Medical Services

Friends Having Fun — Brighton, MI — Dermatology Specialists of Brighton

Phototherapy

While you’re advised to stay out of the sun due to the damage it causes to your skin, certain bands of sunlight help treat many chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis and vitiligo. Phototherapy at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby in Shelby Township, Michigan, is a treatment that provides the bands of light your skin needs to alleviate your symptoms. To learn more about the benefits of phototherapy, contact Dermatology Specialists of Shelby by phone or online today.

(586) 580-1001

Phototherapy Q & A

  • What is phototherapy?

    Phototherapy, also referred to as light therapy, is a treatment available at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby used to treat certain chronic skin conditions that don’t respond well to traditional treatments. The band of light used for phototherapy is ultraviolet B (UVB), which is the middle band of light between the UVA (tanning light) and UVC (germ-killing) rays.


    Many chronic skin conditions develop due to an overreaction of immune cells. The UVB light works by suppressing the immune cells in your skin to reduce the reaction.

  • Am I a good candidate for phototherapy?

    The team at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby determines if you’re a good candidate for phototherapy during your evaluation. The team may recommend phototherapy to treat:


    Psoriasis

    Psoriasis is a skin condition in which your skin cells grow at an abnormally fast pace, creating red, scaly patches of skin. You may benefit from phototherapy for your psoriasis if your condition is severe and traditional treatments aren’t effective at alleviating your symptoms. Phototherapy slows down the growth of your skin cells.


    Vitiligo

    Vitiligo occurs when your skin-pigment cells, melanocytes, no longer produce melanin, creating patches of colorless skin. In addition to the immune cells, the UVB light in phototherapy acts on your melanocytes to restore color to your skin.


    Atopic dermatitis

    Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy skin rashes. You may benefit from phototherapy for your atopic dermatitis if topical creams fail to improve your skin condition. The light therapy reduces itching and inflammation, increases vitamin D production, and improves the bacteria-fighting powers in your skin.


    Phototherapy is also used to treat other forms of eczema, including contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema.

  • What can I expect during phototherapy?

    Phototherapy sessions are conducted at the office. Before your session starts, a moisturizing oil is applied to your skin. You’re then placed in the phototherapy booth and the light is activated, usually for a few seconds or a few minutes. The team closely documents your skin’s reaction to the light and adjusts your treatments accordingly.


    To get the most benefits out of phototherapy, you’ll need regular treatments over several months. It may take up to two months of treatment before your skin shows improvements. Once your skin condition stabilizes, you can reduce the frequency of your treatments or stop while your skin condition is in remission.


    To get help managing your chronic skin issues with phototherapy, contact the experienced team at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby by phone or online today.

Skin Cancer Screening

Friends Having Fun — Brighton, MI — Dermatology Specialists of Brighton

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. At Dermatology Specialists of Shelby in Shelby Township, Michigan, you can get regular skin cancer screenings to catch lesions and start treatment early. To book your next screening, call Dermatology Specialists of Shelby or book your appointment online today.

(586) 580-1001

Skin Cancer Screenings Q & A

  • Why do I need skin cancer screenings?

    You may need a skin cancer screening if you have certain risk factors. Risk factors for skin cancer include having:

    • Light skin tone
    • Blond or red hair
    • Light-colored eyes (blue or green)
    • Skin that burns and/or freckles easily
    • History of sunburns
    • Family and/or personal history of skin cancer
    • Frequent exposure to the sun through work or leisure activities
    • A large number of moles
  • What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

    A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole.  Not all skin cancers look the same.


    For melanoma specifically, a simple way to remember the warning signs is to remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma—


    • “A” stands for asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
    • “B” stands for border. Is the border irregular or jagged?
    • “C” is for color. Is the color uneven?
    • “D” is for diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
    • “E” is for evolving. Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?

    Contact Dermatology Specialists of Shelby if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.

  • How do skin cancer screenings work?

    Skin cancer screenings are simple. They involve only a visual examination of your skin to search for physical warning signs of skin cancer. You can screen yourself at home if you know what to look for, but screenings by dermatologists are much more thorough because of their training and ability to get a close look at places that you can’t see well using just a mirror.


    Moles that may be cancerous exhibit some unusual qualities:


    • Changing shape, size, or color
    • Bleeding or oozing
    • Multicolored
    • Pain when you touch it
    • Itchiness
    • Indistinguishable borders

    If you or your dermatologist at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby find a spot that seems unusual, your dermatologist takes a biopsy, or sample, of the affected skin and sends it to a lab for testing. If they find that it’s cancerous, you’ll start an appropriate treatment plan immediately.

  • When should I come in for a skin cancer screening?

    Treatment of skin cancer varies according to the location, size, aggressiveness of the cancer and the patient’s general health. In most cases, the dermatologist biopsies a small piece of the abnormal growth for an evaluation to determine whether or not it is malignant. Malignant tumors may require additional treatment.


    Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin, so act vigilantly to prevent its growth. Ask someone for help when checking your skin, especially in places difficult to see. Seek treatment if you notice a mole that looks different from others, changes, enlarges, itches or bleeds – even if it is small.


    To book your next screening, request an appointment by phone or online at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby today.

(586) 580-1001

Types of Skin Cancer

Atypical (Dysplastic) Nevi (Moles)

Atypical nevi are growths that begin as and resemble moles but develop some of the signs that we usually associate with cancerous growths. Atypical nevi may be irregular in shape or color and may look scaly or crusty. If you notice any growths with this type of appearance, or if a mole changes to one that resembles these characteristics, it is important to have it checked by your dermatologist immediately.

Actinic Keratoses (AKs)

Actinic Keratoses (or solar keratoses) are considered the earliest stage in the development of certain skin cancers. AKs are small, scaly spots most commonly found on the face, ears, neck, forearms, the scalp and backs of the hands in fair-skinned individuals who have had significant sun exposure. Some AKs may progress to advanced stages that require more extensive treatment. There are many effective treatments for AKs including medications, cryotherapy, laser or light therapy and chemical peels.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It occurs most frequently on the head and neck, but also on the trunk and lower limbs. BCC often appears as a fleshy bump, nodule, or red pearly patch. BCCs are frequently found in fair-skinned individuals. BCCs usually grow slowly, but this does not mean treatment should be delayed. While BCCs rarely metastasize (spread) to other organs, if untreated, they often will begin to repeatedly bleed and crust over, and can extend below the skin to the muscle, bone and nerves causing considerable local damage. There are several treatments available for BCC depending on the size, type, and location.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is another common skin cancer that is most often caused by sun exposure. If detected early it is easily treatable with in office excision or other treatments. If left untreated, SCC can rarely spread to lymph nodes or other organs of the body. Other risk factors for SCC include extensive burns, repeated exposures to radiation or x-rays, certain viral infections, and alcohol or tobacco use.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of malignant skin tumor. Skin color making cells called melanocytes become cancerous, grow, and invade other tissues. This is one of the most severe forms of skin cancer and if left untreated will be fatal. People with a family history of melanoma may be at an increased risk. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body and can present as a change in an existing mole or appearance of a new, unusual mole.


ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection:


  • Asymmetry. If you could fold the lesion in two, the two halves would not match.
  • Border. Melanomas often have uneven or blurred borders.
  • Color. Melanoma typically is not one solid color; rather it contains mixed shades of tan, brown, and black. It can also show traces of red, blue or white.
  • Diameter. While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6 millimeters, you should see a dermatologist.
  • Evolving. Sudden elevation. Evolving or changing mole.

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

This is a type of lymphoma (cancer of the white blood cells) that shows itself in problems with the skin. It is a disease that is throughout the body, but shows up most in the skin and connective tissue. It is diagnosed by taking a sample of the growth or lesion that is on the skin.

Patch Testing

Treatment for contact dermatitis centers around avoiding the substance causing your red, itchy rash. Identifying the underlying cause of your skin irritation isn’t always easy. The experienced team at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby in Shelby Township, Michigan offers patch testing to determine if your skin irritation is due to an allergy. To learn more about patch testing, call Dermatology Specialists of Shelby or request an appointment online today.

(586) 580-1001
Friends Having Fun — Brighton, MI — Dermatology Specialists of Brighton

Patch Testing Q & A

  • What is contact dermatitis?

    Contact dermatitis refers to a skin rash that develops due to an irritation or allergic reaction to a specific substance. The rash isn’t life-threatening, but can be uncomfortable.


    Typically, the rash develops within a few minutes to a few hours of coming into contact with the substance. To get relief from the uncomfortable symptoms, you must avoid the substance causing the reaction.


    Patch testing is needed if the source of your skin rash isn’t clear or the team has concerns about an allergy.

  • What is patch testing?

    Patch testing is a diagnostic tool the team at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby uses to identify the allergens responsible for your contact dermatitis. During the test, numerous patches with various substances are taped to your back or arm and left undisturbed for up to 48 hours. Then, the patches are taken off and your skin is evaluated.


    While it’s possible to get a skin reaction within 48 hours, it can take up to a week to develop signs that indicate an allergy. The team has you return to the office during this timeframe to monitor your skin.


    A patch test isn’t the same as a skin prick test. The patch test is used specifically to test for environmental substances causing your contact dermatitis, such as soaps, fragrances, or plants. The skin prick test is used to test for food and respiratory allergies.

  • How do I prepare for patch testing?

    The experienced team at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby provides you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your patch testing. You may be advised to avoid the use of certain medications before your test to ensure you get the best results. The team may also request that you not apply any lotions or creams to your skin on the day of testing.

  • Can I have a bad reaction during patch testing?

    It’s possible to develop an itchy and uncomfortable rash during your patch testing. The team provides you with a cream to help minimize your discomfort.


    It’s also possible for your skin to have an overreaction during the test, creating what’s referred to as an “angry back.” This can make identifying the substance responsible for your skin reaction difficult.


    To minimize your risk of an overreaction, the team may recommend only conducting the patch test when your skin is clear.


    To schedule a patch test or find out more, contact Dermatology Specialists of Shelby by phone or online today.

Biologic Treatments

Content coming soon

Electronic Brachytherapy

Explore Skin eBx®: A Painless, Non-Surgical Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment at Hamzavi Dermatology and Dermatology Specialists


One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with more than 5.4 million cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.1 The majority of cancers appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, nose, ears, hands, arms and legs.


If you have been diagnosed with NMSC, such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma, you may have concerns about scarring, wound healing or preserving functionality in anatomically challenging areas.

(586) 580-1001
Friends Having Fun — Brighton, MI — Dermatology Specialists of Brighton
  • What is Skin eBx®?

    Skin eBx® is an advanced, patient-friendly option for NMSC treatment. Skin eBx® provides an effective and convenient alternative to surgery allowing patients to return to normal activities immediately with no downtime.

  • What are the benefits of skin eBx®?

    Skin eBx® provides patients with a targeted, non-invasive alternative to surgery for NMSC treatment. While surgery is considered to be the standard of care for NMSC, for some patients, surgery is not an option or a preference. A completely non-invasive approach, no cutting, bleeding or stitching is required with skin eBx®, offering reduced risk of complications compared to surgery. Skin eBx® offers patients and physicians a safe and effective treatment option for NMSC with valuable benefits including:


    • Excellent clinical and cosmetic results1
    • No downtime
    • Quick treatment sessions
    • Precise targeting
    • No pain, anesthesia, cutting, bleeding or stitching
    • No scarring
    • No need for post-treatment reconstructive surgeries
    • Ideal for challenging anatomic locations

    Appropriate candidates for skin eBx® may include the following patients. Schedule an appointment to determine if skin eBx® may be right for you.


    • Patients with lesions in anatomically challenging locations
    • Patients who prefer an alternative to surgery
    • Patients who are not surgical candidates due to medical comorbidities or other health issues such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or blood thinning medication
    • Patients with higher-risk lesions, including features such as positive margins, requiring adjunct therapy to surgery
    • Patients with busy schedules
  • How does skin eBx® work?

    Skin eBx® uses a miniaturized x-ray source to deliver a precise radiation dose to your cancer lesion. This targeted treatment directs the radiation to the size and shape of the cancerous area, carefully destroying cancer cells and sparing surrounding healthy tissue.


    From the market leader in skin electronic brachytherapy, skin eBx ®offers a safe and effective outpatient option delivering excellent clinical and cosmetic results.2 More than 10,000 NMSC patients have been successfully treated with skin eBx®.


    Treatment requires just a few brief visits to your doctor. An individualized treatment regimen and prescription including customized shielding will be recommended by your doctor based on your age, medical history, the type, size and location of your cancer, as well as other criteria. Skin eBx® is administered in just five simple steps.


    • A clinician will prepare a customized set-up designed to target the lesion while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
    • A small surface applicator is placed on the skin where the radiation is to be delivered.
    • The miniaturized x-ray source is placed in the applicator and energized to deliver a precise, prescribed dose of radiation.
    • Radiation is delivered in just a few minutes in a standard exam room while medical personnel remain in the room.
    • Once the treatment is complete, customized treatment devices are removed. The patient is able to return to normal activities immediately.

    Schedule an appointment to determine if you may be an appropriate candidate for skin eBx®, a painless, non-surgical solution for NMSC treatment.

References:

1. http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skincancer-facts

2. A Bhatnagar, et al. High-dose Rate Electronic Brachytherapy: A Nonsurgical Treatment Alternative for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology; Nov. 2016; Vol. 9; No.11: 16-22

Excimer Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Carefully evaluating your skin and taking care of precancerous skin growths at the onset of their appearance can prevent a skin cancer diagnosis. At Dermatology Specialists of Shelby in Shelby Township, Michigan, the experienced team offers many skin cancer treatments, including photodynamic treatment to remove precancerous growths and sun-damaged skin. For an evaluation, call Dermatology Specialists of Shelby or request an appointment online today.

(586) 580-1001
Friends Having Fun — Brighton, MI — Dermatology Specialists of Brighton

Photodynamic Treatment Q & A

  • What is photodynamic treatment?

    Photodynamic treatment is a light-based therapy the team at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby uses to treat precancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis, as well as sun-damaged skin. Actinic keratosis causes you to develop rough patches of scaly skin after years of sun exposure. While these skin growths are often benign, a small percentage become cancerous when exposed to ultraviolet light if not removed. The team at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby can remove these patches of skin to reduce your risk of skin cancer and improve the look of your skin with photodynamic treatment. This minimally invasive treatment involves the use of a special medication that makes the damaged cells in your skin more sensitive to certain wavelengths of light. The combination of the medication and light activates oxygen molecules in your skin that destroy the cells.

  • What are the benefits of photodynamic treatment?

    Photodynamic treatment offers many benefits beyond removing skin growths that increase your risk of skin cancer. The team at Dermatology Specialists of Shelby offers photodynamic treatment because it:

    • Is minimally invasive
    • Causes little to no scarring
    • Improves the appearance, tone, and texture of your skin

    Photodynamic therapy is also safe enough to be administered to the same area several times without causing long-term side effects.

  • What can I expect during photodynamic treatment?

    The team performs your photodynamic treatment at the office. Before treatment begins, a special liquid or lotion with the activating medication is applied to your skin and allowed to dry for 30-60 minutes. However, depending on the reason you need photodynamic treatment, the team may request that the medication be applied the day before. Once the medication incubates for the set period of time, your dermatologist treats your skin with a special blue light that’s directly applied to your skin with a hand-held wand. You may feel some warmth and tingling during the treatment process, but a fan is used to reduce any discomfort. After your treatment, your skin is cleaned and sunblock is applied. You’ll return to the office once your skin heals to assess the effectiveness of your treatment and repeat if necessary. To find out if you would benefit from photodynamic treatment to remove skin growths and sun damage, call Dermatology Specialists of Shelby or request an appointment online today.

Medical Dermatology

  • Acne
  • Autoimmune Conditions
  • Eczema/Dermatitis
  • Fungal Infections
  • Hair Loss
  • Melanoma
  • Keloids
  • Nail Diseases
  • Psoriasis
  • Rosacea
  • Viral Infections
  • Skin Tags
  • Vitiligo
  • Warts
  • Skin Cancer
  • Benign Growths
  • Aging and Elderly Skin