Skin is the largest organ of the human body and evolved to protect our inner organs from outside pathogens and other toxins. It takes at least 28 days for skin to renew itself. Proper skin care habits and treatments will protect and prolong its health and youthful elasticity through this ongoing process. Changes in your skin condition often signal changes in your overall health. It’s important to stay alert for the appearance of rashes, eczema, hair loss, mole changes, etc. and report them to your health provider. Our physicians offer general and surgical services to treat a full range of possible skin conditions. What is Medical Dermatology? Medical (or general) dermatology is the study and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. The board-certified physicians at Aspen Dermatology treat patients of all ages with care and attention, understanding that the medical interpretation of external symptoms can often point to internal disorders that require diagnosis and treatment as well. Most Common Skin Conditions Acne remains the most common skin disorder in the U.S. affecting adults as well as teens. Other common conditions treated at Aspen include: Eczema Shingles Rashes and hives Basal cell carcinoma Rosacea Cold sores Athlete’s foot Additionally, our physicians consult on hair loss, nail problems, psoriasis, itching, skin discoloration, spider veins, warts, mole changes and much more. Psoriasis Complications The importance of treating skin conditions as they appear cannot be overstated. Not only can skin irregularities signal cancer or other serious diseases, but some conditions can lead to greater health complications if left untreated. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by a red, scaly rash as a result of excess skin cell growth, buildup and inflammation. This inflammation can affect other tissues and has been linked to a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, metabolic syndrome and other inflammation-caused conditions. Vitiligo and Hyperpigmentation Melanocytes are epidermal cells that secrete melanin, a pigmented substance that affects skin color. A higher concentration of melanin point to darker skin tones while conditions such as vitiligo and albinism signal melanocytes that lack or have lost the ability to produce melanin, resulting in whitish patches or total loss of pigment. Hyperpigmentation is the excess production of melanin that results in dark patches. At Aspen, we treat skin discoloration of all varieties to achieve an even, healthy looking skin tone. Frequently Asked Questions Why do I have a co-pay charge on my bill? Why is my copay higher when I see your doctors? Why do I have a copay for follow up visits? Why can’t you just take off a mole and not send it to pathology? The doctor only spent a few minutes with me, why should I be charged for an office visit?