Medical Services

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that can affect males and females of any age. Acne consists of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and sometimes larger nodules or cysts. Acne involves the sebaceous glands (oil glands) and their openings into the follicles/pores.

Acne most commonly appears on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Acne can be distressing and persistent. Severe cystic and resistant acne may require treatment with Absorica or Isotretinoin. Dr. McCullough is very experienced with the treatment of severe acne resistant to other treatments.

Eczema

Eczema is a general term used by dermatologists to describe skin conditions that can have many presentations. Eczema can occur in the very young and the very old; it can occur at any age. The “itch” of eczema usually starts before the “rash.” After the itch, little itchy blisters or bumps often arise.

One may develop patches, redness, roughness, scaling, and changes in skin color. Eczema can occur on many different areas of the body but especially in the folds of the skin.

Fungal Infections

Fungi are organisms that live mainly in the soil and in/on plant material. They love moist and warm areas. The skin is prone to fungal infections especially in the warm and humid environment found here in Savannah, Georgia.

Some fungal infections that plague the skin are tinea (ringworm infections), onychomycosis (toenail fungus), candidiasis (yeast infections), and tinea versicolor (“sun spots”). There are now excellent treatments for fungal infections and some preventative measures as well.

Dermoscopy for Mole Evaluations

Dermoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic technique involving a handheld device used to examine skin lesions. The dermatoscope allows an experienced dermatologist to evaluate colors, microstructures, and patterns that are not visible to the naked eye when examining individual skin lesions.

Dermoscopy can help with the early diagnosis of melanoma. Let Dr. McCullough examine your suspicious moles using dermoscopy.

Mole or Nevus Evaluations

A mole or nevus is a common friendly growth with melanocytes (pigment cells). Moles can be present at birth (congenital nevi) or can begin to appear in childhood and adolescence. Almost everyone has a few moles. Most moles will never cause a problem. However, some moles will bother people cosmetically or will rub clothing or jewelry requiring removal by a dermatologist.

Other moles may change and become atypical or dysplastic and even cancerous. Some people have numerous dark irregular moles and may be at increased risk for cancer or melanoma. These people should have their moles examined regularly by a dermatologist. The best way to avoid melanoma is to avoid excessive sun exposure by wearing/using sun protective clothing, hats, visors, sunglasses, umbrellas, and sunblock (in the areas that you cannot cover with clothing or hats).

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

The primary function of the eccrine sweat glands is to assist in the maintenance of body temperature in response to heat exposure or exercise. Sweating may occur in response to heat or exercise as well as in response to emotional stimuli. Hyperhidrosis is defined as sweating beyond what is needed to maintain thermal regulation.

Excessive sweating can affect your entire body or just your palms, soles, underarms, or face. Treatments include prescription solutions, iontophoresis, surgery, BOTOX®, and Robinul (an oral treatment).

Phototherapy (nbUVB and PUVA)

Present in natural sunlight, UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) can be effective treatments for psoriasis, mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T cell lymphoma), and some other diseases. UV suppresses the immune system in the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells.

Treatment involves exposing the skin to an artificial ultraviolet light source for a set length of time on a regular schedule. Most dermatology offices do not offer phototherapy, but UVA, PUVA, and nbUVB are available at Chatham Dermatology.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease. It develops when a person’s immune system sends faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. New skin cells form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.

Some people with psoriasis develop a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis which can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. There are many different types of psoriasis and many different treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Rashes

Healthy skin functions as a barrier to many harsh things in the outside world. When something changes the skin, the skin barrier can be compromised resulting in rashes. Many things can cause a rash from the outside including poisonous plants (poison ivy or sumac), jewelry, latex, fragrance, or preservatives.

Rashes can also be caused from internal things like medications or diseases. It can be difficult to find the cause of some rashes. This is when dermatologists can be very helpful. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is needed to see if the pathologist can help pinpoint the cause of a rash.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common chronic skin disease. It can involve the face, but also the chest, neck, scalp, ears, and eyes. Rosacea commonly has flare-ups and remissions. Those with rosacea may have redness, flushing, pimples/acne lesions, telangiectasia (tiny visible blood vessels), sensitive skin, dry patches, swelling, burning, stinging, skin thickening, and irritated eyes.

Treatment for rosacea may include special cleansers, topical lotions, oral medicines, and even laser treatments.

Skin Cancer Detection

It is possible to find skin cancer early. Luckily, skin cancer is the easiest type of cancer to detect because it is on the skin. It is best to know your skin and watch for changes and new growths on your skin and the skin of your family. Watch for new lesions, sores or bumps that won’t heal, changes in color, changes in shape, changes in texture, bleeding, unusual redness, pain, itching, or weird feelings in a growth.

When found and treated early, most skin cancers can be cured. Even melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer that can spread quickly, is curable when found and treated early.

Viral Infections

Viruses are basically parasites that must live insides the cells of other living organisms. There are many viral infections that involve the skin. Some viral infections involving the skin for which we have treatments include herpes simplex (cold sores), herpes zoster (shingles), varicella (chickenpox), verruca (warts), molluscum contagiosum, and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).