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Dr. Friednash is both highly interested and has extensive experience with moles and melanoma. She was involved in immune therapy for melanoma during her residency. She participated in weekly melanoma conferences while on faculty at University of Colorado and directed the high risk mole clinic while she was full time faculty.
Moles to have checked are:
- Look different from your other moles
- New or changing in color, border or size
- Painful moles
- Moles that itch or bleed
- Change in texture.
Remember your ABCs…
- “A” asymmetric shape (if you cut it in half and one side is different from the other).
- “B” irregular border (scalloped or ill-defined border).
- “C” variegated or uneven color.
- “D” diameter greater than a pencil eraser (6mm, ¼ inch).
When you come in to the office, we will examine your skin, using a dermatoscope that shows specific pigment patterns of your moles. If a mole is suspicious, a biopsy will be done. This involves numbing the affected skin and removing a small area to determine under the microscope if the mole is abnormal.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer and is increasing at a rapid rate. There are many types of skin cancer but the most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. When you come in to the office, we will examine your skin, using a dermatoscope. If a mole is suspicious, a biopsy will be done. Dr. Friednash is also a dermatopathologist who specializes in microscopic diagnosis of the skin specimens.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
While basal cell typically appears on sun exposed skin, they can occur in other places. They can appear in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. While often red and translucent, they can also appear as skin colored or pigmented. They are diagnosed with a simple biopsy. Removing the lesion is the most common method of treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma also favors sun exposed skin, they can occur on mucus membranes such as lips and genitals. They typically appear as scaly or red crusted patch or an open sore. They are diagnosed with a simple biopsy.
Malignant Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious of the skin cancers and is increasing at the fastest rate of any cancer with the exception of lung cancer in women. Epidemiologic studies show a relationship to severe, blistering sunburns before age 19 years, fair complexion and use of tanning beds. Diagnosis is made by a quick and easy skin biopsy performed in the office. Early detection and removal has a very favorable prognosis. Studies predict the incident will double by 2040.
Approximately 90-95% of melanomas appear as a mole with a color change. Often one half of the mole appears different from the other half. The border of the mole often has an irregular, uneven quality as opposed to a smooth, round or oval shape. There may be different colors within the melanoma, including red, white, blue, grey, black and pink. Often melanomas change shape, color or appearance over time or may produce itching, bleeding or a strange sensation on the skin.
Surgical Dermatology
Dermatologic surgery encompasses a wide variety of methods to remove or modify skin tissue for health (skin cancer) or cosmetic benefit. These methods include biopsy, excision, ED&C (electrodessication & curettage) and cryotherapy. In most cases, skin problems requiring surgery can be addressed in our office with minimal pain and low risk of complications. We also work with excellent MOHS surgeons when needed.
Care Instructions / Biopsy Results
At Fusion Dermatology we go out of our way to make sure that you are informed and comfortable with your surgery options and pre / post care instructions.
If you have a biopsy, results are typically available within 7-10 days. We will contact you by phone to discuss your biopsy and further treatment.
Home Prevention
- Monitor your moles by examining your skin carefully, including areas of skin not exposed to the sun, on a monthly basis
- Avoid tanning and do not use UV tanning booths
- Avoid burning
- Excellent UV protectant clothing is available
- Use sunscreen: a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that has coverage for both UVA and UVB. Reapply every two hours
- Seek shade, especially at times of peak sun between 10 AM and 4 PM
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Have your primary care doctor examine your moles and provide a skin cancer screening at the time of your annual physical. If moles are concerning they can refer you to the dermatologist for further evaluation
Warts are a viral infection of the skin caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the skin. There are many treatment options for warts. The most common in office treatment is cryotherapy, topical therapies and immune therapy. Stubborn warts can be treated with stronger injections. Dr. Friednash takes great care in minimizing painful treatments, especially in children. Warts respond well to treatment although may take multiple visits.
Acne is frustrating at any age. There can be many causes for acne leading to different treatment options. Treatments are tailored to each person's type of acne, skin type and life style. Treatments can include topical options, oral antibiotics, hormone blockers and accutane if severe. There are numerous treatment options and new ones are always being developed.
Treatment is an ongoing process and improvement may take up to 6 weeks to start. Treatment is usually very successful and can make the patient look and feel better as well as preventing scars.
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, a chronic genetic skin condition and is characterized by dry itchy areas of skin, condition. It can occur on any areas of the body but creases of the body are the most common areas. Mild eczema can be treated by avoiding harsh soaps and detergents and using a good moisturizing cream.
Sometimes, prescription medications are required to manage Eczema. Most of the time Eczema can be managed with topical medications. Occasionally oral medications and/or ultraviolet treatments are necessary. Sometimes eczema will result from allergies. Patch testing and education can alleviate the issue.
Treatment will vary, but can have great results leaving the patient with renewed confidence.
Rosacea is a very treatable condition that typically affects the central third of the face. It can range from flushing and persisting redness with bumps to skin thickening around the nose and blood shot eyes. Multiple treatments are available.
Treatment therapy could include topical anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, oral antibiotics and pulse light device lasers.
Psoriasis can be a troubling condition that ranges from localized to total body involvement. The most common type appears as red scaling lesions on elbows, knees, scalp and ears. While mild forms can be treated with topical and light therapy (available at Fusion Dermatology), excellent systemic therapies are available for widespread cases. All options will be reviewed at your appointment.
Treatment for Psoriasis has revolutionized over the past 15 years. No one should have to suffer from this condition in this day and age.
We appreciate the physical and psychological impact of hair loss for men and women. Dr. Friednash has a special interest and significant experience in treating hair loss. Many treatment options are available depending on the type of hair loss. Treatments can include topical and oral agents, injectables and others.
At Fusion Dermatology, we also treat cysts, herpes, shingles, fungus, yeast, nail disorders, dry skin, rashes, lupus of the skin, erythema multifarme, vasculitis, pityriasis rosea, lichen sclerosis et atrophicus (LS&A), sweating, dermatitis and allergies.
Moles to have checked are:
- Look different from your other moles
- New or changing in color, border or size
- Painful moles
- Moles that itch or bleed
- Change in texture.
Remember your ABCs…
- “A” asymmetric shape (if you cut it in half and one side is different from the other).
- “B” irregular border (scalloped or ill-defined border).
- “C” variegated or uneven color.
- “D” diameter greater than a pencil eraser (6mm, ¼ inch).
When you come in to the office, we will examine your skin, using a dermatoscope that shows specific pigment patterns of your moles. If a mole is suspicious, a biopsy will be done. This involves numbing the affected skin and removing a small area to determine under the microscope if the mole is abnormal.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
While basal cell typically appears on sun exposed skin, they can occur in other places. They can appear in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. While often red and translucent, they can also appear as skin colored or pigmented. They are diagnosed with a simple biopsy. Removing the lesion is the most common method of treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma also favors sun exposed skin, they can occur on mucus membranes such as lips and genitals. They typically appear as scaly or red crusted patch or an open sore. They are diagnosed with a simple biopsy.
Malignant Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious of the skin cancers and is increasing at the fastest rate of any cancer with the exception of lung cancer in women. Epidemiologic studies show a relationship to severe, blistering sunburns before age 19 years, fair complexion and use of tanning beds. Diagnosis is made by a quick and easy skin biopsy performed in the office. Early detection and removal has a very favorable prognosis. Studies predict the incident will double by 2040.
Approximately 90-95% of melanomas appear as a mole with a color change. Often one half of the mole appears different from the other half. The border of the mole often has an irregular, uneven quality as opposed to a smooth, round or oval shape. There may be different colors within the melanoma, including red, white, blue, grey, black and pink. Often melanomas change shape, color or appearance over time or may produce itching, bleeding or a strange sensation on the skin.
Surgical Dermatology
Dermatologic surgery encompasses a wide variety of methods to remove or modify skin tissue for health (skin cancer) or cosmetic benefit. These methods include biopsy, excision, ED&C (electrodessication & curettage) and cryotherapy. In most cases, skin problems requiring surgery can be addressed in our office with minimal pain and low risk of complications. We also work with excellent MOHS surgeons when needed.
Care Instructions / Biopsy Results
At Fusion Dermatology we go out of our way to make sure that you are informed and comfortable with your surgery options and pre / post care instructions. If you have a biopsy, results are typically available within 7-10 days. We will contact you by phone to discuss your biopsy and further treatment.
Home Prevention
- Monitor your moles by examining your skin carefully, including areas of skin not exposed to the sun, on a monthly basis
- Avoid tanning and do not use UV tanning booths
- Avoid burning
- Excellent UV protectant clothing is available
- Use sunscreen: a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that has coverage for both UVA and UVB. Reapply every two hours
- Seek shade, especially at times of peak sun between 10 AM and 4 PM
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Have your primary care doctor examine your moles and provide a skin cancer screening at the time of your annual physical. If moles are concerning they can refer you to the dermatologist for further evaluation
Treatment is an ongoing process and improvement may take up to 6 weeks to start. Treatment is usually very successful and can make the patient look and feel better as well as preventing scars.
Sometimes, prescription medications are required to manage Eczema. Most of the time Eczema can be managed with topical medications. Occasionally oral medications and/or ultraviolet treatments are necessary. Sometimes eczema will result from allergies. Patch testing and education can alleviate the issue.
Treatment will vary, but can have great results leaving the patient with renewed confidence.
Treatment therapy could include topical anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, oral antibiotics and pulse light device lasers.
Treatment for Psoriasis has revolutionized over the past 15 years. No one should have to suffer from this condition in this day and age.