Frequently Asked Questions About Dermatology

To become a dermatologist, one must commit to rigorous years of science and clinical training. This pathway typically involves earning a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, completing a one-year medical or surgical internship, and completing a three-year dermatology residency. These years of education are accompanied by rigorous hours of patient care and culminate with the receipt of specialty board certification.

TPMG’s board-certified dermatology providers take time with each patient to develop the best treatment options for the following conditions/diseases:

General Dermatology 

• Acne
• Botox for the treatment of wrinkles and excessive sweating
• Chemical peels/Photoimaging
• Dry Skin
• Eczema/Atopic dermatitis
• Hair, scalp, and nail disorders
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (skin inflammation)
• Mole and skin tag removal
• Pigmentary disorders: hyperpigmentation, melasma, vitiligo
• Psoriasis
• Rashes
• Rosacea
• Skin cancer diagnosis and treatment

Procedures

• Acne management and treatment
• Acne scar removal
• Cryotherapy
• Electrocautery
• Full skin exam
• Excision
• Phototherapy
• Scar revision
• Skin biopsies
• Wart treatment
• Chemical peel
• Botox
• PRP
• Microneedling

Mohs surgery is an outpatient skin cancer treatment involving the removal of cancerous skin while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. During the procedure, your surgeon will carefully remove and examine small amounts of skin tissue in and around where skin cancer was found. If the surgeon detects more skin cancer, they may continue to remove tissue until your samples are cancer-free.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using the ABCDEs technique to identify concerning skin spots or melanomas:

A: Asymmetry

Most melanomas are not oval or round; instead, their shapes vary widely. If you can draw a line through your skin spot and both sides are perfectly even, it may be a mole (a harmless skin growth commonly mistaken for melanoma).

B: Border

The edges of melanomas tend to be uneven, scalloped, or even notched. Smooth borders are more associated with other benign skin growths/spots.

C: Color

Melanomas can be a range of colors and often have a spectrum of colors from black and brown to tan or red. Red, white, or blue tints can also appear in melanomas that progress. Non-cancerous skin spots tend to stick to one shade, like brown.

D: Diameter/Dark

If your skin spot or lesion is larger than a pencil eraser, it may indicate a melanoma; however, some experts argue that certain spots or lesions, if dark enough, warrant intervention regardless of size.

E: Evolving

One defining characteristic of melanomas is that they change over time. Changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or other symptoms (bleeding, itching, crusting, etc.) could be a warning sign of melanoma.

While understanding the ABCDEs of melanoma is incredibly helpful for early intervention, the best way to know if you have skin cancer is to consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Yes, dermatologists can remove moles and skin tags for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Cryosurgery, electrocautery, shave excision, punch excision, and surgical excision are all common removal techniques. Because skin tags often bleed heavily, removal in the office is the safest option for many individuals.

Eczema is a type of dermatitis (a group of skin conditions characterized by inflammation) in which the skin becomes dry, bumpy, itchy, leathery, or flaky. Eczema is an incredibly common condition and can affect anyone; those with a family history or diagnosis of dermatitis, allergies, hay fever, or asthma have a greater risk of developing eczema.

Skin cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal, uncontrollable growth of skin cells. Common types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer globally, affecting millions of people annually.

The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to practice prevention techniques every day. Follow these tips to reduce your risk:

• Wear protective clothing (hats, sun shirts or long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses that block UV rays, etc.)
• Reduce your direct sunlight exposure (limit your time outside during peak sunlight hours, around 10:00 am-4:00 pm)
• Avoid tanning, suntan oils, and tanning beds or UV lamps
• Use sunscreen and lip balm with SPF (Look for broad-spectrum, unexpired, 30 SPF or higher)

Screening is crucial for early detection and effective treatment of skin cancer. TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology offers spot checks, skin exams, biopsies, and more for patients. If you have a new spot or any changes to a spot, such as itching, size, or bleeding, you should see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation.  The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that adults be their own health advocates by regularly conducting skin self-exams and seeking care from board-certified dermatologists regarding concerning skin spots.

Our hair naturally sheds. The average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs each day; however, hormones, stress, damaging styling techniques, medical conditions, heredity, and other factors could cause increased hair loss. Many forms of hair loss are treatable with the right intervention. If you’re experiencing increased shedding, thinning, bald spots, hairline changes, or scalp sensitivity, it may be a good idea to talk to a dermatologist about your concerns.

If you’re struggling with acne, you aren’t alone. Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting millions of Americans each year. A TPMG board-certified dermatologist can help you control your acne and prevent unnecessary scarring or discomfort by coming up with a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your acne (hormonal changes, stress, excess oil production, bacteria, inflammation, and more).

There are multiple reasons to consult a board-certified dermatologist. TPMG recommends that patients schedule an appointment for the following reasons:

• Annual preventive skin cancer screening (some individuals may require additional screening based on certain risk factors)
• Suspicious or evolving moles/skin spots
• Acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter products or at-home techniques
• Hives, rashes, fungal infections, or persistent skin irritation/itching
• Hair loss
• Nail issues
• Skin concerns that don’t resolve on their own

To make an appointment with TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology, contact the office at (757)232-8856.

Referrals are not needed to schedule an appointment with TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology unless your insurance requires one.