You are not just a number to us! At the Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery caring for our patients and their comfort is our number one priority. Thats why we are a cut above the rest. Its why we have longer hours, night and weekend availability, and emergency appointments. We accept almost every insurance that exists- why? Because our patients need the access, and our motto is “we are there for our patients”.

At our office locations, you will find caring practitioners and staff who are always willing to go the extra mile. You will never be told “we can’t fit you in” or the doctor is not available. We are still the same family office that we were twenty years ago. Relying on our knowledge, skill set and compassionate care. Please see us today for any dermatologic or cosmetic needs that you may have.

Herpes infection can be a serious but highly manageable matter. It is uncomfortable and frightening, but you are not alone. The comments below show what the facts are surrounding this topic. At the Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we are sensitive to your concerns. Our caring and gentle staff will respect your privacy as you meet with our health care providers to discuss  your treatment options. Your dermatologist is a highly respected and knowledgeable resource regarding this condition. You will be treated courteously and respectfully, as you deserve to be. Don’t live in fear and don’t be embarrassed- we can help! Read the facts  and then call  us to schedule an appointment.

What is herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. Herpes commonly affects other areas of the skin such as lips,fingers etc.. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak.  Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years. As stated,there are multiple forms of Herpes on the skin aside from the genital area.

How common is  herpes?
Results of a nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, 16.2%, or about one out of six, people 14 to 49 years of age have genital HSV-2 infection. Over the past decade, the percentage of Americans with genital herpes infection in the U.S. has remained stable.
HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of five women 14 to 49 years of age) than in men (about one out of nine men 14 to 49 years of age). Transmission from an infected male to his female partner is more likely than from an infected female to her male partner.
How is  herpes diagnosed?
The signs and symptoms associated with HSV-2 can vary greatly. Health care providers can diagnose herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical, and by taking a sample from the sore(s) and testing it in a laboratory. HSV infections can be diagnosed between outbreaks by the use of a blood test. Blood tests, which detect antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection, can be helpful, although the results are not always clear-cut.

Is there a treatment for herpes?
There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.There are medications that can often times prevent the clinical appearance of the infection-i.e.-make the infection not noticable.  In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

How can herpes be prevented?
The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.There are,however.other important steps and facts to be aware of with each individual case as well as barrier methods such as condoms which although far from perfect help minimize transmission.

 Melanoma and non melanoma are two types of skin cancer. Non Melanoma, is the most common kind of skin cancer and for the most part, especially if caught early, is highly treatable. Our office participates in skin cancer screenings and May is the month for it! Please do yourself a favor and get your annual check up.  Our office has day and evening as well as weekend hours. Call for an appointment at 215-676-2464 Northeast  or 610-664-4433 Narberth.

Remember, May is skin cancer awareness months- so come get the real skinny.

Did you know?

Skin cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer.

Skin cancer is on the rise, especially the more aggressive type i.e.  melanoma.

A single case of blistering sunburn as a child increases your chance of melanoma as an adult

About ninety percent of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultra violet rays.

Its all so very preventable! Please call Dr. Hal Farber at the Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery

Goodbye Winter and Hello Sun!

Ah- there it is, the first long sunny days of spring are here. With it, our automatic response to the outdoors- let’s go! It’s an immediate reaction, we simply long to be outdoors. The cold weather ended and the hot sunny weather arrived, almost without a pause or transition. Translation- we are not ready.

We are not ready proactively; we are not ready reactively. What does this mean really?

 Proactively it means we don’t have our sun block ready  or we may need to purchase more and apply more often; we are out more and have more skin exposed. Reactively, it may mean we ran out of time- we know our skin looks pale and has perhaps lost some of its vibrancy or luster, so we do the worst possible thing, we run out to sunbathe or tan. There are better solutions.  Think of it as spring cleaning.

 First, clean your skin with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Check your skin thoroughly, the color, the texture, the pores. Notice if there are pigmentation changes or a change in the color or size of moles. Are there new growths? Do the pores seem blocked or are blackheads a problem? Get out the sun block, or if over three months old, purchase a new supply. Next, note the overall condition- do you like what you see?

 OR- could you benefit from a special “face lift”? Microdermabrasion and/or chemical peels are a wonderful way to safely brighten a dull sallow appearance. We have many services available and knowledgeable staff to treat you. We have extensive hours of operations with night and weekend appointments available at our two locations. Call today for an appointment (walk ins,if in need, also available on a limited basis)and get back to clean and clear skin!

Summertime requires special precautions be taken where our skin care is concerned.

It’s impossible to avoid the sun and we need  sunlight to help our bodies create vitamin D.  To help minimize sun exposure be sure to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, know that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and make certain to reapply sunscreen frequently. Be mindful that some medications, such as prescription acne medications or birth control pills, can increase your sensitivity to the sun.

Schedule an appointment today at the Center For Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery to consult with our staff in order to help maintain healthy, youthful, glowing skin as well as review our new line of skin care products.

Adults and teens alike would prefer  to wake up on a beautiful summer day and see a clean, clear complexion reflected back in the mirror.  Walking around self consciously pretending no one will notice our acne or flaws it is not really a great option. The  good news is that there are many ways to prevent and treat common skin problems, including acne. At the Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we are able to treat and advise you.

There are some basic things to understand about acne, one is that it can occur at any age. It  is most common during puberty when hormones go into overdrive which then causes the skin to overproduce sebum. The heat and humidity we experience during the summer months are a factor; so are the many oil-producing glands we have. These glands are located mainly on the forehead, nose, and chin, and  are loaded with bacteria, which causes a greater resurfacing of acne. 

Remember to get back to basics, be certain to wash  your face twice a day, and avoid touching your face. 

Call the Center For Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for an appointment concerning treatment today!

We all get so busy in the summer…the sun, and shore beckon us and the outdoors become our playground once again. It’s very easy to forget one of the most important regimens we must adhere to- our skin care, including sun block, self checks, and a visit to our dermatologist for business (medical) OR beauty.

The Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery has a full service staff to assist. Visit our dermatolgists or physicians assistant for medical care or cosmetic surgery. Seek our state of the art treatments for Psoriasis including Remicade infusion or laser treatment.

For some pampering and relaxtion try an appointment with our aesthetician. Our offices are conveniently located in Northeast Philadelphia and the Main Line and are easily accessible by all modes of transportation.

One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to be proactive regarding our health. Preventative care is extremely important to an overall healthy and long life as well as overall feeling of well being.

May is the month to note on the calendar for skin cancer screenings. Contact the Center For Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery and arrange for your screening today. With offices conveniently located on the Main Line as well as in Northeast Philadelphia, there is no reason to overlook this important medical visit. Call 610-664-4433 or 215-676-02464 today for more information.

Please be mindful of important information for patients who suffer from Psoriasis who may have used, or are currently using, the drug Raptiva. There have been recent announcements indicating that Genentech will be voluntarily withdrawing this drug from the U.S. market due to the risk of PML, which has potentially fatal implications.

If you are taking this medication, be certain to contact your healthcare professional for alternative solutions. Always be willing to have an open and honest dialogue with your physician regarding any concerns that you may have. Rest assured, there are many solutions to the treatment of Psoriasis.

Consult your health care team or contact us at the Center For Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for an appointment to discuss your care.

Offices are conveniently located at Moss Plaza -9892  Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia or 822 Montgomery Avenue, Ste 100, in Narberth, PA. Call 215-676-2464 to speak to one of our dedicated professionals