We offer a wide range of services. Whether you seek general skin care or treatment for a specific disease or disorder, we can help.
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Acne
At the Dermatology Center of Lake Orion, we take the patients’ concern about acne very seriously. We offer a “hands on approach” to acne with many treatments available, not just topical and/or oral medications. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. It involves not only the face but can also occur on the back, chest, neck, shoulders, upper arms and buttocks. There are many myths about acne. Myth: You have to let acne run its course. Truths:
Truths:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system resulting in red, itchy, flaky patches known as plaques. Experts believe that psoriasis occurs when the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation and flaking of skin. In some cases, psoriasis runs in families. In some people, psoriasis causes joints to become swollen, painful, and tender. This is known as psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis can also cause pitting, discoloration, and separation of the nails on the hands and feet. Although topical treatments, such as creams, ointments, gels, and foam are usually the first line of treatment, there are many new treatments available. Biologics are medications given by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion. The biologics used to treat psoriasis block the action of a specific type of immune cell called a T cell, or block proteins in the immune system. Many different choices exist, and the frequency of injections or infusions varies. Another treatment option is Otezla® which comes in a pill form. Otezla® can be a good choice for patients who have other chronic health issues. At the Dermatology Center of Lake Orion, our professionals will discuss all the latest treatments available and choose the best one for you and your psoriasis. Dry Skin
As we age, our skin becomes drier. This can result in flaky and itchy skin, especially in cold, dry, windy climates. Mild cases of dry skin can be managed with moisturizer used immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp. Oils added to the bath water can cause the tub to be dangerously slippery and should be avoided. Many moisturizers contain chemicals such as urea, hydroxy acids, lactic acid or ammonium lactate to reduce scaling and to help the skin hold water. Some of these chemicals can irritate the skin and your dermatologist can help you decide which is best for you. Bathing less often, using mild soaps or a soap substitute, or soaking in a tub of warm water without soap can help relieve dry skin. Hot water is more irritating to dry skin than warm water. After bathing and drying off, a moisturizer should be applied immediately to seal in moisture. If dry skin continues to be a problem, consult your dermatologist. Severe flaky, itchy and cracked skin may be a sign of a more serious skin condition. Skin Lesions
Skin growths and pigment spots become more common as we age. They may range from harmless liver spots (age spots) to skin cancers that require treatment. Most are caused by years of sun exposure. Liver Spots (Age Spots)
These flat, brown areas are called lentigines. They have nothing to do with the liver – they are caused by the sun and usually appear on the face, hands, back and feet. They are generally harmless. They may look like melanoma and therefore may require evaluation. Commercial “fade” creams will not make lentigines disappear, but effective prescription medications and surgical resurfacing treatments are available. Skin Cancer and Actinic Keratosis (AK)
Among the most common skin growths are red or brown scaly spots called actinic keratoses. If ignored, they may become skin cancers that must be removed. In the early stages, they can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, applying a chemotherapy cream or by skin resurfacing. Actinic Keratosis are scaly, crusty growths caused by sun damage. They typically occur on sun-exposed areas such as the face, bald scalp, lips and back of the hands. They are often elevated and may resemble warts. If left untreated, up to ten percent of AKs develop into squamous cell carcinomas. Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) are the most common form of skin cancer. They often look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars and are usually caused by a combination of cumulative and intense, occasional sun exposure. They may bleed and/or form an ulcer. Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) are the second most common form of skin cancer. They look like scaly red patches, open sores, elevated growths with a central depression, or warts. They may crust or bleed. They may occur on all areas of the body including the mucous membranes and genitals, but are most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the rim of the ear, lower lip, face, balding scalp, neck, hands, arms and legs. Melanoma is the third most common and the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanomas often resemble moles; some develop from moles. The majority of melanomas are black or brown, but they can be skin-colored, pink, purple, blue or white. Melanoma is caused by intense, occasional UV exposure (often leading to sunburn), especially in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease. Any change in an existing mole or the rapid appearance of a new mole could be a sign of melanoma and should be examined immediately by a dermatologist. Once melanoma spreads to other organs, it can be fatal. While basal cell and other skin cancers are almost always curable when detected early; it is best to prevent them in the first place. Some easy tips to follow:
At the Dermatology Center of Lake Orion, we believe that the best treatment is prevention. Schedule an appointment today to receive a full body check to detect suspicious moles or skin cancers early. We recommend a baseline body check at the age of 40, but earlier if you have a family history of skin cancer or if you are aware of any unusual marks or growths on your body. Seborrheic Keratoses
These brown or black raised spots or wart-like growths look like they were stuck on the skin surface. They are not cancerous and are very common in older people. If annoying, they can be removed easily by a dermatologist. 
Varicose Veins
These are enlarged leg veins that appear blue and bulging. The veins become twisted and swollen when blood returning to the heart against gravity flows back into the veins through a faulty valve. This condition is seldom dangerous. The aching associated with varicose veins can be eased by avoiding standing for long periods, by keeping feet elevated when sitting or lying down, and by wearing support hose or elastic bandages. More severe cases can be treated with surgery. Injections may remove smaller varicose veins and spider veins. We offer injection scerotherapy with a solution that has been FDA approved since 1946 for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose Ulcers
A backflow of blood (reflux) in the veins may lead to sustained high pressure and can cause ulcers called varicose ulcers. When a crack or cut occurs in the skin of the leg, it may fail to heal because of poor blood flow. The injury can develop into an ulcer or shallow wound that may contain pus and become infected. The ulcers may last for months and even years. Special dressings and careful management of the wound may speed healing. Varicose ulcers often develop at the ankles. They may be accompanied by swelling and red, itchy, scaly skin around the ulcer. Another cause of ulcers on the legs is poor blood flow in the arteries. This condition is associated with smoking and with medical disorders such as arteriosclerosis and hypertension. There are many other causes of ulcers. If you have an ulcer, see your dermatologist. Bruising (Purpura)
These are “black and blue” marks or bruises, particularly on the arms and legs. They are usually a result of the skin becoming thinner with age and sun damage. Loss of fat and connective tissue weakens the support around the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to injury. If you put pressure on the area immediately after a bump, sometimes you can prevent the bruise. Bruising sometimes is caused by medications that interfere with blood clotting and by certain internal diseases. Bruising, especially in areas always covered by clothing, should be evaluated by your dermatologist. Itching
A very common problem is itching. Although often associated with dry skin, itching also has other causes. Mature skin appears to be more sensitive to fabric preservatives, wool, plastics, detergents, bleaches, soaps and other irritants. Cold, low-humidity days may also make the skin itchy. Identifying the cause is important. Prolonged itching may lead to lack of sleep and fatigue. Your dermatologist can offer some medical remedies for itching, and can perform tests to detect internal disorders. Shingles / Herpes Zoster
Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Early symptoms are localized pain, headache or fatigue. Shingles can affect people of all ages, but it is more common (and painful) in older adults. The virus attacks a nerve root and follows the course of that nerve causing a line of painful blisters on the scalp, face, trunk or extremities. The disease usually affects one side of the body and can last for several weeks. Anti-viral medication can reduce the severity of the attack and reduce the chance of lingering pain afterwards (post-herpetic neuralgia). Shingles can become serious and cause complications, especially if the condition appears near the eyes. A dermatologist should be contacted immediately if it is suspected, as treatments are most effective if started within three days of onset. |
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Feel free to download our brochures for additional information about some skin products.