Medical Dermatology | Réforme Dermatology
Helping patients maintain healthy skin is our number one priority at Réforme Dermatology. While we encourage patients to perform self-exams to look for any suspicious skin lesions, our board-certified dermatologist is specially trained to diagnose and treat medical dermatologic conditions. From minor cosmetic skin conditions to complex skin disorders, we offer innovative treatments to maximize your skin’s overall health.
At Réforme Dermatology, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile and her team work together to diagnose and treat a variety of medical skin conditions. Dr. Vasile specializes in preventative, restorative, and integrative medicines to treat acne, benign or malignant skin growths, and skin cancers.
If you’re concerned about acne, rosacea, rashes, skin growths, or other medical dermatology conditions, contact Réforme Dermatology at (843) 974-1230 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.
Acne
Acne is a common, treatable skin condition that affects adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults. Acne can be painful, disfiguring, and can affect a person’s overall self-esteem and confidence. Typically, acne is caused by excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation in the skin; however, hormones, diet, and allergies may also cause acne flare-ups.
Acne treatments we offer at Réforme Dermatology include:
- For more severe cases of acne, topical and oral medication, including antibiotics, Accutane, oral contraceptives, and spironolactone may be recommended.
- Chemical peels gently exfoliate the top layer of dull, acne-prone skin. During a treatment, a specialized formula of glycolic or salicylic acid is applied to the skin where it eliminates acne-causing bacteria, opens pores, reduces oil production, and helps the skin shed dead skin cells to reveal healthy, vibrant skin.
- Acne surgery involves the careful extraction of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, milia, and pustules that form on the skin. During an acne surgery treatment, pores are cleared of excess sebum using sterile tools created specifically for treating acne and reducing the possibility of acne scarring.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that starts as harmless flushing but is often followed by persistent redness due to the enlargement of the blood vessels in the face. Generally, rosacea impacts the center of the face, primarily the nose and cheeks, but it can extend to the forehead, chin, ears, and neck over time. Other symptoms can include acne blemishes, skin thickening, or textural changes to the skin.
Rosacea typically affects women more than men. The cause is unknown; however, testing has shown the nervous system, vascular system, and skin microbiomes may be involved in the development of rosacea symptoms.
Our dermatologists recommend these specialized treatments to reduce rosacea symptoms:
- Topical or oral medications, including antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications
- Intensive Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy
- Broad-Band Light (BBL) Therapy
- Personalized Skincare Regimen
Rashes
Skin rashes, including psoriasis, eczema, or contact dermatitis, are painful, itchy, or irritable skin conditions that affect over 30 million Americans. With many causes and forms, rashes typically present as a sudden intensely itchy patch of red, bumpy, dry, or inflamed skin that can evolve into oozing, weeping pimples, scaly texture, or thick, discolored skin.
The exact cause of rashes could be a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. Some skin rashes have been linked to genetic variations that weaken the skin barrier, making it more sensitive to bacteria, irritants, and allergens. Common triggers include dry, cold climates; food allergens; irritants like dust, mold, or pollen; soaps or fragrances; changes in hormones; and stress.
Before recommending a treatment, your dermatologist will first diagnose your skin rash through a thorough evaluation, questions about your symptoms, and a discussion surrounding your health history, including any allergies or family history of rashes. Skin rash treatment plans often include:
- Topical medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Immunosuppressant medications
- Targeted therapies
Skin Growths
While mostly benign, some skin growths can be cosmetic nuisances or quickly become irritated and painful, especially if it grows in an area where clothing constantly touches or rubs.
Skin growths come in a variety of different types, including:
- Seborrheic keratoses are the most common type of benign skin growth. Often appearing on the face, chest, back, or shoulders, they are a flat or slightly raised growth that is often tan, black, or brown with a rough texture and a “stuck on” appearance.
- Sebaceous hyperplasia are small, shiny, flesh-colored lesions that are caused by sebum and dead skin cells that have become trapped inside enlarged oil glands.
- Moles are commonly round, flat, or slightly raised that are flesh colored or pigmented. While a common mole is typically harmless, atypical moles can increase a patient’s risk of developing melanoma. If moles change suddenly, become asymmetrical, develop irregular borders, or are uneven in color and texture, they could indicate certain skin cancers and should be examined by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
- Cysts are fluid-filled bumps found beneath the skin. Treatment of cysts usually involves removal.
- Milia are small white growths on the face. They can develop from cosmetic products, excessive moisturization, sun damage, or an accumulation of dead skin cells.
- Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that develop beneath the skin. They feel soft, rubbery, and are usually painless. Their size ranges from very small to several centimeters in diameter.
Depending on the type of skin growth, including its size and location, we may recommend one of these removal techniques:
- Cryosurgery
- Shave excision
- Surgical excision
- Curettage
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation refers to patches of discolored skin that develop due to an overproduction of melanin. These spots are also called brown spots, age spots, sunspots, liver spots, freckles. Acne can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Melasma is a condition often seen during pregnancy or in darker skin types characterized by hyperpigmentation on the face.While harmless, hyperpigmentation can be cosmetically bothersome for many people.
The most common causes of hyperpigmentation include:
- Sun exposure
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Medication
- Age
Hyperpigmentation may respond well to topical treatments with ingredients like glycolic acid, Retin A, or Azelaic Acid or skin resurfacing treatments like a chemical peel.
Treatments For Hair Loss
At some point, most people will have to contend with hair loss. It’s natural to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 stands of hair a day as a part of your hair’s natural growth cycle. However, when you start to see noticeable thinning or bald patches, it’s time to seek out an expert’s help.
At Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics, we use science-based research and technology when it comes to treating and reversing the effects of androgenetic alopecia and other types of hair loss. Double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Vasile targets the root cause of your hair loss while stimulating the hair follicles to create new, healthy, and strong hair regrowth.
Find Your Ideal Skin Treatment at Réforme Dermatology in Charleston, SC
At Réforme Dermatology, our goal is to find the most ideal treatment to protect and maintain the health of your skin so that you can live your life with confidence.
Schedule your consultation by calling (843) 974-1230 or by completing our consultation request form.
