Medical dermatology in Minnesota and western Wisconsin

When you’re concerned about a suspicious mole or a chronic skin condition, our dermatologists are here to provide the answers and treatment you need.

At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, our board-certified dermatologists go through extensive training in diagnosing and treating serious skin conditions that need advanced treatment. Our team is made up of dermatologists who specialize in complex skin rashes, skin cancer evaluation and treatment, travel and infectious skin conditions.

As part of one of the largest dermatology practices in the country, we have a large team of specialists. Our team includes the most medical dermatologists in the region and the Park Nicollet Contact Dermatitis Clinic, a region leader in treating contact dermatitis.

Our expert dermatologists will often be able to diagnose your skin condition with a visual examination. If more information is needed, we may perform one of these tests:

A skin biopsy is a test where a small amount of the affected skin is removed and looked at more closely in our lab. There, it’s examined by a dermatopathologist, a pathologist who specializes in skin biopsies. This type of test is commonly used to diagnose infections and diseases. We’ll give you a local anesthetic to numb the affected area and keep you comfortable during the biopsy.

This test is used to diagnose fungal infections, rashes and other conditions caused by bacteria or viruses. A skin culture is simple and painless. We’ll take a cotton swab and gently swipe it over the affected skin. The cotton swab will then be examined in our lab.

Our dermatologists will talk to you about your symptoms and determine which treatment option will be the most effective treatment for your condition.

Medications are commonly used and include:

• Antibiotics – Antibiotics are usually prescribed in pill or cream form. They are used to treat skin infections or acne. Some common types of antibiotics are doxycycline and mupirocin.
• Anti-fungal medicines – Fungal infections like tinea versicolor, athlete’s foot and candidiasis (yeast infection) are treated with anti-fungal creams or pills like fluconazole or itraconazole.
• Immunosuppressants – If you have an autoimmune disease like chronic psoriasis, we might recommend an immunosuppressant. These conditions are caused by the immune system overreacting and starting to attack the body. Immunosuppressants work by reducing the body’s natural defense system in order to lessen your symptoms.
• Severe acne medication – Patients who have more severe or chronic acne might be candidates for Accutane (isotretinoin).
  
• Steroids – Steroids can help reduce inflammation that causes skin issues like chronic eczema. We’ll most likely prescribe a topical steroid. Pills are also available when necessary.