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Dermatology

Our award-winning dermatologists provide expert care at clinics across the Twin Cities, the largest dermatology practice in Minnesota.

We use the latest treatments and techniques to diagnose and heal a wide range of skin issues. Our expert dermatologists can help you with everything from chronic acne to psoriasis to skin cancer treatment.

From your first appointment, we’re here with personalized treatment plans and a care team focused on you.

Skin conditions are some of the most common health conditions, affecting many people during their lifetimes.

When you notice a change to your skin, you might need the help of a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a skin care doctor who specializes in the diagnosing and treating of chronic and complex skin, hair and nail conditions. Our dermatologists work closely with primary care, specialists in plastic and reconstructive surgery and other specialties to provide comprehensive care for all skin conditions. If you need specialized treatment for a skin issue after visiting a primary care doctor, you’ll be referred to one of our dermatologists.

At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, we know that your skin health plays a vital role in your overall well-being. We’re proud to have the largest dermatology practice in Minnesota, with dermatology clinics throughout the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. For you, that means expertise and convenience – you won’t have to travel far to find the best care for your skin.

Treatments like medications and UVB phototherapy are used to treat contact dermatitis, chronic psoriasis and many other complex skin disorders.
Surgery can be used to treat conditions like growths, lesions and skin cancer. Common treatments include Mohs surgery, excision and cryosurgery.
Cosmetic dermatology is used to improve the appearance of your skin by treating signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots.

Skin disorders and conditions our dermatologists treat

Just about everyone deals with some sort of skin issue during their lifetime. Dermatologists are able to treat any skin disorder, even the most complex. Conditions dermatologists treat include:
  • Age spots
  • Alopecia
  • Atypical moles and birthmarks
  • Bumps and sores
  • Calluses and corns
  • Cherry angioma and strawberry marks
  • Chronic and severe eczema
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Cystic and severe acne
  • Cysts
  • Growths
  • Hair loss and conditions
  • Hemangioma
  • Hives
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Keratosis
  • Lesions
  • Melanosis
  • Muir-Torre syndrome
  • Nail conditions and discolorations
  • Psoriasis
  • Rashes, irritations and skin inflammation
  • Reed’s Syndrome
  • Rosacea
  • Scars
  • Skin cancer
  • Skin discoloration
  • Skin tags
  • Sweat gland disorders
  • Tinea versicolor
  • Tumors
  • Varicose veins
  • Vitiligo

Dermatology treatments we offer

Many conditions can affect your skin. This means there are also many treatments available to heal your skin, including medicines, injections and surgical procedures. Our dermatologists will work with you to determine which treatment is the best option for you. Some common treatments include:

Medical dermatology treatments

Medicines like topical steroids, anti-fungal creams, and oral medicines are used to treat conditions caused by infection, inflammation and autoimmune diseases. They’re often prescribed in pill or cream form. We also offer other medical treatments like excimer laser treatments and Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) treatments. If your condition doesn’t respond to these treatments, we can also consider advanced therapies.

Cosmetic dermatology treatments

We offer many different options for treating winkles and rejuvenating the skin. Injectable treatments like Botox® and collagen fillers can help plump skin and reduce frown lines. Our cosmetic dermatologists also perform a variety of chemical peels, microneedling and a full range of other cosmetic treatments, including Fraxel Laser treatments.

Surgery

Surgery is used to treat skin tags, moles and other growths. Our doctors use the latest surgical techniques to make sure you get the best care available. These techniques include cryosurgery and excision.

Mohs surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that removes skin cancer cells. During Mohs surgery, your doctor will remove harmful tissue until the cancer cells are gone.  It has the highest cure rate of all skin cancer removal methods.

UVB phototherapy

A treatment for skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema that uses artificial, ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light penetrates the skin cells and slows down the growth of the affected skin.

Pediatric dermatology

From diaper rash to acne, every kid experiences some kind of skin issue during childhood. Most skin conditions go away on their own, but sometimes a condition is chronic or more severe. Not knowing what’s causing it or when it will heal can be stressful as you try to help your child feel better.

All of our dermatologists are trained in treating all skin conditions in children and teenagers. We’re best suited for treating conditions that don’t respond to the common course of treatment like growths and lesions, hemangiomas (strawberry marks), water warts, papular urticarial, port-wine stains, chronic rashes and severe acne.

While you don’t need a referral to bring your child to a dermatologist, many of our patients visit a primary care doctor or pediatrician first. Our primary care doctors and pediatricians are able to diagnose and treat hundreds of conditions that affect kids. If additional expertise is needed, we'll connect you to one of our dermatologists.

The first visit will usually be a consultation to determine the best course of treatment, with follow-up appointments likely. But each skin condition is different. We’ll work with you to see if your treatment plan can begin in the first appointment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Dermatologists are best suited for treating conditions that don’t respond to the common course of treatment. Dermatologists are able to prescribe stronger medications and perform more complex treatments like UVB phototherapy, skin surgery, and laser treatments.

If you haven’t seen a doctor and have a common skin condition, we recommend starting with a primary care doctor. Primary care doctors can diagnose and treat many common skin issues like acne, rosacea, warts, sunburn, nail infections, jock itch, rashes, cysts and even poison ivy. Same-day and next-day appointments are available with primary care doctors so you can start to feel better sooner.

If you have a skin cancer concern, it’s important to get your skin issue checked as soon as possible. You can visit either one of our primary care doctors or our dermatologists to evaluate the issue or lesion. Both types of doctors can check your mole or growth for signs of cancer.

If you have a history of suspicious moles or skin cancer, you should go directly to a dermatologist.

Regular self-exams can help you notice changes to your skin. It’s common practice to check your skin once every three months. The earlier you notice something out of the ordinary, the better. To perform a self-exam:

  • Examine the front and back of your body in the mirror. Pay special attention to your legs.
  • Bend your elbows so you can get a good look at the back of your upper arms, forearms and palms.
  • Look over your feet, including the spaces between your toes.
  • Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your neck and your scalp. Remember to part and lift your hair to check as much skin as possible.
  • Finally, use the handheld mirror to check your back, buttocks and genitals.

Keep an eye out for new moles, changes to moles, spots, growths, bumps, patches or sores that don’t heal after several weeks. Also, remember to follow the ABCDE rule for abnormal moles. Look for asymmetry, borders, color inconsistencies, a diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser, and evolving size, shape or color.

Over time, sun exposure and aging can cause skin issues, even skin cancer. Use these guidelines to stay on top of your skin care:

Create a daily skin care routine

Sticking to a daily care routine is one of the easiest ways to maintain your skin health. Daily cleansing and moisturizing can help prevent dryness, heal acne and slow aging. If you aren’t sure which cleansers and moisturizers work best with your skin, you can ask our doctors for recommendations.

Perform regular skin checks

Checking your skin about every three months makes it easier to notice new marks on your skin or changes to existing moles or birthmarks. Remember to ask your primary care doctor to check your skin during your yearly checkup.

Limit sun exposure

Shielding your skin from damaging sun rays can prevent wrinkles and decrease the chance of developing skin cancer. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 everywhere your skin shows before stepping outside, even if it’s cloudy. Wear wide-brim hats, sunglasses and clothes made of sun protective fabric when you might spend long periods in the sun.

We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, CIGNA, HealthPartners, Medica, Medicare, PreferredOne and many others.

Not sure what your insurance covers? Call the number on the back of your card or our CareLine nurses any time at 612-339-3663 or 800-551-0859 for help looking at your options.

Don’t have your card in front of you? Here are member services numbers to help you get started: