From moles to melanoma, Knott Street Dermatology offers a wide variety of treatments for our patients. These can range from medical services to surgical procedures. We also provide diagnostic tests and procedures to assess our patients’ health. These include Patch Testing and Full Skin Exams.
Experiencing Chronic Rashes? Get Diagnosed with Patch Testing
Chronic rashes due to allergic contact dermatitis can have a variety of causes and not knowing what can trigger these flare ups can be frustrating. Thankfully, Patch Testing at Knott Street Dermatology can determine the causes, allowing patients to make the necessary adjustments to prevent these rashes from occurring in the future.
Patch testing differs from blood allergy testing, it involves applying pads that contain suspected allergenic substances from the North American Contact Dermatitis Society’s core allergen list to the entire surface of the back. These common chemicals can be found in jewelry, skin care products, soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, and clothing fabric.
Patients are first assessed by a provider to determine if patch testing is appropriate for the type of rash, and then insurance authorization is obtained to determine out-of-pocket expenses for the testing.
Once allergenic substances causing the allergic contact dermatitis flare ups are determined, patients will finally be able to prevent future breakouts!
Early Skin Cancer Detection is Essential to Successful Treatment
Knott Street Dermatology specializes in the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Our diagnostic processes include Full Skin Exams (FSEs), which are crucial for determining the presence of skin cancer and if treatment is necessary.
Full Skin Exams are the standard of care for detection of skin cancers in their early stages, especially melanoma which can be life threatening. FSEs are relatively quick and require no special equipment, although sometimes a dermatoscope is used to magnify skin lesions to assist the provider with detection of abnormal features. FSEs are used in all dermatology practices and are endorsed by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
A dermatology provider will ask questions about personal history of sun exposure, incidence of sunburn, as well as past skin issues and family history of melanoma. After the patient removes clothing and changes into a medical garment, the provider performs a thorough check of the entire surface of the skin (exposing only one body part at a time) from the scalp to the soles of the feet. Areas of concern can be documented with digital photography and then compared to photographs at a later exam to detect any changes in moles or other spots.
Takeaway
For more information on diagnostic services, reach out to us. Knott Street Dermatology in Portland, Oregon also meets the needs of patients from nearby Lake Oswego, West Linn, Beaverton and Clackamas.
