Dermatology Specialty Areas

The physicians in this section diagnose and treat all disorders of the skin, hair, and nails whether primary or related to an underlying systemic illness. Among their specialty interests are infectious diseases of the skin, blistering disorders, connective tissue diseases, psoriasis and related conditions, photosensitivity, cutaneous ulcerations and oral diseases.

The section offers many advanced therapies for dermatologic problems, including extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (including mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome). Subspecialty clinics are offered for disorders of the hair, nails and mucous membranes and for patients with abnormal pigmented lesions. Patients with extensive skin disease may be hospitalized or referred to the Cutaneous Care Center.

This section was formed to support the Department of Dermatology's commitment to investigating and making available the most current and innovative diagnostic procedures and therapeutic modalities.

All staff dermatologists and residents are involved in research, either institutionally or through industrial support of clinical trials.

This center provides outpatient treatment rather than hospitalization for patients with extensive, severe, or chronic skin diseases. Results are equal to, or better than, those achieved through inpatient care and at a much lower cost.

At the Cutaneous Care Center, ultraviolet light treatments (UVA or PUVA) are used for a wide variety of skin disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, pruritus (especially when caused by internal disease) and acne.

In the Leg Ulcer Clinic, patients with chronic leg ulcers are managed with a variety of treatments depending on the type and severity of the ulcer. When skin grafting is necessary, consultation from the Section of Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology is available.

Physicians in this section provide specialized evaluation of patients with possible allergic contact dermatitis from substances such as nickel, rubber, cosmetics, medicaments or resins.

In addition, the staff evaluates patients with photosensitivity and industrially or environmentally induced skin disorders, such as dermatitis, folliculitis and pigmentary changes. Work-related problems are evaluated, including those that may result in occupational disability. Specialized procedures offered include extensive patch testing and photopatch testing.

The physicians consult with industry and government sources on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin disorders.

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective and advanced treatment available for high risk skin cancer. This surgical technique has provided optimal cure rates and cosmetic outcomes for common skin cancers, such as basal and squamous cell carcinomas, even if the skin cancer has been previously treated by another method.

Mohs surgery is performed by removing the area of skin containing cancer cells layer-by-layer. Visible, raised areas of the tumor are removed first, followed by thin, circular layers of tissues from the involved site. Each removed area of tissue is marked to identify bottom and side sections, and then carefully examined under a microscope immediately in the adjourning lab by the Mohs surgeon. If the skin cancer is seen at any of the peripheral or deep margins under the microscope its location is identified per the marked sections and an additional thin layer of tissue is removed only from the identified section where cancer remains. The process is then repeated until there are no more cancer cells at any of the margins.

Because only diseased tissue from a specific area is removed in a layer-by-layer process, this technique spares the maximum amount of normal skin possible, which optimizes the cosmetic and functional outcome. Additionally, the unique microscopic examination of 100% of the edges of removed tissue helps to trace the skin cancer down to its roots and allow for the complete removal of skin cancer.

Why Choose Us

Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Dermatology is a leader in Mohs micrographic surgery, and offers patients access to a team of experts that specialize in skin cancer diagnosis, Mohs surgery, and reconstructive options. Our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons perform more than 2,600 Mohs procedures each year. Cleveland Clinic Mohs services continue to grow throughout Cleveland Clinic Family Health and Surgery Centers to provide patients more timely treatment of skin cancer in convenient outpatient settings.

Our Staff

Contact Us

To make an appointment with a Cleveland Clinic Mohs surgeon, please call 216.444.3365.

For complex skin cancer treatment or removal, such as those requiring Plastic Surgery options, visit our Melanoma Clinic.

This section is dedicated to the basic science laboratory investigation of the skin. Using the latest techniques of molecular biology, our researchers are studying the structure and function of normal and abnormal skin in order to better understand basic disease mechanisms and ultimately to help design more effective approaches to therapy. Much of this work is supported by external grants and philanthropy.

Physicians in this section provide specialized evaluation of newborns, infants, children and adolescents. Diseases treated include those of genetic, infectious and developmental origins, as well as acquired disorders unique to this age group.

Children with vascular or pigmented lesions may also be offered treatment with the latest laser technology, either in our department or in a specially designated operating room with anesthesia support.

• Visit Cleveland Clinic Children's to learn more about our Pediatric Dermatology services.

Dermatologic Surgery & Cutaneous Oncology (Skin Cancers)

This Section offers the full range of procedures in the subspecialty area of dermatologic surgery. These include Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancers (including local tissue reconstruction), standard excisional surgery, and cryosurgery for cutaneous malignancies.

Physicians in this Section also offer a wide range of aesthetic surgical procedures, including: hair transplantation and scalp reduction, dermabrasion, chemical peeling, sclerotherapy, collagen implantation, Botox injection, and electrolysis.

Laser surgery and laser phototherapy are also integral parts of this Section. Laser systems used include carbon dioxide and erbium-YAG for facial resurfacing and scar revision; argon, flashlamp dye, and Versapulse™ for vascular problems including spider veins and small varicosities; Nd-YAG, alexandrite, and frequency doubled Nd-YAG for pigmented lesions and tattoos; and high-intensity pulsed light (Epilight™) and the Gentlelase Plus ™ system for hair removal.

Melanoma Clinic

At the Cleveland Clinic Melanoma Clinic, patients have access to a multidisciplinary team of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, neurosurgeons and nurses that specialize in the removal of melanomas and subsequent reconstruction of the affected area of the body.

• Learn more about the Melanoma Clinic services and staff.