Medical Dermatological Conditions | Upper East Side
Your skin is always on display. Medical conditions that affect the appearance of your skin can greatly impact your overall health, confidence, and self-image. At Park Avenue Dermatology, we utilize cutting-edge technology to treat medical dermatological problems to help you achieve healthy, radiant skin.
Whilst focusing on providing exemplary care, our dermatologists strive to personalize each treatment to ensure that you look and feel your very best, making Park Ave Derm your choice as one of the best medical dermatology practices in New York City.
Schedule a Consultation
Acne
Acne typically appears on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, or upper arms in the form of blackheads and whiteheads, pimples, and deeper lumps like cysts or nodules. As the most common skin disease in the United States of America, acne affects a wide range of individuals of varying skin types and ages. Two larger groups of individuals affected by acne included adolescents/teenagers and adult females. That being said, any aged person can suffer from acne breakouts. While acne is not life-threatening, it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress.
Acne treatment varies based on the type and severity of lesions, skin type, and the patient’s age and lifestyle. It is important to note that acne is generally not cured “overnight.” Typically, patients will experience visible results in six to eight weeks from starting their acne treatment regimen. Treatment options include:
- OTC topicals and washes
- Topical Prescription Medications/Washes
- Oral antibiotics
- Accutane (isotretinoin)
- Spironolactone (hormonal – adult female acne)
- AviClear Laser
- Laser resurfacing (for scarring)
Rosacea
Over 14 million Americans are impacted by rosacea, a common, chronic skin condition that can affect confidence and self-esteem. Rosacea appears on the face as redness and small, pus-filled bumps similar to acne. While there is no cure, rosacea treatments are available to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Effective rosacea treatments depend on each patient but typically include a combination of prescription and lifestyle changes. Often patients can reduce flare-ups by avoiding triggers, wearing sunscreen, protecting the eyes, and gently caring for the skin. Advanced treatments such as prescription medications and laser surgery may improve the skin’s appearance and help to control rosacea outbreaks.
Triggers: Common triggers one suffering from rosacea should consider avoiding, include:
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol (especially red wine)
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Sun exposure
- Extremes of temperature
- Citrus
- Tomatoes
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by allergic reactions to certain chemicals and ingredients in your environment. It can appear as an itchy raw rash involving your skin, hours or days after contact with the suspected allergan. Most cases will resolve on their own, however not before causing a great deal of morbidity in the form of severe itching and burning sensation. It is important to see your dermatologist for this condition to treat these symptoms with anti-inflammatory medications (steroidal or non-steroidal) and to discuss avoidance and prevention of future breakouts.
Allergic contact dermatitis can affect anyone and often involves sensitivity to allergens like nickel, rubber, medications, fragrances, poison ivy, and other plants. The best defense against allergic contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid the substance that triggered the reaction. Testing for specific allergens via “patch testing” is possible and often used in order to avoid specific skin related products that may be causing your symptoms.
Eczema
About 15 million people in the United States of America suffer from eczema or “atopic dermatitis,” a group of skin conditions that cause chronic itchy rashes anywhere on your skin. While symptoms vary, they often include dry, red, itchy plaques that when scratched can become itchier and even infected. Infected Eczema may become painful and swollen. Eczema has many triggers, including rough or coarse materials on the skin, excessive heat or sweating, cleansers, dust mites, harsh exfoliants, detergents, soaps and even stress. Typically eczema is caused by the combination of different irritants affecting your skin, so treating your skin in a gentle and sensitive manner is usually of utmost importance.
While there is no cure for eczema, treatments are available to help relieve symptoms, including phototherapy, lotions or creams, topical corticosteroids, antibiotics, topical non-steroidal anti inflammatory medications, antihistamines, immunomodulators, cold compresses, and other home remedies.
More recently there have been many new cutting edge and extremely effective treatments developed that we can now offer our patients with atopic dermatitis. These include systemic (and safe) immune modulators that can provide a great deal of benefit, like no other treatments in existence beforehand. Some but not all of these newer treatments include: Dupixent (interlinking 4/13 inhibitor), Opzelura (topical Jak inhibitor), Rinvoq (jak inhibitor) and Cibinqo (jak inhibitor). At Park Ave Derm we offer the newest and most effective treatments for eczema.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by thick, red, scaly plaques on the skin that can be itchy, painful, and unsightly. It can affect patients of all ages, yet seems to initially present itself most often in patients in their mid 20-30’s as well as 60-70’s. Symptoms, such as itching, burning, scaling, and crusting can range from mild to severe. Small parts of the body may be affected however some people can experience a near complete involvement of their body surface area by psoriasis. Additionally other areas other than skin can be involved including but not limited to nails and joints.
While the cause of psoriasis is not entirely understood, it is clear that that pathophysiology involves an autoimmune etiology and is triggered by factors like stress, infections, injuries and/or certain medications. There is also a strong genetic component to the development of psoriasis. Types of psoriasis include:
- Plaque psoriasis—raised, thickened patches of red skin covered with silvery-white scales.
- Pustular psoriasis—pus-like blisters.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis—intense redness and swelling of a large part of the skin’s surface.
- Guttate psoriasis—small, drop-like lesions.
- Inverse psoriasis—smooth red lesions in the skin’s folds.
Psoriasis treatment varies, depending on its severity and location of involvement. Typically, topical treatments are prescribed for mild cases; however, for more severe cases, there are more effective and innovative systemic treatments to help clear a patient’s psoriasis quite effectively. We may also suggest lifestyle changes to manage symptoms, including avoidance of triggers, smoking, and alcohol, and maintenance of a healthy weight and lifestyle. Here at Park Ave Derm we employ many different techniques to clear our patients of psoriasis.
While there is no cure for psoriasis, treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-up frequency and severity. At Park Avenue Dermatology our physicians are expert at utilizing the newest “biologic” medications in treating psoriasis. Because of this, psoriasis patients at Park Ave Derm will experience close to a complete clearing of their rashes, joint pains and other associated symptoms.
Your treatment plan will be customized to specifically address your specific condition and will include safe and effective medications (biologic), topical treatments, light therapy, and other immune modulators systemic medications. We will ensure that you can live your best life free of the negative consequences of psoriasis.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can occur in many different scenarios involving your skin. The darker (or higher) your skin type, the more likely your skin can be to “over pigmentent,” causing unsightly dark spots and areas of irregular pigment. This can occur when melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in our skin, become damaged, irritated, sun exposed or generally unhealthy resulting in excess melanin to be released or produced into our skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Exacerbating factors include ultraviolet light, hormonal alterations (oral birth control, estrogen, progesterone), trauma and cell senescence.
At Park Ave Derm our dermatologists offer many effective methods for treating hyperpigmentation, including but not limited to lifestyle modifications, sun avoidance techniques, medical lightening agents, chemical peels and laser treatments.
But you will be reminded several times by your doctors at Park Avenue Dermatology – sunscreen is your best bet at keeping your skin’s tone even and clear. Other daily treatments such as the Park Ave Skin Daily Pads can also help combat unwanted pigmentation.
Hair Loss
While hair loss (alopecia) can often be the consequence of the natural aging process, it can also arise due to medical conditions and derangements in one’s health. Causes of non age related hair loss include but are not limited to medications, traumatic stress, chemotherapy/radiation therapy, hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies and other health disorders like autoimmune conditions and skin inflammatory disorders. The extent of hair loss can range from total baldness to a reduction to hair density and in some cases islands of patchy bald spots. Hair loss can impact any area of the body where hair is grown and not only the scalp oftentimes involving the beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. Depending on the cause of your hair loss it may be temporary or more permanent. That being said, at Park Ave Derm, no matter the cause or area of involvement we provide many effective treatments to help prevent and treat alopecia and all forms of hair loss.
At Park Ave Derm we use all of our resources to not only diagnose but also treat hair loss based on its root cause. You will experience an intensive work up by our dermatologists to specify an exact cause and ultimately the best treatment.
Treatments at Park Ave Derm for hair loss include:
- Over-the-counter medications, such as Rogaine or Nizoral
- Medical hair loss treatments: minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride.
- Proprietary prescription compounded hair serum: only available at Park Ave Derm
- Red light therapies/red light hats
- Microneedling +/- platelet rich plasma (PRP)
- PRP (platelet rich plasma)
- Exosome therapy
Skin Infections
At Park Ave Derm we treat all types of rashes and even infections of the skin. There are many causes of infectious skin diseases, most of which are caused by bacteria, fungus or viruses. Bacterial infections (cellulitis) occur when bacteria living on the skin’s surface or in the environment gain access past the top layer of skin (the stratum corneum) via a break in the skin barrier. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, heat on palpation and purulence. Advanced bacterial infections of the skin may even cause fevers, night sweats and chills. If left untreated, bacterial infections can lead to severe disease and tissue death. Some cases may even lead to sepsis, shock and even death. When caught early bacterial skin infections can typically be treated with either topical and/or oral antibiotics. However, if left untreated cellulitis can require hospitalization and IV antibiotics.
Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms that live either on your skin or in the environment. Fungus is known to infect hair, nails and multiple layers of your skin. Common fungal infections include cutaneous candidiasis, which typically causes diaper rash, skin fold infections and vaginal yeast infections. Other fungal infections of the skin are referred to as “ringworm.” These types of fungal infections are oftentimes present in a ring-like pattern. They are often caused by a class of fungal organisms referred to as “dermatophytes.” Fungal infections of the skin and nails can oftentimes be difficult to treat, requiring not only topical but also oral antifungal medications.
The most common viral infection of the skin, or cold sores is caused by a subtype of virus within the Human Herpes Virus family. More specifically herpes infections are caused by HSV 1 and 2. HSV infects the nerve fibers in your skin and most often infect the genital area as well as the area around the mouth/lip. That being said herpes infections and cold sores can present at any site on the body. Another somewhat similar viral infection is Varicella or shingles. Caused by the virus VZV (also a human herpes virus) shingles typically present with a painful blistering rash in a linear pattern along a dermatome of skin. All of these viral skin infections can be treated most effectively with oral antiviral medications. See your dermatologist as soon as these rashes begin to receive the most effective and timely care.
Surgical Dermatology
At Park Ave Derm, we perform many dermatological surgeries, including skin cancer biopsies and excisions. Our dermatologists regularly excise benign growths as well as skin cancers. Benign excisions are used to remove cysts, lipomas and scars. Surgical excisions for skin cancer removals are also performed regularly. The most common types of skin cancers excised include melanoma, squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers. Additionally we regularly perform cosmetic mole removal; and genital and perianal wart surgery. Our dermatologist at Park Ave Derm can perform biopsies of the skin in virtually any body sight even including minor surgeries involving the oral mucosa/lips/groin/anus.
Pediatric Dermatology
Early dermatological examinations can promote a lifetime of healthy skin for children, whether they have skin conditions or healthy skin. Preventive care is essential to the healthy development of our skin even from the earliest ages. Children may experience many of the same skin conditions as adults; however, certain conditions require special care and considerations to account for their unique biology.
Our dermatologists are highly skilled and experienced in treating pediatric skin conditions and tailor treatments that are gentle yet successful. Our goal is to create a safe environment so children can be treated effectively while avoiding the ever so common negative/painful child physician experience. At Park Ave Derm we strive to teach children about proper skin care, including sun avoidance and sun protection, so they can enjoy a future of good skin hygiene resulting in life long healthy skin.
Rashes – Skin Eruptions
Rashes are areas of redness and inflammation that appear on the skin in the form of red, scaly irritated plaques. They can develop after exposure to certain substances, including chemicals, soaps, cosmetics, poison ivy, or other irritants. Many different conditions can cause rashes in young children. To minimize the likelihood that your child will develop a rash try to avoid “harsh” products that may irritate the skin, wash your (and their) hands frequently and adhere to proper vaccination protocols. Some children will simply experience sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis in childhood while other rashes may be due to common colds and viruses. Viral exanthems tend to pass on their own so no need to worry yet best to have your dermatologist at Park Ave Derm check them out to ensure other more serious etiologies are at hand.
Most rashes are treatable through simple practices like avoiding triggers or bathing in warm water and using emollients. However, in some cases rashes may require dermatologic intervention with strict lifestyle modifications, prescription medications and other forms of therapy. Children with severe atopic dermatitis are often candidates for systemic forms of therapy which can be quite effective and safe.
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that affects 10 to 20% of all infants and results in chronic itchy rashes spread anywhere about the body. Children with eczema often experience itchy rashes on the forehead, cheeks, arms, and legs after exposure to triggers, such as harsh soaps, dust mites, food allergies, and certain clothing materials. At Park Ave Derm we appreciate the outside environment in itself as a major trigger for eczema in infants therefore all products and exposures should be limited to only the most gentle and sensitive.
While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis many children will grow out of it after the first few years. If not, many forms of treatment are available to help relieve symptoms, including topical steroids, antihistamines, immunomodulators, cold compresses, and other home remedies. Lifestyle modifications, explained to you by our experts at Park Ave Derm can also be of great help in allowing your child to live a comfortable and happy life despite their diagnosis of eczema.
Birthmarks or Congenital Nevi
Birthmarks are benign pigmented patches of skin present at birth that range from tan and brown to red, pink, or purple growths on the skin. Although typically harmless, some birthmarks may develop into cancer and should be monitored closely by your dermatologist. Depending on the size and location of a birthmark will determine the overall likelihood that a birthmark will turn into skin cancer over the course of one’s lifetime. In fact, birthmarks are often categorized into small, medium, large and giant sizes portending their level of risk. If your child has a birthmark we absolutely advise that you bring them into our office for an initial evaluation.
Patients bothered by the appearance, size, or location of birthmarks may seek removal. Birthmark treatments often depend on the patient’s age and the type of lesion but may include laser surgery, pulsed light therapy, electrocautery surgery, cryosurgery or surgical excision.
Acne
While acne can affect patients of all ages, most often it develops in adolescents and teenagers. While causes of acne are multifactorial some of the major causes are hormones, genetics, oil/sebum content, bacteria, makeup and sweat. Abnormalities within the oil glands cause skin cells to reproduce and develop acne in the form of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and nodules.
As many as two in three teenagers will develop significant acne yet only one of three actually seek acne treatment. Depending on the type, severity, and location, treatment can include topical prescription medications, oral antibiotics, over-the-counter creams, laser treatments (Aviclear laser), cortisone injections or Accutane® (isotretinoin). At Park Ave Derm our dermatologist absolutely encourages early and aggressive treatment of acne to avoid scarring, hyperpigmentation and permanent marks from acne breakouts. It is always advisable to encourage your teen to avoid picking and scratching at pimples because this will lead to even further scarring.
Skin Cancer
With a million new cases each year, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer is the result of the development of abnormal/atypical skin cells appearing anywhere on the body. That being said the most frequently affected areas are those exposed to UV light from the sun (or tanning beds). Characteristics that increase the risk of developing skin cancer include fair skin (skin types I-III), the presence of numerous irregular appearing moles, immunosuppression (medications, chemotherapy, HIV), genetics and age. In fact, much of our risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma) is determined by the severe sun burns we may have endured as a child. Therefore sun avoidance and sunscreen use is paramount at every age.
Depending on what type of cell is involved in the development of a skin cancer will determine the type of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Occurring in the skin’s basal cell layer, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer and skin cancer in the world. Individuals with fair skin and a history of long standing UV exposure are at great risk for developing these BCC’s. BCC’s typically occur in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, arms and legs. BCC’s often present as pearly appearing bumps in sun exposed areas. Fortunately BCC’s are not very aggressive, grow slowly and only rarely will spread to other parts of the body or metastasize. That being said BCC’s will grow larger and deeper with time and should be removed medically or surgically. When present on the face and larger than 2cm’s on the body Mohs surgery is considered the best form of therapy to treat BCC’s.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Occurring in the squamous layer of the skin, SCC is the 2nd most common type of skin cancer. It typically, affects areas of sun exposed skin like the face, nose, ears, bald scalps, legs and arms. In people with fair skin these skin cancers can become quite numerous with time and continued sun exposure. These skin cancers often present as red scaly bumps on the skin. SCC’s are known to spread to other parts of the body more commonly compared to BCC’s. Patients at particularly increased risk of developing SCC’s are those who are immunosuppressed, especially transplant pairings on immunosuppressive medications. When present on the face and larger than 2cm’s on the body Mohs surgery is considered the best form of therapy to treat SCC’s.
Melanoma
Melanoma is one, if not THE most aggressive types of skin cancer. Among BCC’s and SCC’s it is by far the most likely to metastasize to other parts of the body making it the most dangerous and life threatening type of skin cancer. Melanomas develop from the melanocytes of the skin which are the pigment producing cells. For this reason, melanoma most often presents as irregularly pigmented dark spots in sun or non suns exposed areas of the body. Despite melanoma’s aggressive and dangerous nature, if it is caught in its early stages there is an extremely high cure rate. Therefore early detection via annual skin exams is paramount in the prevention and diagnosis of these types of skin cancers. Treatment for melanoma include surgical excision, mohs surgery (“slow mohs”) and immunotherapy/chemotherapy.
It is also extremely important for every person to be aware of the signs of melanoma. For this reason there exists a mnemonic which makes it easier to identify melanomas. The ABCDE’s of melanoma mnemonic includes:
- Asymmetry
- Border Irregularity
- Color Changes
- Diameter > .5cm
- Evolution
If you find any of these features in any of your moles please follow up with your dermatologist at Park Ave Derm for a mole check.
Annual Skin Exams
As skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world, annual skin checks are an important part of every comprehensive skin health plan. By age 70, at least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer highlighting the importance in getting your skin examined at least annually. Annual skin checks are a quick, painless, and effective way to prevent and diagnose skin cancer as early as possible. Prevention and early detection remains as the most effective way in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with skin cancer.
Typically, a total body skin exam will take from 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked to disrobe down to your undergarments, at which point you will be provided a gown. Your dermatologist will then examine your entire body including but not limited to your scalp, behind your ears, arms, fingers, feet, groin, buttocks and areas between your toes. At Park Ave Derm your expert dermatologist will use the most cutting edge and advanced dermatoscope to closely examine each and every mole.
Of course, your in-office exam should be supplemented with self-exams at home using the mnemonic described above: The ABCDE’s of Melanoma. Make sure to perform self-exams under good lighting and check your body head to toe, including your scalp. If you note any changes or have any concern after your at home exam do your best to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist at Park Avenue Dermatology.
Autoimmune Skin Conditions
Autoimmune conditions make up a significant portion of skin conditions we see at Park Avenue Dermatology. In general autoimmune illnesses are caused by our immune systems over activity, indiscriminately targeting normal tissue as “bad” or “foreign.” These conditions exist on a complex inflammatory spectrum and often present with signs and symptoms involving the skin. While these conditions are not all the same, any one individual diagnosed with one autoimmune condition is much more likely to develop a second autoimmune syndrome. At Park Ave Derm our dermatologist have unparalleled experience at diagnosing and treating these types of conditions.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition involving a loss of melanin, resulting in areas of depigmentation of the skin and hair. It can affect people of all races and skin colors, but it is most noticeable and life altering in people with darker skin tones or skin of color. While vitiligo most commonly affects areas like the face, hands, feet, groin, nipples and arms it can develop anywhere on the body. Clinically you will notice white patches of skin, premature hair whitening, eye color changes, and color loss inside the mouth.
While the cause of vitiligo is unknown, it is considered an autoimmune disorder and therefore is due to our own immune system attacking the pigment in our skin. Causes include a mix of hereditary factors, emotional distress and environmental triggers. The treatment of vitiligo depends on the extent and location of the skin areas involved. Topical creams and oral medications can restore pigment in the affected areas and ultraviolet therapy and oral photochemotherapy may be effective for severe cases. More recently oral immunomodulator therapies (jak kinase inhibitors) have been FDA approved for severe cases of vitiligo.
Alopecia Areata (AA)
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune form of hair loss causing smooth patches of hair loss involving any hair bearing location on the body. While considered a systemic condition, typically AA is a benign phenomenon and is not evidence of any other underlying condition. Many people will experience AA at some point in their life and a significant number of those people will note patches of hair loss during emotional and/or physical stress. Treatments for AA are wide ranging and local steroid injections, intramuscular steroid injections, topical minoxidil, irritant immunotherapy treatments as well as systemic immunomodulatory therapies (jak kinase inhibitors).
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition previously described above. Psoriasis is an extremely common condition and can be extremely mild and limited in body surface area or can become quite severe involving almost the entire skin surface area. At Park Avenue Dermatology we have extensive experience in treating psoriasis and its sequelae. There are several skin eruptions and inflammatory conditions that can present similar to psoriasis. Therefore if you are suffering from a chronic and recurring problem you should be seen by your dermatologist to rule out psoriasis as a potential cause. At Park Ave Derm you will receive the very best in psoriatic dermatologic care.
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) are often caused by the overuse of the masseter muscles, including clenching the jaw, excessive chewing, or grinding your teeth at night. Botox® is an effective treatment to eliminate TMJ pain by relaxing the muscles and reducing tension. To reduce TMJ tension, Botox® can be injected into the jaw muscles, forehead, or temples. While Botox® may provide a solution to TMJ pain and discomfort, Dr. Glodny may recommend pairing Botox® injections with other treatments.
The entire staff is courteous and make office visits a pleasure. I was very impressed with the professionalism and compassion of the staff and Dr. Glodny. They made me feel comfortable and made my appointment quick but thorough. Dr. Glodny really lived up to his reviews. He is friendly, explains everything in detail and my skin condition is the best it has ever been. I would highly recommend Dr. Glodny to anyone out there and I will definitely keep coming back! -Wendy V.
I have been seeing Dr. Glodny for almost a year now, and my experience has been nothing short of amazing- which is the reason I followed him to his new practice. He is incredibly professional, kind and knowledgeable. He listens to all the concerns you may have an makes his recommendations based on your wants and needs. He really goes above and beyond in terms of patient care and always makes himself available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Alma H.
My experience here at Park Ave Dermatology has been very respectful and caring of their patients, the front staff greeted me so kindly and not to mention Dr Glodny tended to my concerns and did not beat around the bush with me about the things that are wrong or could go wrong. I can only say I wish I would’ve met Dr.Glodny sooner. Not only has he gotten my skin condition under control but I feel more positive with my appearance. Thank you Dr.Glodny!
Your Journey to Healthy Skin Starts Now
Contact us at (212) 752-3692 to schedule your medical dermatology consultation today. Our team of experienced experts looks forward to meeting you soon. We look forward to taking care of you and welcoming you to our Park Ave Derm family.
