General Dermatology

Acne-Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin. It can occur in people of all ages and can be caused by many factors. Each acne patient has his or her own set of causes, flares, and successful treatments. At DLA we have access to all forms of treatment including traditional medical treatments, chemical peels, lasers, photodynamic therapy, and microdermabrasion.

Rosacea-Rosacea is an inflammatory disease of the skin. Rosacea, similar to acne, can be treated with medicines, but the redness, flushing, and blood vessels of rosacea require laser treatments. The pulsed dye laser has been the laser of choice for years to treat these symptoms, and the more recent development of intense pulsed light (photofacials) also reduces flushing.

Actinic keratoses-these are flaky sunspots that have to potential to become skin cancer. The treatment of these precancerous skin lesions ranges from liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) to chemical peels and advanced photodynamic therapy for field treatment of sun damage and precancerous skin.

Sun Damage Reversal-link to cosmetic procedures power point presentation

Warts-Warts are caused by a virus and are contagious by touch. The typical therapy for them is liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy). Other treatments available are injections of Candida antigen or bleomycin and other topical therapies such as imiquimod. Dr. Sawyer, during her residency, was involved in research that made new ground in the treatment of warts.

Melasma- Melasma is a specific hyperpigmentation that is most commonly seen in women of child-bearing age. Bleaching agents alone can only be helpful if sun is completely avoided. This is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain, and it usually requires some type of cosmetic procedure to lighten melasma to a maintenance point. DLA offers all the current treatments available for treatment of melasma and Dr. Sawyer has experience treating resistant cases.

Dermatitis-This is a very non-specific name for multiple types of inflammatory skin conditions. Seborrheic, contact, asteatotic, eyelid, and atopic are all types of dermatitis. Steroid creams are the most common treatments for dermatitis, but lifestyle changes and an understanding of the cause is also necessary. Also, steroid creams cannot be used long term in all situations so non-steroidal therapy must be pursued in these cases.

At DLA we can help you sort through the medicines and information you need.