Dermatology

Dermatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham 

Your skin is your largest organ. It protects your internal organs, contributes to regulating your body temperature and even produces some hormones.

Your skin is vital to your good health, so it needs a special type of care. The dedicated dermatologists at BID Needham can evaluate your skin, hair, nails and mouth for any problems. We have the expertise to diagnose all types of skin diseases and conditions, and the advanced technology to treat them.

Some dermatology issues can be painful. Others may make you self-conscious. At BID Needham, you’ll receive the comprehensive, compassionate care you need for the most common to the most complex conditions.

What is a Dermatologist?

Dermatologists are doctors who are specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect your skin, hair, nails and mouth. We assess your skin’s appearance to identify specific conditions. In doing so, we also can identify internal problems, such as organ disease or failure.

A dermatologist also cares for various cosmetic disorders, such as hair loss or scarring.

Common Dermatology Conditions

A wide range of skin conditions exist, but some occur more frequently than others. Some of the most common conditions include:

• Acne: Clogged pores, such as blackheads, whiteheads or other types of pimples cause this inflammatory condition.
• Atopic dermatitis: This chronic condition causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It typically affects children, but it can develop at any age.
• Hair loss: A condition called androgenetic alopecia — hereditary hair thinning — is the most common cause of hair loss.
• Psoriasis: This chronic condition causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches around the knees, elbows, abdomen and scalp.
• Rosacea: This chronic condition causes red skin and a rash, typically on the nose and cheeks. Sun exposure and emotional stress can trigger these symptoms to appear.
• Skin cancer: Three types of skin cancer exist — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Symptoms can include itchiness and oozing, scaly patches, changes in mole appearance, sores or spots that linger, or changes in fingernails or toenails.