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Dermatological Conditions

Get Help with Rashes, Warts, Hair Loss, and More in St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach (South Pasadena), and Tampa Bay

Experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dermatological conditions in Tampa Bay, the Nelson Dermatology team routinely helps patients dealing with any of a number of medical dermatology issues. Many patients seek help with symptoms of chronic conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Some other common skin problems include unexplained acute rashes, benign lesions, and unwanted growths.

Actinic Keratoses (Sun Damage)

Ultraviolet radiation damages the skin on sunny and cloudy days alike, causing everything from pigmentation irregularities to rough lesions known as actinic keratoses. These actinic keratoses are widely considered to be precancerous skin lesions, and if left untreated, they can develop into skin cancer. Any mysterious growth or skin development should be examined by a dermatologist—especially if it is painful or doesn't heal over time—for diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, these lesions can be easily treated with many different techniques, such as cryotherapy (also known as "freezing" or liquid nitrogen treatment), topical chemotherapy creams, and photodynamic therapy.

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are skin abnormalities visible as soon as a baby is born or within the first few months of life, due to either a problem with abnormal blood vessels (vascular birthmarks) or melanocytes (pigmented birthmarks). These marks are typically cosmetic and benign, but can potentially be more serious. The Nelson Dermatology team can help examine your birthmark, determine the type of birthmark, and discuss potential treatment options with you.

Cysts

Sacs of fluid or semi-solids known as cysts can develop all throughout the body, including just under the skin. If inflammation from an acne outbreak grows severe, for example, cysts can form and lead to scarring. While cysts can sometimes go away on their own or remain small and asymptomatic, they can also grow in size, rupture, and become very irritated. The team at Nelson Dermatology can help evaluate your cyst, offer treatments to improve it, and ultimately surgically remove ("excise") the cyst if needed.

Melasma

Dubbed the "mask of pregnancy," melasma is facial skin discoloration attributed most commonly to hormone fluctuations and sun exposure. Clusters of typically brown or gray spots tend to develop on the cheeks, forehead, and chin, as well as spread across the nose. While melasma can be very frustrating for patients, laser treatments and topical agents can offer significant improvement in the appearance of your melasma.

Moles

Many patients have moles (known as nevi to dermatologists) on their body. While many moles are harmless, some could develop into melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Routine self-checks for new or changing moles and lesions can literally be lifesaving. While we encourage you to get familiar with your skin, we do not expect you to know which moles are harmless and which are dangerous. That is our job. The team at Nelson Dermatology will examine your entire skin surface—including the areas that are much harder for you to keep an eye on, like your back—to monitor for any concerning spots.

Rashes

There are numerous factors that can trigger rashes, which are skin outbreaks that manifest as redness, bumps or irregular textures, itching, discomfort, pain, blisters, scales, or some combination of any of these symptoms. Many rashes are temporary and in response to environmental causes, such as temperature extremes (heat rash), natural irritants (poison ivy), chemicals in soaps and detergents, certain fabrics, pollutants, and even stress. Other times, the exact cause of the rash may not be able to be identified. Some rashes are due to chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or other medical causes. The board-certified dermatologists at Nelson Dermatology can evaluate your skin, identify your rash, and offer treatment to improve your condition.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This is one of the more common rashes, frequently developing on the scalp and face. Patients may notice white- or yellow-colored flaking developing on their scalp or around their eyebrows and nose. While this condition can be frustrating, it can typically be well controlled with medicated shampoos and topical medications.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small growths made primarily of collagen, a protein found throughout the skin. They develop as we get older and commonly occur along the neck, under the arms, and sometimes in the groin. While the unwelcome protrusions are benign, many people want them removed for cosmetic reasons. The team at Nelson Dermatology can help evaluate your skin tags and safely remove them if necessary.

Warts

Bumps that appear on the skin due to a human papillomavirus infection are known as warts, with different varieties appearing on different parts of the body, including the face, extremities, genitals, and bottoms of the feet. Most warts are characterized by a cauliflower-like appearance and texture, but they can also be smooth and flat or tall and thin. The growths can typically be safely removed with any number of processes, including topical medications, cryotherapy ("freezing" or liquid nitrogen therapy), and excision.