Hodge Dermatology

Scleroderma

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About Scleroderma

What is it?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the skin, characterized by fibrosis of the skin. In other words, the disease causes hardening, thickening, and scarring of the skin’s connective tissues. Although it’s often localized to specific parts of the body, it can also be widespread, causing systemic issues that affect internal tissues and organs, including the esophagus, blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, heart, and GI tract. Even if scleroderma is restricted to a smaller area of your body and/or doesn’t impact you internally, it can still be troublesome, as the skin on your face, fingers, neck, and feet become swollen, tender, inflamed, and/or hardened as well as experience a decreased range of motion.

What causes it?

Unfortunately, there are no clear causes of this condition, although there is evidence that genetics and the environment contribute substantially to its development.

Common treatments

Due to the complicated nature of scleroderma as well as the uncertainty of what causes it, treatment is customized on a case-by-case basis and may involve various options, as a single medication or treatment may not be completely effective. For example, you may have a mild, localized case that does not require treatment. On the other hand, someone else may have a severe, relentless case that involves multiple options, each addressing a single of the various symptoms that manifest. For the experts at our dermatology center, the ultimate goal is the management of the conditions.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that a complicated, often systemic skin condition like scleroderma can have an adverse impact on you, both physically and emotionally. As your neighborhood skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement, support, and answers to your questions about this challenging condition. Our trained, knowledgeable dermatologic experts have the experience to help you manage scleroderma with treatment options tailored to suit your needs and goals. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate advice and support.
Contact an office today if you notice scleroderma symptoms so that we can help you find a customized solution.

Nail Disorders

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About Nail Disorders

What are they?

Most nail disorders are characterized as fungal infections, also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium, and both toenails and fingernails are vulnerable. About 1 in 10 Americans are affected, and you’re at a higher risk of developing these infections the older you are. Symptoms can vary, but typically include nail pain or soreness, thickened nails, a distorted appearance, nail darkening, yellowish streaks, separation of nails from the nail bed, brittleness, or even foul smells.

What causes them?

Several different fungi can lead to a nail disorder, as the pathogens enter the skin through very tiny openings between the nail and nail bed. If the surrounding area is warm, moist, and unventilated, the fungi propagate quickly. Other contributing factors for nail disorders include family history, walking barefoot in public areas, or profuse sweating. Even poor health can contribute to the development of these conditions, as diabetes and poor circulation are known triggers.

Common treatments

If you suspect you have a nail disorder or infection, be sure to see a professional dermatologist, as he or she can perform a nail scrape for quick results. A dermatologist can also help differentiate between nail disorders and other conditions with similar symptoms (like yellow nail syndrome). There are multiple treatments for nail disorders, including over-the-counter (OTC) oral anti-fungal medications and topical OTC anti-fungal medications are also available. An effective solution offered by our dermatologists is laser nail treatment, which treats the infection or disorder completely and almost painlessly. In other, more extreme cases, complete removal of the nail may be necessary.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize that nail disorders can be unpleasant and sometimes even painful, which is why we’re here to ease your concerns about how to address this particular issue. Our trained, experienced dermatologic specialists offer treatment options that can be customized the way you want, and you will always have a say in any treatment you receive. We’ll be by your side throughout your journey, from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare, to ensure that you’re receiving the best dermatology care possible.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact an office today if you notice symptoms of a nail disorder that you believe needs attention, and we’ll help you manage it in a way that suits you best.

Melasma

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About Melasma

What is it?

Melasma is the development of gray or brown patches on the skin, usually in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. Although this includes your arms and neck, it is more common on the face, especially the cheeks, chin, forehead, bridge of the nose, and under the eyes. Melasma usually develops symmetrically, meaning that the blotches of discoloration are even on either side of the face. As the condition commonly develops during pregnancy, it’s often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. Additionally, it’s estimated that as much as 90 percent of all melasma cases occur in women.

What causes it?

Researchers and dermatologists have varying ideas about the causes of melasma, but there is no clear consensus. However, there are risk factors that could make you more susceptible to these conditions, some of which include the following: sun (UV) exposure, genetics, hormones (e.g., such as during pregnancy), stress, irregular thyroid function, and certain cosmetics and skin care products. Ethnicity is thought to play a major role, as well. If you’re lighter-skinned, you’re less susceptible than individuals with darker skin. If you’re of the following ethnicities, you may be more susceptible to melasma: African/African-American, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, Latin American, or Hispanic.

Common treatments

We have effective treatments tailored to your needs and goals, and you’ll always be a part of the decision-making process. We’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support. When it comes to melasma treatment, there are a variety of effective methods utilized by our expert dermatologists. Some of these treatments include topical creams or ointments, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that patches of skin discoloration, especially a condition called melasma, can be troublesome to both your appearance and self-esteem. As your knowledgeable community skin specialists, we’re here to help you manage this condition. If you suffer from melasma, you can turn to us for support in managing this issue, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support.

Athlete’s Foot

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About Athlete’s Foot

What is it?

Known medically as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is an inflammatory skin condition caused by a fungal infection. It affects both the sole of the foot and the skin between your toes and is not restricted to athletes, as anyone can contract it. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include skin that’s burning, red and inflamed, scaly and raw, itchy and dry, and blistered and cracked. However, it’s possible to have athlete’s foot and have no symptoms at all.

What causes it?

There is no single cause for athlete’s foot, and a variety of risk factors can contribute to the condition, as the fungus thrives in warm, moist, and unventilated areas like damp, sweaty shoes and socks. It can spread directly from contact with someone who has the condition and from contaminated socks and/or clothing. Also, walking barefoot in communal areas where others with athlete’s foot have been is another common way to contract the infection. These areas include gyms, swimming pools, locker rooms, public showers, and nail salons.

Common treatments?

If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, you should see your favorite neighborhood dermatologist for an evaluation. Several treatment options are available to you, such as foot-drying powders, antiperspirants, topical antifungal medications (e.g., ones with miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate), and oral antifungal medications with terbinafine, fluconazole, or itraconazole.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand the painful itching that athlete’s foot causes can be unpleasant. As your neighborhood skin experts, we’re here to ease your concerns by providing answers to your questions s about how to address this skin condition. Our experienced dermatologic specialists offer solutions customized to suit your needs and goals. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you deal with this issue.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have symptoms of athlete’s foot and we’ll develop a treatment plant that suits your unique needs.

Laser Hair Removal

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About Laser Hair Removal

What is it?

We know that you may have excess hair growth that you’re self-conscious about. If you’re interested in clearing your skin of unwanted patches of hair, we have a range of treatment options that give you softer, smoother skin that mere shaving does not provide, including laser hair removal. This procedure is effective for all parts of your body, particularly the legs, arms, hands, underarms, face (eyebrows, lips, chin), ears, neck, chest, stomach, bikini area, and back.

What to expect?

Laser hair removal entails the use of a laser to target the pigment at the root of a hair follicle during the growth cycle of an individual hair. The pigment absorbs the laser energy, which prevents the follicle from growing, and eventually removes hair permanently. It is an ideal treatment to remove hair because the concentrated energy of the laser penetrates the skin and can remove a large swath of hair with a single pulse without causing damage to the surrounding area. The end result is silky smooth skin and renewed self-confidence.

After the procedure

The number of laser hair removal sessions you undergo depends on your aesthetic goals as well as how much hair you want to be removed. In any case, results from laser hair removal are noticeable after just 1-2 sessions, and although there is the potential for side effects (such as swollen or inflamed skin), these usually clear up within 2-3 days after the procedure. In 3-4 weeks, you should have clear, smooth, silky skin.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our practices are unique because we focus on you as a person. Our neighborhood practitioners are here to answer questions and address post-treatment concerns. You can lean on us for compassionate support and advice.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us for more information about how laser hair removal could be the ideal solution for removing unwanted excess hair.

IPL Photofacial

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About IPL Photofacial

What is it?

We know the impact of spending many years in the sun. Excessive sun exposure can result in a variety of skin issues that make you look older than you are or feel, which can cause a loss of self-confidence about your appearance. However, we have a variety of treatments to improve both your appearance and self-confidence. One procedure that does this safely and effectively is an IPL Photofacial.
An IPL photofacial, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a broad-band source of light used for photorejuvenation to improve a variety of skin conditions. It’s a simple 10-30 minute process (depending on the areas being treated), that is both non-invasive and effective.
Although termed a photofacial, IPL treatment is effective for the face as well as other parts of the body, including your:
  • Hands
  • Arms
  • Neck
  • Chest
An IPL Photofacial is gentle enough for results that make your skin look refreshed and rejuvenated. Specifically, it does the following:
  • Reduces pigmented spots
  • Minimizes facial wrinkles and fine lines
  • Shrinks pores
  • Eliminates spider veins
  • Improves skin redness and flushing
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Smooths skin texture

The overall result of an IPL treatment is firmer, brighter, more resilient skin.

What to expect

An IPL photofacial requires almost no downtime and results can be seen within a few days post-treatment. While there are minimal side effects with an IPL treatment, some patients may experience swelling, redness, tenderness, and discomfort, but this should resolve in 1-2 days. Dark spots may crust up with a coffee grounds appearance. However, these will gently exfoliate from the skin surface over 4-7 days.

After the procedure

Immediately after an IPL photofacial, you can expect some skin redness, though this usually subsides within the first week. Patients can expect to see full results a month after their last IPL treatment.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our skilled experts have the experience and knowledge to perform an IPL Photofacial that is customized to meet your individual aesthetic goals.
What distinguishes us from others is that we focus on you as a person. Our caring community staff is here to answer your questions and address your concerns regarding treatment. You can depend on us for compassionate support throughout the process.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us to know more about how an IPL Photofacial could be the ideal solution for smoother, more attractive skin.

Dermal Fillers

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About Dermal Fillers

What are they?

Dermal fillers are substances injected just below the skin to help restore a more youthful appearance. A natural substance like hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in most dermal fillers because it easily synthesizes with your skin and body. Hyaluronic acid binds to the body’s natural moisture reserves for a natural-looking improvement to your appearance.

What to expect

Our practice is happy to provide both the Juvéderm and Restylane line of dermal fillers. The Juvéderm line includes Juvéderm XC (to reduce lines around your nose and mouth), Vollure XC (to minimize deep nasolabial lines), Volbella XC (to improve fine lip lines), and Voluma XC (to enhance and volumize cheeks). Meanwhile, Restylane is used to soften nasolabial folds and lip lines, while Restylane Defyne treats sturdy support deep facial lines and Restylane Refyne treats of moderate facial lines and creases. Regardless of the dermal filler used, the treatment is quick, pain-free, and results in no downtime.

After the procedure

Depending on your specific treatment area, dermal fillers can provide you with the following benefits: diminished frown lines between the eyes, reduced smile lines around the nose and mouth, enhanced shallow lines around the lips, plump lips, volumized cheeks, and a reduction of wrinkles and facial creases. Overall, your skin becomes firmer and more resilient because the fillers help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, important elements in your skin that help you look youthful.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We realize that the effects of aging can impact your appearance and cause a loss of self-confidence, especially if you look older than you feel. We’re here to provide support and to offer a variety of treatment options to reduce the effects of aging and help rejuvenate your appearance. What distinguishes us from others is our focus on you as a person in customizing your unique treatment plan. Our caring neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and offer compassionate support, and our practitioners have the experience and skill to rejuvenate your appearance the way you want.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us to find out more about how we can tailor dermal fillers to meet your aesthetic goals.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

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About Laser Skin Resurfacing

What is it?

Laser skin resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation procedure that gently removes the top layers of your skin, allowing for the newer, fresher layers underneath to rise to the surface. This stimulates the production of new collagen, which leads to reduced superficial blemishes, diminished wrinkles (such as deep frown lines or laugh lines), smoother skin texture, improved pigmentation, and the reduction of scars from acne or chicken pox.

What to expect

Our dermatology experts have the experience and training to perform laser skin resurfacing that matches your aesthetic goals and rejuvenates your overall appearance. Our practitioners carefully and skillfully pass the laser over the targeted areas of your skin in a precise, uniform pattern to deliver customized results that leave you looking refreshed and glowing. Laser skin resurfacing can be done with one of a variety of lasers, all of which are safe and effective for use on many areas of your body, including the eyelids, forehead, nose, mouth, neck, décolleté , and hands.

After the procedure

After you undergo laser skin resurfacing, it typically takes 1-2 weeks to fully heal, but it is important that you follow an aftercare routine that includes applying healing ointment to expedite your healing. If you properly follow aftercare instructions, the procedure will allow for your body’s natural healing properties to flourish, making your appearance look healthy, natural, and rejuvenated.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that wrinkles and skin discoloration can impact your appearance, causing you to become self-conscious about your appearance. We’re here to provide empathy and support as well as treatment options to improve your appearance and help you reach your aesthetic goals. Our focus on you as a person is what distinguishes us from others. Our caring neighborhood staff does not offer cookie-cutter solutions, and we’re always here to answer your questions and address any concerns you have. You can rely on us as an integral part of your support throughout the process.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about how laser skin resurfacing could be the ideal way to rejuvenate your appearance.

Excessive Perspiration

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About Excessive Perspiration

What is it?

Perspiration is a temperature-regulating mechanism that allows your body to cool, but when it happens excessively and for no reason, it’s called hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by relentless perspiration, typically on the hands and feet as well as under your arms. If left untreated, excessive perspiration can cause painful skin irritation due to the chronic dampness of the skin.

What causes it?

The causes of hyperhidrosis are not fully clear, but it’s believed that genetics plays a role or that it occurs because of an underlying systemic issue. What is certain is that it’s not due to stress; in fact, the condition often causes stress, apprehension, and even anxiety about being in public situations.

Common treatments?

We know it’s not unusual to have excessive perspiration in a nerve-wracking social or professional situation. However, if you suffer from this condition all day every day even when there is no clear cause, it’s possible that you have hyperhidrosis. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to help you treat this condition, regardless of where it’s occurring in your body. Some of these treatments include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis (a device that prevents sweat production), prescription oral medications, Botox (yes, Botox!), and miraDry (a treatment that hinders sweat production).

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have excessive perspiration so that we can help you deal with this often embarrassing condition.

Brown Age Spots (Sunspots)

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About Brown Age Spots (Sunspots)

What is it?

Also known as liver spots or sunspots, brown age spots are not always uniform; they can be tan or black, can differ in size and shape, and usually appear on areas commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. Although normally a cosmetic issue, brown age spots can develop into a medical issue if the spots rapidly enlarge, bleed, or change into unusual colors. If you notice these, please see your neighborhood board-certified dermatologist immediately.

What causes it?

Brown age spots are primarily caused by years of exposure to the UV rays of the sun (or to those of indoor tanning), which is why you may associate them with aging; however, brown spots can develop in younger people, as well. To be more specific, the spots result when the UV rays cause the buildup or clumping together of melanin in a localized area. Although brown spots can develop on any skin color, if you have light skin, you’re more susceptible. This is also the case if you have a history of sunburns or have spent a lot of time in the sun during your life.

Common treatments?

We understand that aging and years of fun in the sun can bring about changes in your skin, particularly brown age spots (or sunspots), which can have an effect on your self-esteem. As your community skin experts, we’re here to offer encouragement, answer questions, and provide solutions regarding this issue. Our skin experts offer a variety of treatments for liver spots, but they are based on your overall health and aesthetic goals. Options include prescription oral medications, prescription-strength creams, laser treatment, IPL therapy, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, and chemical peels.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our skilled dermatologists have the knowledge and experience to provide treatment options tailored to suit your needs and meet your goals. We’ll be with you throughout the process, providing compassionate advice and support. Your healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice brown age spots so that we can help you look your best.