Skip to main content

Medical Dermatology

Medical dermatology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions—acne, eczema, psoriasis and more—that are best treated by a medical doctor. So when you’re living with a skin condition that won’t clear up on its own, trust that we’ll tailor medical treatments to soothe your skin.

Request an appointment

Skin care that goes beyond the surface

Skin conditions can develop as a side effect of diseases — infectious, autoimmune and immunobullous (also known as blistering) — your environment, genetic conditions and more.

That’s why our dermatologists collaborate with fellow medical experts like rheumatologists and infectious disease specialists to target the core cause of your skin condition. Together, we can act smart and fast so you can say hello to a healthier you.

Natalia Plotnikova, MD, examines a patient's skin around the nose in the dermatology clinic at Tufts Medical Center.
Find a doctor near me
clipboard

Conditions

Did you know that your skin is your body's largest organ? Practicing healthy skin habits like applying sunscreen every day and drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated can protect you from harmful damage today and in the future.

On the other hand, certain skin conditions can arise that are beyond your control, stemming from allergic reactions, genetic conditions, autoimmune diseases and more.

Skin conditions change your body's healthy rhythm. When you feel or suspect that something is off, know that our team of dermatologists is well-versed in treating the following conditions.

Contact dermatitis
Eczema
Infectious diseases
Psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatic disease
Skin cancer

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin rash caused by touching an irritant or something you’re allergic to. When an itchy, red rash appears, turn to our dermatologists for patch testing to detect your unique skin allergen triggers. 

Even with strict avoidance of your allergens, it may still take several months for your skin to clear up. We can explore wellness plans that are uniquely you, or you can explore available clinical trials.

Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) can become aggravated by various triggers, like dry skin, foods, stress and more. It's a common condition that affects up to 15% of the population at any given age. Experts agree that eczema has a strong genetic component. That means your eczema can be linked to other conditions, such as asthma, nasal allergies and food allergies.

Infectious diseases

We provide thorough dermatologic care for patients with complex infectious diseases that lead to skin infections. There are 4 main categories of infectious diseases:

  1. Bacterial
  2. Fungal
  3. Parasitic
  4. Viral

Signs and symptoms vary between infectious diseases, so be on the lookout for any that link to skin irritation, like infections, rashes, swelling and redness. 

Psoriasis + psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune disorders tied to inflammation. If you feel inflammation in your joints, on your skin or in both places, turn to our team of dermatologists and autoimmune disease experts for relief. About 1 in 20 people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, likely in that order.

Rheumatic diseases

Our highly specialized rheumatology program treats people living with rheumatic diseases, ranging from:

  • Autoimmune rheumatic disorders
  • Inflammatory muscle diseases
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Vasculitis

Signs and symptoms vary between rheumatic diseases and can present as rashes, painful bumps and skin lesions.

Skin cancer

More skin cancers are diagnosed each year than all other cancers combined. It’s important to speak with your dermatologist if you notice changes to your skin, like pink discoloration, peeling, swelling or crusting. These could be warning signs of skin cancer.

Additional dermatologic conditions

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory condition characterized by muscle weakness or a skin rash. It can be caused by an injury, infection or autoimmune disease. 

Immunobullous diseases

Immunobullous (blistering) diseases like pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid are autoimmune disorders characterized by skin blistering. Your skin creates special proteins that act like the glue between the epidermis (top layer of skin) and dermis (middle layer of skin) and bind your epidermal cells together.

When these proteins become damaged, the cells separate and create blisters across the body. Find relief from immunobullous diseases with personalized care provided by our expert care team.

Lupus

Lupus is a condition in which the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues by mistake, like your joints, skin, blood vessels and organs. While lupus symptoms vary, people with the condition experience flare-ups and periods of relief.

One of the most important symptoms to be on the lookout for is a butterfly rash. This itchy rash spreads from one cheek, across the nose and to the other cheek, forming the shape of a butterfly.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma, also known as crest syndrome, is a group of diseases that cause unusual growth of connective tissue. It leads to chronic skin hardening.

hands-heart

Treatments

Our dermatologists and researchers are always looking ahead to the future of skin treatment.

As 1 of the country's top dermatology clinical trial sites, we're at the forefront of new and investigational therapies. When you join a clinical trial, you gain access to therapies not available anywhere else while giving back to others living with the same conditions.

Participating in a clinical trial is a very generous move. And when our dermatologists can learn more from you, they can learn more for the greater good.

Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.

Family physician Sarwada Tuladhar Jha, MD talking to patient during exam at a clinic appointment and inputting health information at the computer.
Our doctors + care team

Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.

Understand what you may pay for care at Tufts Medicine with our price estimate tool.

Jump back to top