General Dermatology

What is general dermatology?

Dermatology is a medical subspecialty that diagnoses and treats problems affecting skin, hair, nails, or mucus membranes. Skin is your body’s largest organ. It helps regulate your temperature, protects your musculoskeletal system, and is a key indicator of your general health.

Almost everyone experiences skin or nail problems occasionally. These issues usually improve with over-the-counter treatments, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause.

What types of health problems does general dermatology treat?

At Coastal Dermatology & Medspa, Dr. Goyal treats various skin, hair, and nail problems, including:

• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Rashes
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Lumps, bumps, and cysts
• Diabetes-related skin problems
• Pigment disorders
• Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Birthmarks
• Scleroderma
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (painful lumps beneath the skin)
• Keratosis pilaris (dry, rough patches of skin)
• Pregnancy-related skin conditions (like melasma)
• Granulomas
• Skin cancer

You may benefit from general dermatology if you have nail fungus or brittle nails.

 What type of training does a general dermatologist have?

General dermatologists, like Dr. Goyal, complete four years of traditional medical school followed by an internship, residency, and fellowship. During that time, Dr. Goyal received extensive training in all aspects of skin, hair, and nail care, including:

• Cosmetic procedures, like chemical peels and laser treatments
• Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy
• Surgical procedures, like mole removal and biopsy
• Externally applied injections and medicines

Dr. Goyal uses minimally invasive or noninvasive treatments whenever possible, but offers surgery as well.

What happens at a general dermatology appointment?

Dr. Goyal reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and carefully examines the affected area. Looking at your skin, hair, or nails is often enough to confirm a diagnosis, but Dr. Goyal may order additional tests, like bloodwork, a skin swab, or a tissue biopsy.

When the lab completes your test analysis, Dr. Goyal explains an overview of your treatment options and their potential risks, side effects, and expected results. He then develops a personalized care plan. Depending on your needs, that may include prescription medication, aesthetics, or topical therapies.

Dr. Goyal monitors your progress and adjusts your treatment plan as necessary.

Call Coastal Dermatology & Medspa today to request a general dermatology consultation or book online.