Secondary Services Archives

What are bed bugs? Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects. Adult bugs measure approximately 1/5 of an inch (about the size of an apple seed) and are red/brown in color and wingless. Nymphs, or young bed bugs, are translucent or white/yellow and are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Bed bugs are usually nocturnal and prefer a dark, warm location, like...

What is contact dermatitis? Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with an allergen or irritant. The rash isn’t contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Many substances can cause such reactions, including soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry and plants.

Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth with a spray device or cotton-tipped applicator. This freezes the tissue without requiring any cutting. This treatment is usually for pre-cancerous lesions and for the very earliest most superficial skin-cancer lesions. This treatment will result in some short-term blistering, and occasionally, long-term permanent discoloration leaving the skin white.

What is Electronic Skin Brachytherapy? Electronic skin brachytherapy is used in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer. A small surface applicator is applied to the skin, delivering low energy x-rays depending upon the tumor size, depth, patient age, prior treatments or other criteria as determined by a skin care professional.

Genital warts are transmitted through sexual contact with someone who is infected with the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. While genital warts are not cancerous, they can cause extreme discomfort, and have potential for complications. If you suspect you have genital warts, a Forefront provider can offer solutions for treatment. What are genital warts? Genital warts are warts that...

What is lichen planus? Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Although it doesn’t always require treatment, it can be itchy and painful, and prescription medication may be needed for relief. Your Forefront provider can diagnose lichen planus and determine if it needs medical attention.

What is Mohs surgery? Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for the most common non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. The Mohs procedure involves surgically removing skin cancer layer by layer and examining the tissue under a microscope until healthy, cancer-free tissue around the tumor is reached (called clear margins). Each Forefront Mohs surgeon is...

If you have spent years in the sun, you may have developed rough, scaly patches known as actinic keratoses (AKs). If left untreated, these "precancers" can evolve into squamous cell carcinoma. At Forefront Dermatology, we offer Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), a highly effective, non-invasive treatment that targets and destroys these damaged cells while leaving the surrounding healthy skin intact.

Overview Poison ivy rash occurs when the skin comes in contact with the leaves, stems or roots of poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. These surfaces contain a resin called urushiol, which causes the rash in about half of those who touch or brush against them. Aside from the bothersome irritation of the rash symptoms, there are almost no...

Scraping and Burning (ED&C): Effective Treatment for Skin Cancer If you have been diagnosed with a superficial skin cancer or a precancerous lesion, your dermatologist may recommend a procedure commonly known as "Scraping and Burning." Medically termed Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C), this time-tested technique is a highly effective, office-based procedure used to remove specific types of skin cancer with high...

What is SRT? Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a treatment option that may be considered for low-risk basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma in patients who prefer to avoid surgery. This technique uses highly advanced technology to radiate cancer cells, destroying them or preventing them from growing. SRT is delivered in small doses, usually three days weekly for seven...