Medical Dermatology
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin, Hair, and Nail Conditions
Medical dermatology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. As a specialist dermatologist, Dr. Jabu Nkehli provides expert care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. With extensive training and experience, she diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of dermatological conditions, from common concerns like acne and eczema to complex autoimmune diseases and skin cancers. At Dermaglare Skin, you receive evidence-based medical care delivered with compassion and expertise.
What is Medical Dermatology?
Medical dermatology encompasses the non-cosmetic medical treatment of skin conditions. This specialty requires extensive medical training to accurately diagnose and manage diseases ranging from acute infections to chronic inflammatory conditions to skin cancers. Dr. Nkehli's expertise as a specialist dermatologist means she can recognize subtle signs that might be missed by non-specialists, provide accurate diagnoses through clinical examination and when necessary skin biopsies, prescribe appropriate medical treatments including prescription medications, perform minor surgical procedures when needed, and monitor chronic conditions with long-term management plans. Medical dermatology addresses not just the physical symptoms but also the psychological and emotional impact of skin diseases, recognizing that skin health significantly affects quality of life and overall wellbeing.
Common Conditions Treated
Dr. Nkehli diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of dermatological conditions. ACNE AND ROSACEA: Teenage and adult acne, hormonal acne, cystic acne, acne scarring prevention, rosacea (facial redness and sensitivity), and perioral dermatitis. ECZEMA AND DERMATITIS: Atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant), seborrheic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and nummular eczema. PSORIASIS: Plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, nail psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis. INFECTIONS: Bacterial infections (impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis), viral infections (warts, herpes simplex, shingles, molluscum), fungal infections (ringworm, nail fungus, candida), and parasitic infections (scabies). PIGMENTATION DISORDERS: Melasma and hyperpigmentation, vitiligo (loss of pigmentation), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. HAIR AND SCALP: Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), telogen effluvium (diffuse hair shedding), scalp conditions (dandruff, folliculitis), and excessive hair growth (hirsutism). NAIL DISORDERS: Fungal nail infections, nail psoriasis, ingrown toenails, and nail dystrophies. This list represents just a portion of the conditions Dr. Nkehli treats regularly.
Skin Cancer Detection and Management
Early detection of skin cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Dr. Nkehli provides comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and management. FULL BODY SKIN EXAMINATIONS: Thorough examination from scalp to feet, dermoscopy (magnified examination) of suspicious lesions, digital photography for monitoring changes over time, and identification of precancerous lesions. TYPES OF SKIN CANCER: Basal Cell Carcinoma (most common, usually curable), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (treatable when caught early), Melanoma (most serious, requires urgent treatment), precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses), and rare skin cancers. DIAGNOSIS: Clinical examination and dermoscopy, skin biopsy for definitive diagnosis, and histopathological analysis. TREATMENT: Surgical excision with appropriate margins, electrocautery and curettage for appropriate lesions, cryosurgery for precancerous lesions, topical chemotherapy for certain cases, and referral for advanced cases requiring specialized treatment. Dr. Nkehli also provides education on sun protection, self-examination techniques, and risk factor modification to prevent future skin cancers.
Inflammatory and Autoimmune Skin Diseases
Many skin conditions are caused by immune system dysfunction or chronic inflammation requiring specialized care. CONDITIONS TREATED: Psoriasis (chronic inflammatory condition), Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis (inflammatory skin disease), Lupus (systemic autoimmune disease with skin manifestations), Dermatomyositis (autoimmune muscle and skin disease), Lichen Planus (inflammatory condition affecting skin and mucous membranes), Bullous diseases (blistering disorders), and Vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation affecting skin). TREATMENT APPROACHES: Topical corticosteroids and immunomodulators, systemic medications (oral and injectable), biologic therapies for severe cases, phototherapy (UV light treatment), and lifestyle modifications and trigger avoidance. Dr. Nkehli takes a comprehensive approach, considering not just the skin symptoms but also potential systemic involvement and the impact on your overall health and quality of life. She works collaboratively with other specialists when systemic disease is present.
Pediatric Dermatology
Children's skin has unique characteristics and conditions requiring specialized knowledge. Dr. Nkehli provides expert care for pediatric dermatology concerns from newborns through adolescence. COMMON PEDIATRIC CONDITIONS: Newborn rashes and birthmarks, infantile eczema, diaper dermatitis, viral exanthems (childhood rashes), molluscum contagiosum, warts, infantile acne, and adolescent acne. APPROACH TO PEDIATRIC CARE: Gentle, child-friendly examination techniques, consideration of age-appropriate treatments, involvement of parents in treatment decisions and education, addressing parental concerns with empathy, and monitoring growth and development considerations. Dr. Nkehli understands the anxiety parents feel when their child has a skin condition and provides clear explanations, realistic expectations, and compassionate care for both child and family.
Diagnostic Procedures
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Dr. Nkehli performs various diagnostic procedures in-office. SKIN BIOPSIES: Shave biopsy (superficial lesions), punch biopsy (deeper tissue sample), excisional biopsy (complete lesion removal), and incisional biopsy (sample from larger lesion). DERMOSCOPY: Non-invasive magnified examination of skin lesions, helps distinguish benign from malignant lesions, aids in melanoma detection, and monitors changing moles over time. PATCH TESTING: Identifies specific allergens causing contact dermatitis, 48-hour application of potential allergens, and interpretation by specialist dermatologist. FUNGAL AND BACTERIAL CULTURES: Microscopic examination (KOH preparation for fungal infections), bacterial culture for antibiotic selection, and viral culture when indicated. ALLERGY TESTING: Helps identify triggers for eczema and other allergic skin conditions, guides avoidance strategies, and informs treatment decisions. These diagnostic tools allow Dr. Nkehli to provide precise diagnoses and targeted treatment plans rather than guesswork or trial-and-error approaches.
Treatment Modalities
Dr. Nkehli utilizes the full range of medical dermatology treatments. TOPICAL TREATMENTS: Prescription-strength corticosteroids, topical antibiotics and antivirals, topical antifungals, topical immunomodulators (calcineurin inhibitors), retinoids for acne and photoaging, and specialized compounded formulations. SYSTEMIC MEDICATIONS: Oral antibiotics (for acne, rosacea, infections), oral antifungals, antihistamines for allergic conditions, immunosuppressants for severe conditions, oral retinoids (isotretinoin for severe acne), and biologic injections for psoriasis and severe eczema. PROCEDURAL TREATMENTS: Intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), electrocautery and curettage, and phototherapy referral when appropriate. SUPPORTIVE CARE: Medical-grade skincare recommendations, sun protection counseling, lifestyle modifications, and stress management guidance. Treatment plans are individualized based on condition severity, patient preferences, lifestyle factors, previous treatment response, and potential side effects.
Chronic Condition Management
Many skin conditions are chronic and require ongoing management. Dr. Nkehli provides long-term care to help you maintain optimal skin health. COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT: Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments, medication adjustments as needed, tracking of disease activity and flare-ups, preventive strategies to minimize flares, screening for treatment side effects, and addressing emotional and psychological impacts. PATIENT EDUCATION: Understanding your condition and triggers, proper medication use and application techniques, when to seek urgent care, realistic expectations about treatment outcomes, and self-management strategies. COORDINATED CARE: Communication with your primary care physician, collaboration with specialists when systemic disease present, coordination of referrals when specialized treatment needed, and shared decision-making about treatment options. Living with a chronic skin condition can be challenging, but with expert guidance and a comprehensive management plan, most patients achieve good control and improved quality of life.
When to See a Dermatologist
You should consult Dr. Nkehli for any concerning skin changes or persistent conditions. URGENT CONCERNS: New or changing moles (especially with irregular borders, multiple colors, or rapid growth), painful or bleeding lesions, sudden widespread rash with fever, severe allergic reactions, and painful blisters or skin shedding. ONGOING CONDITIONS: Acne not responding to over-the-counter treatments, persistent rash or itching, hair loss or sudden hair thinning, nail changes or infections, chronic eczema or psoriasis, recurrent skin infections, and concerning pigmentation changes. PREVENTIVE CARE: Annual skin cancer screening (especially if you have risk factors), management of multiple moles, history of skin cancer, sun damage assessment, and family history of melanoma or skin cancer. Early consultation can prevent conditions from worsening, catch skin cancers at earliest treatable stages, avoid complications from untreated conditions, and provide peace of mind through expert evaluation.
Why Choose Dr. Jabu Nkehli for Medical Dermatology?
As a specialist dermatologist, Dr. Nkehli offers expertise that goes beyond general medical practitioners. QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING: Medical degree plus specialized dermatology residency training, board certification in dermatology, continued medical education in latest treatments, experience treating thousands of dermatology patients, and expertise in both common and rare skin conditions. HER APPROACH: Thorough clinical examination and accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment recommendations, personalized care plans for your unique situation, accessibility for urgent concerns, comprehensive explanations in understandable terms, and compassionate care that addresses both physical and emotional aspects. COMPREHENSIVE CARE: Medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology under one roof, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, in-office procedures for convenience, collaboration with other specialists when needed, and continuity of care for chronic conditions. Dr. Nkehli's goal is not just to treat your skin condition but to partner with you in maintaining optimal skin health throughout your life.
Consultation and Appointment Information
Booking an appointment with Dr. Nkehli is straightforward. NEW PATIENT CONSULTATION: Comprehensive medical and dermatological history, thorough skin examination, diagnosis or differential diagnosis discussion, treatment plan development, and time for all your questions. WHAT TO BRING: List of current medications and supplements, previous medical records if available from other dermatologists, photos of condition at different stages if available, list of questions or concerns you want to address, and relevant insurance information. PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT: Arrive with clean skin (no makeup if possible for facial exam), bring skincare products you're currently using, note any recent changes in symptoms, and prepare to discuss your medical history openly. FOLLOW-UP CARE: Schedule determined by your specific condition and treatment plan, typically 4-12 weeks for active conditions, longer intervals for stable chronic conditions under good control, and annual skin checks for skin cancer screening. Book your appointment today to receive expert dermatological care from a qualified specialist who truly understands skin health. Dr. Nkehli looks forward to helping you achieve and maintain healthy skin.
Our Services Include:
- Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment
- Acne & Rosacea Management
- Eczema & Psoriasis Care
- Hair & Scalp Disorders
- Infectious Skin Diseases
- Autoimmune Skin Conditions
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Chronic Condition Management