Author: Uderm

Why Your Dermatologist’s Credentials Matter

When it comes to your skin health, choosing the right provider is one of the most important decisions you can make. Unfortunately, in the Chattanooga region—as in many parts of the country—there are providers advertising themselves as “dermatology specialists” who do not have formal dermatology training or board certification. This can create confusion for patients and, in some cases, put their health at risk.


What It Means to Be a Board-Certified Dermatologist

A board-certified dermatologist has completed:

  • Four years of medical school
  • A one-year internship
  • At least three years of intensive dermatology residency training
  • A rigorous certification examination by the American Board of Dermatology

This means they are trained in the full spectrum of skin, hair, and nail diseases—from diagnosing rare skin conditions to performing complex surgeries.

 

Why Credentials Matter

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Accurate detection and treatment can make the difference between a simple cure and a life-threatening illness. Likewise, cosmetic procedures, management of rashes, treatment of acne, and mole screening may seem routine, but when performed by unqualified individuals, can lead to poor outcomes.

Seeing a provider without proper training can leave patients vulnerable to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or unnecessary procedures.

 

How to Check Your Provider’s Training

Patients can easily verify whether their dermatologist is board-certified by visiting the American Board of Dermatology’s website or asking directly about training and certification. Don’t be afraid to ask:

Are you a board-certified dermatologist?
Where did you complete your dermatology residency?
What is your experience with my specific condition or procedure?

 


The Uderm Difference

At Uderm, all of our physicians are board-certified dermatologists, backed by years of specialized experience. Additionally, our physician assistants and nurse practitioners have been properly trained in dermatology and work side-by-side with our board-certified dermatologists. We are proud to provide Chattanooga with dermatology care rooted in expertise, integrity, and compassion. With more than 2,500 five-star reviews, patients know they can trust our team for both medical and cosmetic dermatology.


 

Protect Your Skin—Choose Expertise You Can Trust

Your skin is too important to leave in unqualified hands. By choosing a board-certified dermatologist, you are choosing safety, advanced training, and the highest standard of care.

 

👉 Schedule an appointment with Uderm today and see why we are Chattanooga’s most trusted dermatology team.

Advancements in Treating Teenage Acne

Multiple treatment options are available to help teenagers clear up acne.

 

Teenage boy rubbing cream on acne on his faceTreating Teenage Acne

Acne is a very common skin condition that, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, affects approximately 85% of teenagers. It occurs when the skin’s pores become clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil and cause bacteria to multiply. Hormonal changes during puberty can increase oil production, leading to acne. Acne can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or nodules and cysts, and may be accompanied by redness or tenderness. While acne most commonly appears on the face, it can also affect other areas of the body, such as the neck, back, and chest.

 

Treatment Options

Advancements in medicine have produced many options for treating acne:

Benzoyl peroxide can be found in over-the-counter products, with a 4% concentration used for the face and 10% mainly used for body acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria without causing bacterial resistance and reduces oil production.

Another over-the-counter option is adapalene cream or gel. This helps with whiteheads and blackheads if used nightly after gentle cleansing. It also helps prepare the skin for stronger retinoids commonly prescribed as part of an acne topical regimen. Retinoids promote skin cell turnover, reducing inflammation and preventing clogged pores.

Topical or oral antibiotics are prescribed to kill skin bacteria and reduce redness. Hormonal component of acne is addressed differently with several safe and effective topical and oral options, such as Winlevi and spironolactone.

Accutane is an oral medicine used to treat severe cystic acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

 


An Expert Weighs In

“Consistency is key when treating acne, with results typically beginning to appear within two months. To aid treatment, teenagers should wash their face morning and night with a gentle cleanser such as Cerave, Cetaphil, or Vanicream, and avoid picking at their skin. A dermatologist can help advise which products to use and create a personalized treatment plan to restore clear skin.”

Markiza Cooper, MD, FAAD Board-Certified Dermatologist, Uderm


 

Written by Rachel Studebaker

This blog post was originally published in HealthScope® Magazine and on HealthScopeMag.com and has been reposted here with permission for informational purposes only. All credit for the content belongs to the original author and source. While we strive to share accurate and valuable information, we do not claim ownership of this material and are not responsible for any changes, updates, or interpretations made since the original publication. For the most up-to-date version, please visit healthscopemag.com.

Advancements in Skin Cancer Treatment

From minimally invasive surgical technologies to innovative approaches to rehabilitation and beyond, new research in the medical field is optimizing care for patients and doctors alike. Read on to discover the latest in revolutionary treatment options. Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment option for skin cancer.

 

Doctor looking through microscopeUnderstanding Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and is caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, age, and immune function. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma are the three most common types of skin cancer, and are highly treatable when caught early.

 

New Solutions

Mohs micrographic surgery, pioneered by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs several decades ago, is a specialized surgical technique for the treatment of skin cancer that involves removing and examining layers of skin until only cancer-free tissue remains. It is the only specialty in medicine where the surgeon is also the pathologist, and boasts the highest cure rates of any cancer treatment for BCC, SCC, melanoma, and other rare forms of skin cancer. Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons have significant experience with complex skin cancer management and reconstruction.

 

What to Expect

Mohs surgery is an awake procedure. You will first receive local anesthesia to numb the operative site. During the procedure, a thin layer of skin will be removed and thoroughly examined under a microscope. Your surgeon will repeat this step until the cancer is completely removed. After the cancer has been cleared, the removal site will be reconstructed during the same appointment. Surgery typically takes two to three hours, and the majority of this time will be spent waiting comfortably in a room while the tissue is prepared for analysis.

 

Benefits to Patients

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates among skin cancer treatments and minimizes the risk of recurrence. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it can effectively cure up to 99% of skin cancers that haven’t been treated before and 94% that have returned after initial treatment. Both surgery and reconstruction conveniently take place in a single, outpatient visit, and most patients can return to work the next day.

 


An Expert Weighs In

“Although a sophisticated skin cancer treatment, the goals of Mohs surgery is simple: keep you comfortable, get the cancer out, and leave you with the least amount of scarring. After performing thousands of Mohs surgeries and complex reconstructions, our team at Uderm is setting the bar for the highest quality skin cancer therapies.”

Jonathan Miller, MD, FACMS, FAADDermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Uderm


 

Written by Rachel Studebaker & Kristen Dee

This blog post was originally published in HealthScope® Magazine and on HealthScopeMag.com and has been reposted here with permission for informational purposes only. All credit for the content belongs to the original author and source. While we strive to share accurate and valuable information, we do not claim ownership of this material and are not responsible for any changes, updates, or interpretations made since the original publication. For the most up-to-date version, please visit healthscopemag.com.

Wishing Rena The Best in Her Next Chapter!


 

It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Rena Simon PA-C, who will be leaving our practice. While we are saddened to see such a dedicated and compassionate provider move on, we are also excited for her in this next adventure. We are wishing her the best in her upcoming marriage and the big move out of state.

 

Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed by patients and staff here alike. Please join us in wishing Rena all the best in her next chapter. Her future patients are lucky to have her! Good luck Rena!!! You truly will be missed. (Click here for the Facebook post to leave your own comment to her!)

 

Join Us for the Grand Opening of Our New Hixson Office!

New Hixson Office Grand Opening! We are excited to announce that our new Hixson office is open seeing patients and will be open to the public from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, June 4. We’ll be serving hors d’oeuvres and guided tours. Please come by to check out our new space!

Debunking Common Myths About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Despite its prevalence, many myths about skin cancer persist, leading to misconceptions about risk factors and prevention.

Understanding the truth about skin cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. Below, we’ll debunk common myths about skin cancer to help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

Continue reading “Debunking Common Myths About Skin Cancer”

Detecting Early: The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer Detection

People of a certain age might remember when sunbathers, including them, sat at the beach without sunscreen. Instead they might have used baby oil on their skin to increase their gorgeous tan. Little did they know that using baby oil increased their risk of skin cancer since it attracts ultraviolet UV rays and allows it to penetrate more deeply. In addition, it causes a quicker burn. Unfortunately, although we now know how dangerous it is to be out in the sun, people still do it. No matter whether you use sunscreen at the beach, use it everyday, or not at all, we need information about detecting skin cancer early, including the ABCDEs of skin cancer detection.

Why Is Early Detection Important?

If you haven’t been completely faithful to wearing sunscreen over the years, now is the time to see a board-certified professional like the ones with Uderm. You should be checking your body on a regular basis, but seeing a dermatologist is essential.

Finding skin cancer early is the best way to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body. Your dermatologist can spot skin cancer and treat it with little or no scarring and with high odds of eliminating it.

Some facts to know about melanoma:

  • It is the most dangerous of the three most common forms of skin cancer.
  • It is curable when caught early and treated.
  • Melanoma can appear on any area of the body—even in areas not typically exposed to sunlight.
  • Tanning beds increase the risk for melanoma.
  • One out of five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

The ABCDEs of Detecting Skin Cancer

In order to detect skin cancer early, the first thing you should do is look for any new spots on your skin or those that look different from others. Watch out for spots that are changing, itching, bleeding, or changing color.

These tips will help you recognize problem spots or lesions.

A Stands for Asymmetry

When looking at a spot, note any that are not equal or the same on both sides. Benign, or non-cancerous, moles are usually symmetrical.

B Stands for Border

Does the spot have unequal borders or is hard to define? Does it have scalloped edges?

C Stands for Color

Does the spot have mixed colors? Look for shades of tan, brown, or black. Even note areas of red, white, or blue.

D Stands for Diameter

Note a spot that is larger than a pencil eraser or greater than 6 millimeters.

E Stands for Evolving

Has the spot changed? Gotten bigger, changed color, or the shape is different?

Keep You and Your Family Safe

Covering up is still the best way to prevent skin cancer when out in the sun. Wear a hat and protective clothing. Keep your children safe by using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, hats, sunglasses etc. Begin when they are young, so they will understand its importance.

There are many natural looking self-tanners on the market now if you want to have tan looking skin. Understand this will not protect you from the damaging rays of the sun. You must still use sunscreen with 30 SPF at least.

Skin cancer can happen to anyone at any age. Check your skin (and your children’s skin) for unusual spots, and make it a priority to see Uderm at least once a year to detect skin cancer early. Utilize our secure online scheduling tool today to schedule an appointment in Ooltewah or Hixson.

Continue reading “Detecting Early: The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer Detection”

Skin Cancer: Mohs Surgery vs Traditional Excision

Appropriately named after the doctor who invented this technique, Dr. Frederick Mohs, Mohs cancer surgery is now considered the gold standard for skin cancer treatment. It is a precise and effective treatment for most skin cancers with melanoma being an exception. Let’s analyze skin cancer Mohs surgery vs traditional excision.

How Mohs Surgery Is Different

Compared to traditional excision surgery for skin cancer, Mohs surgery confirms that all cancer cells are removed at the time of surgery. This increases the likelihood of a cure and reduces the need for additional treatments or another surgery.

Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate for first time cancers, and a 94% cure rate for any recurrent cases.

This surgery is performed in stages and in only one visit. The surgeon removes a layer of tissue and immediately examines 100% of the margins under a microscope. If more cancer cells exist, your Mohs surgeon repeats the process until there are no more cancer cells.

In a traditional excision, the skin cancer is excised with a predetermined margin, that is larger than a Mohs margin, and the area is immediately repaired. The tissue is then sent to an outside lab and processed over several days to see if the margins are clear. If they are not clear, then the patient has to return to have the stitches removed, more tissue taken, and then it is re-repaired. This can result in more scarring and less convenience than Mohs surgery.

Advantages of Mohs Surgery

If you have the option of Mohs surgery vs traditional excision, you may want to consider the following advantages of Mohs:

  • There are lower recurrence rates when the Mohs technique is used.
  • Mohs offers precise microscopic control of the entire tumor margins.
  • Mohs maximizes healthy tissue conservation.
  • It has the highest cure rate for non-melanoma skin cancers.
  • It is more cost effective due to the higher cure rates and low recurrence rates.
  • There is reduced scarring with a smaller incision, and it has a better cosmetic result.

Contact Uderm at (423) 206-2777 if you want to discuss your options for skin cancer treatment in Ooltewah or Hixson and whether Mohs surgery is right for you. You can alternatively schedule an appointment through our convenient online tool.

Uderm and Susong Dermatology Unite!

Uderm logo

Susong Dermatology Logo

 

Uderm and Susong Dermatology Unite as Chattanooga’s Premier Dermatology Practice

Warm greetings from the heart of Uderm!

We are thrilled to share the news of a strategic step forward in our journey. In a merger inspired by shared values, Uderm has recently acquired Susong Dermatology, uniting two of the premier dermatology practices in the Chattanooga region. With decades of combined experience, this merge is a positive milestone for our patients and communities.

Dr. Susong started Susong Dermatology almost forty years ago and grew it into a thriving practice with a strong reputation for patient-centered care. This merge means that his legacy – his patients, staff, and goal of providing the highest quality dermatology care – will continue to prosper. We are delighted that Dr. Susong and his associates will continue seeing patients in Hixson.

Our mission and daily operations in Hixson and Ooltewah will remain unchanged. We will continue to provide the highest quality dermatology care, delivering both superior clinical outcomes and outstanding patient experiences. Over the coming months, we envision improving upon our strong foundation by modernizing our facilities, increasing appointment availabilities, and expanding our services to meet the needs of our growing community.

This is an exciting time for Uderm and Susong Dermatology! Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this development, we invite you to reach out to our office. We have a robust call center with dedicated individuals who look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for entrusting us with your dermatology care. We can’t wait to continue this journey with you!

Sincerely,

All of us at Uderm

Eczema Awareness Month; What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by inflammation, itching, and redness of the skin.  It can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults, and can vary in severity.  Here are some common symptoms and treatment options for eczema:

COMMON SYMPTOMS:

  • Itching (Puritus):  Intense itching is a hallmark symptom of eczema and is often the most distressing for individuals with the condition.
  • Redness (Erythema):  Affected skin may appear red or inflamed, particularly during flare-ups.
  • Dry Skin:  Eczema often causes the skin to become excessively dry, leading to flaking or peeling.
  • Rash:  A rash may develop, characterized by small, raised bumps that may ooze or crust over when scratched.
  • Swelling: Inflammation can lead to swelling in the affected area.
  • Cracking and Peeling: The skin can become rough, cracked, and scaly.
  • Pain or Discomfort: In severe cases, eczema can be painful and cause discomfort.

There are numerous treatment options which include emollients, moisturizers, topical steroids, antihistamines, biologics, and allergen testing.  Stress management is also a treatment option since stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms.  Learning stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can be beneficial.

It is crucial to note that eczema management is individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another.  A dermatologist should evaluate and create a personalized treatment plan for everyone with eczema.  Additionally, ongoing skincare routines and lifestyle modifications are essential for long-term eczema control.

Eczema on mans hands