To learn more about these skin treatments, contact our medical dermatology practice in the La Jolla region of San Diego.






Torrey Pines Dermatology
(Inside the Scripps/XIMED Building)
9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite 460
La Jolla, California 92037

Phone: 858-866-9969
Fax: 858-362-8803

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Medical Dermatology - Skin Conditions and Treatments in San Diego’s La Jolla Area

Torrey Pines Dermatology has been providing treatment for skin conditions and diseases for more then 40 years. The experience and advanced training of our skilled dermatologists allow us to recognize and address a wide range of common and uncommon dermatological problems. Although we also provide cosmetic skin treatments, medical dermatology is the backbone of our La Jolla practice in San Diego and provides us with some of our most rewarding work.

Acne

Acne is the development of raised, reddened bumps or pustules on the surface of the skin, caused by the clogging of pores. Common during the teen years, acne is primarily a genetic condition and will usually clear up over time. However, severe cases of acne can have serious cosmetic consequences, both during a breakout and after, since acne often causes scarring. Learn more about the acne treatment options available at our medical dermatology practice in La Jolla.

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Skin Cancer

As the most serious of all dermatological conditions, skin cancer can take many forms. Fortunately, the most common varieties are also the most treatable, but it is vital to detect cancerous lesions in their early stages in order to remove them before the cancer is able to spread. As a rule, any skin growth or mark that appears suddenly or changes in appearance and has irregular edges or uneven color should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Preventing damage to the skin through proper sun protection is very important. Wearing a hat, using a good-quality sunscreen, and seeking shade while outdoors, can significantly reduce the risk of developing most types of skin cancer. Learn more about the identification and treatment of skin cancer.

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Rosacea

A relatively common condition resulting in facial redness, flushing and bumps, rosacea is generally seen in fair-skinned people between the ages of 30 and 50, even though it can occur at any age. It may begin as a tendency to blush easily, but as the condition advances, the redness intensifies and small pimples or blood vessels appear in the skin. Without treatment, rosacea will steadily worsen and rarely clears up on its own. Skin treatments, provided by a medical dermatology professional at our La Jolla office in San Diego, can help to reduce the appearance of rosacea.

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Eczema/Dermatitis

There is a range of specific conditions that fall under the classification of eczema or dermatitis. Common forms include seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), allergic contact dermatitis, and atopic eczema. All forms of dermatitis involve inflamed, itchy skin and may appear red, brownish, scaly, bumpy, or oozing. A dermatologist can provide prescription skin treatments to help reduce the symptoms and manage the condition.

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Psoriasis

A non-contagious, chronic skin condition, psoriasis is generally characterized by thick, reddened, and scaly patches of skin. These patches of skin may be small and localized, or very extensive. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, even severe cases can be managed by a medical dermatology specialist. Treatment may involve topical medication (applied to the affected area of skin), systemic medication (taken internally through pills or injection), or specialized light treatments.

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Age Spots

Flat, brownish patches that appear on the skin of the hands, arms, legs, and feet are commonly known as “liver spots” or “age spots.” The most common factors that determine whether a person will develop age spots are heredity and sun exposure. These areas of pigmentation are generally harmless, but should be evaluated by a dermatologist to be sure they are not confused with melanoma, which can present a similar appearance. Medical dermatology specialists at our La Jolla office in San Diego, can also provide skin treatments used to remove age spots cosmetically if the patient desires.

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Moles

Moles can vary widely in shape, size, color, and location. They may appear flat at first and grow more prominent over time, possibly even developing a small “stalk”, and eventually falling off. Most moles are harmless, but some may develop into skin cancer, so any mole that is larger than ¼ inch in diameter, varied in color, or has an irregular shape, should be evaluated by a dermatologist. There are also methods of removing moles if the patient is bothered by their appearance.

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Melasma

Melasma is a hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, that occurs most frequently in people who have darker skin tones and a family history of the condition. It appears across the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip, creating a mask-like appearance on the face. The development of melasma has also been connected to hormonal changes and is a common side effect during pregnancy, when it is known as chloasma, or “the mask of pregnancy.” The condition can also be intensified by sun exposure or skin irritants. Treatment involves the prevention of sun exposure and irritation, as well as medication to slow the activity of pigment-producing cells. Pregnancy-related melasma will usually disappear after delivery.

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Seborrheic Keratoses

Often confused with warts, seborrheic keratoses are raised, brown or black growths that can appear anywhere on the skin. They tend to be more common among people with a family history of them, but they could affect anyone. Although they are completely harmless, some forms may be difficult to distinguish visually from skin cancer, so it is best to have them evaluated by a medical dermatology specialist to be sure. If their appearance poses cosmetic problems, seborrheic keratoses can be removed through cryosurgery (freezing), curettage (scraping), or electrosurgery (using a small electrical current to damage the keratoses before scraping it away).

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Warts

Typically appearing as raised, skin-colored bumps, warts are caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus, or HPV. There are several types of warts that can appear on different areas of the body and in different forms. They are more common in areas where skin has been broken, especially the hands and fingers of children. Although not generally harmful, many types of warts can be painful or bothersome. Treatment by a dermatologist can help remove the existing wart, but will not necessarily prevent the development of new warts, as the virus itself cannot be treated.

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Actinic Keratoses

The result of extensive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, actinic keratoses appears as patches or lesions of rough, dry and scaly skin, varying in color and size. At Torrey Pines Dermatology, actinic keratoses is treated with photodynamic therapy using the BLU-U® Light with an application of Levulan®.

Contact Our Practice

If you have further questions about medical dermatology or skin treatments, please contact our office in the La Jolla area of San Diego. We will be happy to answer any questions you have or schedule a consultation for you with one of our skilled and experienced physicians.

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