Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes red, itchy, and sometimes swollen patches of skin. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the hands, face, neck, and the insides of the elbows and knees. Eczema is more common in children, but it can affect people of all ages.

The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with eczema often have a compromised skin barrier, which makes their skin more susceptible to irritants, allergens, and infections. Eczema is also associated with other allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever.

Symptoms of eczema can vary from mild to severe and may include:

- Intense itching
- Dry, scaly skin
- Red or brownish-gray patches
- Small, raised bumps that may leak fluid if scratched
- Thickened, cracked, or scaly skin

While there is no cure for eczema, it can be managed with proper skin care, medications, and lifestyle changes. Treatments often include moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and sometimes more advanced therapies like immunosuppressants or biologics for severe cases. Avoiding triggers, such as certain soaps, detergents, stress, and allergens, is also an important part of managing eczema.

With summer flying by, it may be time to think about those unsightly spider veins on your legs. Now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for you.

The preferred method of treatment for spider veins is Sclerotherapy. This procedure involves injecting a solution into the small veins using an ultra-fine needle. The solution irritates the veins' lining, causing them to stick together. Over a few weeks, the veins fade from view, eventually becoming barely or not visible at all. Most patients enjoy 50-70 percent improvement with each treatment. The average patient undergoes two to three treatments before achieving his/her therapeutic goals.

To learn more ☎ Call 302-633-7550 to schedule your consultation today.

Meet Dr. Alexander Valiga, the newest edition to Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.

Dr. Alexander Valiga is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs and reconstructive surgeon. As a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Valiga is among an elite group of skin cancer specialists dedicated to the treatment of both common and rare skin cancers. In addition to treating skin cancer, Dr. Valiga has experience in evaluating and treating the spectrum of leg vein disease including sclerotherapy of spider veins, phlebectomy of varicose veins, and ultrasound-guided endovenous ablation for symptomatic saphenous vein disease.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS...IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE...☎Call 302-633-7550 to schedule your appointment today.

Just a reminder...all of our offices will be closed Thursday July 4th and Friday July 5th. We hope you have a fun-filled, relaxing weekend. We will see you again on Monday!

Yay, you know summer is almost here when Memorial Day Weekend rolls around. Just a friendly reminder it is really important to wear your sunscreen.
🧴 Apply enough sunscreen to cover all your skin not covered by clothing
🧴 Don't forget your lips, hands, the tops of your feet, your neck, ears and scalp
🧴 Apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors
🧴 Re-apply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

We hope you have fun, relaxing three day weekend just keep your skin safe!

Thank you to all the nurses out there for your outstanding dedication and care. Your compassion and kindness make a real difference and does not go unnoticed. 👏 Thank you for all that you do each and everyday.

Skin cancer, much like any form of cancer, may require surgery to remove the cancerous growth. A dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and plastic surgeon can surgically remove cancerous and other skin lesions using specialized techniques to preserve your health and your appearance. At Premier, all three work together to detect, treat and repair your skin cancer.

1️⃣Our dermatologist will perform a skin screening and perform a biopsy to rule out skin cancer of suspicious looking lesions. If the biopsy does prove positive for a skin cancer and positive margins remain they may schedule you for a further excision or refer you to our Mohs surgeon or plastic surgeons.
2️⃣Mohs surgery is a precise, procedure to remove high-risk skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue. The process of microscopic examination and layer-by-layer excision allows for complete tumor removal and high cure rates.
3️⃣Our surgeons can assess the wound left after skin cancer surgery and determine the best strategy to repair existing skin defects and restore a natural-looking appearance. The expertise of our highly trained surgeons are often necessary to precisely and effectively reconstruct the skin tissue. Aesthetics and proper functionality are pivotal to many areas affected by cancer. Although no surgery is without scars, our plastic surgeons will make every effort to excise and/or repair your skin cancer without dramatically changing your appearance.

☎️Call 302-633-7550 or 302-998-8007 today to schedule with one of our specialists!

Today begins Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Even though we promote skin screenings and protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays everyday, in May we draw the spotlight on one of the most common cancers in the United States. Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are highly treatable, especially if detected early. Performing self skin exams are very important. If you don't feel you are able to perform a self exam or find an unusual mole/lesion contact your dermatologist for a full skin screening and possibly biopsy.
🕶☀️ Protect your skin, wear sunscreen and protective clothing and accessories. ☀️🕶 Schedule your skin screening with one of our board certified dermatologists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Call 302-633-7550, immediate appointments available.

Have you looked in the mirror lately and asked yourself what is the best skincare for me? Your skin's health is important and should be protected and taken care of. Knowing your unique skin type is extremely helpful for choosing your skincare. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are five primary types of skin: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive.

🧪If your skin appears shiny and feels greasy—especially throughout the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) your skin may be producing an excess of sebum causing oily skin.

🧪If you skin appears dull, rough, flaky, or noticeably dehydrated your skin may not be producing enough natural oils causing dry skin.

🧪 If your skin is neither oily no dry, just in between (balanced) you have normal skin.

🧪If your skin has an abundance of oil in the T zone and is dry or normal in other areas such as the cheeks , you probably fall into combination skin.

🧪If you skin gets red, burning, dry or itchy you may fall into the sensitive skin category. You will usually notice it more when your skin comes in contact with external irritants or environmental factors.

If you are unsure of your skin type or want to know what you should use to address your skin concerns, you should visit one of our skin specialists. At Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery our staff of highly skilled and experienced board certified Dermatologists, PA's, NP's, and licensed aestheticians can assess your skin and provide guidance on the best skincare routine and treatments that will keep your skin healthy and glowing.

❣Happy Valentine's Day❣ Whether you have exciting plans for a night out, a cozy evening in, or quality time with your friends, or a loved one, treating your skin to a little TLC will help you look and feel your best for any occasion.

Engaging in self-care for your skin isn’t an indulgence or vanity. It’s a powerful reminder that the largest organ in your body deserves love too. Valentine’s Day may only come around once a year, but you can have radiant skin everyday. Here at Premier our highly experienced, skin specialists can recommend skin care products, innovative procedures and treatments that will have you loving your look all year long. Show your skin some much needed appreciation.

It's the perfect time to fall in love with skin health.Call 302-633-7550 to schedule a consultation with our dermatology group and visit our spa Premier Spa & Laser Center for amazing special offers on skin care products and treatments for the month of February.

Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery is a comprehensive practice that provides exceptional and compassionate care for all patients! Our knowledgeable practitioners understand the health of your skin impacts your life each and every day, whether it be a simple or complex issue or concern. If you are looking for help with skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or eczema, seeking a preventative skin screening, or have cosmetic concern please contact our office. We look forward to meeting you!

📞Call 302-633-7550 to schedule your appointment today, immediate appointments available.

With your busy schedule, visiting the dermatologist may be last on your list of priorities and yearly medical appointments. Not only can a dermatologist diagnose skin cancer, but they can also help identify skin problems that you may think are harmless.

Even if you don’t have any current problems or conditions, but you’ve been out in the sun at least once in your life, you should schedule a yearly screening for skin cancer. Early detection is extremely important and potentially life-saving.

📞Call 302-633-7550 to schedule your appointment today.

Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Providing expert cosmetic surgery, nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, and dermatology services in Del

New Year's Resolution 🎉--Take care of your skin!! You are never too young or too old to start caring about your skin. If you don't presently have a routine or annual skin check scheduled, now is the perfect time to schedule one. An annual skin exam is an opportunity for a dermatologist to examine your skin, identify concerns, and look at moles to evaluate changes. (Remember early detection is key to preventing skin cancer.) Not sure what services, treatments or skin products to use to address your skin concerns? You can discuss your options with your dermatologist, they can help establish a consistent skin care routine.

☎Call to 302-633-7550 to schedule your skin check today!!

Thank you Robert. We appreciate your feedback and kind words. We are glad we are here to help!!!

BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER 💖 Katie is our board-certified nurse practitioner whose goal is to help her patients experience a better quality of life and improved confidence by providing the right treatment for their skin conditions. Katie utilizes her strong clinical experience to provide exceptional and compassionate care to all of her patients. 👏 Thank you Katie for all you do each and every day.

We want to thank everyone who voted in this year's First State Favorites. We are so excited we were chosen BEST for Dermatology Clinic (North). We want to thank everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to support us by voting. Premier Dermatology strives to provide excellent patient care, and having that reflected in the voting process has been greatly appreciated!

Repost from
•
Genodermatoses are genetically inherited disorders with skin manifestations. A subgroup of genodermatoses are particularly important because of their association with malignancies. Palmar pits are an example of the skin findings in Gorlin syndrome (also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome). 80% of patient’s with Gorlin syndrome develop basal cell skin carcinoma early in life, often in late adolescence. A small percentage of patients can also develop medulloblastomas and astrocytomas. Photos depict classic finding of tiny, asymptomatic depressions of the palms of the hands (palmar pits). Palmar pits are a diagnostic clue for this syndrome. Other findings can include jaw cysts, cardiac and ovarian fibromas, intracranial calcifications, macrocephaly, fused ribs, and other skeletal abnormalities. The genetic mutation is found in PTCH1, a tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 9q.

Congratulations Dr. Sabini 💖 Your dedication and passion for your work and patients make you what you are, one in a million. 🥂 Cheers to your two decades of service. From all of us at Premier we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your exceptional contributions you make each and everyday. We look forward to more amazing years ahead!!!!

Can you diagnose these lesions? These 6 different patients were all diagnosed after a biopsy, by their dermatologist at Premier, as basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). As you can see they look quite different from one person to the next. Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, "BCCs can look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, scars or growths with slightly elevated, rolled edges and/or a central indentation. At times, BCCs may ooze, crust, itch or bleed. The lesions commonly arise in sun-exposed areas of the body."

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It is a slow growing cancer, and very curable, especially if caught early. It is never too soon to get a skin check. Call 302-633-7550 to schedule your skin screening.

😎 P.S. Don't forget your sunscreen 🧴

We are so grateful to be nominated for Best Dermatology Clinic for Delaware's First State Favorites 2023. We appreciate the continued support of our patients, families and friends. We hope you have a chance to vote and share the link. Voting ends June 24. Click the link in our bio and you will redirected to the ballots page to vote. 👍☺️

Today is Melanoma Monday and the start of Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month. Skin cancer is America’s most common cancer. Melanoma is one of the most serious skin cancers. The rates of melanoma have been rising for the past few decades.

Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. Our goal is to education our patients about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and encourage them to perform routine self skin checks. If you have a family history of skin cancer or just unsure about a mole or freckle, call to schedule a skin check with one of our specialists. If diagnosed and treated early, skin cancer can often be cured.

National Doctor’s Day Giveaway 😁

First we want to recognize all the amazing doctors at Premier as well as all doctors near and far. Thank you for your daily dedication, hard work and compassion, for your patients and staff.

Now for the fun stuff. Check out our reels for National Doctor's Day Photos and help us vote for your favorite photo or video. The photo with the most votes wins their doctor and staff breakfast. But we don’t want to forget our followers. The winner will receive our SPF summer package shown in photo.

Here’s how to enter:
1. Make sure you follow us and
2. Like this post/reel 👍🏻
3. Add comment and let us know which is your favorite 🤩

Giveaway ends Sunday April 2nd. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday April 3rd.

Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years or older to enter and be US resident. Must complete all steps to be entered. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram/Facebook or any of the brands included.

Let's get to know a little more about Stephanie Carlino, PA-C , we asked and she has answered. Here are some tips, recommendations and fun facts about one of our favorite PA's .

❓ What is a skin care tip or recommendation who would give a patient?
🥼"I recommend wearing a facial moisturizer with at least a SPF 30 daily and don't forget to apply to your ears and neck as well."
❓ What is something you find challenging about your work?
🥼"It is a challenge that a lot of common skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, are chronic and we don’t have cures for them. However, we thankfully have great medications that, when used as directed, can do an amazing job at maintaining clear skin."
❓ How would you describe your job to a bunch of five year olds?
🥼"I help people keep their skin healthy!"
❓ Are you currently binge watching any shows?
🥼"Wednesday"
❓ What is your coffee or tea order?
🥼"Love a Honey Citrus Mint Tea from Starbucks this time of year."
❓Which fictional family would you want to be part of?
🥼"Not sure if it counts as a family but I would love to hang out with the Friends gang!"

Dry, cracked corners of the lips 👄, or angular cheilitis, is a common problem for many people this time of year. Common causes or contributing factors include dry weather, excess saliva in the form of drooling or lip licking, overusing chapstick, wearing masks and pacifier use.

If you have dry, cracked corners of the mouth, the goal should be to minimize this irritation and to help the skin restore its natural barrier. Avoid adding skin care products to these areas, especially products with fragrances and dyes. Check your medicine cabinet and try applying some good old-fashioned petroleum jelly. Other options are Vanicream Ointment or Aquaphor. You want to protect the skin from the vicious cycle of excess moisture, skin drying, more moisture, and so on.

Let's get to know a little more about Carmen Davis, PA-C , we asked and she has answered. Here are some tips, recommendations and fun facts about one of our favorite PA's .

❓ What is a favorite part of your job?
🥼"Having the privilege of seeing patients improve and the smiles and comfort it brings them."
❓ What is a skin care tip or recommendation who would give a patient?
🥼"Applying a moisturizing SPF 30-50 to your face daily all year long, and don't forget to protect your ears...many times they are the forgotten extremities."
❓ Is there a skincare product, treatment or makeup item that you love and would recommend to others?
🥼"I've used Journee revitalizing day cream SPF 30 by Neocutis for many years and love everything about this product. Some other recent SPF product brands I stand by are Supergoop Play and Unseen sunscreen & Image Skin Care tinted SPF30 cream. When it comes to antioxidants my favorite Vitamin C Serums are: All Bright C Serum by Beauty Counter, Obagi Vitamin C 20% serum & Skinceuticals CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF."
❓ If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
🥼"If I had to eat one meal every day for the rest of my life it would be PIZZA 🍕🍕!
❓ What’s your favorite hobby?
🥼"My favorite hobby is interior home 🏡design. I love home staging and decor."
❓ Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
🥼"I have a history of entrepreneurship, and I created my own hair care brand in 2013 -CarmCare, LLC."

Seasonal Skin ❄🌬 When the weather gets colder you may have to update your daily skin care routine. Here are some tips to help alleviate that winter dry skin.
📌 Moisturize more frequently and/or use a thicker moisture to help retain and seal in moisture.
📌 Avoid harsh cleansers, switch to more hydrating, gentle cleansers.
📌 Limit your hot showers, either shorten the time or use lukewarm water.
📌 Avoid harsh scrubs but a gentle, light exfoliation will help slough off the dead skin and allow the moisture to draw out, hydrating your skin.
📌 Always use an SPF
📌 Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
📌 Beware of your skin care ingredients, if unsure check with your skin specialist.

Lastly you can always schedule a skin consult with one of our board certified dermatologists, physician associates or nurse practitioners. You may have more than just dry skin, that requires prescription medications and topicals.

Over the past 27 years Dr. Mashek has established a distinguished clinical reputation in the field of Dermatology in Delaware. Her renowned expertise encompasses general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, skin cancer screenings, laser and radio frequency treatments, and use of injectable fillers and neurotoxins for cosmetic enhancement. Dr. Mashek has a special interest and a strong passion for educating her patients on skin self examines and skin cancer prevention.

Contact us at 302-633-7550 if you would like to schedule a skin check at Premier Deramtology. We hope to hear from you!

Repost from
•
Pyoderma Gangrenosum is characterized by tender, painful rapidly enlarging ulcers with raised violaceous borders and a necrotic base. Lesions can start as a small pustule and then rapidly progress. The most common site of involvement is the leg. The cause is unknown but may be a result of altered immune reactivity. PG is frequently associated with inflammatory bowel disease, malignancy and benign monoclonal gammopathy. Treatment often includes systemic steroids, Dapsone, antibiotics, cytotoxic agents such as azathioprine, and immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporine, as well as immune biologics.

1st picture: Characteristic PG of lower leg
⏩️Swipe to see a more aggressive stage of PG