fullness. Telltale signs of sun and age damage include wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest, lines around your mouth and eyes, sagging skin, age spots, and freckles and/or moles.

Common treatments?

At Design Dermatology & Aesthetics, we have a variety of options to address sun and age damage, and we have the knowledge and experience to tailor it to your unique case. However, there are many steps you yourself can take to prevent and even repair your skin. These steps include wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days!), covering up exposed skin when outside, avoiding intense sun between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm, the avoidance of indoor tanning beds, and the use of moisturizing creams and lotions at night.

Our approach & expertise

At Design Dermatology & Aesthetics in Miami, Florida, we focus on you as a person. Our compassionate, knowledgeable team works with you to address your signs of sun and age damage, and you can rely on us to answer your questions and be an integral part of your support system. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice sun and age damage so that we can help you repair and restore your skin.

Schedule your appointment now.

What is it?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in skin cell DNA, which then spreads to surrounding cells. SCC occurs in the squamous layer found at the top of the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis). Symptoms of SCC typically include a scaly, firm reddish nodule on the skin or a flat, crusty skin lesion. It usually develops where the skin is frequently exposed to the sun, particularly the face, ears, hands, neck, and scalp.

What causes it?

If you have fair skin and/or spend a lot of time in the sun, the risk of developing SCC greatly increases, although there are other common risk factors as well. Some of these additional risk factors include living in sunny climates or high-altitude locales, having a family history of skin cancer, and having a history of frequent sunburns. Though less common than basal cell carcinoma and rarely life-threatening, SCC should not be dismissed. We urge you to contact your neighborhood skin healthcare provider if and when you notice unusual skin lesions, discolorations, bumps, and other abnormalities.

Common treatments

We know how apprehensive squamous cell carcinoma can make you. As your community skin cancer experts, we realize it can even be traumatic emotionally and physically, which is why we’re here with comprehensive advice and solutions to overcome this condition. Our skin cancer experts have the knowledge and experience to address squamous cell carcinoma. We urge you to undergo regular skin cancer screenings, especially if the above risk factors apply to you. If it is determined that you have squamous cell carcinoma, we offer an assortment of treatment options, including topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), excision surgery, electrodesiccation with curettage, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and cryotherapy.

Our approach & expertise

What distinguishes our skincare from others is our attention to you as a person. Our expert practitioners are here to alleviate your concerns and provide compassionate support. With your input, we will find the solution that best addresses your condition. Trust your skin to the experts at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics—book your appointment now.

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What is it?

What happens if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer? What are the skin cancer removal options? What’s the likelihood of successful treatment? Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect you not only physically, but psychologically as well. We are here to provide treatment, encouragement, strength, support, and answers to all your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and aftercare support. Most importantly, know that skin cancer is very treatable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a 90% five-year survivability rate for patients who receive treatment.

What to expect

When it comes to skin cancer, treatment protocols typically involve one or a combination of the following treatments:

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment typically used for early-stage skin cancer that has not spread. This treatment is effective for actinic keratosis, warts, and superficial basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. During cryotherapy, the cancerous area is targeted with extremely cold liquid gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide between -346° F and -320° F) that instantly freezes the cancerous tissue, destroying it. You will receive your cryotherapy treatment in the office, often as part of a regular exam. Typically, cryotherapy only takes a few moments to perform, and you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment is complete.

Electrodessication and curettage (EC&D)

This simple 2-step surgical procedure is especially effective for individuals with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. By removing the cancerous tissue via curettage (scraping), then closing the wound by electrodesiccation (superheating process), our surgeons can safely and effectively eradicate cancerous cells from your body. EC&D is performed in the office under local anesthesia and typically takes 30 minutes or less with no downtime following the procedure. In most cases, this treatment doesn’t even require sutures! EC&D is recommended for areas of the body that are not regularly visible, such as the back or torso. It’s also an excellent option for superficial, less serious skin cancers that have yet to spread beyond ¼ to ½ inch (6-10mm) in diameter.

Excisional surgery

Excisional surgery is a minor surgical procedure that carefully removes cancerous lesions from your body before they have a chance to spread. Our dermatologists recommend this procedure for small to medium-sized moles/lesions in areas of the body typically covered by clothing. Excisional surgery is a quick in-office procedure that is usually performed with local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the removed tissue will be sent to our pathology lab to determine if it was cancerous and to see if it all the cancerous cells were removed. Excisional surgery option is a good choice if a skin lesion is affecting your appearance. A consultation with your neighborhood skin cancer specialists at our center can determine if this treatment is right for you.

Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a time-tested procedure that remains one of the most effective skin cancer removal methods available. The procedure is meticulous and tumor removal is precise, accurate, and immediate. With Mohs surgery, uncertainty is not an issue; the procedure has a proven high success rate, features long-lasting results, and entails a shorter recovery time for patients. With Mohs, once all remnants of cancer have been removed, the procedure is over and patients are typically cancer-free. If you have a troublesome skin tumor or lesion, discuss it with your trusted community dermatologist to know if Mohs surgery is a viable option for you.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy provides a fast skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team is able to remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a non-invasive, painless treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. SRT delivers precise, low-dose radiation to the skin’s surface, effectively targeting cancerous cells while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. It’s an ideal alternative for patients who are not candidates for surgery or prefer a non-surgical approach with minimal downtime and no scarring. Treatments are quick, typically lasting just a few minutes, and are performed over several sessions for optimal results. SRT offers a safe, effective, and cosmetically sensitive solution for treating skin cancer.

After the procedure

Recovery from skin cancer removal depends on the type of treatment performed. To learn more about skin cancer recovery, please contact one of our dermatology specialists today!

Our approach & expertise

Skin cancer is our specialty. We have a variety of highly-trained and experienced skin cancer specialists who have a wide array of treatment options at their disposal. During a skin cancer consultation at our center, our dermatologists will assess your unique case and customize a treatment program suited to your particular needs. Reveal your best skin yet—schedule your personalized consultation at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics today.

Schedule your appointment now.

Dangerous or unsightly moles can be removed from almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless. 

What is a Mole?

A mole is a growth on the skin. Most moles are benign, but they can turn cancerous. This is where mole removal can be properly utilized to prevent further complications.

People can be born with moles, or they can develop moles over the course of their lives. It’s important to be aware of what moles you have and where they are located.

Although you don’t generally need to worry about moles, any changes in the mole’s appearance should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist. In particular, look for changes in color and/or size.

Sometimes moles can occur in areas of the body that negatively impact appearance or self-esteem, such as on the face.

Moles are detected during routine skin screenings done by our dermatologists, or you may know about a mole you’ve had your entire life. Moles may appear as you age, or a lifelong mole may change in shape, appearance, or size.

Mole removal is available, even when the mole poses no health risk.

Have a suspicious-looking mole? Our skilled dermatologists can screen the mole and your skin for malignancy concerns and discuss removal options.

What Causes Moles?

Skin moles arise when skin cells grow in clusters. These cells, known as melanocytes, are found throughout your skin and produce melanin, the pigment that colors your skin.

Various complications can result for some people who have moles, such as:

• Having very large moles
• Having too many moles
• Having moles of irregular shapes or textures

When any of these complications occur, you run the risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Should you have a mole that is giving you problems or has changed its size, shape, and texture recently, don’t ignore it.

Design Dermatology and Aesthetics can provide a thorough examination of your skin and moles.

What is It?

Mole removal is the process of removing benign or malignant moles for aesthetic or medical purposes.

Our dermatologists can remove dangerous or unsightly moles almost anywhere on the body. Mole removal is safe, effective, and virtually painless. This process in a dermatologist’s office has been done for a number of decades and is FDA-approved.

Why Should you Remove Moles?

There are many situations in which a person should seek help from a dermatologist for mole removal.

Moles can be indicative of a serious skin condition, such as melanoma. Left untreated, a malignant mole can grow into a life-threatening condition that may be irreversible.

This treatment is also used to remove unsightly benign moles. Certain moles can be disfiguring, or they can appear in unflattering areas on the body.

Types of Mole Removal

Once you and your dermatologist have agreed that mole removal is the best next step, your dermatologist will decide which type of mole removal procedure to use.

The type will depend upon your individual circumstances, the size and nature of the mole, and the reason for the mole removal.

• Cryotherapy. Sometimes called cryosurgery or simply “freezing” cryotherapy is a type of mole removal where the mole is frozen with liquid nitrogen, after which the mole released from the skin and is discarded.
• Laser therapy. A specialized laser can be used to remove benign moles. The intense, focused light beam neutralizes the cells within the mole, causing them to die and fall away. Multiple laser therapy visits may be needed for complete mole removal.
• Shaving. Shallow moles may be removed with surgical shaving, where a scalpel is used to shave away the mole cells.
• Excision. Surgical excision is used when a mole is deep and requires to be cut out. This procedure may also require stitches and can leave a small scar.

Am I a Candidate?

Most patients can have their mole/s removed. There are few reasons why a mole cannot be removed. The main question is what kind of mole removal procedure is best for your unique circumstances.

Certain types of mole removal procedures may leave a small scar. If you are considering having a mole removed purely for aesthetic reasons, you need to decide if it’s worth risking a scar in place of the mole, even if it’s a small scar.

All moles on the body should be carefully monitored. Schedule an appointment with us today! Glow with confidence—discover tailored skin solutions at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Schedule your appointment now.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a broad term used to describe a range of skin conditions characterized by rashes, itchiness, and redness here in Miami, Florida.

It’s estimated that over 31 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of eczema. Episodes may be chronic, one-time issues, or continual.

Whatever kind of eczema you are experiencing, you can rely on our professional team here at Design Dermatology in Miami, Florida, to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Visible redness or irritated patches on the skin may look concerning, but eczema is not contagious. Although there is no known cure for eczema, you will find effective treatments and symptom relief at our practice.

What are the Symptoms?

If you have eczema, various parts of your body can develop rashes and dry, itchy skin. Usually, this occurs behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your hands, feet, and face. However, remember that eczema is not contagious.

The most common symptom of eczema is itching, which in turn leads to scratching and rubbing the skin, increasing the irritation. Other symptoms include:

• Skin patches that are rough and leathery
• Red and raised bumps on the skin are known as hives
• Scaly skin patches
• Skin that is swollen and sore
• Skin color changes

Types of Eczema

There are many different types, diagnosed both by symptoms and where it occurs on the body, including:

• Atopic Dermatitis: The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may disappear or become much milder by adulthood. Linked to allergies, many people with this condition also suffer from hay fever and asthma.
• Contact Dermatitis: Resulting in red, irritated skin, contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance to which it is allergic, such as latex, certain types of metal, or chemicals. Certain skincare ingredients and makeup, plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, or even tobacco smoke can sometimes trigger contact dermatitis.
• Dyshidrotic: More common in women than men, dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters forming on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. Stress is thought to be a primary trigger for outbreaks.
• Hand Eczema: Only affecting the hands, this form of eczema is common among hairdressers, cleaning personnel, and others whose hands are regularly exposed to various chemicals.
• Neurodermatitis: Very similar to atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis presents as thick, scaly patches of skin that are very itchy, even when you are sleeping.
• Nummular: Causing round, coin-shaped spots on your skin, nummular eczema is known for making the skin extremely itchy, and is often triggered by insect bites.
• Stasis Dermatitis: Somewhat uncommon, stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened leg veins onto the skin, causing itching and redness.

What Causes It?

When skin cannot retain moisture very well or has a disrupted barrier that lets moisture from the skin evaporate too freely, eczema often occurs.

Some of the most common causes of eczema include:

• Environmental factors such as pollen or mold
• Allergies such as hay fever
• Asthma
• Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
• Synthetic or wool fabrics
• Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
• Pet dander
• Chemicals and solvents

Treatment Options

At our contemporary dermatology practice in Miami, Design Dermatology & Aesthetics offers a variety of effective treatments. Schedule your appointment today for personalized information and care. Ready for real results? Let Design Dermatology & Aesthetics design in Miami, Florida, the perfect treatment plan for you.

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What is Molluscum?

The condition called molluscum spreads through contact with an infected person or a contaminated object. Though painless, the small bumps might itch. Scratched bumps can spread the infection to the surrounding skin. The bumps usually disappear on their own. In rare cases, the bumps can be removed using medications or other procedures.

 

What causes it?

This is a very common ailment for children, caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is a skin infection. People catch molluscum when the virus comes into contact with their skin—through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone infected, by touching contaminated surfaces, or by sharing personal items like clothing or towels.

Anyone can get molluscum, some people are more likely to catch it. Children who are 1 to 10 years old are more prone to get this skin infection because they have the most skin-to-skin contact. They seem especially vulnerable if they have eczema. The extremely dry, cracked skin of eczema may make it easier for the virus to infect the skin. Athletes who share equipment or have skin-to-skin contact. People with compromised immune systems can be more vulnerable to catching this, as well as those who are sexually active.

 

Common treatments

Several treatment options are available, it’s important to know that there is no one best treatment for molluscum. One of our highly trained dermatologists will choose a treatment based on many considerations, such as overall health, the number of molluscum bumps, and where the bumps appear. No matter which treatment is used, it takes time.

A common treatment is cantharidin (beetle juice). Made from blister beetles, it has been used to treat warts and molluscum since the 1950s. Your dermatologist will apply it to each bump in such a way that a water blister forms. You should see a blister on each treated bump within 24 to 48 hours. As the skin heals, the bumps clear. This usually occurs within 2 weeks. To be effective, most patients need more than one treatment. This is a safe and effective treatment and is topical.

Other treatments are cryotherapy, an extremely cold substance to each molluscum bump. You will need to return for treatment until the bumps clear. Another is curettage which can be used, this is a simple and effective treatment that causes little or no bleeding. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) may be a treatment option for someone who has many molluscum bumps. It’s also recommended for patients with difficult-to-treat molluscum, such as people with AIDS.

Trust your doctor to advise you on the most effective way to treat your skin, the health of your skin is very important to us.

 

Our approach & expertise

We understand how molluscum can be a physical nuisance, itchy, 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 for an appointment today if you suspect you have molluscum. Your journey to healthier, radiant skin starts here—visit Design Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Schedule your appointment now.

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by one or more rough, scaly patches as a result of cumulative sun exposure.

Actinic keratosis can occur on any part of the body, but it most often occurs in out-of-the-way areas where a person has omitted using sunblock. This includes the ears, lips, back of the neck or hands, or even the scalp.

This is also sometimes called solar keratosis because it is caused by sun exposure. Those over the age of 40 are more apt to develop this condition since it occurs from the cumulative effects of UV light exposure.

Here at Design Dermatology in Miami, Florida, we specialize in Actinic Keratosis treatment.

What are the Symptoms?

Though actinic keratosis can differ from one person to another, the signs and symptoms remain the same across the board. Typically, the most common signs and symptoms include a patch of skin that is dry, rough, or scaly. Most often, this patch of skin is less than one inch in diameter.

Other symptoms include color variations such as brown, red, or pink, itching or burning, crusting or bleeding, a slightly-raised bump on the top layer of skin, and new patches on such sun-exposed areas as hands, neck, head, and forearms.

Types of Actinic Keratosis

There are five different types of actinic keratosis:

• Hypertrophic
• Atrophic
• Bowenoid
• Acantholytic
• Pigmented

Of these five, the hypertrophic and atrophic types are the most common.

Also, studies have shown that for those individuals who suffer from hypertrophic actinic keratosis, there is a greater chance it may evolve into a form of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.

What Causes It?

When an actinic keratosis forms, it is most often due to a person being exposed to intense UV rays on a frequent basis.

While most cases result from overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, many people with this condition have also exposed their skin to the intensity of tanning beds.

While anyone can potentially get this, some have certain risk factors that put them at even greater risk.

These factors include:

• Having red or blond hair and either blue or light-colored eyes
• Prior history of bad sunburns
• Tendency to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
• Aged 40 or older
• Working primarily outdoors
• Possessing a weakened immune system
• Living in a sunny climate

Treatment Options

While a simple examination of your skin may allow a doctor to diagnose actinic keratosis, a skin biopsy may be performed as an added precaution.

Don’t gamble with actinic keratosis, a potential precursor to skin cancer. Entrust your care to Design Dermatology & Aesthetics in Miami, Florida, and schedule an appointment today.

Schedule your appointment now.