General Dermatology Specialist

Why should I see a dermatologist?

Your skin is both your body’s largest and most visible organ, and is prone to a wide variety of diseases and conditions. Dr. Kwolek can diagnose and treat any condition that affects your skin, nails, hair, or the mucous membranes that line your mouth, nose, and eyelids. Dr. Kwolek is specially trained to treat more than 3,000 different conditions and diseases.

What are some of the most common dermatological conditions?

With more than 25 years as a dermatologist, Dr. Kwolek has experience with a wide range of skin issues. The conditions she sees most often include:

Acne — Roughly 17 million Americans have acne, making it the most common skin disease. The blocked pores, pimples, and cysts of acne typically appear on the face, but may appear on the neck, back, shoulders, and upper arms, too. Although acne mostly affects teenagers, it’s also a common problem for many adults. Proper treatment can help alleviate emotional distress and prevent scarring.

Rosacea — Commonly referred to as adult acne, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and eyelids. Patients with rosacea may experience constant redness or flushing, as well as visible, broken blood vessels. More severe rosacea may cause pimples, swelling, and a painful burning sensation. Learning what triggers a flare-up can help patients keep the condition under control. Treatments include topical creams and gels, oral antibiotics, and laser treatments for broken blood vessels.

Eczema — Eczema is a chronic condition that usually includes dry, red, itchy patches on the skin. Untreated eczema may lead to infection if it’s scratched constantly. It may be controlled with regular use of moisturizing lotions and by taking warm, rather than hot, baths and showers. Treatment options include corticosteroids creams and ointments, moisturizers, and antihistamines.

Psoriasis — More than seven million Americans have some form of psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition that appears as silvery-white scaly plaques on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet, or genitals. Although it can’t be cured, psoriasis can be successfully managed with topical medications, phototherapy, or, in severe cases, oral or injectable medication.

Warts — These common growths are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Although they can appear anywhere on your body, they’re most commonly found on the backs of hands, fingers, or the bottoms of feet. Dr. Kwolek offers a multitude of wart treatments, including liquid nitrogen and surgical treatment.

Does Dr. Kwolek treat skin cancer?

Yes. Dr. Kwolek offers routine, comprehensive skin cancer screenings. She visually inspects you from head to toe to determine if any of the moles or spots on your skin, or any dark streaks in your nail beds, are potential signs of cancer.

Most people need yearly skin examinations to screen for melanoma and other skin cancers. People with numerous moles or a family history of melanoma should be carefully monitored with more frequent full skin examinations. It’s important to watch for any change in color, size, or shape of existing moles. Dysplastic moles, which are atypical in appearance, may be a sign of melanoma. Moles may be treated because they are clinically worrisome.

Skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States, is usually treatable when detected early. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common, and treatable, forms of skin cancer. Although melanoma is less common, it’s more dangerous because it can spread to your lymph nodes and internal organs. Melanoma spots are usually characterized by asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, or large diameter.

* Individual results may vary.