Skin and Cancer Associates, Florida

A private dermatology group of 80 dermatologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing at more than 30 locations in Florida.

Brown Age Spots (Sunspots)

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. At Skin and Cancer Associates, your skin is our priority—we’re here to help with all your dermatology needs.

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.

Schedule your appointment today.

Actinic Keratoses

About Actinic Keratoses

What is it?

Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. It’s often found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands.
Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40.
You can reduce your risk of this skin condition by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Left untreated, the risk of actinic keratoses turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is about 5% to 10%.

Signs & Symtoms:

Actinic keratoses vary in appearance. Signs and symptoms include:
  • Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter
  • Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin
  • In some cases, a hard, wartlike surface
  • Color variations, including pink, red or brown
  • Itching, burning, bleeding or crusting
  • New patches or bumps on sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, hands, and forearms

Common Treatments?

  • Freezing (cryotherapy). Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Your doctor applies the substance to the affected skin, which causes blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the damaged cells slough off, allowing new skin to appear. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment. It takes only a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office. Side effects may include blisters, scarring, changes to skin texture, infection, and changes in skin color of the affected area.
  • Scraping (curettage). In this procedure, your doctor uses a device called a curet to scrape off damaged cells. Scraping may be followed by electrosurgery, in which the doctor uses a pencil-shaped instrument to cut and destroy the affected tissue with an electric current. This procedure requires local anesthesia. Side effects may include infection, scarring, and changes in skin color of the affected area.
  • Laser therapy. This technique is increasingly used to treat actinic keratosis. Your doctor uses an ablative laser device to destroy the patch, allowing new skin to appear. Side effects may include scarring and discoloration of the affected skin.
  • Photodynamic therapy. Your doctor might apply a light-sensitive chemical solution to the affected skin and then expose it to a special light that will destroy the actinic keratosis. Side effects may include redness, swelling, and a burning sensation during therapy.

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. Count on Skin and Cancer Associates for warm, expert care for all your dermatologic concerns.
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 actinic keratosis so that we can help you.

Schedule your appointment today.

Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

About Aging / Sun Damaged Skin

What is it?

We realize that our culture tends to associate suntanned skin with a lifestyle that is healthy and active. Unfortunately, this is a myth that should be retired; aging / sun damaged skin go hand in hand and can affect you both physically and psychologically. A “healthy tan” is not good for your skin; any sun exposure, no matter how small, causes irreversible damage. The subsequent damage is not just skin deep, as it alters the DNA of your skin cells. That’s why as much as 90 percent of the signs of aging are related to sun exposure.

The sun gives off ultraviolet light that damages the skin and contributes to premature skin aging, dark spots, and other problematic conditions.

What causes it?

The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of aging / sun-damaged skin. Sun and age damage are linked because they exacerbate one another. Together, they reduce your skin’s elasticity by breaking down collagen while decreasing your skin’s shape and fullness. Telltale signs of sun and age damage include wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest, lines around your mouth and eyes, sagging skin, age spots, and freckles and/or moles.

Common treatments?

At Skin and Cancer Associates and The Center for Cosmetic Enhancement, we have a variety of options to address sun and age damage, and we have the knowledge and experience to tailor it to your unique case. However, there are many steps you yourself can take to prevent and even repair your skin. These steps include wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen daily (even on cloudy days!), covering up exposed skin when outside, avoiding intense sun between the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm, the avoidance of indoor tanning beds, and the use of moisturizing creams and lotions at night. Skin and Cancer Associates is your trusted partner for comprehensive dermatology care.

Our approach & expertise

At Skin and Cancer Associates and The Center for Cosmetic Enhancement, we focus on you as a person. Our compassionate community staff works with you to address your signs of sun and age damage, and you can rely on us to answer your questions and be an integral part of your support system. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice sun and age damage so that we can help you repair and restore your skin.

Schedule your appointment today.

Skin Cancer

About Skin Cancer

What is it?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, affecting around 20 percent of Americans. However, it does not have to be fatal, especially when caught early. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore unusual skin bumps, lesions, discolorations, and other irregularities when they appear. Although the causes of skin cancer vary, there are common risk factors to be aware of, which include chronic sun exposure, a family history of skin cancer, fair skin, multiple sunburns throughout your life, precancerous skin lesions, and sunny and/or high-altitude climates and locales.

What causes it?

Skin cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, which then spreads to adjacent cells. When the spread is rapid or uncontrolled, it can easily become malignant. Three types of this condition are prevalent. The first is squamous cell carcinoma, which is located in cells just beneath the skin surface. The second is basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer) which develops in the layer beneath squamous cells. Lastly, there is melanoma, the most dangerous variant. Melanoma forms under the other two layers of cells. A precancerous lesion, actinic keratosis (AK), also is possible; it usually is not life-threatening, but it can become cancerous if ignored.

Common treatments

Our experts have the experience and training to help you overcome this disease. We highly recommend regular skin cancer screenings, especially if you are prone to the above risk factors. If a carcinoma is found, we’ll discuss the best solution with you from among the following treatment options: excisional surgery, electrodesiccation and curettage (EC&D), cryotherapy, and Mohs micrographic surgery.

Our approach & expertise

We provide an assortment of treatment options that can be customized to suit your needs based on your goals, concerns, and opinions about which treatment is right for you. We’ll be with you throughout the process with compassionate care and support so you can have your life back and live it to the fullest. We understand that a diagnosis can be traumatic and painful, both physically and emotionally. As your community specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement, advice, and answers to your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis.  What sets us apart is our focus on you as a person. Our warm, compassionate practitioners are ready to address your concerns to be here as an essential part of your support. Achieve healthier skin with the support of Skin and Cancer Associates—your dermatology specialists

Schedule your appointment today.

Rashes

About Rashes

What are they?

The term “rash” covers a wide range of skin conditions, usually referring to changes in the skin that manifest as bumps, blisters, or red patches. Most of these are harmless, but they can be indications of other skin problems or health issues. Common types of rashes include chronic skin problems, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and viral infections.

What causes them?

There are many reasons why you could develop a rash, and some of the most common factors include the following: stress, allergies, genetics, food or drink, various infections, certain medications, insect bites or stings, and sun or heat exposure. If you have a rash that does not disappear after 1-2 weeks, be sure to schedule an appointment to discuss your condition, receive a proper diagnosis, and learn more about your available treatment options.

Common treatments

Skin rash treatments vary widely depending on the type, causes, and symptoms. The skin rash experts at Skin and Cancer Associates and The Center for Cosmetic Enhancement have the knowledge and experience needed to examine you visually and determine exactly the type of rash you have. Once your rash have been identified, we’ll determine a proper treatment for your particular rash. Rash treatments offered at our center include moisturizing lotions and/or creams, topical anti-itch medications, oral antihistamines, topical anti-fungal medications, and light therapy.

Our approach & expertise

Skin rashes can be troublesome, as they not only itch but can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your neighborhood skin expert, Skin and Cancer Associates and The Center for Cosmetic Enhancement has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you manage this condition. Need help with your skin? Skin and Cancer Associates is here for you. Contact an office today if you notice a rash that isn’t being controlled easily so that we can address your particular skin issue.

Schedule your appointment today.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

About Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is it?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, which then spread to adjacent cells. BCC occurs in the deepest (basal) layer of the skin’s outer layer, the epidermis. BCC is the most common form of skin cancer in the country. It often appears as a flat lesion with a waxy, yet scar-like appearance and usually forms in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the nose, neck, ears, and scalp.

What causes it?

Though rarely dangerous, basal cell carcinoma should not be ignored. Contact your neighborhood skin health care provider if you notice unusual skin bumps, lesions, discolorations, or other irregularities. Although chronic sun exposure is a leading cause of BCC, other common risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburns, a history of skin cancer in your family, sunny climates, and high-altitude locations.

Common treatments?

We understand that a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma can cause apprehension and even be physically and emotionally traumatic. As your community skin cancer experts, we’re here to provide advice and solutions if you ever receive such a diagnosis. We provide a range of customizable treatment options to suit your needs based on your individual goals and concerns. We’ll be with you each step of the way with compassionate care and comprehensive support so you can live your life to the fullest.
If you are found to have basal cell carcinoma, we have a variety of treatment options to choose from. These include topical medications, excision surgery, cryotherapy, electrodesiccation with curettage, photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and superficial radiation therapy (SRT).

Our approach & expertise

Our skin cancer experts have the experience and training to help eliminate basal cell carcinoma. What sets us apart from others is our focus on you as a person. Our warm, compassionate practitioners are ready to address your concerns and be an essential part of your support. Together with you, we find the best solution to address this skin cancer.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact our skin cancer specialists to get the customized treatment that suits your case. Achieve healthier skin with the support of Skin and Cancer Associates—your dermatology specialists.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

About Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is it?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in skin cell DNA, which then spreads to surrounding cells. SCC occurs in the squamous layer found at the top of the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis). Symptoms of SCC typically include a scaly, firm reddish nodule on the skin or a flat, crusty skin lesion. It usually develops where the skin is frequently exposed to the sun, particularly the face, ears, hands, neck, and scalp.

What causes it?

If you have fair skin and/or spend a lot of time in the sun, the risk of developing SCC greatly increases, although there are other common risk factors as well. Some of these additional risk factors include living in sunny climates or high-altitude locales, having a family history of skin cancer, and having a history of frequent sunburns. Though less common than basal cell carcinoma and rarely life-threatening, SCC should not be dismissed. We urge you to contact your neighborhood skin healthcare provider if and when you notice unusual skin lesions, discolorations, bumps, and other abnormalities.

Common treatments

We know how apprehensive squamous cell carcinoma can make you. As your community skin cancer experts, we realize it can even be traumatic emotionally and physically, which is why we’re here with comprehensive advice and solutions to overcome this condition. Our skin cancer experts have the knowledge and experience to address squamous cell carcinoma. We urge you to undergo regular skin cancer screenings, especially if the above risk factors apply to you. If it is determined that you have squamous cell carcinoma, we offer an assortment of treatment options, including topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), excision surgery, electrodesiccation with curettage, photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and cryotherapy.

Our approach & expertise

What distinguishes our skincare from others is our attention to you as a person. Our expert practitioners are here to alleviate your concerns and provide compassionate support. With your input, we will find the solution that best addresses your condition. Achieve healthier skin with the support of Skin and Cancer Associates—your dermatology specialists.

Schedule your appointment today.

Melanoma

About Melanoma

What is it?

The most common type of cancer in the country is skin cancer, and melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In general, melanoma and other skin cancers – squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – form due to negative mutations of skin cell DNA in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The spread of these mutations to adjacent cells, particularly when uncontrolled and rapid, raises the risk of malignancy. Melanoma develops when mutations occur in melanocyte cells, which are skin cells located in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Melanomas frequently form in areas that don’t get much sun exposure and often start out as a mole, a large brown spot, or an irregular lesion.

What causes it?

Melanoma can occur regardless of your ethnicity, race, skin type, or skin color. The damage accumulation from years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the biggest cause of melanoma. Other causes include a compromised immune system or exposure to toxins, radiation, and other harmful substances Additionally, there are several risk factors associated with melanoma. These risk factors include the following: family history of skin cancer, fair skin, numerous sunburns through the years, sunny climates, locations at high altitude, moles, and precancerous lesions (e.g., actinic keratosis).

Common treatments

If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma, the following treatment options are very effective: topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), Mohs micrographic surgery, surgical excision procedure, photodynamic therapy (PDT), cryotherapy, and electrodesiccation and curettage. Not all of these options are available at all offices. Please call to check.

Our approach & expertise

We understand how a diagnosis of melanoma can impact your life. That’s why, as your local skin experts, we’re here with the knowledge and training to help you overcome this disease. We offer solutions tailored to suit your health needs and goals, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis and prognosis to compassionate aftercare support. If you have melanoma symptoms or are regularly exposed to risk factors, you should schedule a screening with our knowledgeable skin cancer experts. Our neighborhood staff offers compassionate support while working to find the best solution for you.
Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about melanoma and the treatment options we provide for this condition. Our team at Skin and Cancer Associates stands ready to address all aspects of your dermatologic care.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

About Mohs Micrographic Surgery

What is it?

Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs, Mohs micrographic surgery is an extremely effective treatment for a variety of skin cancers. Due to its accuracy, high success rate, and cosmetically appropriate outcomes, Mohs remains the gold standard for skin cancer removal. The surgical specialists at our center are highly trained to perform this precise surgery with skill and technique refined through years of experience and study.

What to expect

We are fortunate to have a large team of Mohs surgeons on our staff who have devoted all their attention to treating skin cancer patients. These specialists can remove all vestiges of the tumor so you can have your life back and live it to the fullest. With Mohs, elimination of a tumor is precise and success is immediate and long-lasting. Under the expert guidance of our surgeons, Mohs surgery can provide complete tumor removal, including cancerous cells that are unseen (and therefore left behind) during other skin cancer removal procedures. Once skin cancer has been eliminated from your tissues, treatment is complete and you’ll be 100% cancer-free, with no estimation or uncertainty.

After the procedure

The Mohs procedure has a proven high success rate (studies have shown 5-year cure rates of over 99% for new cancers) and grants patients quicker recovery times (2-4 weeks) than other skin cancer procedures.

Our approach & expertise

We know that the physical and psychological impact of skin cancer can be traumatic and painful. As your community skin cancer experts, we’re here to provide you with encouragement, strength, and answers to any questions you may have about the condition. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment and finally aftercare and recovery. We’ll remain an integral part of your inner circle of support throughout the process, as even for completely cancer-free patients, apprehension and emotional scars can still persist.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us today to learn more about Mohs micrographic surgery and how it can successfully treat your skin cancer. At Skin and Cancer Associates, we are committed to meeting all your dermatology concerns with precision and professionalism

Dermaplaning

About Dermaplaning

What is it?

To improve dull, lifeless skin that makes you look older than you are, you have many options. For an easy, non-invasive way to smooth skin, many women and men turn to simple exfoliation. This helps reduce dead skin cells, excess oils, and other debris to leave your skin fresher and softer.
However, there’s mere exfoliation and then there’s dermaplaning exfoliation. Dermaplaning takes the freshening aspects of exfoliation and amplifies them to skin-rejuvenating levels that are simply stunning.
Dermaplaning is a quick, noninvasive procedure that scrapes away dead skin cells, excess oil, and other debris. This helps maintain or restore the rate of cellular turnover that’s crucial to keeping your face fresh and youthful-looking. The result is skin that’s smoother and softer immediately.

Why dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is designed to address a variety of skin-related issues, including:
  •  Dull, lifeless skin
  •  Rough, dry skin
  •  Unwanted fine facial hair

Impact of dermaplaning

In effect, by scraping away dull surface skin, the procedure kicks the body’s self-healing properties into high gear. In turn, your body produces new skin cells that are healthier and plumper, which firms and tightens your skin while also brightening it.
This painless procedure also removes the fine peach fuzz, or vellus hair, from the face. This is a crucial bonus because this excess hair, despite being so fine, can trap dead cells, oil, dirt, and other debris, all of which contribute to dull, lifeless skin as well as other skin issues like acne. Because your skin is free of this debris, makeup can go on more easily and won’t cake as quickly. Cleansers that you use at home clean your face better because they penetrate more readily.

Our approach & expertise

Our providers are highly trained in the execution of scraping away dull surface skin, the procedure kicks the body’s self-healing properties into high gear. The goal is to make sure that you are looking your best, and our team will talk you through all the benefits of dermaplaning. At Skin and Cancer Associates, your skin is our priority—we’re here to help with all your dermatology needs. Ask us more about this procedure and if it’s right for your skin. After all, Healthy Skin Is Our Passion.™

Schedule your appointment today.