What Is Medical Dermatology?
Medical dermatology is the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails, from common concerns like acne and psoriasis to more complex issues such as skin cancer and autoimmune skin disease. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include topical or oral medication, laser therapy, or an in-office procedure.
Skin conditions are more common than most people realize. About 1 in 4 Americans, roughly 84.5 million people, are treated for a skin disease each year, at a direct cost to the U.S. health care system of nearly $75 billion, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
When Should You See a Medical Dermatologist?
Many patients wait months before scheduling an appointment, hoping a skin problem will clear up on its own. Consider scheduling a visit if you have:
Acne That Is Not Improving With Over-the-Counter Products
Persistent Itching, Recurring Rashes, or Dry, Inflamed Skin From Eczema
Thick, Scaly Patches From Psoriasis
Facial Redness or Rosacea
A Mole That Is Changing in Size, Shape, or Color
Hair Thinning or Sudden Hair Loss
Medical Dermatology Services Tailored to Your Needs
Our team provides comprehensive medical dermatology services for patients of all ages.
Skin Cancer Screening
Routine full-body skin examinations help detect melanoma and other skin cancers at their earliest and most treatable stages.
Learn More →Mohs Surgery
For certain skin cancers, our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon removes cancer one layer at a time while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Read More →Blue Light Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) treats actinic keratoses, precancerous sun-damaged skin, using Levulan® and BLU-U® light therapy.
View Details →Not sure which service fits your concern? We will recommend the right next step for you.
Conditions We Treat
Our providers diagnose and manage a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Browse all conditions we treat.
Acne
Breakouts that persist past the teenage years or resist over-the-counter products often respond to prescription treatment.
Eczema
Chronic dry, itchy, inflamed skin usually improves once the specific triggers and severity are identified.
Psoriasis
This immune-related condition causes thick, scaly patches and often responds to topical, light-based, or systemic treatment.
Rosacea
Persistent facial redness and visible blood vessels respond well to a plan tailored to your triggers and skin type.
Skin Rashes
Rashes have many possible causes. Identifying the trigger is the first step toward effective treatment.
Skin Cancer
Concerning moles or lesions should always be examined promptly, since early evaluation is the biggest factor in a straightforward outcome.
Warts and other benign growths, hair loss, and nail changes are also evaluated here, since each can point to an underlying cause worth identifying.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first visit begins with a conversation about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a thorough skin examination. If needed, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy, lab testing, or a treatment plan that includes medication, an in-office procedure, or a follow-up visit.
Why Choose Main Line Dermatology?
Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Expertise
Every physician on our team is a board-certified dermatologist, including a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon for complex skin cancer cases.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every patient's skin is different, so your plan is built around your diagnosis, history, and how your skin actually responds over time.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
Biopsy, pathology follow-up, and surgical treatment all happen through this practice, so a suspicious finding does not send you elsewhere.
Two Convenient Locations
Expert dermatology care in both Wayne and West Chester, PA, with appointments available for new and returning patients.
Efficient, Patient-Centered Visits
Prompt appointments and biopsy results are priorities at both offices, so a visit that starts with a concern does not turn into a long wait.
Hear From Our Patients
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Skin concerns are easy to put off, especially when they do not seem urgent.
Whether you are managing a chronic condition or you have noticed something new, our board-certified dermatologists are here to help. Schedule your appointment today, or read what to bring as a new patient before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical dermatology is the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, infections, and skin cancer, as opposed to elective cosmetic treatment.
Medical dermatology diagnoses and treats conditions affecting how skin functions. Cosmetic dermatology addresses appearance. Many patients need both, and the same board-certified providers can coordinate care across each area.
Consider scheduling a visit for acne that will not clear, persistent rashes, a changing mole, sudden hair loss, or any skin change that has not improved with over-the-counter care.
Most patients book directly with either office without a referral. Requirements can vary, so check our new patient information or call the office if you are uncertain before scheduling.
Yes. We offer comprehensive skin cancer screenings, including full-body exams, to detect suspicious moles and other changes early, when treatment tends to be simpler and more effective.
A small sample is taken in the office, usually during the same visit, and sent for pathology. Your provider reviews the result with you and explains what treatment, if any, is needed.
Main Line Dermatology has two offices, one in Wayne and one in West Chester, PA, both offering the same board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatology care close to home.

