General Dermatology
The study and science of dermatology is as old as history itself. The term “dermatology” is from the Greek word “dermos,” which means “skin.” In the United States, many health professionals consider dermatology as one of the first specialties and one of the most complex.
Consider that this is the only major organ of the body that interacts with both the internal systems and with the outer environment. It is just as easily afflicted by systemic disease and disorder from inside the body as it is the weathering effects of ultraviolet light, toxins, tattoos, pollution, virus, bacteria, fungus, cancers, trauma and inflammatory agents on the outside of the body. Our skin maintains our body temperature (sweating when hot, goose bumps when cold), fighting infections, activating melanocytes (a tan) when under the sun to absorb ultraviolet, and alerting us to the joys of touch and hurt of pain.
The average American has approximately 22-25 square feet of skin which can weigh anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds, and yet remain flexible, elastic, and form-fitting while carrying the weight and distribution of our inner organs and skeletal system. With over 2,300 diseases and disorders – and many conditions overlapping one another – there is a real need for the best and brightest to spend many years learning the art and science of diagnosing and treating skin conditions.
The individuals that practice in our offices are often not only certified by their respective organizations, they also carry additional training and education far beyond their peers in other areas of healthcare. Some are known and respected nationally for their contributions to the field of dermatology. Dermatology itself is broken down into further subsets: nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical doctors can spend all day only on skin cancer or the effects of changes in older patients or the challenge of acne or the subtlety of ethnic skin or only the art and science of aesthetics.
Let us help you in the diagnosis and treatment of the conditions that affect you in your hair, skin, and nails. We look forward to meeting you and treating you with professional courtesy, dignity and respect that you deserve.