Mid-County Dermatology

02/12/2026

Care When You Need It — Not Weeks From Now

Skin conditions don’t wait.
Rashes spread. Acne flares before big events. Suspicious spots create anxiety. Psoriasis and eczema can become uncomfortable quickly.

That’s why at Mid-County Dermatology, we take pride in offering same-week appointments whenever possible.

Because timely dermatologic care matters.

Early evaluation can:
▫️ Prevent worsening inflammation
▫️ Reduce risk of scarring
▫️ Provide faster relief
▫️ Offer peace of mind
▫️ Catch concerning lesions sooner

Access to care shouldn’t be stressful. Our goal is to make it easier for St. Louis patients to be seen, evaluated thoroughly, and treated appropriately—without unnecessary delays.

When your skin needs attention, you deserve care that keeps pace.

02/11/2026

Want clearer, healthier skin? Our dermatologist-approved guide breaks down the exact steps to washing your face for every skin type — from cleansing to moisturizing. Read the full routine and expert tips to avoid common mistakes. https://wix.to/5aYVzk9

Discover the essential steps to washing face for clear, healthy skin. Our dermatologist-approved guide covers routines for all skin types. Learn more.

02/09/2026

Psoriasis Is More Than a Skin Condition

Emerging research continues to show that psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease, not just a condition affecting the skin. The same inflammatory pathways driving red, scaly plaques on the skin may also influence cardiovascular health, including increased risk for heart disease and metabolic conditions—especially in moderate to severe psoriasis.

From a dermatologist’s perspective, this matters because treating psoriasis isn’t only about improving the skin’s appearance—it’s about addressing inflammation more broadly.

What this means for patients living with psoriasis:
▫️ Psoriasis severity may correlate with higher systemic inflammation
▫️ Chronic inflammation can impact blood vessels over time
▫️ Effective psoriasis treatment may help reduce inflammatory burden
▫️ Skin symptoms can be a visible signal of what’s happening internally

Practical guidance for St. Louis patients with psoriasis:
✔️ Stay consistent with dermatologist-directed treatment
✔️ Don’t ignore flares—ongoing inflammation matters
✔️ Prioritize cardiovascular health (blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle)
✔️ Communicate with both your dermatologist and primary care provider

At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to psoriasis care—focusing on skin health while recognizing the broader systemic implications for long-term wellness.

Managing psoriasis is about more than clearing plaques—it’s about caring for the whole patient.

02/05/2026

Actinic Keratoses: What These Rough Spots Mean for Your Skin

Actinic keratoses—often called AKs—are rough, scaly patches that develop after years of sun exposure. They’re commonly found on the face, scalp, ears, hands, and forearms, and many patients describe them as spots that are easier to feel than see.

Why actinic keratoses matter:
AKs are considered precancerous lesions. While many remain stable, some can progress into squamous cell carcinoma over time. They’re also a sign of cumulative sun damage, meaning new spots may continue to appear without proper monitoring and prevention.

Common features of actinic keratoses include:
▫️ Rough, sandpaper-like texture
▫️ Pink, red, or skin-colored patches
▫️ Mild tenderness, itching, or burning
▫️ Spots that don’t fully heal

When to see a dermatologist:
✔️ A rough or scaly spot that persists for weeks
✔️ Lesions that change, thicken, or become tender
✔️ Multiple areas of sun-damaged skin
✔️ A history of significant sun exposure or prior skin cancer

Dermatology evaluation is important because AKs can resemble other benign skin conditions—and treatment options vary based on location, number, and severity.

At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists help patients throughout St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities identify and manage actinic keratoses with a preventive, evidence-based approach.

Early evaluation allows for simpler treatment and greater peace of mind.

02/02/2026

What a Skin Cancer Screening at Mid-County Dermatology Is Like

For many patients, the idea of a skin cancer screening can feel intimidating—but the experience itself is typically straightforward, respectful, and reassuring.

Here’s what you can expect during a full-body skin exam at Mid-County Dermatology 👇

▫️ A private, comfortable exam room where your dermatologist explains the process before starting
▫️ A thorough head-to-toe skin check, examining moles, freckles, and sun-exposed areas with the trained eye of a board-certified dermatologist
▫️ Use of a dermatoscope when helpful, allowing for closer evaluation of specific spots
▫️ Clear communication throughout—you’re encouraged to ask questions or point out any areas of concern
▫️ Reassurance when findings are benign, and thoughtful discussion if anything needs monitoring or treatment

Skin cancer screenings are about prevention, awareness, and peace of mind—not rushing or creating fear. Most visits are completed efficiently, with patients leaving informed and confident about their skin health.

Our board-certified dermatologists care for patients throughout St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities, focusing on careful evaluation, education, and long-term skin wellness.

A skin check is simply another way to take care of yourself.

01/29/2026

Teen Acne: When Is It Time to See a Dermatologist?

Acne is incredibly common during the teenage years—and in many cases, it’s completely manageable. But sometimes, breakouts are more than just a passing phase.

Here’s when acne may benefit from dermatologic care, not just drugstore products 👇
▫️ Persistent acne lasting longer than 2–3 months despite consistent OTC treatment
▫️ Moderate to severe acne, including cysts or painful nodules
▫️ Early scarring or dark marks forming on the skin
▫️ Acne affecting confidence, mood, or social activities
▫️ Breakouts spreading to the chest or back

Dermatologists don’t just “prescribe stronger products.” We focus on:
✔️ Accurate diagnosis
✔️ Age-appropriate, evidence-based treatment
✔️ Preventing long-term scarring
✔️ Educating teens on healthy skincare habits

Early intervention often means simpler treatment and better long-term outcomes.

At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists care for teens and families across St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities—helping guide acne treatment with a calm, medical, and personalized approach.

Teen acne is common. Scarring doesn’t have to be.

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01/25/2026

For the safety of our patients and team, Mid-County Dermatology will be closed tomorrow due to inclement weather.

01/22/2026

When Over-the-Counter Treatments Aren’t Enough

If you’ve tried multiple over-the-counter products with little or no improvement, you’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Here’s why OTC treatments sometimes fail 👇
▫️ The diagnosis may be off. Many skin conditions look similar but require very different treatments.
▫️ OTC products are designed for mild disease. Persistent or inflammatory conditions often need prescription-strength care.
▫️ Lower active ingredient strength. Non-prescription products are limited in potency.
▫️ Skin barrier damage. Overuse of harsh products can actually worsen redness, dryness, or breakouts.

When it’s time to see a dermatologist:
✔️ Symptoms last longer than 4–6 weeks
✔️ Skin continues to worsen or spread
✔️ Recurrent flares keep returning
✔️ Skin concerns affect comfort or confidence

Prescription dermatology care isn’t just stronger—it’s targeted, evidence-based, and diagnosis-driven.

At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide medical skin care for patients throughout St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities—helping determine when OTC care is enough and when professional treatment is the right next step.

Sometimes progress starts with the right diagnosis.

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01/19/2026

What Are Actinic Keratoses—and Why Do They Matter?

Actinic keratoses (often called AKs) are rough, scaly patches that develop on sun-exposed skin over time. They’re most commonly found on the face, scalp, ears, forearms, and hands—areas that receive years of cumulative sun exposure, which is especially common for many patients in St. Louis.

Why actinic keratoses matter:
• AKs are considered precancerous lesions.
• While many remain stable, a portion can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
• They are often a marker of significant sun damage, meaning additional lesions may develop over time.

What they can look or feel like:
• Rough or sandpaper-like patches
• Pink, red, or skin-colored spots
• Lesions that are easier to feel than see
• Areas that may sting, itch, or become tender

Treatment options depend on the number, location, and severity of lesions and may include:
• Cryotherapy (freezing) for individual spots
• Topical prescription medications to treat broader sun-damaged areas
• In-office procedures such as light-based therapies for field treatment
• Ongoing surveillance to monitor for new or changing lesions

Because actinic keratoses can resemble other benign skin conditions, dermatologist evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists evaluate and manage actinic keratoses with a preventive, evidence-based approach—helping patients throughout St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities reduce future skin cancer risk.

Early evaluation allows for simpler treatment and greater peace of mind.

01/15/2026

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that tends to flare in response to specific triggers. In Missouri, where temperature swings can be dramatic, these flares are especially common.

Common rosacea triggers include:
• Sudden temperature changes, such as going from cold outdoor air into heated indoor spaces
• Heat exposure, including hot showers, saunas, and warm beverages
• Cold, windy weather, which can irritate sensitive skin
• Sun exposure, even on cloudy days
• Spicy foods, alcohol (especially red wine), and hot drinks
• Emotional stress and intense exercise
• Harsh skincare products with fragrance, alcohol, or exfoliating acids

Unexpected triggers we often see:
• Over-cleansing or frequent exfoliation
• Skipping moisturizer, which weakens the skin barrier
• Using “tingling” or “cooling” products that irritate sensitive skin

Dermatologist-guided management tips:
• Identify and track personal triggers—rosacea varies from person to person
• Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and barrier-repair moisturizers
• Apply daily broad-spectrum sunscreen to reduce flare frequency
• Seek medical treatment early if redness, bumps, or eye symptoms persist

At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists help patients throughout St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities identify triggers and create individualized, evidence-based rosacea management plans.

Rosacea isn’t caused by poor skincare—understanding triggers and protecting the skin barrier can make a meaningful difference.

01/12/2026

Who Should Get an Annual Skin Cancer Screening?

Skin cancer screenings are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect long-term skin health—and they’re not just for people with obvious risk factors. For many patients in St. Louis, an annual full-body skin exam is an important part of preventive care.

You may benefit from yearly skin cancer screenings if you have:
• A history of significant sun exposure, including outdoor work, sports, or frequent sunburns earlier in life
• Fair skin, light eyes, or a tendency to burn rather than tan
• A personal or family history of skin cancer, including melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers
• Numerous moles, atypical moles, or changing spots
• A weakened immune system or history of tanning bed use

Even without these risk factors, skin cancer can still occur. Annual exams allow dermatologists to monitor moles over time, identify subtle changes early, and provide reassurance when findings are benign.

At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide thorough, methodical skin cancer screenings for patients throughout St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities, with a focus on early detection and patient education.

A skin check isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness, prevention, and peace of mind.

01/08/2026

Hair Loss: Myths vs. Facts (What Actually Matters)

Hair loss is common—and so is misinformation. Let’s clear up a few of the most frequent myths we hear in the Midwest and explain when it’s time for a professional evaluation.

Myth #1: Hair loss only happens because of stress
Fact: Stress can contribute, but it’s not the whole story. Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where more hairs than usual shift into the shedding phase. This typically appears 2–3 months after the trigger and is often reversible—but not all shedding is telogen effluvium.

Myth #2: If hair loss runs in your family, nothing can be done
Fact: Genetics play a major role in androgenetic (pattern) hair loss, but early diagnosis matters. Medical treatments can slow progression and preserve existing hair when started early.

Myth #3: Washing or brushing your hair causes hair loss
Fact: Washing and brushing don’t cause hair loss—they reveal hairs that were already ready to shed. Avoiding washing does not prevent hair loss and can worsen scalp health.

Myth #4: Hair loss is always permanent
Fact: Some types of hair loss are temporary and reversible, while others are progressive. The key is identifying the cause, not guessing.

When should you see a dermatologist?
• Sudden or excessive shedding
• Thinning at the crown or temples
• Patchy hair loss
• Hair loss with itching, scaling, or scalp pain
• Hair loss lasting longer than 3–6 months

At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists evaluate hair loss with a medical approach—looking at genetics, hormones, inflammation, and overall scalp health—to guide evidence-based treatment options for patients across St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities.

Hair loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. Getting the right diagnosis is the most important first step.