Medical Services

More people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the US than all other cancers combined. 

One in every five US residents will develop a skin cancer by age 70. In Colorado, our active lifestyles provide even more risk. Dr. Bair and her team are experts at early skin cancer detection and prevention. Nearly all skin cancers fall into three main categories: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Sun exposure plays a major role in the development of all three types.

Basal cell skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. It is generally easily treatable and curable. It almost never metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body) but grows locally and can be disfiguring or painful if untreated.

Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is typically seen in areas of the body regularly exposed to sun such as the face, hands, and arms. It is generally very treatable, but can metastasize and kill. Prevention and detection are key.

Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer. It is the most likely to spread to other parts of the body. Risk factors for melanoma include fair skin, family history of melanoma, sunburns and tanning bed use. Early detection is critical for melanomas. If caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.

While basal cells are typically red and either scaly or pearly, squamous cells are red, scaly and hard and melanomas are brown and irregular, appearance of these cancers can vary greatly. That’s why it’s important to come in regularly to get your skin checked.

One fifth of adults will develop a skin cancer in their lifetime. Dermatologists agree that in residents of sunny states like Colorado, that rate is even higher. A baseline skin exam is an excellent step to take to preserve the health of your skin. At Crossroads Dermatology, we are big advocates for routine skin checks. Dr. Bair has found numerous melanomas in patients coming in for rashes other concerns.

Actinic Keratoses (precancers) are common scaly growths that can develop into squamous cell skin cancer. These lesions are typically located in chronically sun exposed areas like face, scalp, hands, arms and chest. They are often easier to feel than to see. The most common treatments are freezing with liquid nitrogen and/or using a topical cream.

Rosacea is very common; We see it most commonly in fair-skinned populations, though anyone can get it. It may start out in youth as a flush or blush. Later in life, papulopustular rosacea (redness + pimples) can develop. Rhinophymatous rosacea (overgrowth of nasal tissue) is rare but can occur. Treatments vary from topical creams, oral medications, and laser treatments. All patients with rosacea should try to avoid their triggers. Common triggers include spicy food, alcohol, hot beverages, sun, wind, and chocolate.

Seborrheic Keratoses are extremely common. Adults typically start getting these lesions in their 30s and 40s and tend to get more with age. Genetics play a role—if your parents had lots of these, you likely will as well! Seborrheic keratoses are benign, brown, grey or flesh-colored scaly growths. They often have a ‘stuck on’ appearance and look as if they could be peeled off. In fact, Dr. Bair likes to call them ‘barnacles’ due to their scaly appearance.

Warts are benign growths on the skin that are caused by a virus. They commonly occur on the hands and feet but can show up anywhere. Kids are particularly prone to warts as their immune systems are not completely developed. There are many different treatment options for warts, including liquid nitrogen, topical cantharidin (beetle juice), and over the counter remedies. Oftentimes, warts are not cured in a single treatment.

Cysts are common bumps under the skin caused by a ‘sack’ in the skin filled with keratin. They are completely benign and are most common on the head and back. They continue to enlarge with time and can drain spontaneously or with assistance. Sometimes, they become very enlarged, inflamed and painful and need urgent incision and drainage by your dermatologist. Surgical excision can also be performed to remove the cyst completely.

Acne is a common skin disorder that can affect people of all ages. It can cause significant psychological distress and well as permanent scarring, so prompt treatment is important. There are many great treatments available, and finding what is going to work with your skin can take time. Dr. Bair and her team can work with you to figure out what regimen makes sense to control your skin.

Hair loss or ‘alopecia’ can be incredibly frustrating and embarrassing. Hair loss is broadly divided into two types: scarring and non-scarring alopecia. In scarring alopecia, inflammation around the hair follicle can lead to its destruction. Untreated, this type of alopecia is permanent. Dermatologists are seeing an increase in frontal fibrosing alopecia, a scarring alopecia seen almost exclusively in post-menopausal women that affects the frontal hairline. In contrast, non-scarring alopecia is reversible. The most common type is androgenic alopecia. Although often difficult to treat, new modalities are becoming available.

Dermatologists are experts at the diagnosis and treatment of rashes. Often, rashes are benign and easily treated, but rarely, they can be a sign of internal disease. Dr. Bair and her team will ask you about your current medications, skin care regimen, any changes to routine, recent illness and diet. We will help figure out what is causing your rash as well as help to manage your symptoms.

Eczema or ‘atopic dermatitis’ is a common condition consisting of red, scaly, itchy areas of skin. Dermatologists think that people are born with a tendency for eczema, but the disorder can show up at any time in life. Children sometimes ‘outgrow’ their eczema, but it can reoccur later in life. Dry climates like Colorado tend to be particularly tough for people with eczema. Moisturization is key! Dr. Bair and her team can help you come up with a plan to manage and treat your skin.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition consisting of thick, scaly red plaques often over elbows, knees, and scalp though it can occur anywhere on the body. Dermatologists think psoriasis has a genetic predisposition, though many people who have psoriasis have no family history of the disease. We now know that people with psoriasis have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Treatments vary from topical creams, phototherapy, pills, and the newer biologic injectable medications. We now have much better options for people with psoriasis to have clearer skin.