Medical Dermatology in Silicon Valley
Healthy Skin Transforms Life
What Is Medical Dermatology?
Dermatology is an area of medicine that focuses on health issues affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Medical dermatology treats various internal health problems that can cause skin symptoms.
At Pacific Coast Dermatology & Wellness Center, our board-certified dermatologists treat the full range of medical dermatology conditions.
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is also the first line of defense against pathogens and injury, which makes it a good indicator of overall health. When you visit PCD, we will work with you to diagnose and treat the underlying medical conditions affecting your skin’s health with a holistic, personalized approach.
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Below are some examples of conditions and their treatments
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles. Acne has a range of causes that can lead to different types of pimples. Some people experience scarring, low self-esteem, and other complications. Treatment for acne includes topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, hormone regulating medication and laser treatments.
Dermatitis and eczema
Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, and it typically leads to swelling with an itchy rash. There are various forms, including atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type of eczema. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is characterized by itching, scratching and dry, scaly, often crusted areas of skin. Eczema is treated with moisturizers, good skin care, and prescription topical steroids. Depending on the area affected, the strength of the steroid is adjusted. Hand eczema usually requires stronger doses of topical steroids.
Fungal infections
These are common and sometimes involve the skin, nails, and hair. A group of yeasts called Candida can cause a wide range of fungal infections, including oral thrush, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and balanitis. Treatment includes topical and oral anti-fungal medications.
Hair loss
About 80 million people in the U.S. have hereditary hair loss. A range of health issues can also cause hair loss, including nutritional deficiency, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal changes. Hair loss is treated by identifying the underlying cause, correcting any lab abnormalities, and replenishing nutrients with supplements. Platelet rich plasma injections also help with certain types of hair loss in both men and women.
Warts
These are contagious, benign skin growths that appear when a virus has infected the top layer of skin. A dermatologist can use a variety of treatments to remove persistent warts such as liquid nitrogen, surgical excision and laser treatments.
Nail problems
Dermatologists also treat health issues that damage the skin around and under the nails. Ingrown nails, fungal infections, and various other conditions can cause this damage.
Vitiligo
This involves the skin’s losing melanin, a pigment. As a result, some patches of skin are lighter in color than others. Vitiligo is thought to be a systemic autoimmune disorder where immune cells attack pigment-making cells (melanocytes) in the skin. Treatment consists of topical steroids, light therapy, and specific lasers.
Psoriasis
This chronic autoimmune disorder speeds up the growth of skin cells, resulting in patches of skin that may be thick, red, purple, or silvery and scaly. There are several types of psoriasis. Psoriasis is treated with topical steroids, topical retinoids, light therapy, and sometimes biologics, which are injected every three to four months.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic rash involving the central face that most often starts between the age of 30 and 60 years. It is common in those with fair skin and blue eyes. Rosacea causes redness in the face, sometimes with pus-filled bumps, visible blood vessels, and swelling of the eyelids. Symptoms can spread from the nose and cheeks to the forehead, chin, ears, chest, and back. Rosacea is treated with topical creams, antibiotics, and laser treatments.
Shingles or herpes zoster
This viral infection causes a rash that may be painful. It may clear in a few weeks without treatment, but medical intervention can help speed recovery and prevent complications, which can be severe. Anti-virals are prescribed to shorten the course of the outbreak, and pain medication is sometimes needed.
Skin cancer
About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. develop a type of skin cancer by age 70. The most common forms are basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Depending on the type of skin cancer, treatment ranges from topical liquid nitrogen, topical chemotherapy, and often times surgical excision is needed.
Pre-Cancer
Pre-cancer screenings are vital because they allow for early detection of skin cancer and can significantly increases the chances of successful treatment as the cancer is caught before it spreads to other parts of the body. Regular screenings can help prevent skin cancer from developing into a more serious condition by identifying and treating precancerous lesions early on.
Skin Tags
Although skin tags are noncancerous, they can sometimes be an early warning sign for underlying health issues. Skin tags are commonly found on the eyelids, neck creases, underarms, and torso, and most are benign. However, it’s important to consider skin tag removal if there are other symptoms present, such as irritation, bleeding, or pain.
Insurance plans accepted
We accept a wide range of insurance plans to make our services accessible and affordable for our patients. Our practice partners with major insurance providers to ensure you receive the care you need without added financial stress. We currently accept insurance plans billed through Brown & Toland, including Blue Shield, UHC, UHC Oxford, Aetna, Cigna, Healthnet, and Sutter Select.
Insurance billed through Brown & Toland - Blue Shield, UHC, UHC Oxford, Aetna, Cigna, Healthnet & Sutter Select.
Brown & Toland HMO
Sutter Pacific HMO
Hills Physician HMO
Meritain
Medicare
Blue Cross
UMR
Blue Shield Federal