Category: Dermatology

If you’ve noticed a bump (or a few bumps) on you or your child’s skin, you might be wondering: Is this a wart? Is it molluscum? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Both are super common skin conditions, especially among kids, but they’re actually caused by different viruses and require different approaches. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

What’s a Wart, Anyway?

Warts are those bumpy, rough-textured growths that pop up on your hands, feet, and sometimes other areas. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is incredibly common. Warts are usually skin-colored or slightly darker, and they can appear alone or in clusters. The good news? They’re not contagious through the air—but you do get them through direct contact with the virus. Rest assured, they’re completely harmless, though pretty annoying!

What About Molluscum?

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a different virus (the molluscum contagiosum virus, or MCV). Unlike warts, molluscum bumps are usually smooth, dome-shaped, and often have a little dimple in the center—kind of like a tiny belly button. They’re typically smaller than warts and tend to appear in groups. While they are contagious through skin-to-skin contact (and can spread if you scratch them), they’re harmless and usually go away on their own over time.

So, What’s the Real Difference?

Here’s the quick version:

Appearance: Warts are bumpy and rough; molluscum is smooth with a central dimple
Cause: Different viruses entirely
Location: Warts love hands and feet; molluscum appears anywhere on the body
Contagiousness: Both spread through contact, but molluscum spreads more easily
Duration: Warts can linger for months or years; molluscum usually clears in 6-12 months

What About Treatment?

Both conditions respond well to professional treatment! At Uderm, we offer options like:

• Topical treatments (creams and solutions)
• Cryotherapy (freezing them off—super effective!)
• Laser removal for stubborn cases
• Curettage (gentle removal under local anesthesia)

The best treatment depends on the type, location, and how many you have. Some people prefer to wait them out, while others want them gone ASAP—and both approaches are totally valid.

Ready for Clear Skin?

Don’t let warts or molluscum hang around longer than they need to. Our team at Uderm Dermatology and Mohs Surgery is here to help you get back to feeling confident in your skin. Schedule your appointment online today through our easy self-scheduling system, and let’s get you some answers and a personalized treatment plan! Your skin is worth it.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it deserves expert care! Many people wait until a skin problem becomes serious before seeing a dermatologist, but the truth is—early intervention can save you time, money, and worry. Let’s talk about five telltale signs that it’s time to make that appointment at Uderm Dermatology and Mohs Surgery.

1. Persistent Acne That Won’t Quit

Struggling with acne despite your best efforts at home? Over-the-counter treatments don’t work for everyone, and that’s totally normal. A dermatologist can identify the root cause—whether it’s hormonal, bacterial, or something else—and prescribe targeted treatments that actually work. Don’t let acne steal your confidence!

2. New or Changing Moles

Noticing a new mole or watching an existing one change shape, size, or color? This is one of the most important reasons to see a dermatologist promptly. Early skin cancer detection can be life-changing. Our expert team uses advanced screening techniques to ensure your skin stays healthy and safe.

3. Persistent Rashes or Itching

That mysterious rash that won’t go away? Or constant itching that disrupts your daily life? Dermatologists are detectives when it comes to skin conditions! Whether it’s eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or something else, we can identify it and help you find relief. You don’t have to live with uncomfortable skin.

4. Signs of Aging You Want to Address

Wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, or loss of volume got you down? You’re not alone—and you have options! Modern dermatology offers fantastic solutions like injectables, laser treatments, and skincare plans tailored to your unique needs. It’s never too early or too late to invest in your skin’s appearance and health.

5. Warts, Skin Tags, or Other Growths

Those pesky warts or skin tags can be removed by professionals safely and effectively. Trying to handle them yourself often leads to infection or scarring. Our dermatologists use proven methods to remove these growths with minimal discomfort and beautiful results.

Take the Next Step

Your skin health is worth prioritizing. Whether you’re dealing with a specific concern or simply want to maintain healthy, radiant skin, the team at Uderm Dermatology and Mohs Surgery is here to help. We combine expertise with compassion to deliver personalized care that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Ready to give your skin the attention it deserves? Schedule your appointment today using our easy online self-scheduling or call to book with one of our expert dermatologists. Your best skin is waiting!

We understand that life gets busy, and scheduling another medical appointment might feel like just one more thing on your endless to-do list. But here’s something we want you to know: taking 15-20 minutes for an annual skin check could be one of the most important investments you make in your health this year.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but here’s the encouraging news – when caught early, even melanoma (the most serious type) has a cure rate of nearly 99%. That’s why we’re passionate about regular skin checks. They allow us to spot changes you might not notice on your own, especially in hard-to-see areas like your scalp, back, or behind your ears.

What to Expect During Your Visit

A professional skin check is efficient and thorough. We’ll examine your skin from head to toe, looking for any spots that appear unusual in color, size, texture, or border. Many patients tell us they’re surprised by how comfortable and educational the experience is. We’ll also teach you what to look for at home between visits – because you’re your own best advocate when it comes to noticing changes.

Who Needs Regular Skin Checks?

While everyone benefits from periodic skin examinations, they’re especially crucial if you:

• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Have fair skin or numerous moles
• Spend significant time outdoors
• Have a history of sunburns

You Matter to Us

Think of your annual skin check as a wellness conversation about your body’s largest organ. ​​At Uderm Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, our board-certified dermatologists are here not just to examine, but to take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. With years of training and experience, our physicians are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions.

Don’t wait for something to “look concerning” before scheduling your appointment. We’ve made it simple with our online self-scheduling—just select a time that works for you, and book your appointment in minutes. Your future self will thank you for taking this simple, potentially life-saving step today.

Aging skin can cause wrinkles, dry skin, dark spots, and more. Read on to learn how to prevent signs of aging and tackle common skin issues.

Causes and Signs of Aging Skin

As we age, our skin ages with us. Over time, the skin loses elasticity and collagen, causing wrinkles. In addition to wrinkles, aging skin may have discoloration or sun spots and become dryer as it loses the ability to produce sebum, the naturally occurring oil on the skin. The natural aging process, known as intrinsic aging, as well as damage from the sun and lifestyle factors, known as extrinsic aging, are the two main causes of aging skin. Exposure to sunlight and pollution, as well as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and diet can accelerate this process and can cause wrinkles to develop earlier. An estimated 90% of signs of aging come from unprotected exposure to the sun.

How to Prevent Signs of Aging Skin

One of the key steps to preventing aging skin and wrinkles is wearing sun protection and avoiding exposure to the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends wearing a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with at least 30 SPF daily. Use at least a teaspoon, and reapply every two hours. To protect your lips, use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. In addition, avoid tanning beds and limit overall sun exposure as much as possible. These measures not only help prevent aging skin, but also decrease the risk of skin cancer.

Lifestyle choices can also help prevent signs of aging on the skin. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recommends eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, avoiding stress, and limiting alcohol consumption and smoking. They also recommend doing a regular skincare routine that includes vitamin C, which fights free radicals – unstable molecules that can harm health – and brightens skin.

Skin Treatments and Cosmetic Procedures

While skincare routines and avoiding sun exposure can help reduce signs of aging skin, skin treatments and cosmetic procedures are another option. Skin-resurfacing treatments such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion can help improve skin’s tone, texture, and appearance. In addition, injectables like fillers and BOTOX® and skin tightening treatments can reduce wrinkles, enhance facial features, and restore lost volume. These nonsurgical options have little to no downtime and are typically completed in 90 minutes or less.

Depending on your skin goals, facial cosmetic surgery can provide more immediate, permanent, and dramatic results. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, you may be better suited for cosmetic surgery if you have significant sagging skin, prefer to only undergo a procedure once, desire a more permanent solution, or would like to reshape a facial feature.

Along with cosmetic signs of aging skin, you may also experience new skin spots like moles or non-healing sores, which could be signs of skin cancer. Be sure to discuss any skin concerns with your doctor or dermatologist. An annual skin cancer screening can identify skin cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable.

Confidence is Key

Whether you’re diving into a multistep skincare routine or considering a cosmetic procedure, everyone deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their skin. Making necessary lifestyle changes, in addition to consulting with a dermatologist for any skin concerns and a licensed aesthetician for any cosmetic concerns, can help you determine the right approach for your skin.

Ask the Expert

Q. What changes in my skin could be a sign of something serious?

A. Any new or changing spot deserves attention. Warning signs include moles that change in size, shape, or color; lesions that itch, bleed, or don’t heal; and growths with irregular borders or multiple shades. Non-healing sores, rapidly growing bumps, or scaly patches that persist for weeks may indicate skin cancer. Pay particular attention to spots that stand out as the “ugly duckling” compared to others on your body. Also, sudden rashes, bruising, or yellowing skin can sometimes signal internal or systemic conditions. When in doubt, schedule a skin exam – early detection makes nearly all skin cancers highly treatable.

– Jonathan Miller, MD, FAAD, FACMSBoard-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Uderm – Dermatology & Mohs Surgery

👉 Schedule an appointment with Uderm today and trust your care to Chattanooga’s fellowship-trained Mohs surgery expert.

Written by 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.

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.