Category: Medical Dermatology

If you’ve been searching for a better treatment for actinic keratosis, photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be the safe, effective, and highly versatile treatment solution you’ve been looking for. Through the power of light, photosensitizing medication, and the oxygen within your tissue, our dermatologists can target the problematic tissues deep within your skin. 

Since our dermatologists customize the wavelength of light to target your specific skin condition, the precise reaction only attacks the unwanted cells, resulting in a safe and reliable treatment that never damages nearby healthy cells. Unlike superficial treatments that only address the surface-level symptoms, PDT stops precancerous cells from progressing, reduces production, and prevents the recurrence of new actinic keratosis. At the same time, PDT treatments can help to reduce dark spots caused by sun damage, alleviate the irritation caused by swollen or inflamed lesions, and produce a healthier and more normalized skin texture.

Our Dermatologists Prioritize Helpful Skincare Education

While undergoing a PDT treatment with our dermatologists, our experienced doctors will explain the entire process in detail and ensure that you have everything you need to maximize your beneficial results. To maintain the best outcomes and protect your skin following treatment, keep these simple care practices in mind after visiting our dermatologist in Southampton, PA.

Avoid Sun Exposure for 48 Hours After Treatment

Since the PDT treatment utilizes photosensitizing medication, any exposure to sunlight following treatment can cause the medication to continue reacting. We will provide you with an SPF sunblock to cover the treatment area, but it is recommended to cover the area and avoid any sun exposure. This even includes filtered sunlight from the windows in your home and car. 

Use Gentle Cleansers & Healing Moisturizers

Your skin may be sensitive after the procedure. To wash the area, you can use a mild soap with gentle washing techniques. Try to avoid vigorous scrubbing or exfoliation, as the skin will be sensitive to the touch and needs time to recover after the process. After washing, you can apply bland moisturizers like Vaseline, Aquaphor, and other healing moisturizers that do not contain harsh fragrances or irritating chemicals. For an additional boost in soothing comfort, place the moisturizer in the refrigerator ahead of time for cooling relief.

Contact Our Dermatologists if You Have Any Problems

While Photodynamic Therapy is one of the most trusted and safe procedures available, it is possible to experience potential side effects. If you are experiencing excessive pain, a fever, or any other noticeable issues like bumps or blisters at the treatment site, please contact our dermatologists immediately. Any normal redness, swelling, or soreness should reside within 48 hours, leaving your skin “photo-rejuvenated”, healing from within, and ready to face the sunshine with a renewed tone and texture.  

If you have any questions about the after-care process or would like to learn more about PDT, our licensed dermatologists are glad to help.

Renowned for its safety, efficacy, and beneficial skin rejuvenation, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a wonderful solution for common skin conditions like actinic keratosis, and other forms of skin carcinoma caused by excessive sun exposure. During this two-stage treatment, our dermatologists use a combination of a photosensitizing medicine that is activated by a high-intensity blue or red light and the oxygen within the tissue to prevent unwanted scaly patches and abnormal cell growth. 

Since our dermatologists can fine-tune the light wavelengths and only target the problematic cells, this safe treatment protects the normal and healthy surrounding tissue. Simultaneously, every proven treatment provides a noticeable reduction in skin issues like cancerous cell growth, and the visible indications of sun damage. After experiencing the “photorejuvenation” effect for yourself, you’ll immediately notice benefits like improved skin texture, potentially reduced dark spots, and alleviated skin irritation. 

Who Can Benefit From Photodynamic Therapy?

Since PDT is minimally-invasive and easily applied to the surface of the skin, it’s a great option for people suffering from conditions like actinic keratosis, found on sensitive areas of the skin like the face or neck. With our flexible scheduling and quick appointments, PDT is more accessible, less costly, and produces proven results with only minor side effects and a short 48-hour recovery period. Anyone hoping to avoid the complexities and side-effects involved with surgery or other long-term treatment options often finds that photodynamic therapy makes the most sense for their situation.  

Treat the Source & Reduce the Symptoms

For actinic keratosis sufferers, PDT is highly effective because it not only eliminates the build-up deep within the tissue but also reduces the redness and flaking. By reducing the factors that cause noticeable lesions and persistent actinic keratosis, PDT is one of the best long-term treatment solutions to consider if other remedies like topical fash washes or other medications aren’t helping. 

Prevent Sun Damage From Progressing Into a Serious Problem

Since actinic keratosis can eventually progress into skin cancer, PDT is a proven solution to halt problematic cells from undermining the long-term health of your skin. In harmony with our professional diagnostics and long-term care plans, every skin cancer treatment in Southampton, PA is personalized to address your specific case, and we proactively work with you to maintain and preserve the wellness of your skin long after we treat the problem.

Learn More About Photodynamic therapy From Our Caring Team

Whether you’re concerned about a new skin condition, or you’re in search of a better solution to manage your actinic keratosis, our helpful dermatologists are glad to describe our proven and effective processes in greater detail. We specialize in personalized skincare and will use every remedy at our disposal until we find a lasting solution for your improved skin health, appearance, and tone.

When the pore of a hair follicle or oil gland becomes clogged, the oils, toxins, and dead skin cells that are normally excreted through the pores gradually build up to form a cyst. With thousands of pores across our bodies, cysts are one of the most common skin conditions out there. A cyst can form at the site of any blocked, damaged, or malfunctioning pore, and without a way of releasing that built-up tension, cysts can grow into noticeable lumps, cause painful irritation, or form unsightly scarring if a cyst is improperly treated. 

Fortunately, most cysts are superficial and easy to identify. Cysts appear as a visible bump along the surface of the skin, or you may feel a lump just beneath the skin. If the cyst “sac” ruptures due to skin trauma or excessive build-up, the area may be swollen, red, or tender to the touch. For deeper or larger cyst formations, a dermatologist may provide further diagnostics like ultrasound to determine the best course of action for treatment, if necessary. 

Cyst Treatment Considerations

If a cyst is not causing discomfort due to inflammation or causing a physical deformity, most cysts do not require treatment. But, if the cyst is unsightly, causing discomfort, or continues to interfere with daily life, our dermatologist in Southampton, PA offers two highly effective methods to remove the cysts in just a few quick trips to our office. 

Incision & Drainage Relieves the Tension

Incision and drainage provide immediate relief from the swollen painfulness of problematic cyst formations. After applying a topical anesthetic to the sensitive section of skin, our dermatologists create a small incision and carefully drain the cyst. Since I&D does not remove the cyst “sac” beneath the skin, the cyst can reform. Despite the possibility of cyst reformation, the immediate relief and aesthetic benefits are great reasons to consider I&D if a cyst is interfering with your quality of life. 

Excision Prevents Cyst Recurrence

If you have tried I&D in the past, or you have a stubborn cyst that just won’t quit, a complete cyst removal with a precision excision is the next best step. Our dermatologists make a slightly larger incision before carefully removing the entirety of the cyst and its lining. Since this procedure is more invasive than simple drainage, the surgical site requires sutures and more traditional aftercare. Excision can only be performed on a cyst that is not actively inflamed, but once any cyst ruptures have healed, this method of removal is the best way to prevent a stubborn cyst from reforming.

Contact Our Experienced Dermatologists Today

Are you concerned about a new lump or painful skin condition? Our family dermatology in Doylestown, PA offers comprehensive diagnostic services, personalized care plans, and will help you find a healthy skin solution with judgment-free compassion and expertise. If you have any questions about our effective treatment options, contact our caring team for free information today. 

Planning for any kind of surgery can be an intimidating prospect for even the toughest of patients. At Penn Derm, we understand how stressful it can be when you find out that a surgical procedure is necessary, and actively support our clients with empathy, personally tailored care plans, and offer minimally-invasive solutions that significantly reduce discomfort, shorten healing times, and result in long-term skin health and aesthetic improvements. 

With any of our precision surgical interventions, our experienced specialists focus on solving skin problems without damaging the surrounding tissue or forming excessive scar tissue. Our personalized approach to surgical care begins with detailed diagnostics, optimized care plans, and a variety of healing solutions related to your specific skin condition. Here are a few of the effective surgical treatments we have to offer. 

Electrodesiccation and Curettage is Quick & Prevents Infection

Also known as “scraping and burning”, ED&C is minimally invasive and not as painful as it sounds. First, the skin is numbed with pharmaceutical-grade anesthetics to minimize any discomfort. Your dermatologist then “scrapes” the skin cancer cells from the area with a tool called a curette. Since skin cancer cells don’t adhere to normal tissue as healthy cells do, this technique is remarkably effective for many kinds of superficial cancers. 

After the simple removal procedure, your dermatologist applies heat to the site with an electrodesiccation tool to both loosen any remaining skin cancer cells and minimize any bleeding. This heating process effectively closes the wound, preventing the need for sutures or complicated aftercare. Unlike traditional surgical procedures, our ED&C procedures only take about 10-15 minutes in an outpatient setting and only require basic follow-up screenings to monitor for any cancer recurrence. 

Standard Excision Heals Many Cancerous Conditions

Following a dermatoscope (skin microscope) evaluation and/or skin biopsy, our dermatologists may recommend the complete removal of the affected tissue. While this may sound like a scary procedure, our excision process only involves a small incision, is very tolerable, and is performed in our relaxed outpatient setting. 

Our dermatologists thoroughly numb the affected section of skin before carefully removing any problematic skin cells. Ideal for a range of cancerous conditions, this simple outpatient procedure is safe for almost any part of the body, heals quickly, and results in minimal scarring. 

MOHS Surgery Protects the Surrounding Skin

For more complex cases of skin cancer, MOHS micrographic surgery is the golden standard for the safe and precise removal of dangerous skin cells. During a MOHS surgery in Willow Grove, PA our precision excision technique removes the affected skin cells and a tiny margin of healthy tissue around the site to ensure a comprehensive removal has been performed. 

Unlike traditional skin excisions that may overlook cancerous tissue around the perimeter, our microscope-guided process actively investigates if there are any remaining cancerous cells in the healthy surrounding tissue. All of the cancerous tissue is removed in one procedure, resulting in a cancer-free treatment verified by the best dermatologist in Philadelphia.

After discovering that your irritated skin is melanoma, feeling anxious, nervous, or worried about the future is completely normal. We know how stressful that news can be, and when you partner with our dermatologist for skin cancer in Bucks County, you’ll discover a deeper level of care and a commitment to solving your problem with proven solutions.

Treating you with compassion, evidence-based procedures, and healing your skin with long-term risk reduction is our promise to you. By utilizing the latest advancements in dermatology for improved outcomes and lower rates of recurrence, we effectively target problematic cells while simultaneously preventing damage to the healthy skin nearby.

The First Phases of Melanoma Diagnosis

The key to our effective melanoma treatments begins with excellent diagnostics and laboratory analysis. During our comprehensive skin evaluations, we establish a clear picture of your skin’s underlying structures and identify exactly where the problem cells are. Using numbing creams and anesthetic medications for a virtually pain-free process, we then acquire small skin samples to verify a detailed skin analysis.

Once we have prepared a detailed diagnosis for your skin, we will help you compare the best treatment options available to you. Whichever treatment option we agree upon, you can expect our knowledgeable team to clearly explain the diagnosis and provide you with the resources you need to make a confident treatment decision.

We Help You Compare the Best Treatments

Before moving forward with the best treatment options, we organize a detailed plan of action specific to your case. Our thorough evaluation techniques result in highly specific treatments while enabling our dermatologists to minimize damage to the surrounding tissue.

For superficial or minimal thickness melanomas, surgical removal of the growth and a small margin of surrounding tissue is our primary treatment option. Our highly advanced techniques, such as MOHS surgical intervention, target the problematic cells with an unparalleled level of precision. Our number one goal is to preserve your skin’s health and minimize scarring, and thanks to our microscopic margin control, you can expect our careful removals to result in less noticeable scarring and a shorter recovery process. 

Get In Touch To Learn More

We understand that every melanoma treatment in Southampton, PA requires a personalized approach to care. When you trust in our experienced dermatologists to improve your outcomes, you can expect compassionate dedication from your first visit to the very last follow-up appointment. Your recovery is our number one priority; please get in touch with our caring dermatologists to learn more about our effective melanoma treatments today. 

From minor skin irritation to suspicious bumps or patches, you may have a lot on your mind as you browse the seemingly endless treatment and relief options. If you’re concerned about a new spot, have uncomfortable skin symptoms, or worry that your condition may be something more serious, don’t wait to get in touch with a dermatologist. Most common skin conditions are non-life threatening and treatable, but seeking responsive treatment is always a smart decision.  Before scheduling that appointment, here are some common patient concerns that an experienced dermatologist will help to address. 

1. What Does a Typical Skin Examination Involve? 

Most skin conditions can be accurately diagnosed with a visual inspection from a dermatologist. In most modern dermatology offices, they utilize a handheld skin microscope to identify any abnormalities and properly categorize the issue. If the dermatologist decides that they would like to investigate your skin condition further, your provider may take a very small skin sample for further analysis. Thanks to numbing creams and anesthetic medicines, even if you need to give a skin sample, you will hardly feel a thing. 

 2. Are Dermatology Treatments Painful? 

Many dermatology treatments are 100% pain-free. Most of our treatments involve topical treatments like medicated creams, utilize light therapy, or are minimally invasive with simple procedures that can be done on the same day. Even for patients that require more extensive treatments, we focus on two major components of treatment; improve our patients’ skin health with gentle, evidence-based practices and reduce healing time by targeting problematic areas of skin with precision techniques that preserve the surrounding tissue. 

3. What is Dermatology Treatment Recovery Like? 

Since our skin treatments are gentle and minimally invasive, most of our patients can return to normal activity the same day or the day after treatment. Of course, the length of recovery depends on the service you need, but even with our minimally invasive surgical procedures, recovery is generally very fast and tolerable. With treatments like phototherapy and topical skin care, you can expect a recovery-free process. 

4. Are Dermatology Appointments Covered by Insurance? 

Yes, most group plans and private insurance plans include coverage for dermatologists. Make sure that you double-check your insurance information to verify that dermatology is included in your list of covered specialties. Our dermatologist in Willow Grow, PA accepts many insurance providers, with services like skin screenings/diagnostics, surgical interventions, and prescriptions fully or partially covered by your insurance company. Depending on your insurance plan, certain cosmetic services like fine-line reduction or botox treatments may not be covered under your plan. 

5. How Accessible is My Dermatologist? 

When you reach out to us for family dermatology in Doylestown, PA, you can expect a comprehensive level of support from your first call to the last follow-up appointment. We are focused on clear communication and helpful guidance every step of the way, and even offer our clients virtual telehealth appointments for unparalleled access to our caring dermatologists at any time. 

The health of your skin is a priority, and thanks to advances in telemedicine, it’s easier than ever to receive the quality health care you deserve from the comfort of home. From new patches of skin that are bothering you, to long-term treatments and health guidance whenever it’s most convenient, taking advantage of telehealth services is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re doing the best that you can to take care of your skin. Before logging on for your visit with the dermatologist, here are some tips to prepare you to make the most of your virtual visit. 

Find a Quiet Space

Whether you’re calling about a rosacea treatment in Southampton, PA, or you need guidance on the latest changes in your health status, designate a space in your home that allows for clear communication with your provider. If you can, schedule the telehealth visit at a time when others are gone and distractions are at a minimum. This time is about you and your skin, and a quiet place to communicate will make it easier for the doctors to assist you. 

Bright Lighting Backed by a Quality Camera

With virtual dermatology appointments, the more the doctor can see you, the better the diagnostics and guidance will be. Many dermatology issues look very similar, so use your best camera, set up a clear background, and ensure that there is ample lighting to help the doctor see the smaller details of your skin. 

While setting up your camera, it’s best to have the light shining directly at you from behind the camera. You want to avoid aiming the camera at windows or interior lights; this will prevent glare and allow your provider to view the skin with a clearer definition.

The space should also be large enough for you to move around and show your doctor the areas of concern from multiple angles. Ideally, you can find a private space that makes the visit as comfortable as possible, while making it easier for the doctor to see everything that they need to. 

Set an Appointment Reminder

The best dermatologist in the Philadelphia area can only help you if you log in on time! Set a calendar alarm on your phone, place a note on the fridge, or ask a family member to remind you about your appointment if you have a habit of missing important events! 

Be sure to wear appropriate attire that makes it easy to expose only the areas you want to expose. Your privacy is a priority for our providers, and we do our best to make every telehealth appointment as comfortable and respectful as possible. You can easily schedule visits regularly, or set up a one-time appointment if you ever have any concerns about your health, want to learn about effective treatment options, or have any other questions about our extensive dermatology diagnostics, treatments, and ongoing care. 

Actinic keratoses, also known as “solar keratosis or AKs”, can develop from excess UV exposure from both natural sun exposure or tanning beds. The resulting UV skin damage commonly appears on the face, neck, forearms, and any other regularly exposed areas of the skin. Since actinic keratoses can appear on the skin in many different colors, sizes, and shapes, accurate identification from a licensed dermatologist is essential if you have any new skin concerns.

How to Identify Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratosis may be impacting your skin’s health if you notice any rough, scaly, or dry areas of skin with a raised texture. AKs may be red, tan, white, pink, or a combination of colors. These discolorations and texture abnormalities are usually small sections of skin, but depending on the severity of the skin damage, AKs can form larger patches that are noticeably different from the surrounding skin. 

Why is it Important to Identify Actinic Keratoses? 

While most cases of AK are not cancerous, any form of excess UV exposure increases your risk for skin cancer. If left untreated, anywhere from 1-10% of AKs can eventually mutate into squamous cell carcinoma. Generally, the dermatologist’s recommendation is to treat or remove the damaged tissue as soon as possible, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer, have underlying conditions, or present with other high-risk factors like increased age, lighter skin tone, or immune weakness. 

Cryosurgery is a Safe & Effective Treatment Option

Fortunately, there are several safe and effective treatment options for managing actinic keratosis. Unlike topical treatments that can lead to unsightly inflammation and redness, cryosurgery is commonly utilized for its effectiveness, shortened healing times, and overall long-term benefits. Using a targeted liquid nitrogen treatment to neutralize the damaged skin cells, cryosurgery is a reliable preventative treatment option that greatly reduces your risk of developing skin cancer.

After freezing the problematic cells with cryosurgery, most cases of AK are fully treated and cured. As the at-risk cells die and slough off, healthy skin grows back in its place. This proven technique is the most common AK treatment option for good reason; since the specific area is carefully targeted, patients benefit from minimal scarring, appointments are fast and easy, and there are fewer side-effects than other less effective treatments. 

Discuss the Best Treatment Options With a Licensed Dermatologist

If you notice any new rough, raised, or discolored patches of skin, don’t wait to seek a professional dermatologist diagnosis. The skin specialists at Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists have years of experience diagnosing, treating, and providing thorough follow-up skin examinations. Almost every type of skin condition can be safely treated, and with the proven diagnosis and treatment options, you can expect to experience improved skin health, personalized guidance, and lasting peace of mind. 

If you’d like to learn more about cryosurgery and why it’s so effective, get in touch with our board-certified dermatologists to learn more. As one of the best Dermatologists in Bucks County, PA, we offer flexible appointments, affordable services, and are committed to verified solutions that promote long-term skin health.