DermNote

What is sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat unwanted surface veins called varicose veins or spider veins by injecting a substance into those veins. It is most commonly performed on the legs. What to let your doctor know: Let your doctor know if you have ever had problems with a blood clot such [...]

What is etanercept and what is it used for? Etanercept (brand name Enbrel®, Enbrel SureClick®, or Enbrel Prefilled Syringe®) is a prescription injection medication most often used in dermatology to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It is also used to treat other conditions where the immune system is overactive. Etanercept acts [...]

What is phototherapy? Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet and visible light to treat a variety of skin conditions. Based on your skin condition, skin type, history of getting sunburns, other pre-existing medical conditions, and the medications you are taking, your doctor will prescribe a controlled dose of light to be given over a period [...]

What is imiquimod? Imiquimod (brand name Aldara® or Zyclara®) is a prescription cream used to treat common warts, genital warts, molluscum contagiosum, precancerous growths (actinic keratoses) and some skin cancers. It stimulates the immune system to destroy abnormal cells that are infected by viruses or have become pre-cancerous growths or actual skin cancers. How do [...]

What is Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C)? Electrodessication and curettage is a common procedure most often used to treat basal cell carcinomas and some squamous cell carcinomas. Skin cancer cells are scraped away using a special instrument called a curette and an electric current delivered via a metal tip is used to locally burn away remaining [...]

Cryotherapy What is cryotherapy?  Cryotherapy is the destruction of cells through cold temperature which is most frequently achieved by the application of liquid nitrogen to skin.  Temperatures of -196 degrees celsius are reached with this method.  Cryotherapy can be used to treat skin conditions such as warts, condyloma, seborrheic keratoses, actinic keratoses, and some superficial [...]

Skin Tag (Acrochordon) Removal What is a skin tag?  A skin tag is a benign outpouching of the skin which presents as a soft floppy growth.  Skin tags can be of cosmetic concern and may become irritated by clothing or jewelry.  In most cases, they occur in the groin area, armpits or neck.  They are [...]