Skin Disorders


Dr. Herron specializes in diseases of the skin. Examples of skin conditions treated at Herron Dermatology & Laser in Montgomery Alabama include:

  • Autoimmune skin conditions
  • Cysts
  • Dermatitis
  • Excessive sweating
  • Folliculitis
  • Fungal infections
  • Hives
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Keratoses
  • Lipomas
  • Lupus
  • Mole evaluation/removal
  • Molluscum contagiosum
  • Rashes
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Tinea Versicolor
  • Warts

Mole Removal

Moles (nevi) can usually be removed quite easily by Dr. Herron. There are two ways to remove moles. The most common method for removing raised moles is called a shave removal. After the skin has been numbed, the mole is removed leaving the base flat. Typically, this method leaves an inconspicuous scar, depending on the size of the original mole. You should allow approximately two weeks for healing. Keep in mind that surgical scars can take a full year before reaching their final appearance. Most improvement occurs within the first 3-6 months.

Dr. Herron will carefully outline the options for mole removal with each patient. Please let our receptionist know that you are interested in a consultation for mole removal and we will be happy to schedule you an appointment.

Please note that removing moles and growths on the face may lead to scarring. As a general rule, Herron Dermatology does not provide cosmetic mole removal on the face. We refer to plastic surgery which will provide the best cosmetic outcome. Patients requesting cosmetic mole removal on the face will the referred to plastic surgery.


Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects up to 10 percent of the population, although many people are unaware that they have it. It usually affects the face, causing redness and the formation of small, pus-filled bumps similar to acne, and, like other skin conditions, can cause emotional distress for the sufferer. Rosacea typically affects fair-skinned women between 30 and 60 years of age. It can first appear during menopause, and is more prevalent in people with a family history of the condition. Although rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, there are several treatments available to relieve its symptoms and prevent flareups.


Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to certain materials that come into contact with the skin. A common cause of rashes, contact dermatitis appears on the skin after contact with the offending material or substance has taken place. It may occur immediately after contact or may take several days to appear. Typically, contact dermatitis presents as a red, itchy rash. While not serious medically, the condition may be very uncomfortable.


Acne

Acne can develop at any age but it is most common among teenagers. It also tends to linger in adult women. Acne can develop on almost any part of the body, including face, neck, arms, back, the legs and the shoulders. At Herron Dermatology & Laser, Dr. Herron approaches acne with various treatment options depending on the severity of the acne and patient preferences. Regardless of whether acne is mild, moderate or severe, he takes the problem seriously and provide latest treatment options to manage your acne condition and try to prevent permanent scarring.

What causes acne?

There are many factors that contribute to acne including genetic predisposition. Among teens and adults, hormones play a key role. Other factors causing acne are pores filled with oil and bacteria. When this spreads into the skin, inflammation occurs.

What are the treatment options for acne?

There are many treatment options available for acne. Mild acne is typically treated with a combination of topical medications targeted towards treating the different types of lesions. Moderate to severe acne may require oral medication in addition to topical medications. It may take up to 6-8 weeks before the benefits of acne treatment are seen. Regardless, patients should know that acne is a very treatable condition and is very responsive to treatment when under the care of a dermatologist. We are also experienced at treating patients with severe acne with isotretinoin (Accutane). We always take into account patient preferences when treating acne.


Molluscum

Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limited viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus. Molluscum appears as skin-colored or white bumps with a characteristic central dimple. It is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, and molluscum typically affects children or sexually active adults. Molluscum lesions, which can be distributed throughout the body, can persist up to 6 months or more before undergoing spontaneous resolution.


Warts

Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. Different warts respond to different treatments. Some go away on their own. Salicylic acid products (in the form of drops, gels, pads and bandages) can help self-treatment of many warts by dissolving the keratin protein that makes up the wart and the dead skin above it. Others can be removed via liquid nitrogen freezing or electrical stimulation. Surgery may be recommended for painful or large warts that do not respond to these treatments.


Rashes

Rashes are changes in the skin’s color or texture. Simple rashes are called dermatitis, which means the skin is inflamed or swollen. Some rashes are independent symptoms, but many cause itching, burning or other discomfort. There are a great many reasons for individuals to develop rashes.

When a rash is caused by an underlying condition or disease process, the patient must be treated for the pervasive disorder. When a rash is the result of a bacterial infection, it is treated with antibiotics. When a rash stems from a virus, it may be treated with antiviral medication. Allergic rashes are normally treated with antihistamines and, when more severe, with corticosteroids. In many cases, avoidance of contact with the irritating substance or material may be sufficient to help the rash abate.