Medical Dermatology

Psoriasis is a very common skin disorder in which people develop pink thick plaques with silvery scale on elbows, knees, scalp and arms, but some people have this disease all over their body. A common misconception is that psoriasis is only a skin disease, but it can cause systemic inflammation and an inflammatory arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. Patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. For these reasons, it is important that patients with psoriasis seek evaluation of their disease. Aside from topical steroids and phototherapy, there are increasingly new and effective treatments for psoriasis. Dr. Flanagan has a special interest in psoriasis due to her training in both internal medicine and general medical dermatology which allows her comfort in all the newest psoriasis treatments. Dr. Flanagan has experience with biological therapies such as Humira, Enbrel, Cosentyx, Stelara as well as Otezla, methotrexate and cyclosporin. She is dedicated to explaining the different therapeutic options for psoriasis and customizes medical regimens based on the patient’s type of psoriasis and treatment goals. The newer medications for psoriasis have made it possible to achieve almost complete clearance of psoriasis from the skin. These newer medications are been tested extensively and are safe and well tolerated. Dr. Flanagan is anxious to extend access to these new medications to the many patients living with psoriasis who are ready to get clear of their skin disease.

Acne is a very common skin disorder which affects teenagers and adults alike. Acne can make patients feel self-conscious and embarrassed, no matter their age. There are many different treatments for acne, but Dr. Flanagan believes that every patient’s acne should be treated individually. Patients are often treated with antibiotics for prolonged periods of time prior to being seen by a dermatologist, which can lead to antibiotic resistance and other negative side effects. Fortunately, there are many treatments for acne which do not rely on long term antibiotics, and Dr. Flanagan can review which options are best for each patient.

It is important to detect early skin damage such as pre-cancers before these lesions develop into skin cancers. There are different treatment options for pre-cancers and options to help patients prevent further skin damage. Dr. Flanagan offers photodynamic therapy treatments, also known as “blue light treatments”, and is well-versed in the use of topical therapies for precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.

We love to spend time outdoors with family and friends in the South. Unfortunately, frequent sunburns and prolonged time spent in the sun can result in skin damage leading to precancerous and cancerous skin lesions. Skin cancer rates continue to increase every year, especially melanoma, which is the most dangerous skin cancer. Dr. Flanagan is dedicated to providing comprehensive skin cancer screenings on all of her patients.

Rosacea is a common skin disorder leading to redness and broken blood vessels in the cheeks, nose and chin areas. Medical and laser therapies can improve facial redness, broken blood vessels and acne-like lesions seen in rosacea. While there are no cures for rosacea, consistent treatment improves this condition.

Melasma is a common skin condition in women causing dark patches on their faces. Often this condition follows pregnancy and is called “the mask of pregnancy”, but melasma can also be caused by oral contraceptive pills and sometimes have genetic causes. Treatment options exist for this difficult skin condition, which is often misdiagnosed.

Excessive hair growth on the face, neck and trunk is a frequent skin complaint. In women, sometimes this condition can be related to medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome which are important to diagnose. Laser hair removal works very well in this condition for permanent hair removal.

Excessive sweating affects over 2% of the population in the United States, yet this condition is often embarrassing for people to talk about. There are good treatment options for the different types of hyperhidrosis. Dr. Flanagan has treated many patients with this condition over the last decade and can explain the treatment options available.

Warts are the bane of parents and children everywhere, and one of the most common diagnoses seen in pediatric and dermatology clinics. Since warts are due to a viral infection of the skin, the goal of therapy is to destroy the lesions through a number of different methods which can be customized to the patient.

Molluscum contagiosum, like warts, is another common viral infection of the skin which is very frequently seen in children. Molluscum contagiosum are generally easily treated but do not always have to be treated in very young children, and may resolve spontaneously over time.

Dr. Flanagan routinely sees the typical pediatric dermatological conditions: eczema, molluscum, warts and acne and skin infections.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic scalp condition which causes itching and flaking of skin onto one’s clothes. This condition is easily managed and controlled with appropriate topical medications.

It is important to detect skin cancer early with regular skin exams, and Dr. Flanagan is experienced with excising skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers in her outpatient office.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition in which people develop painful cyst-like nodules in the underarms, groin, buttocks and breast areas. This condition is commonly mistaken for being “boils” and runs in families. Because of the location of these lesions, this condition is often very painful both emotionally and physically, and it is a very misunderstood condition. We treat this condition regularly and are excited to review treatment options, especially Humira, which can significantly decrease disease flares.

Eczema is a dry skin condition that affects children and adults. The main problem in eczema is a disruption in the skin barrier, which causes loss of water and skin irritation. This condition also makes bacterial and viral skin infections more likely because of the dysfunction of the skin barrier. Children often develop eczema for unclear reasons, but it often improves over time. It is important for patients and parents to be informed about optimal treatment of eczema.

Rashes are often caused by medications and things that the skin comes into contact with such as skin care products, fragrance and jewelry. Dr. Flanagan has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of rashes.