Skin Disorders
Skin disorders and diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the skin’s appearance, texture, and function. These can be caused by genetic factors, infections, immune system dysfunction, environmental exposures, or lifestyle habits. Common skin disorders include acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, fungal infections, and skin cancer. Symptoms may vary from mild irritation and redness to severe inflammation, itching, blisters, or chronic sores. While some conditions are temporary and treatable with topical medications or lifestyle changes, others may be chronic and require long-term management. Early detection, proper skin care, and medical attention are essential in preventing complications and maintaining overall skin health.
Maine Resources
MaineHealth Dermatology - Portland - Offers comprehensive care for both common and rare skin conditions in adults and children. The clinic emphasizes early detection of skin cancers, utilizing advanced technologies such as dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, and total body photography. Services include diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions, skin growth biopsy and removal, phototherapy, and specialized skin cancer treatments.
Maine Dartmouth Dermatology - Augusta and Waterville - Provides expert dermatological care at its Augusta and Waterville locations. The practice treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail disorders, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer. Specialized services include Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer and phototherapy for conditions like eczema and vitiligo. Notably, it houses Maine's only hospital-based phototherapy treatment unit.
MaineHealth Skin Care & Dermatology Network - Provides dermatology services across multiple locations, including Lincoln Hospital, Maine Medical Center, and Pen Bay Hospital. The network offers a broad spectrum of services, from routine skin exams to advanced treatments like Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, and skin patch testing. Conditions treated encompass burns, eczema, psoriasis, pre-cancerous lesions, and skin cancer.
Pediatric Dermatology - MaineHealth - MaineHealth's pediatric dermatology services focus on diagnosing and treating skin conditions in children, from infancy through adolescence. Commonly addressed conditions include acne, eczema, birthmarks, warts, and genetic disorders like epidermolysis bullosa. The pediatric dermatologists are specially trained to manage the unique dermatological needs of younger patients.
MaineHealth Skin Cancer Care - Portland - Provides comprehensive services for melanoma and other skin cancers. The multidisciplinary team offers early detection, diagnostic imaging, surgical interventions, and personalized treatment plans. Monthly meetings ensure collaborative case reviews, integrating expertise from surgical oncology, dermatology, pathology, and radiation oncology.
MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital - Rockport - Offers specialized dermatology services, including advanced medical and surgical care for skin cancer. The facility is equipped to handle a variety of skin conditions, providing expert care to the local community.
Regional Resources
Massachusetts
New England Dermatology & Laser Center (NEDLC) - Offers comprehensive dermatological services, including treatments for acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin cancer. They also provide dermatopathology services for precise diagnosis and offer both clinical and cosmetic dermatology solutions.
Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology - Mass General's Department of Dermatology provides full-service care for various skin, hair, and nail conditions. They offer specialized clinics, including the Multi-Ethnic Skin and Pigmentary Disorders Clinic and the Melanoma Center. Their team is involved in cutting-edge research and clinical trials to develop new treatments.
New Hampshire
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Dermatology - Offers care for a broad spectrum of skin conditions through 12 specialty clinics. Their services include skin cancer screenings, treatments for hair disorders, and specialized clinics for conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa and immunobullous diseases. They also provide telemedicine services and are involved in clinical trials for new treatments.
Connecticut
Advanced Dermatology, P.C. - Offers a wide range of dermatological services, including treatments for skin cancer, acne, and psoriasis. They provide both medical and cosmetic dermatology, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate patients.
National Resources
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) - The largest and most influential dermatology group in the United States. It provides resources for both professionals and the public, including educational materials, clinical guidelines, and public health programs. The AAD's website offers information on various skin conditions, a directory to find dermatologists, and tools to help individuals manage their skin health.
American Skin Association (ASA) - A volunteer-led organization committed to advancing research, education, and advocacy to combat skin diseases, including melanoma and other serious conditions. The ASA focuses on raising public awareness, funding scientific research, and promoting good skin health, particularly among children.
Coalition of Skin Diseases (CSD) - The CSD is an umbrella organization that unites various patient advocacy groups to amplify the voice of individuals affected by skin diseases. It supports basic scientific and clinical research, fosters physician and patient education, and works to increase awareness of skin diseases. By unifying member organizations, the CSD aims to address mutual concerns and improve the lives of those with skin conditions.
National Eczema Association (NEA) - Dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for individuals with eczema. It offers resources on symptoms, treatment options, and support for people living with various forms of eczema, including atopic dermatitis and nummular eczema. The NEA also provides information tailored for different age groups, from babies to adults.
National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) - Serves individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It offers educational resources, support services, and funds research aimed at finding a cure for psoriatic diseases. The foundation also engages in advocacy efforts to influence public policy and improve access to treatments.
National Rosacea Society (NRS) - Dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with rosacea. It raises awareness about this chronic facial skin disorder, provides health information, and supports medical research to enhance management and prevention strategies. The society also designates April as Rosacea Awareness Month to promote education and understanding.
Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) - Focused on educating the public and medical community about skin cancer prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. The foundation offers resources such as the Skin Cancer Awareness Toolkit, information on recognizing warning signs, and guidance on sun protection. It also conducts public service campaigns and community programs to promote skin health.
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP) - Serves as a trusted resource for the nation's skin cancer prevention community. It collaborates with various organizations to promote skin cancer prevention strategies, public education, and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of skin cancer.
Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (DEBRA) - An international medical research charity dedicated to finding effective treatments and cures for all types of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a group of rare genetic skin disorders. In the United States, DEBRA provides support to individuals and families affected by EB, funds research initiatives, and raises awareness about the condition.
Vitiligo Research Foundation (VRF) - A non-profit organization focused on vitiligo, a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation. It supports research initiatives, sponsors World Vitiligo Day, and provides resources such as the Vitiligo BioBank and CloudBank. The foundation aims to facilitate collaboration among researchers and improve the lives of those affected by vitiligo.
GlobalSkin (International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations) - A global alliance of not-for-profit patient organizations serving individuals with dermatological conditions or skin traumas. Representing over 70 countries and numerous skin disease areas, GlobalSkin works to ensure that people living with skin conditions have access to care and treatment, free from stigmatization and economic disadvantages.