Dermatology

Protect and improve your skin’s health and appearance with the help of expert dermatologists (skin doctors) who are on the medical staff at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.

When to see a doctor

Check your skin regularly. Seek care if you experience:

• Acne that’s severe or won’t go away
• Hair loss
• Mole or skin area that changes color, shape, or size, bleeds, or feels different or painful
• New skin growths or lumps
• Redness, itching, or flakiness that won’t go away
• Scars that make you feel self-conscious
• Toenail and fingernail problems

How to get care

Your primary care provider can treat many medical skin problems. But if the symptoms are severe, don’t go away, or your doctor thinks you should see a specialist, they may refer you to a dermatologist.

Do I need a referral?

Though a doctor’s referral isn’t required to schedule most dermatology appointments, your insurance provider may not cover the visit without one. Contact your insurance to learn what your plan covers. Most plans only cover medical care, not cosmetic treatments.

Common skin conditions

Your dermatologist will examine your skin and may perform other tests. Our knowledgeable physicians regularly diagnose and treat:

• Cancerous and noncancerous skin tumors
• Cysts and lipomas
• Eczema
• Ingrown nails
• Fungal infections like ringworm or bacterial infections
• Psoriasis
• Rashes and hives
• Rosacea
• Sun damage, discoloration, or pigmentation
• Varicose and spider veins
• Vitiligo (loss of skin pigment)
• Warts and skin tags
• Wrinkles or sagging skin

Services

Your dermatologist may provide or perform:

• Biopsy (removes a small sample for testing in a lab)
• Chemical skin peels or exfoliating dermabrasion
• Cryotherapy (cold therapy) to remove abnormal growths
• Filler injections to add volume or reshape your features
• Laser treatments
• Light therapy, such as phototherapy
• Medications you take orally (by mouth) or topically (apply directly to the skin)
• Minor, in-office procedures to remove a mole, cyst, or wart
• Ongoing monitoring and checkups
• Sclerotherapy to improve the look of spider and varicose veins
• Skincare recommendations

Skin cancer care

Look to our dermatologists to expertly identify and treat skin cancer. Your dermatologist and oncologist (cancer doctor) will work together to create your care plan, which may include Mohs surgery or radiation therapy.

Feel confident knowing Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula offers advanced skin cancer care, including nonsurgical options like superficial X-ray therapy. We’ll recommend the most effective treatment while minimizing any effect on your appearance — so you can get back to your daily life quickly and safely.