Skip to main content

We’ve updated our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. By using this site, you agree to these terms.

General dermatology care

From treating eczema and acne to providing preventive skin cancer screenings, we’re here to diagnose, treat and help you keep your skin healthy for life.

 

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a doctor who has specialty training in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions that affect your skin, hair and nails. These conditions can range from eczema and excessive sweating to skin cancers, like squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell cancer and melanoma.

Get dermatology care

Our experienced dermatologists will work with you to diagnose, treat and manage your condition. They’ll also teach you how to prevent future issues.

Find a dermatologist near me

When to see a dermatologist

Noticing a few extra hairs in the shower drain or a new mole on your body? For the most part, these are completely normal. However, if you have a skin, nail or hair issue that isn’t improving with over-the-counter treatments or is getting worse, it may be time to see a dermatologist.

Our dermatologists have experience in evaluating, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. Some of these conditions include:


Acne

If over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping with acne, a dermatologist can help.
Atypical moles

Atypical moles, or unusual-looking moles, are benign (growth that is not cancerous) and can occur anywhere on the body. However, having atypical moles can increase your risk of melanoma, so it’s important to be aware of them and talk with a dermatologist about any changes you see.

Spotting abnormal changes in your moles

When looking for abnormal changes, remember the following warning signs:
A = Asymmetry. Most melanomas are asymmetrical, meaning if you draw a line down the middle, the two halves don’t match.
B = Border. Regular moles have smoother, more even borders, while melanomas tend to have uneven borders.
C = Color. Benign moles are typically a single shade of brown. Melanomas may have different shades of brown, tan or black. As a melanoma grows, you may see red, white or blue coloring.
D = Diameter and darkness. Pay attention to moles that are the size of a pencil eraser or larger. Also, look for moles that are darker than others.
E = Evolving. Changes in size, shape, color or new symptoms, such as bleeding or itching may all be warning signs.


Cosmetic dermatology

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your skin or minimize an imperfection, your dermatologist may recommend a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, such as injectable fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal or injections to treat varicose veins. Learn more about cosmetic dermatology.
Cysts

A cyst is an abnormal, typically benign growth filled with liquid or tissue. Cysts can grow almost anywhere on your body. A dermatologist can help you determine the type of cyst you have and the best course of treatment.
Eczema, skin rashes and hives

Eczema is a condition that causes inflamed, itchy patches of skin, while skin rashes and hives can have several causes. If you’d like to get these conditions under control and keep flare-ups from affecting your everyday life, it may be time to see a dermatologist.
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Sweating is completely normal, especially during physical activity or a stressful situation. However, if you’re sweating more than normal or when you shouldn’t be, a dermatologist can help.
Hair loss

Losing up to 150 hairs a day is normal. However, if you’re noticing bald patches on your scalp, it’s time to consult a dermatologist.
Nail issues

Issues like ingrown toenails, changes in the color of your nails, nails lifting off the nail bed and swelling around the nails should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition that causes your cells to build up rapidly on your skin, creating scales and red patches that can be itchy or painful. A dermatologist can help you manage your symptoms.
Rosacea (skin redness)

Rosacea causes redness and visible blood vessels, and sometimes pus-filled bumps on your face. Every person with rosacea has different triggers and experiences a different level of symptoms. A dermatologist can help you manage these triggers and lessen your symptoms.
Skin cancer

Most often developing on skin that’s been exposed to the sun, skin cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell cancer and melanoma. A dermatologist can provide screenings, education on prevention and treatment for skin cancer.
Warts

Warts are benign growths caused by an infection in the top layer of your skin. They’re typically harmless; however, because they’re caused by an infection, they can be spread to others. A dermatologist can treat or remove warts.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose your condition, your dermatologist will discuss your symptoms with you and may perform tests, including a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue to be examined more closely. Then your doctor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

While most conditions can be treated with medication and non-surgical treatment, some conditions may require surgical treatment.

Depending on your situation, your dermatologist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:


Lifestyle changes

For certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and rosacea, identifying and avoiding triggers can help reduce your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest certain lifestyle changes, like changes to your diet or reducing your stress.
Medication

Your doctor may recommend oral medications such as antibiotics to treat infections, or topical medications such as creams to help reduce inflammation or manage acne on your skin.
Cosmetic procedures

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your skin or minimize an imperfection, your dermatologist may recommend a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, such as injectable fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal or injections to treat varicose veins. Learn more about cosmetic dermatology treatments.
Cryotherapy

During this treatment, skin lesions like warts are frozen to destroy the affected skin cells. This common treatment is performed right in your doctor’s office.
Skin lesion removal

Skin lesions may be removed to prevent your condition from spreading or returning, and to help alleviate symptoms.
Light therapy

Light therapy includes medications like Psoralen combined with ultraviolet A (or PUVA). To treat skin conditions like psoriasis, PUVA involves first taking a medication that makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, then exposing the skin to ultraviolet light.
Mohs surgery

Used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer, Mohs surgery involves the removal of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma cancer cells, while saving the greatest amount of skin tissue possible. 

This surgery is performed by a Mohs surgeon. Learn more about Mohs surgery.

 

Dermatology at Geisinger

Keep your skin, hair and nails healthy – with a little help from our dermatologists’ training and experience. From diagnosis to treatment and management of your condition, we offer:

  • Personalized treatment – You’re unique, and so is your skin. After diagnosing your condition, your dermatologist will partner with you to create a treatment plan that works for you. After treatment, we’ll make sure you’re armed with the education necessary to help prevent future issues.
  • Big-city treatments in your backyard – With locations throughout central, west and northeast Pennsylvania, you don’t have to travel far to get the treatment you need or want. From Mohs surgery to cosmetic dermatology procedures, like laser hair removal, we’ve got you covered.
  • Long-lasting results – The right treatments and education will help you avoid recurrence of your condition. As the body’s largest organ, our skin protects us from outside elements. We’re here to help you keep it healthy for life.
Content from General Links with modal content