Medical Dermatology

Martha E. Stewart, M.D. | Mandeville, LA | Medical Dermatology

Personalized care in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

What is acne?


Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While it affects mostly teenagers (and almost all teenagers have some form of acne), adults of any age can have it. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress.

What are the treatments for acne?

Options include:

  • Topical Medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Accutane
  • Blackhead Extraction
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Chemical Peels
  • Skin Care
  • Isolaz Treatments
  • Laser Treatments

Treatment for acne varies depending on the type and severity of lesions, as well as the patient’s skin type and age.

Martha E. Stewart, M.D. | Mandeville, LA | Acne

How can acne scarring be treated?

  • Chemical Peels
  • Dermabrasion/Microdermabrasion
  • Soft Tissue Fillers
  • Laser/Pulsed Light Treatments

What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects about 15 million people in the U.S., including 10-20 percent of all infants. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin.

What triggers eczema?

Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks may include rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive heat or sweating, soaps, detergents, disinfectants, fruit and meat juices, dust mites, animal saliva and dander, upper respiratory infections and stress.

What are the treatments for eczema?

Treatment involves the restriction of scratching, use of moisturizing lotions or creams, cold compresses and nonprescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams and ointments. If this proves insufficient, physicians may prescribe corticosteroid medication, antibiotics to combat infection, or sedative antihistamines. For severe cases phototherapy or an injectable medication may be recommended. Phototherapy is a procedure that uses light to reduce itching.

What are Moles & Birthmarks?


What changes should I look for in moles and birthmarks?

Though most congenital nevi (moles one is born with) are harmless, some of them may develop into skin cancer. Moles exhibiting any of the following warning signs should be examined by a board certified dermatologist immediately:

  • Larger than six millimeters
  • Itches or bleeds
  • Rapidly changes in color, size or shape
  • Has multiple colors

What are the treatments for moles and birthmarks?

Depending on their depth, location and color, as well as the patient’s skin type, age and other factors, treatment for benign but unattractive birthmarks may include laser, pulsed light therapy, or surgical excision.

What is Psoriasis?


What are the treatments for psoriasis?

Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years at a time. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis, the patient’s age, medical history and the effect the disease has on the patient’s general mental health. The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms).

What are Rashes?


What are the treatments for rashes?


What is Rosacea?


Who gets rosacea?

Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50 years of age.

What triggers rosacea?

Certain things like heat, stress, spicy foods, hot beverages, and alcohol can make people with rosacea flush more, so it is often recommended that these be avoided.

What are the treatments for rosacea?

Although rosacea is not curable, it can be kept under control with topical and oral medications, and intense pulsed light therapy and certain lasers can be used to help diminish broken blood vessels.

Martha E. Stewart, M.D. | Mandeville, LA | Skin Cancer

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Some risk factors include pale skin, family history of melanoma, being over 40 years old, and sun exposure. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost always curable if detected and treated early.

What are the most common type of skin cancers?

  1. Basal cell carcinoma – 80-85% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma affects cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis.
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma – 10% of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma affects cells in the middle layer of the epidermis.

Skin cancers vary in shape, color, size and texture, so any new, changed or otherwise suspicious growths or rashes should be examined immediately by a board certified dermatologist. Early intervention is essential to prevent the cancer from spreading.

What are Warts?

Warts are skin growths caused by a virus.

What are the treatments for warts?

There are a number of different treatments for warts. Some go away on their own. Some over-the-counter treatments, such as salicylic acid products (in the form of drops, gels and pads) can get rid of some warts by dissolving the keratin protein that makes up the wart and the dead skin above it. Other treatments may include prescription topical medications or cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen). Surgery may be recommended for painful or large warts that do not respond to these treatments.