Dermatology

Finding a specialist who matches your needs and preferences is an important step in your health journey. Together with a multispecialty group, Ochsner's team of highly trained dermatologists and board-certified dermatologic surgeons offer a holistic approach to care. The dermatology team works closely with oncologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, neurologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons and others to provide the services you need.

Ochsner's skin cancer specialists work in tandem with the Ochsner cancer care team when necessary, providing coordinated care from diagnosis through treatment, follow-up and survivorship.

Ochsner's dermatology specialists are also valuable resources for patients who have undergone organ transplants, which increase the risk for skin cancer and skin infections. As part of the Ochsner Transplant Institute offers a specialized dermatology clinic and routine dermatology care to this patient population.

In addition, Ochsner offers a hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) clinic to treat people with this skin condition that causes lesions on the skin.

Ochsner strives to understand how a particular skin condition affects each individual by assessing the situation and provide appropriate treatment to improve quality of life.

Medical dermatology specialists treat an array of adult dermatology conditions, including:

• Acne
• Atopic dermatitis — dry skin, itchy skin, skin allergies, chronic skin conditions
• Autoimmune connective tissue disorders — lupus, dermatomyositis and scleroderma
• Bacterial infections/diseases — impetigo, cellulitis and furuncles
• Blistering disorders
• Cancer that starts in the blood cells (cutaneous lymphoma)
• Cancerous and noncancerous tumors
• Eczema
• Fungal infections/diseases
• Hair loss known as alopecia areata
• Hidradenitis suppurativa — a condition associated with skin lesions and scars
• Infections caused by insect bites
• Insect bites, lice and scabies
• Itchiness
• Lichen planus — an autoimmune condition that causes bumps and sores on skin and in the mouth
• Medication reactions that affect the skin
• Moles
• Nail fungus
• Oral diseases
• Physical and environmental skin issues
• Pregnancy-related skin issues
• Psoriasis — itchy, dry patches on the skin, nails or joints
• Raised scars known as keloid scars
• Rashes
• Rosacea — redness, pus-filled bumps or visible blood vessels in the face
• Skin allergies
• Skin cancer
• Skin infections and inflammation
• Sun-related conditions
• Vascular diseases
• Viral infections/diseases
• Vitiligo — loss of skin pigmentation
• Warts, corns and calluses

Ochsner's pediatric dermatologists understand that children may be nervous or embarrassed to see specialists about their skin conditions. Ochsner addresses this hesitancy with friendly and compassionate care. Common pediatric skin conditions Ochsner dermatologists treat include:

• Acne
• Birthmarks
• Contact dermatitis — conditions that affect the skin after you encounter an allergen
• Hair loss
• Dermatitis (rashes)
• Dry, scaly or thick skin conditions known as ichthyosis
• Eczema
• Fungal infections, including ringworm
• Infections
• Inherited skin disorders
• Insect bites, lice and scabies
• Itching and irritation
• Moles
• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo
• Warts

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Ochsner's oncologic dermatology services address localized skin cancer lesions, as well as cancer that has spread from the skin to other parts of the body.

When appropriate, Ochsner works closely with Mohs micrographic surgeon who specializes in unique surgical techniques used in the eradication of skin cancer. Using the Mohs procedure, the surgeon removes and examines malignant skin lesions.

As a routine part of exams a specialist looks for irregularities in the skin that may be precancerous.

To keep patients looking their best, Ochsner offer a range of aesthetic services and products, including:

• Botox. This nonsurgical treatment relaxes the muscles and helps eliminate frown lines with minimal down time.
• Soft tissue sculpture. A smooth gel filler helps diminish wrinkles around the mouth and nose by restoring volume to areas that have lost structure over time.
• Vi peel. This synergistic blend of powerful ingredients can clear acne skin conditions; reduce or eliminate acne scars; improve the tone, texture and clarity of your skin; reduce or eliminate age spots, freckles and hyper-pigmentation; soften lines and wrinkles; and stimulate the production of collagen for firmer, more youthful skin.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the management of hair, skin and nail conditions. Dermatologists treat a variety of skin diseases and address cosmetic concerns.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It’s made up of skin, hair, nails, sweat and oil glands, and mucous membranes. Skin provides the body with protection from the environment and helps regulate body temperature.

Dermatology is the study of skin.

When choosing a dermatologist, it's important to seek a physician who is certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

Melanoma can develop from a mole or appear as a new, dark spot on the skin.

The top skin diseases and conditions are dermatitis/eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, moles/skin growths, and skin cancer.