Dermatology

Protecting the largest organ of your body.

The largest and most exposed organ of the body is your skin. At SSM Health, our dermatologists recognize the importance of your skin and value the need to keep it strong and healthy.

From the most basic of services to those that take on a bit of complexity, our doctors treat your dermatological needs with the sensitivity they deserve. We take the worry out of skin health by offering a complete range of dermatology services for adults and children alike.

What types of conditions do dermatologists treat?

Our providers are specialists in diseases affecting the skin, hair and nails. Here is a list of common medical conditions that we treat:

Do dermatologists perform tests or do surgery?

When needed, our dermatologists may also perform skin reaction tests (patch and photo patch tests), sunlight sensitivity assessments, testing and treatment of fungal and viral diseases, as well as skin cancer evaluations and management.

In some cases, patients may need surgical treatment for benign and malignant tumors, including moles, cysts and sun induced skin cancers. Our dermatologists are specially trained to handle these cases and are here to help you with all of your dermatological needs.

How can I keep my skin safe while being outside?

Protection from overexposure of the sun is extremely important, not just for those days relaxing at the pool or the beach. Below are a few tips to keep your skin healthy:

• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen often when swimming or sweating.
• Choose a sunscreen that offers protection from UV-A and UV-B rays.
• Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.
• Limit your sun exposure between 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Never expose babies to direct sunlight; if it’s unavoidable, cover them with clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Why do I need to get a skin cancer screening every year?

While the exact cause of skin cancer is unknown, there are certain factors that can increase your risk:

• You've had a previous case of skin cancer.
• There's a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
• You have multiple, irregular or large moles.
• Your skin has freckles.
• You easily burn before tanning.
• You have fair skin, blue or green eyes, and blond, red or light brown hair.
• Use of medications that make your skin more sensitive to light.

If you’re concerned about your risk for skin cancer, make an appointment with your dermatologist. Remember to always be on the lookout for suspicious moles, freckles, or other uncommon growths on your skin.

Remember: when in doubt, check it out!

If you’re concerned about a dermatological issue, call your dermatologist and discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing. They’ll provide you the necessary guidance on your treatment plan.