The Dermatologist is the expert in the  diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin. hair and nails.  Dr. Ackerman is a skilled clinician, board certified, and has many years of  experience.  Her dermatology practice is community based.  Dr. Cheryl Ackerman is well respected, knowledgeable, and caring.   Some of the diseases she treats are  present in the skin are skin cancer, benign and malignant skin lesions, diseases of the Hair, skin and nails. urticaria  Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Disorders of Keratinization, vitiligo, Melasma, pyoderma gangrenosum, Mycosis Fungoides,  contact dermatitis, verruca vulgaris, molluscum contagiosum and acne vulgaris.    Chronic pruritus of the skin can be complex and cnn be difficult to evaluate for underlying medical problems.  Many  common skin disorders can be complicated by skin infections or require more therapeutic interventions.  

 Cheryl Ackerman MD Treats the following condittions:

1. Acne Vulgaris and its variants

2. Disorders of Keratinization

3.  Skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell Carcinoma.  Malignant Melanoma. 

4.  Staph infections and other infections of the skin

6.  Psoriasis,   parapsoriasis, and mycosis fungicides.

7.  Atomic Dermatitis

8.  Contact Dermatitis with patch testing

9.  Vitiligo

10.  Disorders of Pigmentation

11.  Scalp disorders

12.  Nail disorders

13.  Scars

14.  Lupus manifestations in the skin

15.  Scleroderma

16.  Warts 

17.  Photo eruptions

18.   Sarcoidosis

19. Venereal disorders

20. Drug Eruptions

21. Pediatric skin problems  

Acne  Vulgaris   This condition can develop in children, young adults and in adulthood.  The predisposing factors cam be hormonal, genetic, stress induced and it can be aggravated by systemic and topical medications.  It is not usually  aggravated by foods ingested.  There are many treatments for Acne available. 

Pruritus-There can be many etiologies for itching and a rash.  They can appear red, brown, white and can be localized or diffuse.  Many are itchy and can be provoked by medications.  Dermatologists can accurately diagnose and treat these problems.

Blistering Disorders  This type of skin eruption can be a localized blister.    It also can develop as a result of trauma or it can develop by an antibody mediated process and develop into Bullous Pemphigoid or Pemphigus Vulgaris.  This type of eruption requires proper evaluation by a Dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.  Herpes Simplex, staph or other bacterial infections can cause blistering and also vascular disorders as well.   Dr. Ackerman is capable and knowledgeable to make an accurate diagnosis so then treatment can be prescribed.   

Atopic Dermatitis This type of eczematous eruption is considered genetic in etiology and can be associated with Asthma and seasonal rhinitis.  It can be provoked by dry skin, infection, topical irritants or allergens, and changes in environmental exposures.  There are many treatments available for this common condition. 

Warts  There are many serotypes of human papilloma virus.  These can appear in many locations on the body and can be localized.  There are many treatments available to accurately treat and prevent infections of this type.  Depending in the location and age of the patient a treatment can be recommended.  

Psoriasis is a common papulo-squamous eruption that can be seen in all ages.  It typically appears as a localized red scaly plaque on the elbows, knees and scalp however it can be generalized as well.  It can be associated with arthritis as well.  Depending on the extent of disease and associated medical problems many types of treatment can be prescribed. 

Contact Dermatitis - Many patients develop allergic contact dermatitis during sometime in their life.  It can be a subtle itchy red rash that does not improve with treatment unless the  patient himself knows the offending agent.  The Dermatologist may recommend patch testing to further diagnose this problem.  This will help accurately identify the allergen and then direct the patient what chemical to avoid.  This eruption can be confused with irritant reactions as well.  

Collagen Vascular  Diseases  This group of disorders can present in the skin and frequently there is a family history of a similiar process.  Also there is commonly a systemic process associated with it.  This group includes various subtypes of Lupus, Scleroderma, Dermatomysotis, Scleromyxedema,

Infections-  There are many types of infections that present on or spread to the skin.  The etiologies can be bacterial, viral, fungal, spirochete induced, or caused by yeast organisms.  These problems need to be thoroughly diagnosed to be treated accurately.

Skin Cancers There are many types of Skin cancer that can develop on the skin.  The most common type is Basal call carcinoma.  Squamous cell carcinoma is the also commonly seen and needs to be diagnosed properly to effectively treat this problem and cure the patient.  Malignant Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and this needs to be diagnosed early to prevent serious problems.  All patients should have an annual skin cancer screening by a Dermatologist. 

Cutaneous Problems -  associated with systemic disorders can present or develop on the skin.  They can be associated with many systemic processes.  It can be a subtle or widespead rash.  A thoroughly history and physical exam is needed and possibly a skin biopsy to accurately diagnose the rash.  

Nail Disorders - Many nail disorders can develop.  These can develop from infections, psoriasis or a result of a systemic process.  Dermatologist have the expertise to diagnose and treat these disorders.

Hair Loss-   Both men and woman can have hair loss resulting from various problems.  Patients should be thoroughly  examined for the accurate diagnosis so the correct treatment can be prescribed.

Pigment disorders -  Changes in patients skin pigmentation can develop in children or in adults.   There are may causes for pigment disorders which include Vitiligo,  atopic and eczematous dermatitis, solar damage,  and fungal infections. 

CONTACT DERMATITIS

Many patients develop a rash that is precipitated by a new Allergic Contact Dermatitis.  These rashes can manifest as swelling, redness and itching of the eyelids.  In addition many patients develop unusual rashes.

Many of these patients require patch testing to standard contact allergens.  Dr. Ackerman uses patch testing with the True test as well as the standard 50 patch test allergens.