Dry skin is a common condition that can develop as a result of certain skin diseases like psoriasis or environmental factors such as cold weather, hot showers, harsh soaps and sun exposure. Patients with this condition often experience skin that feels rough, tight, and may be itchy or red. For most, this is only a temporary problem and can be managed through simple home and lifestyle measures, including using moisturizers and special creams or avoiding hot showers and baths. For more severe cases, prescription creams and ointments may be recommended to calm skin.

Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that result in chronic itchy rashes. About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of eczema, including 10-20 percent of all infants. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out in rashes when scratched.

Melasma (muh-LAZ-muh) is a very common skin problem that causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face with sun exposure. It is most common in women and can affect the skin of the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip — typically in a distinctive pattern. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.

While most moles and other skin growths are not of medical concern, it is important to screen for cancer and other skin conditions that can develop in some cases. Full-body skin exams to detect any new moles and growths, as well as to monitor existing growths, are recommended on a yearly basis in order to screen for skin cancer and detect any abnormalities in their earliest stages. To classify a mole, Dr. Rostan or Laurie Nelson, N.P. will evaluate its color, size, border and any asymmetries that may indicate a potential for cancer. If any suspicious lesions are found during this exam, additional testing will likely be performed.

Dermatology services are not only offered for adults wishing to counteract the signs of aging or otherwise improve their appearance; children and adolescents, too, can require treatment. If your child suffers from acne, eczema or other skin problems, Dr. Rostan, Laurie Nelson, N.P. and the staff at Charlotte Skin & Laser are here to help.

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects over 14 million Americans, many of whom are unaware that they have this condition. Rosacea appears on the skin of the face as areas of redness and small, red or pus-filled bumps similar to acne, and can affect a patient's confidence and self-esteem as a result. Although rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, there are several treatments available to relieve symptoms and prevent flare ups, allowing patients to avoid embarrassment and discomfort from the condition of their skin.

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. Risk factors include pale skin, family history of melanoma, being over 40 years old, and regular sun exposure. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost always curable if detected and treated early.