Dermatology Services
Dermatologists specialize in a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) Dermatology Department offers the following services:
- General Dermatology
- Surgical Dermatology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Dermatopathology
- Light Therapy
- Cosmetic Dermatology
- Patch Testing
General Dermatology
Conditions that PAMF dermatologists commonly treat are the following:
- Acne
- Autoimmune disorders
- Contact dermatitis
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Moles and melanoma
- Nail disorders
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Rosacea
- Skin cancer screening
- Skin infections (athlete's foot and ringworm, herpes infections)
- Skin growths
- Warts
Back to top
Surgical Dermatology
- Destruction and excision of benign, premalignant and malignant skin lesions
- Skin cancer evaluation and treatment
- Acne scar treatment
- Mohs micrographic surgery and facial reconstruction
- Nail surgery
Back to top
Pediatric Dermatology
We also offer specialized care of skin disorders in infants, children and adolescents. Conditions treated commonly include the following:
- Acne
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Birthmarks including port wine stains and hemangiomas
- Hair and nail disorders
- Pigmentation disorders
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Skin infections including warts and fungal infections
Back to top
Dermatopathology
Dermatopathology is a subspecialty of dermatology and pathology that involves the study of skin disease at the microscopic level. Although many skin diseases can be recognized by their clinical appearance, sometimes a skin biopsy is taken to provide more information. This biopsy specimen is then examined under the microscope by a dermatolopathologist who looks at the disease at the cellular level.
Back to top
Light Therapy
Light Therapy with ultraviolet light is an effective treatment for some types of skin diseases including psoriasis and eczema. Treatment typically requires two to three visits a week, often for several months. Treatment times and dosage levels are determined by the physician. Please contact individual sites for scheduling information.
Photodynamic therapy is utilized to treat extensive solar damage and premalignant keratoses.
Back to top
Cosmetic Dermatology
PAMF dermatologists offer a variety of cosmetic services including the following:
- Topical medications for facial discoloration
- Photo rejuvenation
- Light based hair reduction
- Botox
- Fillers (i.e. Restylane, Perlane, Juviderm, etc.)
- Removal of unwanted growths
- Sclerotherapy and laser therapy for leg veins
- Laser reduction and elimination of tattoos, facial veins and solar lentigo (brown spots)
- Lasers for skin tightening rejuvenation
Back to top
Patch Testing
Patch testing is a procedure used by dermatologist in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing typically requires several visits in one week. Your doctor will determine if this test is right for you.
Back to top
