Boston Dermatology and Laser Center

There are many forms of skin disease and many ways to treat
them. If you can't find your particular topic please use our
searchable database.

Acne

Acne is a common medical condition which affects up to 80 percent of adolescents and adults. It is caused by inflammation of the oil glands, resulting in inflammatory lesions on the face, chest and back. There are many factors which contribute to the development of acne, including genetics, hormones and stress. Treatment can improve the physical appearance of a patient suffering from acne and limit the amount of resultant scarring.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis is an itchy inflammation of the skin often occurring in association with a personal or family history of hayfever, asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis. This condition often presents in early infancy and may decrease in severity by adolescence. Treatments, including moisturizers and topical corticosteroids are aimed at relieving symptoms and decreasing the incidence of acute flares. Patient education in conjunction with the judicious use of medications are important parts of treating this chronic condition.

Moles

Benign Moles
Melanocytes are the cells in the skin responsible for producing pigment or color. Not uncommonly these cells cluster together or nest and produce a brown/black spot referred to as a mole. Depending on what level of the skin the melanocytes nest at determines whether a mole is flat or raised, dark or skin colored.These lesions appear in early childhood and reach a maximum number by young adulthood. By age 60 years most moles have involuted and are no longer apparent.

Atypical Moles
The term atypical is applied to moles which display any of he following features
-Variegated color (tan, brown, dark brown) within the same mole
-Irregular or angulated borders
-Size greater than 5mm (pencil eraser)
When viewed under the microscope, atypical moles can be further categorized as slightly, moderately or severely atypical, based upon the degree of irregularity of the melanocytes. Atypical moles tend to run in families. There is a slightly increased risk of developing malignant melanoma (skin cancer) in patients with atypical moles. Routine mole checks by a dermatologist as well as the patient are essential.

Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer arising from the melanocytes (pigment producing cells). In the United States the number of cases of melanoma diagnosed has tripled in the past 4 decades. 1 in 75 Americans will develop melanoma. Because melanoma is a highly visible tumor, its early detection is the key to a possible cure.

The ABCD guidelines helps to suspect the diagnosis of melanoma in any pigmented lesion.
A stands for ASYMMETRY, when one half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
B stands for BORDER, when the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular.
C stands for COLOR, when the color of the mole is not the same throughout or if it has shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue.
D stands for DIAMETER, when the diameter of a mole is larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.
If a mole displays any of these signs, it should be checked promptly by a dermatologist. (from the aad.com website)

Mole Check

Patients should be taught to do regular self exams of their skin. By standing in front of a full length mirror patients should carefully exam their entire front surface. You need to lift up your arms and exam the undersurface of your arms as well as your genital region. You should part your hair and exam your entire scalp. This is most easily accomplished when the hair is wet. Next, using a hand mirror and a full length mirror you should attempt to examine your back and the back of your legs. Any changes in the color, size shape of your moles or the appearance of new moles should be brought too the attention of your dermatologist immediately.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder of the skin. In normal skin, the cells of the epidermis are regenerated every 28 days, while in psoriatic skin epidermis is regenerated every two to four days. There are several clinical types of psoriasis. The most common type is called plaque psoriasis and most commonly occurs on the elbows and knees and in the scalp or groin. Erythrodermic psoriasis affects the entire skin surface causing it to become red, inflamed and scaly. Pustural psoriasis where patients can develop postules that are either localized in the palms and soles. Mild cases can be treated with topical therapy. Other treatments can include phototherapy with ultrviolet B and oral treatment.

Rosacea

Rosacea Before and After

Rosacea, (rose-AY-sha) is a common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Often referred to as "adult acne," rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the central face.
When it first develops, rosacea may come and go on its own. When the skin doesn't return to its normal color and when other symptoms, such as pimples and enlarged blood vessels, become visible, it's best to seek advice from a dermatologist. The condition is chronic and worsens without treatment.
Treatment involves topical creams and gels as well as oral antibiotics. Pulsed dye laser treatment can significantly reduce persistent redness as well as eliminate broken blood vessels.

Skin Cancer Screening

Screening for cancer is an examination of people for early stages in the development of cancer even though they have no symptoms. Scientists have studied patterns of cancer in the population to learn which people are more likely to get certain types of cancer. If your doctor suspects that you may have cancer, he or she will order certain tests to see whether you do. These are called diagnostic tests. Some tests are used for diagnostic purposes, but are not suitable for screening people who have no symptoms. If your doctor suggests certain cancer screening tests as part of your health care plan, this does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer.

Skin Surgery

Dermatologists cite four reasons for performing skin surgery: 1) to establish a definite diagnosis with a skin biopsy; 2) to prevent or provide early control of disease; 3) to improve the skin's appearance by removing growths, discolorations, or damaged skin caused by aging, sunlight, or disease; 4) cosmetic skin improvement.

Sun Damage

Results can be obtained for patients with all skin colors to correct sun-induced wrinkles splotching, and freckles. Treatments include chemical peels, photo rejuvenation, Q-switched laser treatment of brown spots as well as CO₂ laser resurfacing.

Warts

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection of the cells. There are several different kinds of warts and they all appear differently on the skin: common warts, flat warts, hand warts, foot (plantar) warts and genital warts. Warts are hard to prevent but treatment includes salicylic acid preparations, liquid nitrogen, cantharidin, and CO₂ laser removal.