Acute Skin Conditions

Molluscum

Molluscum is a common skin infection in which a virus makes groups of raised, flesh-colored bumps appear on the skin. The core of the bump is typically white and most often have a dent in the center.

Molluscum is spread through skin to skin contact with an infected individual and most often occurs in elementary-aged children. Although these lesions will eventually go away on their own, Dr. Baker can speed up the process through medications or an in-office procedure.

Poison Ivy

The poison ivy rash is caused by the skin coming in contact with urushiol oil that is present in the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants.

The rash typically develops 12-72 hours after contact and can include itching, redness, swelling, as well as bumps and blisters. We can prescribe steroid creams and oral corticosteroids in more severe cases.

Nail Fungus

About 10% of adults suffer from some type of nail fungus infection. Microscopic fungi under the nail cause this condition which is more common on toenails but fingernails are susceptible too.

An examination of debris under the nail is the first step in treating nail fungus. Dr. Baker can then prescribe the appropriate antifungal medication. There are topical ointments as well as oral medications that can help.

Rash

Rashes can come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, from itchy bumps to red spots to dry flaky patches. We’ll need to figure out what is causing your rash to determine the best treatment.

For allergic reactions, Dr. Baker might prescribe topical medication and/or antihistamines. Fungal or bacterial infections may require antibiotics and topicals, and other forms of rashes may require a washing and moisturizing regimen on top of topical treatments.

Cyst

A cyst is a fluid- or tissue-filled sac that can occur anywhere on your body and has a variety of causes from bacterial or fungal infections to parasites. If you have one that hasn't gone away on its own, is painful, or is growing in size, seek medical attention.

Dr. Baker may choose to drain the fluid from the cyst, use steroids to reduce inflammation, or even surgically remove it in some cases.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by red sores most often around your child’s nose or mouth. Although it is contagious and spreads easily, it is not a serious condition and it’s easy to treat.

Dr. Baker will likely prescribe a prescription-strength antibiotic ointment or if needed, oral antibiotics.

Sunburn

Sunburn is damage to the cells in the epidermis layer of your skin. This occurs when unprotected skin is exposed to the harmful UVB radiation from the sun.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from sunburn is by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. A sunburn will cause your skin to be red, hot, painful and may even result in swelling or blistering. Severe sunburns need to be looked at by Dr. Baker.

Skin Tag

These small, harmless, benign growths of the skin can be annoying but are easily removed. They can be present anywhere on the body and there may be one or two in isolated locations or in a group with many others.

Your options for removal are cryosurgery (freezing of the growth), cautery (using heat to remove the growth) or using medical scissors to snip it off.

Warts

Warts are one of the most common dermatological complaints. About 75% of people will develop a wart at some point in their lifetime and sometimes they’re not so easy to get rid of.

Warts are caused by HPV or human papillomavirus. Each person responds differently so not everyone exposed to HPV will get a wart.

There are several different treatment methods for wart removal such as cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen), cauterization (burning with an electric needle), or candida injections that stimulate your immune system to fight off the virus.

Keloids

Keloids are scar tissue that forms after trauma to the skin. They can form not only after a minor injury but also after an ear-piercing, tattoo or insect bite.

As this scar tissue gets larger and larger it can form raised mounds called keloids. Treatment usually starts with a corticosteroid injection to flatten the scar.

Mole Removal

Moles are typically brown or black and can appear anywhere on your body. Most are benign and appear before age 20. Moles that appear later in life or start to change in size, shape or color need to be looked at by Dr. Baker.

If you simply don’t like the way a mole looks or feels, or if it gets in your way when you shave or dress, Dr. Baker can often remove it for you either by shaving it off, excision or cauterization.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal infection and spread through skin contact with an infected individual, animal, or object. Depending on where the location is, it’s known by other names like athlete’s foot (between your toes) or jock itch (in the groin).

Thankfully, the infection is easily treated with topical and occasionally oral anti-fungal medications.