Fine Lines & Wrinkles - Some wrinkles are “dynamic” and caused by facial movement (like frown lines and crows feet). They are treated, if desired, by neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify. Fine lines caused by sun damage can be prevented the same way sun spots are – regular use of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and protective clothing. They are treated with topical creams, serums, peels, lasers and occasionally hyaluronic acid fillers (for the deeper lines we get as we age).

Dark Spots, Melasma, & Pigmentation - Melasma is the patchy hyperpigmentation that occurs from a combination of hormones and sun exposure. It is most common in women on birth control or in women who are pregnant. Topical creams, peels and occasionally laser treatments can help. Sunscreen and sun avoidance are crucial during and after treatment to maintain results.

Facial Volume - We all develop volume loss and deeper facial lines as we age, and judicious use of hyaluronic acid fillers can help. Sometimes the best option is plastic surgery. Dr. Donnelley will let you know the best way to treat different areas.

Dry Skin - Dry skin is ubiquitous in the winter and chronic for some. It often gets worse as we age. We have many options to address dry, itchy skin. Taking warm, not hot, showers or baths, and using a good moisturizing cream after bathing, can make a big difference. Using a humidifier in your bedroom during the winter months can also be very helpful.

Rosacea - Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that can affect the face, the eyes (grittiness/discomfort), and sometimes the neck and chest. It is characterized by easy flushing and blushing, red cheeks, dilated blood vessels on the face, and often pimple like bumps in the central face.

Actinic Keratoses - AKs are common precancerous growths that are easily treated with liquid nitrogen spray. When patients have many AKs in a given location, we often prescribe chemotherapy creams that are applied for a few weeks.

Seborrheic Keratoses - Seborrheic dermatitis is dandruff of the scalp and/or the face or body. A yeast that we all have on our skin causes inflammation in many people. Redness and flaky skin on the scalp, around and in the ears, between and in the eyebrows, around the nose, and in the creases between the nose and cheeks are common locations of this dermatitis. It can also occur on the chest.

Fungal Infections - Fungal infections are common and can often be treated topically with creams, gels or medicated nail polishes. They sometimes require oral anti-fungal medication.

Freckles and Lentigines - Freckles are temporary brown spots that often fade in the winter (although some are present from childhood and are persistent). Lentigines are brown spots that are permanent. They are both signs of sun damage that are best prevented by daily use of a sunscreen SPF 30+, sun avoidance and sun protective clothing. They can be minimized by laser procedures and peels.

Venous Statis Dermatitis - Skin changes can occur from chronic swelling of the lower legs. These include dry, itchy and inflamed skin and, if not well controlled, even chronic, poorly healing ulcers. Venous stasis dermatitis is greatly helped by wearing compression socks or stockings. We usually manage this in concert with your PCP or vascular doctor, as there can be several causes of swelling in the lower legs, including venous insufficiency, congestive heart failure, etc.

Molluscum Contagiosum - MC is a benign but often disconcerting rash caused by a pox virus, and primarily occurs in children and young adults. The rash can cause crops of small bumps that come and go over 1-2 years. They do not need to be treated, especially in young children, but there are several treatment options available. In young adults, they are frequently transmitted by skin on skin contact during sexual activity.

Shingles - Shingles is a painful reactivation of the chicken pox virus that typically presents with pain and the development of blisters on a swollen base in a specific area of the skin, on one side of the body. It should be evaluated and treated as early as possible in order to prevent chronic pain. Anyone can get it, but it is more common after the age of 50. There are vaccines that can help prevent shingles, and they are recommended for everyone over 50 years old (unless you are immunosuppressed, in which case you should discuss the vaccine with your doctor).

Herpes Infections - Herpes infections are characterized by painful bumps, often on or near the lips, nose, genitals or anus, that become blisters and then crust over as they resolve. These are very common and outbreaks are usually easily prevented or controlled.

Skin Tags - Skin tags are very common, small to large “extra” growths of skin, commonly found on the eyelids, face, neck, underarms, under the breasts and in the groin area. These benign growths can easily be removed with minimal discomfort in several ways.

Drug-Induced Rashes - Drug rashes often appear similar to viral rashes. Occasionally they are serious, and can be associated with systemic symptoms (which require close monitoring and oral medication like prednisone).

Seborrheic Dermatitis - Seborrheic dermatitis is dandruff of the scalp and/or the face or body. A yeast that we all have on our skin causes inflammation in many people. Redness and flaky skin on the scalp, around and in the ears, between and in the eyebrows, around the nose, and in the creases between the nose and cheeks are common locations of this dermatitis. It can also occur on the chest.

Hives - Hives (transient itchy, swollen bumps or patches) can be acute or chronic. They are often treated with antihistamines, but more severe cases can require systemic medication. Often their exact cause is unknown (idiopathic).

Squamos Cell Cancer - SCCs are more aggressive than BCCs. These usually grow quickly and are red and scaly. They can be flat or raised, and can become crusty and bleed. Rarely, they can spread through the body (in about 5% of cases). This is more common in immunosuppressed patients.

Basal Cell Cancer - BCC is the most common form of skin cancer. It rarely spreads through the body and grows very slowly. Sometimes it appears as a pearly pink bump or a shiny pink patch of skin. Sometimes it is sensitive and/or bleeds. BCCs are treated with surgery, and occasionally topical creams. Patients can often have these for years before they become obvious and are biopsied. They can be locally destructive and sometimes disfiguring, so regular skin checks are important.

Melanoma - Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It often resembles an ugly, irregular, mole and can come from a pre-existing mole, but typically shows up de novo on the skin. When caught early the cure rate is high. Unfortunately, it can metastasize. Regular skin checks to screen for this potentially deadly skin cancer are imperative. We will recommend how often you should come, whether we recommend photographs to follow your moles, etc.