Our Practice of Medical Dermatology

Our staff is highly trained to provide complete skin care for the entire family. We have years of experience in the medical treatment of diseases of the skin, including pediatric and general dermatology, and Dr. Judge is proficient in the medical and surgical treatment of skin cancer.

Pediatric Dermatology

Providing the highest-quality care for all ages is a priority for us, and as a result we have always practiced pediatric dermatology, managing common pediatric problems such as evaluation of moles and birthmarks, treatment of such conditions as eczema or atopic dermatitis, molluscum contagiosum and warts in a caring, compassionate environment. If a biopsy is necessary, our goal is to make it as painless and trauma-free as possible. We also offer the best therapies and the newest technology for the treatment of acne in teenagers and adults.

General Dermatology

Although adult acne,rosacea,warts,seborrheic dermatitisandpsoriasis are some of the more common conditions that we treat, our staff is also experienced in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of uncommon conditions or rashes, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, lupus, morphea and granuloma annulare. Skin examinations and mole checks for cancer are encouraged and should be done routinely in patients with any suspicious lesions or with any skin cancer risk factors. The cosmetic treatment of benign growths such as skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, hemangiomas and moles can be safely done in the office. We also strive to provide our patients with information and educate them on preventive medicine, especially when it comes to skin cancer prevention.

Dermasurgery

Dr. Judge has performed thousands of surgical procedures ranging from liposuction to skin cancer surgery. Many patients have concerns about the cosmetic removal of moles, cysts and other benign growths. Others have pre-cancerous moles or skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, that must be surgically treated. Every effort is made by our compassionate staff to make the surgical experience as painless and "stress-free" as possible.

Dermasurgery is safely and routinely done as an outpatient procedure in our office. With any surgery performed, the primary concern is the complete removal of the lesion. The next greatest concern is the cosmetic results, and this is a very big concern to Dr. Judge. She uses every means possible to minimize any evidence that the surgery was done, from the initial planning of the incision location and direction, to the use of dissolving stitches placed under the skin whenever possible.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is extremely common and appears in people of all ages. Surgical treatment of skin cancer makes up a significant portion of Dr. Judge's practice. Skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Early detection of these cancers is critical. We advise regular skin examinations and we urge our patients to avoid over exposure to the sun by utilizing protective clothing and proper sunscreen application.

Keratoses

Actinic keratoses appear on the sun exposed areas of the skin and are the result of chronic sun exposure. They are considered pre-cancerous and should be treated as early as possible Seborrheic keratoses, often called age spots, can appear anywhere on the body. These growths are always benign, but can mimic pre-cancers and skin cancer. Evaluation and treatment of these growths is essential in the early detection of skin cancer.

Rashes, Allergies & Irritations

There are a variety of skin irritations including common problems such as poison ivy or reactions to various environmental irritants. A dermatologist is trained to identify these ailments and provide medical relief.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease affecting about 14 million Americans. It causes redness and breakouts on the face and also occasionally the chest, neck. It can also affect the eyes, causing redness and irritation. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. Symptoms range from pimples, red lines and visible blood vessels to dry, burning, or sensitive skin and a tendency to flush easily. Although it is not yet known what causes rosacea and the condition is not curable, it can be treated in many ways, including topical and oral medications, intense pulsed light therapy and laser surgery. Early detection and intervention are essential to achieve the most effective results, and to reduce the severity of symptoms if rosacea has already progressed.

Acne

Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While it affects mostly teenagers, and almost all teenagers have some form of acne, adults of any age can have it. Blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) can appear typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms, causing emotional distress and physical disfigurement (scarring) that can last a lifetime.

Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, skin type and the patient's age and lifestyle. There are many options available, but on average results are visible in six to eight weeks. Options include:

• Chemical Peels
• Laser rejuvenation
• Soft tissue fillers
• Punch excision surgery for deep "ice-pick" pitted scarring
• Dermasanding and microdermabrasion

Medical Procedures (cont.) > >