262 West Badillo Road
Covina, CA. 91723
Phone: 626-653-2525
Acne: is a skin condition which has plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples (pustules), and deeper lumps (nodules). Acne occurs on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back shoulders and upper arms. Although most teenagers get some form of acne, adults in their 20's, 30's, 40's or even older can develop acne. Control of acne is an ongoing process. All acne treatments work by preventing new acne breakouts. Existing blemishes must heal on their own, and therefore, improvement takes time. If your acne has not improved within two or three months, your treatment may need to be changed. The treatment your dermatologist recommends will vary according to the type of acne.
Actinic Keratoses: or solar keratoses are considered the earliest stage in development of skin cancer. They are small, scaly spots most commonly found on the face, ears, neck, lower arms and back of the hands in fair-skinned individuals who have had significant sun exposure. Actinic keratoses can be treated by cryotherapy(freezing) topical chemotherapy(applying cream or lotion), chemical peeling, dermabrasion, laser surgery, curettage or other dermatologist surgical procedures.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer worldwide. In the vast majority of cases, it is thought to be caused by exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Basal cell cancer does not usually metastasize or travel in the bloodstream; rather it infiltrates the surrounding area destroying tissue. For this reason, basal cell cancer should be treated promptly by your dermatologist with dermatologic surgical techniques. Basal Cell Cancer most often appears on sun-exposed areas. These tumors can have several different forms. The most common appearance of basal cell cancer is that of a small dome-shaped bump that has a pearly white color. Basal cell cancer can also appear as a pimple-like growth that heals, only to come back again and again. If you have a sore that doesn't heal or that looks like any of the growths mentioned you should make an appointment with your dermatologist for evaluation. After the dermatologist examines the growth, he will decide whether or not to perform a biopsy. Your dermatologist will discuss with you the various dermatologic surgical options should your growth prove to be a basal cell cancer.
"Botox Injection" or "Botox shot" is the term most widely used to describe the procedure of administering the Allergan BOTOX Cosmetic treatment. Botox injections utilize Botulinum Toxin Type A to treat wrinkles. Botox injections were originally slated to treat neurological disorders; today, Botox injections are widely used to remove facial lines, especially frown lines, "crow's feet," and forehead lines. Botox treatments are a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that works at motor nerve endings(nerves that lead to muscles). Botox is a drug used for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines(frown lines). These frown lines come from muscles called Corrugator and/or procerus muscles. The Botox injection treatment is the name used for the process of injecting the Botox product into the patient. The effects of Botox are not permanent, reportedly lasting anywhere from three to eight months.It is a natural response to assume there is some Botox danger with a product derived from a toxin, but it is in fact very safe, and has been in use for some time. It is always prudent to review the Botox side effects and procedure so that any Botox injection danger is known and understood.In addition to use in prevention of wrinkles, Botox has been used to treat uncontrolled eye twitching, crossed eyes, muscle spasms and most recently, excessive underarm sweating.
Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis: The terms "eczema" or "dermatitis" are used to describe certain kinds of inflamed skin conditions including allergic contact dermatitis and nummular dermatitis. Eczema can be red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish or thickened and usually itches. Eczema can occur at any age but is most common in infants to young adults. The skin rash is very itchy and can be widespread, or limited to a few areas. Atopic dermatitis is a very common condition. With proper treatment, the disease can be controlled in the majority of people.
Hair Loss/ Alopecia Areata: In this type of hair loss, hair usually falls out, resulting in totally smooth, round patches about the size of a coin or larger. The cause of Alopecia Areata is unknown. Apart from the hair loss, affected persons are generally in excellent health. In most cases, the hair regrows by itself. Dermatologists can treat many people with this condition. Treatments include topical medications, a special kind of light treatment or in some cases pills.
Malignant Melanoma: is a type of cancer that begins in the skin. It is completely curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread. We are not certain how all cases of melanoma develop; however it is clear that excessive sun exposure, especially severe blistering sunburns during childhood, can promote melanoma development. Melanoma may arise from a pre-existing mole or appear on previously normal appearing skin. Melanomas slowly get larger; therefore, growing, changing, or irregular lesions should arouse suspicion. Early detection remains the best treatment. Therefore, perform a monthly self-exam, looking for irregular lesions that are growing and changing. If you have an atypical mole, see a dermatologist immediately. Lastly, see a dermatologist atleast once a year for a complete skin exam.
Melasma: Melasma is a natural darkening of the skin caused by excessive production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that causes your skin to tan. There are different prescription and over-the-counter products that can be used alone or in combination to treat melasma.
Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a skin condition of white patches resulting from loss of pigment. Vitiligo is the result of the disappearance of the skin's melanocytes. No one knows why.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a specialized, highly effective technique for the removal of skin cancer. Mohs surgery differs from other skin cancer treatments in that it permits the immediate and complete microscopic examination of the removed cancerous tissue, so that all "roots" and extensions of the cancer can be eliminated. Due to the methodical manner in which tissue is removed and examined, Mohs surgery has been recongnized as the skin cancer treatment with the highest reported cure rate. With it's high cure rate, Mohs Micrographic Surgery are specialists both in dermatology and pathology. With their extensive knowledge of the skin and unique pathological skills, they are able to remove only diseased tissue, preserving healthy tissue and minimizing the cosmetic impact of the surgery. Only physicians who have also completed a residency in dermatology are qualified for Mohs Micrographic Surgical training.
Moles and Birthmarks: Known as nevi (singular: nevus), moles and other birthmarks are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in color from tan, brown and black (moles) to red, pinkor purple (vascular nevi, such as strawberry hemangiomas or port wine stains). Though most birthmarks are harmless, they may develop into cancer. Moles exhibiting any of the following warning signs should be examined by a professional immediately:
- Larger than six millimeters
- Itches or bleeds
- Rapidly changes in color, size or shape
- Has multiple colors
- Is located where it can't be easily monitored, such as on the scalp
Phototherapy: Sunlight and ultraviolet light slow the rapid growth of skin cells. Although ultraviolet light or sunlight can cause skin wrinkling, eye damage, and skin cancer, light treatment is safe and effective under a doctor's care for certain diagnoses. Seek the advice of a dermatologist before self-treating with natural or artificial sunlight.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease that got its name from the Greek word for "itch". The skin becomes inflamed, producing red, thickened areas with silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. The cause is unknown. Treatment is based on a patient's health, age, lifestyle and the severity of the psoriasis. Different types of treatments and several visits to the dermatologist may be needed.
Rosacea: Rosacea is a common skin disease that causes redness, pustules, papules and swelling on the face. Rosacea frequently begins as a tendency to flush or blush easily. It may progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Dermatologists often recommend a combination of treatments tailored to the individual patient. These treatments can stop the progress of rosacea and sometimes reverse it.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Seborrheic Keratoses are non-cancerous growths of the outer layer of skin. We do not know the exact cause of seborrheic keratoses. However, almost everybody will eventually develop atleast a few of these growths. They are sometimes referred to as "barnacles of old age." these become more common and more numerous with advancing age.
Squamous Cell: Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer; it is primarily found in fair-skinned people and rarely in dark-skinned individuals. This cancer may appear as a bump, or as a red scaly patch. SCC can develop into large masses and become invasive. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, this form of cancer can metastasize(spread to other parts of the body); therefore, it is important to get early treatment.
Dr. Saeed Jaffer at Boston Dermatology is dedicated to his patients with expertise in dermatology and dermatology surgery. Dr. Jaffer and his wonderful staff are committed to excellence in patient care.
Whether your appointment is for skin cancer treatment or a general dermatology concern, we provide the highest level of compassion and quality of care. Below is a small amount of information on some of the diseases of the skin Dr. Jaffer treats.
