Santa Barbara Skin Care is equipped to handle both medical and cosmetic aspects of dermatology. We provides Mohs skin cancer treatment, mole checks and cancer screening, and procedures designed to improve a range of skin conditions, including acne and rosacea. Read on to learn more about the medical dermatology services offered to treat all types of skin diseases and conditions.
* Treatment of skin, hair and nail disorder of all ages
* Eczema
* Warts
* Rosacea
* Hair Loss
* Skin Cancer Screening
* Psoriasis
* Skin Cancer treatment (including Mohs Micrographic Surgery)
* Acne (including Blu Light Treatment)
* Sclerotherapy
Treatment of skin, hair and nail disorder of all ages
Eczema/Dermatitis
There is a range of specific conditions that fall under the classification of eczema or dermatitis. Common forms include seborrheic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and atopic eczema. All forms of dermatitis involve inflamed, itchy skin and may appear red, brownish, scaly, bumpy, or oozing. A dermatologist can provide prescription skin treatments to help reduce the symptoms and manage the condition.
Warts
Typically appearing as raised, skin-colored bumps, warts are caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus, or HPV. There are several types of warts that can appear on different areas of the body and in different forms. They are more common in areas where skin has been broken, especially the hands and fingers of children. Although not generally harmful, many types of warts can be painful or bothersome. Treatment by a dermatologist can help remove the existing wart, but will not necessarily prevent the development of new warts, as the virus itself cannot be treated.
Rosacea
A relatively common condition resulting in facial redness, flushing and bumps, rosacea is generally seen in fair-skinned people between the ages of 30 and 50, even though it can occur at any age. It may begin as a tendency to blush easily, but as the condition advances, the redness intensifies and small pimples or blood vessels appear in the skin. Without treatment, rosacea will steadily worsen and rarely clears up on its own. Dr. Novatt uses topical medications and offers the Obagi Rosaclear System available exclusively at his practice.
www.obagi.com
Hair Loss
Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp and can be the result of heredity, certain medications or an underlying medical condition. Anyone — men, women and children — can experience hair loss.. Some people prefer to let their baldness run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the medications and surgical procedures that are available to treat hair loss. Before pursuing any of these treatment options, talk with your dermatologist about the cause of and best possible treatments for your hair loss.
Skin Cancer Screening
Did you know that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer? Being sun smart and checking your skin once a month for suspicious moles or spots is one of the best ways to skin healthy and cancer free. At least once a year, a person should have a clinical skin exam, it is best to have this done by a Board Certified Dermatologist or a well trained non-physician such as a physician assistant under the guidance of a dermatologist. A clinical skin exam is a complete visual exam of the skin from head to toe. Contact our practice to find out how you can obtain a free Skin Cancer Screening examination.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) is a non-contagious, chronic medical condition that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly. Faulty signals in the immune system cause new skin cells to form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin cells, so the cells pile up on the surface of the skin and lesions form. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, even severe cases can be managed by a medical dermatology specialist. Treatment may involve topical medication (applied to the affected area of skin), systemic medication (taken internally through pills or injection), or specialized light treatments.
Skin Cancer (Mohs) Surgery
As the most serious of all dermatological conditions, skin cancer can take many forms. Fortunately, the most common varieties are also the most treatable, but it is vital to detect cancerous lesions in their early stages in order to remove them before the cancer is able to spread. Our physicians use a variety of treatments, cryosurgery or medical therapy using creams. As a rule, a dermatologist should evaluate any skin growth or mark that appears suddenly or changes in appearance and has irregular edges or uneven color. Preventing damage to the skin through proper sun protection is very important. Wearing a hat, using a good-quality sunscreen, and seeking shade while outdoors, can significantly reduce the risk of developing most types of skin cancer. Learn more about the identification and treatment of skin cancer.
www.aad.org/public/exams/abcde.html
About Mohs Surgery
Named for its pioneer, Dr. Frederic Mohs, this technique of removing skin cancer is better termed "microscopically controlled excision,”or Mohs Surgery, this procedure has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, with a cure rate of up to 99% for certain tumors. Due to the fact that the Mohs procedure is micrographically controlled, it provides the most precise method for removal of the cancerous tissue, while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue. For this reason, Mohs surgery may result in a significantly smaller surgical defect and less noticeable scarring, as compared to other methods of skin cancer treatment. The Mohs procedure is recommended for large basal cell carcinomas, skin cancer removal in anatomic areas where maximum preservation of healthy tissue is desirable for cosmetic and functional purposes. It may also be indicated for lesions that have recurred following prior treatment, or for lesions which have the greatest likelihood of recurrence. the Mohs surgeon sometimes works with a plastic (reconstructive) surgeon to achieve the best possible postsurgical appearance.
Acne (including Blu Light Treatment)
Acne is the development of raised, reddened bumps or pustules on the surface of the skin, caused by the clogging of pores. Common during the teen years, acne is primarily a genetic condition and will usually clear up over time. However, severe cases of acne can have serious cosmetic consequences, both during a breakout and after, since acne often causes scarring. At our practice we offer a wide range of effective treatment for acne, including (Accutane), Isotretinoin, Intense Pulse Light, Photo dynamic Therapy.
www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne.html