Dr. Kates and her team treat a wide range of dermatologic conditions. Although there are additional conditions she treats, these are some of the more common ones.

Skin Cancer & Precancerous Lesions
One out of five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, caused by the sun's harmful UV rays and/or the use of tanning beds. Surgical excision or Mohs surgery are two common approaches to treating malignant lesions. Prevention is the best safeguard. Minimizing exposure to the sun's harmful rays, applying sunscreen daily, and having annual (or more frequent) skin cancer screenings are highly encouraged.
If left untreated, actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions or 'AKs'), also caused by the sun's damaging rays, is a precancerous skin growth that can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer.

Acne
Whether you're an adolescent or adult suffering from acne, we can help you! Dr. Kates has a variety of effective treatment options at her disposal. If left untreated, acne can leave scarring and dark spots. For patients with acne scarring, we offer various laser treatments to alleviate this condition.

Alopecia (hair loss)
It's normal to shed some hair on a daily basis, whether having a few hairs fall out on their own or when combing or brushing your hair. But excessive hair loss is concerning for both men and women. At Dermatology and Skin Care of Maryland, we diagnose the underlying cause of hair loss and formulate a treatment plan to not only prevent hair loss, but stimulate new hair growth.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis typically presents as itchy dry, thick, and raised patches on the skin that may be covered with a whitish coating called scale. Depending upon the type and severity, Dr. Kates can recommend and/or prescribe ointments, creams, and solutions to treat this condition.

Eczema (aka Atopic Dermatitis)/Rashes
Approximately 10% of the population will develop this skin condition in their lifetime. Common symptoms include dry and scaly skin that may appear red, combined with hyperpigmentation and itching. Treatment includes the application of topical creams and ointments containing hydrocortisone steroids. More severe cases are often treated with biologics, an injection administered under the skin to ease inflammation and associated symptoms.

Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is an infection that enters through cracks in your nail or cuts in your skin, which can cause your nail to become discolored or thicker. The condition can be treated using topical solutions, oral medication, or by utilizing a laser.

Moles
Nearly every adult has a few moles that are harmless, referred to as common moles. However, other types, such as atypical ones, increase the chances of melanoma growing inside of it. Atypical moles have the following characteristics: larger than an eraser head, are oddly shaped, and more than one color, with a mix of tan, brown, red, and pink. If you notice any moles matching this description, it is highly encouraged that you make an appointment to have it checked.

Hives
This is a skin reaction that causes bumps, raised patches, or both to suddenly appear on the skin. The bumps and raised patches are often itchy and may look swollen. The medical name for hives is urticaria. Although there are numerous causes, outbreaks may be attributed to a particular food or medication, high anxiety, or an insect bite. Treatment may include topical lotions or creams, antihistamines, and steroids.

Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin disease. It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. Even the ears, chest, and back can be red all the time. Rosacea flares can be caused by sunlight, stress, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, certain skin and hair products, some medications, and exercise. Treatment includes identifying and avoiding which triggers cause a flare, sun protection, changes to one's skin care regimen, medication, and laser treatments.