Mandy L. Warthan M.D.
Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology
Adult and Pediatric
Medical Treatments
Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery
Surgery is often the most effective treatment for skin cancer, as it removes the entire growth in one procedure. Surgical treatment of skin cancer may involve excision, which cuts all of the abnormal tissue and some surrounding healthy tissue out of the skin, or Mohs surgery, which removes larger skin growths layer by layer until no abnormal cells remain to prevent damage to healthy skin. Dr. Warthan will determine which treatment option is best for your individual condition.
Mole Removal
Moles are pigmented brown or black spots on the skin that may be present at birth or develop from aging or sun damage. While usually harmless, it is important to monitor moles for any changes.
Depending on the depth and location of the mole, as well as the patient's skin type and overall health, mole removal may involve laser or pulsed light therapy, microdermabrasion or surgical excision. Dr. Warthan will decide which treatment is best for you.
Skin Cancer Screening
Regular skin cancer screening is important in detecting any changes as early as possible and increasing the chance of successful treatment. Dr. Warthan performs full body skin exams to screen for benign or cancerous lesions that patients may not be able to see or recognize on their own. Additional testing may be performed if any abnormalities are found.
Acne Treatment
Acne is the term for blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Although usually harmless, acne can lead to scarring and emotional distress for those affected. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for acne, including topical medications, antibiotics, Accutane®, microdermabrasion, photodynamic therapy and more.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face, scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. It is not yet known what causes rosacea and the disease is not curable, although it can be treated with topical and oral medications, laser therapy or laser surgery.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a group of chronic skin disorders that cause itching and/or burning, scaling and crusting of the skin, most commonly affecting the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years at a time and occasionally even permanently. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis, but may include topical medications, phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms).
Eczema
Eczema is a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic itchy rashes. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out in rashes when scratched. Treatment involves the restriction of scratching, use of moisturizing lotions or creams, cold compresses, nonprescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams and ointments or phototherapy.
Warts
Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. Different warts respond to different treatments. Some go away on their own. Salicylic acid products (in the form of drops, gels, pads and bandages) can help self-treatment of many warts by dissolving the keratin protein that makes up the wart and the dead skin above it. Others can be removed via liquid nitrogen freezing or electrical stimulation. Surgery may be recommended for painful or large warts that do not respond to these treatments.
Molluscum
Molluscum contagiosum is a chronic skin infection caused by a virus which is quite common among children, and is usually spread by touching an affected area on a person infected with the virus. Molluscum causes painless, raised papules or nodules on the skin that look like pink pearls on the face, neck, arms, hands and chest.
Most cases of molluscum heal on their own within six to 18 months. Patients should try not to scratch the papules, or else they risk scarring and bacterial infection. If necessary, a dermatologist can remove individual lesions.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a rare condition that causes excessive sweating on the hands, feet, armpits, face and genital area, or all over the entire body. Treatment for hyperhidrosis depends on the severity of the condition, but may include prescription-strength antiperspirant or medication to help control sweating or stop the stimulation of the sweat glands. BOTOX® injections in the armpits block the nerves that cause sweating and can effectively treat hyperhidrosis for up to eight months for each injection. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the nerves that control the sweat glands, or the actual glands themselves.
