Medical Dermatology
The Dermatologicum Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment
of skin, hair and nail diseases. We provide our patients and
their families with full-service, comprehensive dermatologic
care. We want to help you get the best of what today's medicine
has to offer. And you can count on us to provide you with a
smile, compassionate care and help understanding your skin
condition and treatment options.
Some of the more common medical conditions we treat include acne,
rosacea, cysts, moles, eczema, skin cancer detection and treatment,
warts, hair loss, scalp disorders, pigmented lesions, rashes,
skin allergies, nail problems, underarm sweating, vitiligo, melasma,
and childhood skin diseases. As part of our preventative care,
we perform very comprehensive skin checks with recommendations
for full skin photography on a case-by-case basis.
We also specialize in the surgical removal of skin cancers, cysts,
fatty growths and unwanted moles.
Please call the office to schedule an appointment for you or
a family member at 22871110.
Acne
Acne is the term for the blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads),
pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear
typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper
arms. Thirty million Europeans currently have acne, making
it the most common skin disease in the EU. While it affects
mostly teenagers, and almost all teenagers have some form of
acne, adults of any age can have it. Acne is not life-threatening,
but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional
distress. Treatment varies depending on the type and severity
of lesions, skin type and the patient's age and lifestyle,
but on average results are visible in six to eight weeks. Options
include:
Topical Medications -
Oral Antibiotics -
Hormonal Therapy -
Accutane -
Chemical Peels -
Laser and Light Treatments -
Patients with mild acne can supplement treatment at home by
washing with warm water and a mild soap twice a day and/or using
a topical over-the-counter acne medication.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling
on the face and also occasionally the scalp, neck, ears, chest,
back and/or eyes. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically
appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. Symptoms
range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to
dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily, but many
people find that the emotional effects of rosacea - i.e. low
self-confidence and avoidance of social situations - are more
difficult to handle than the physical ones. It is not yet known
what causes rosacea and the disease is not curable, although
it can be treated in many ways, including topical and oral
medications, laser therapy and laser surgery. Early detection
and intervention are essential to achieve the most effective
results, or to reduce the severity of symptoms if rosacea has
already progressed.
Moles & Birthmarks
Known as nevi (singular ''nevus''), moles and other birthmarks
are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in
color from tan, brown and black (moles) to red, pink or purple
(vascular nevi, such as strawberry hemangiomas or port wine
stains). Though most birthmarks are harmless, they may develop
into cancer. Moles exhibiting any of the following warning
signs should be examined by a professional immediately:
Larger than six millimeters -
Itches or bleeds -
Rapidly changes in color, size or shape -
Has multiple colors -
Is located where it can't be easily monitored, such as on the
scalp -
Depending on their depth, location and
color, as well as the patient's skin type, age and other factors,
treatment for benign
but unattractive birthmarks may take the form of laser or pulsed
light therapy, microdermabrasion or surgical excision.
Eczema
Eczema is a term used to describe a group of inflamed skin conditions
that result in chronic, relapsing and very itchy rashes. About
thirty million people in the EU suffer from some form of eczema,
including 10 to 20 percent of all infants. Symptoms vary from
person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on
the skin which, when scratched, tend to break out in rashes.
Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks may
include rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive
heat or sweating, soaps, detergents, disinfectants, fruit juices,
dust mites, animal saliva and danders, upper respiratory infections
and stress.
Treatment involves the restriction of scratching, use of moisturizing
lotions or creams, cold compresses and anti-inflammatory corticosteroid
creams and ointments. If this proves insufficient, physicians
may prescribe corticosteroid medication, antibiotics to combat
infection or sedative antihistamines. Phototherapy is a common
procedure to reduce rashes, as are tar treatments (though messy).
For severe cases, drugs such as cyclosporine A may be recommended.
Skin Cancer
Services
About two million people in the EU are diagnosed with skin cancer
every year. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in
the EU. According to current estimates, forty to fifty percent
of Europeans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least
once. Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is if you
have fair skin that freckles easily - often with red or blond
hair and blue or light-colored eyes.
The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma
and squamous cell carcinoma. (Carcinoma is cancer that begins
in the cells that cover or line an organ.) Basal cell carcinoma
accounts for more than ninety percent of all skin cancers in
the United States. It is a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads
to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma also rarely
spreads, but it does so more often than basal cell carcinoma.
However, it is important that skin cancers be found and treated
early because they can invade and destroy nearby tissue.
Warts
Warts are normally noncontagious 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.
Excessive Underarm Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive sweating
that occurs in up to 1% of the population. The excessive sweating
can occur in the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), in the armpits
(axillary hyperhidrosis), or in the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis).
Although nobody understands the exact cause of this excessive
sweating in specific individuals, it is known that the sweating
is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.
The initial treatment for hyperhidrosis is usually medical and
does not involve surgery. Another treatment is iontopheresis.
This consists of a treatment of electrical stimulation, usually
in the hands. A newer treatment for hyperhidrosis is BOTOX®.
When a small amount of BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is injected
into the armpits or palms, it stops those areas from getting
clammy and sweaty. BOTOX® injections, however, are only temporary
and have to be repeated two to three times a year.
Skin renewal treatments
Reverse sun damage and turn heads.
We specialize in bringing innovative, high quality skin renewal
treatments. What this means to you is the ability regain younger,
better-looking skin.
As a native to Cyprus Dr Michaelides, understands the impact
of daily sun exposure can have on the skin. Our procedures help
you achieve a fresher, better look. We specialize in a variety
of techniques, especially procedures that are non-ablative/non-invasive,
to help you achieve those results. Our dermatologist travel the
world for advanced training and consults with some of the worlds
best physicians to help educate and provide you with the most
effective and up- to-date treatment plan.
We feel that a team approach works best to help you achieve a
younger, fresher look. Our staff is a dedicated, experienced
medical professional that will help you better understand the
needs of your skin. Providing high quality service, in a comfortable,
private atmosphere is extremely important to us. We will do our
best to give you total satisfaction.
Please explore our web site to find out how we can help you or
call us at 22871110.
Botox
BOTOX or botulinum toxin type A, is a protein commonly used to
reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is
injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead
and mouth to smooth crow's feet, frown and worry lines, and
lines on the neck.
BOTOX injections block nerve impulses, weakening muscles to relax
wrinkles and give the face a rejuvenated look. BOTOX may also
be useful for migraine headaches, excessive sweating, and eye
and neck muscle spasms.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face
to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes and
pre-cancerous growths to produce healthy, glowing skin. There
are three types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to strong
- alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), tricholoroacetic acid (TCA) and
phenol - and formula strengths are tailored to each patient.
Peels can be combined with other procedures such as facelifts
for a younger look.
Sclerotherapy
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small, thin, blood vessels
visible beneath the skin. They appear most commonly on the
face and legs and may look like a series of lines, tree branches,
or a spider- or web-like shape with a dark center. Spider veins
are caused by a variety of factors, including heredity, pregnancy
(and other conditions that involve changes in hormone levels),
weight gain, long periods of standing, and certain medications.
They often appear red or blue, and because they form on the
face, thighs, calves and ankles, many patients are bothered
by the way they look. Others seek medical treatment for uncomfortable
symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and cramping.
Restylane
Restylane is designed to smooth wrinkles, sculpt lips and shape
facial contours. It is a clear transparent gel composed of
hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is found throughout
your body. This acid is not of animal or human origin, which
means that there is no risk of allergic reaction. The most
common areas for a Restylane treatment are the glabellar lines
(between the eyebrows) and the nasolabial folds (from the root
of the nose to the angle of your mouth). With its unique ability
to bind with water, Restylane, remains in your skin for many
months.
