It is important to have regular skin cancer examinations by a qualified dermatologist. Contact our Bay Area centers, near Berkeley and Santa Rosa, to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists.
Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area
165 Lynch Creek Way
Petaluma, California 94954
Phone: (707) 762-5531
Fax: (707) 762-5976
500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 245
Hercules, California 94547
Phone: (510) 741-7418
Fax: (510) 741-7456
As medical experts in skin diseases, we provide expert consultation and treatment for all skin diseases. We diagnose and treat skin cancer daily. We help patients select the best treatment modality for their individual skin cancers. We also treat common skin conditions like acne and rosacea, as well as diagnostically challenging rashes and growths.
The sun, although essential in providing light, warmth and life to our world, is unfortunately also an important source of harmful ultraviolet UVA and UVB radiation. With the depletion of the ozone layer, the UV rays are more easily able to penetrate the skin, damage our skin’s DNA and cause skin cancer. Worldwide, we are seeing rising rates of skin cancer.
Actinic Keratoses are typically red, rough, scaly patches that are considered premalignant. They are usually treated with liquid nitrogen, 5-floururacil (Efudex or Carac), or photodynamic therapy.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Superficial tumors of the trunk and limbs are frequently removed by electrodessication and curettage. Well-defined deeper tumors are removed by excision. Facial, large, or recurrent tumors are best removed by Mohs surgery.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma, although less common than Basal Cell Carcinoma, is slightly more aggressive and is almost always removed by excision or Mohs surgery. In special circumstances, radiation treatments are also needed.
Malignant Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, usually appears as an enlarging black and irregular mole. Early detection and removal is vital to ensure a cure and prevent it from spreading or metastasizing.
In treating cancerous growths, we always select the skin cancer surgery option most appropriate for the individual patient and tumor type. We utilize Mohs surgery for certain facial or recurrent tumors to help preserve normal skin and ensure tumor-clear tissue margins. We utilize reconstructive surgery after skin cancer removal to improve the appearance of scars and deformities caused by skin cancer surgery. If you have a lesion on your skin that concerns you or that you believe may be skin cancer, contact Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area to schedule an examination and consultation with a dermatologist at our practice, serving Berkeley and other Bay Area communities.
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In addition to skin cancer, we treat common dermatological conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, rashes, eczema, and benign moles and growths.
There are different types of acne lesions and at Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, we offer customized treatment regimens including photodynamic acne treatment, skin care products, and chemical peels to effectively treat each type.
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Rosacea is a condition that causes chronic facial redness with inflamed pimple-like lesions. Frequently, there is concurrent telangiectasia or broken blood vessels. Like acne, a variety of treatments exist, including antibiotics, skin care products, laser and IPL® FotoFacial™.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease affecting 2% of the population. It appears in many different forms, with the most common characterized by raised skin lesions that appear red with white scales. Psoriasis usually appears on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp, but can also occur on other parts of the body.
We offer narrow-band UVB phototherapy for the treatment of psoriasis, and PUVA for hand-and-foot treatment. Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area is recognized locally by the National Psoriasis Foundation as a center of excellence in providing light therapy for East Bay and Contra Cost County residents.
NEW
Laser Treatment for Psoriasis
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Eczema is a non-contagious condition that is characterized by dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Eczema may be caused by contact irritants or it may be passed genetically. There are different treatments depending on the type and severity of eczema. We commonly use anti-inflammatory topicals and UVB phototherapy for more recalcitrant types of eczema.
There are numerous types of skin rashes with different causes and treatments. Some are common and straight forward like fungal ringworm and some like Lichen Planus or Pityriasis Rosea require diagnostic acumen. Either way, as dermatologists, we are trained and experienced for whatever rash comes your way.
In addition to the removal of skin cancer lesions, the dermatologists at our Bay Area practice also remove benign moles and growths for cosmetic reasons. Our dermatologists use surgical techniques to minimize the appearance of scarring.
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To learn more about skin cancer and how a dermatologist at our Bay Area centers can help you keep your skin healthy, contact Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area.
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