The board-certified professionals at Suncoast Skin Solutions have been dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive surgical, medical, and cosmetic dermatological care. Our cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical approaches to medical and cosmetic dermatology provide our patients with natural-looking results that require minimal downtime and recovery.
Suncoast Skin Solutions offers medical dermatology services at more than 20 locations across Florida. Our board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails, from everyday concerns like acne and eczema to complex issues like autoimmune skin disease and skin cancer.
What Is Medical Dermatology?
Medical dermatology is the branch of dermatology focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of medical conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. It’s the side of dermatology that addresses health rather than appearance.
Because medical dermatology addresses diagnosed medical conditions rather than elective procedures, these visits are generally covered by health insurance. A medical dermatologist is trained to treat a broad range of issues, including inflammatory conditions such as acne and eczema, bacterial and fungal infections, autoimmune skin diseases, growths and lesions, hair and nail disorders, pediatric skin conditions, and skin cancer.
The sooner a skin issue is evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist, the better. Early diagnosis may mean shorter treatment, simpler interventions, and better long-term outcomes.
Cosmetic vs. Medical Dermatology
Here’s a quick breakdown of how medical and aesthetic dermatology compare:
Medical Dermatology
- Treats diagnosed conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer, and fungal infections
- Generally covered by health insurance
- Focused on restoring and maintaining the health of your skin
Cosmetic Dermatology
- Addresses appearance-driven concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, body contouring, and hair removal
- Typically paid out of pocket
- Focused on enhancing the look of healthy skin
When the Two Overlap
Some concerns have both medical and cosmetic aspects. Acne is a medical condition, but the scars it leaves behind are often treated cosmetically. The same is true for melasma and lingering redness from rosacea. Because we offer medical, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic services in the same practice, our patients can address the full picture of their skin concerns with one team, in one place.
Common Skin Conditions Treated
Below are some of the most common reasons patients come in to see a medical dermatologist:
Inflammatory and Chronic Skin Conditions
- Acne: Acne affects patients of all ages. Treatment ranges from topical care to prescription therapy, depending on the type and severity. Learn more about treating acne at Suncoast
- Eczema: Eczema causes itchy, inflamed patches that can flare up unpredictably. We work with patients to identify triggers and put together a long-term plan to keep symptoms under control. Learn more about eczema treatment at Suncoast
- Psoriasis: a chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick, scaly patches on the skin. Treatment options have come a long way and now range from topical therapies to advanced
- Rosacea: Rosacea causes persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps, usually on the face. The right approach depends on what’s triggering it for each patient. Learn more about rosacea treatment.
- Itching (Pruritus): Persistent itching isn’t always just dry skin. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward lasting relief. See how Suncoast treats pruritus.
- Dry Skin: Chronic dryness can lead to cracking, irritation, and infection if left untreated. We help patients build a skincare routine suited to their skin type rather than guessing through over-the-counter products.
Infections and Fungal Conditions
- Fungal Infections: Fungal infections can appear on the feet, scalp, body, or groin, and they rarely clear up on their own. We diagnose the specific type and prescribe targeted treatment.
- Nail Fungus: Thick, discolored, or crumbling nails are often a sign of a fungal infection. Over-the-counter products rarely resolve the issue; prescription treatment is usually needed. Learn more about nail fungus treatment.
Pigmentation and Scarring
- Melasma: Melasma causes dark patches, usually on the face, and is often triggered by sun exposure or hormonal changes. Treatment combines in-office care with consistent sun protection.
- Scar Revision: Scars from acne, surgery, or injury can often be softened with the right approach. We’ll walk you through the options that fit your skin and your goals. Learn more about scar revision at Suncoast
Precancerous and Cancerous Lesions
- Actinic Keratosis: These rough, scaly spots are caused by sun damage and are considered precancerous. Treating actinic keratosis early prevents progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
- Skin Cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are treated through our surgical dermatology team. For many skin cancers, particularly on the face, we use Mohs surgery to remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Specialized Care
- General Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology: Children and adults have different skin and different concerns, and we treat both. From a child’s stubborn rash to an adult’s recurring skin issue, our approach is tailored to each patient. Learn more about general and pediatric dermatology at Suncoast.
- Geriatric Skin Exams: Older skin is more prone to skin cancer, thinning, and slow-healing wounds. We provide thorough, comfortable exams designed for the needs of senior patients.
- Wound Care: Wounds that won’t heal require specialized care to prevent infection and support healing. Our team helps patients through that process step by step. Learn more about wound care at Suncoast.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Dermatology
The cost of your services will vary depending on the type of treatment you choose, the extent of treatment needed to achieve your desired results, and your health insurance coverage. To find out a more accurate cost, we encourage you to come in for a private dermatology consultation with one of our providers.
The board-certified dermatologists and medical professionals at Suncoast Skin Solutions are proud to offer services and treatments for the following skin conditions:
Pretty much anything affecting the skin, hair, or nails that’s a health concern rather than a cosmetic one. That includes acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, fungal infections, hair loss, nail disorders, autoimmune skin diseases, and skin cancer.
Medical dermatology diagnoses and treats health conditions of the skin, hair, and nails, like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer. Cosmetic dermatology focuses on the appearance of healthy skin, addressing concerns such as fine lines, sun spots, and unwanted hair, and is usually paid for out of pocket. Some concerns, like acne scarring or melasma, can be treated medically, cosmetically, or both.
For most adults, an annual skin check is a good baseline. If you’ve had skin cancer before, have fair skin, spend a lot of time in the sun, or have an active skin condition, you’ll likely need to come in more often than that. Living in Florida is its own reason to schedule a routine skin cancer screening, as the UV exposure here is among the highest in the country, and that can take its toll on your skin.
The first visit is pretty straightforward. We’ll go over your medical history and what’s brought you in, then take a close look at your skin (often with a dermatoscope, which lets us see details that aren’t visible to the naked eye). From there, we’ll talk through what we’re seeing and the next step. If something needs a biopsy, we can usually do it right in the office with a quick numbing injection. Biopsy results typically come back in one to two weeks.
Most insurance plans don’t require a referral for dermatology, but it’s worth a quick call to your carrier to confirm. We also offer same-day appointments when our schedule allows, so you don’t have to wait long if you’ve got something you want looked at.
We have more than 20 medical dermatology clinic locations in Florida, including locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, the Nature Coast and Central Florida, Northeast Florida, and Southwest and Southeast Florida. You can find the office nearest you on our Locations page.