Medical dermatology

Personalized medical care

Drs. Caroline Laggis and Rachael Kappius discuss a skin concern with a patient during an office visit.

Medical dermatology focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Whether your condition is new, chronic, or difficult to manage, our board-certified dermatologists combine clinical expertise with evidence-based medicine to provide personalized care tailored to your individual needs.

Every diagnosis begins with listening. We take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and concerns before performing a thorough skin examination. When appropriate, we use additional diagnostic tools—including dermoscopy, skin biopsies, and laboratory testing—to accurately diagnose your condition and guide personalized treatment.

Many dermatologic conditions require ongoing management rather than a single treatment. We work with you over time to monitor your condition, adjust treatment as needed, and help you achieve the best possible long-term outcome. Throughout your care, we explain your diagnosis, discuss your treatment options, and answer your questions so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Conditions and treatments

Dr Laggis examines a rash on a young patient's knee with a dermatoscope

Dermatology encompasses hundreds of conditions. Below are some of the more common concerns we evaluate and treat, representing just a portion of our clinical expertise and the full scope of our practice.

Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early. We provide thorough full-body examinations and precise diagnostic biopsies for a wide range of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. While we offer expert non-surgical and surgical treatment for skin cancer, we also directly coordinate with trusted local Mohs and plastic surgeons when specialized techniques are the best option, ensuring we remain a central partner in your care. 

We provide comprehensive care for acne and rosacea, focusing on skin clarity and long-term inflammation control. By combining tailored topical and systemic medical therapies with procedural expertise, we address everything from routine breakouts to more advanced cases requiring isotretinoin.

We are the valley experts in diagnosing and managing new, chronic, or treatment-resistant rashes. Because “rash” is a broad term for various skin conditions, we utilize our specialized knowledge to distinguish between infections, inflammation, and skin cancers that may present as a rash, ensuring you receive the precise diagnosis and effective care you need.

We diagnose and treat the full spectrum of skin infections, including bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal conditions. From common concerns like warts, cold sores, and tinea to more acute cases like cellulitis, shingles, and impetigo, we provide targeted therapies to ensure rapid and effective resolution.

We evaluate and treat a broad range of benign lesions, including moles, cysts, and lipomas. Any atypical or changing spots are carefully assessed and, when necessary, biopsied or removed to ensure a timely and accurate diagnosis.

Atopic dermatitis and other eczema-related conditions can significantly impact quality of life. We focus on identifying triggers while providing targeted treatment to support long-term skin barrier health. From comprehensive pediatric management to modernized therapies for chronic itching in adults, we offer relief for patients of all ages.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory condition that varies widely in severity. We offer a comprehensive range of therapies—from targeted topicals to the latest biologics and systemic medications. Our goal is to help you navigate this rapidly evolving field, selecting the best treatment to reduce flares and significantly improve your quality of life.

We provide specialized care for our youngest patients, from newborns through adolescents. We understand that pediatric skin conditions—like eczema, birthmarks, and common infections—require a gentle approach and clear guidance for the whole family. By combining advanced medical expertise with a supportive environment, we develop manageable treatment plans designed to restore your child’s comfort and skin health.

Autoimmune diseases like lichen planus, lupus, dermatomyositis, and scleroderma require specialized expertise. We provide comprehensive evaluation for systemic involvement and treatment of the significant skin manifestations of these conditions. We closely coordinate your care with other physicians to prioritize your skin and general health.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, chronic condition involving recurrent cysts in hair-bearing or friction-prone areas. We provide evidence-based strategies to reduce flare-ups, manage symptoms, and improve long-term control for this complex condition. 

Hair loss results from a range of factors, including genetics, hormonal shifts, and medical conditions affecting the scalp. We focus on identifying the underlying cause to develop a targeted treatment plan that supports hair regrowth and scalp health.

Blistering skin conditions can cause pain, sensitivity, and disruption to daily life. These conditions range from localized reactions to more complex autoimmune diseases. We focus on accurate diagnosis and thoughtful management to reduce symptoms and support long-term control when needed.

Skin pigment changes arise from a wide range of factors. We specialize in vitiligo and other pigmentary disorders, focusing on stabilizing the condition. Our expertise includes the latest systemic therapies, ensuring your treatment plan incorporates the most current medical advancements.

Nail changes can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or underlying systemic disease. We expertly evaluate changes in nail appearance and function to identify the root cause, providing targeted treatment to restore nail health and vitality.