Everyone should have a complete skin exam at least once a year by a dermatologist. Those who have a history of skin cancer should be examined more frequently - every 3 to 6 months depending on one's individual history.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, afflicting one out of every seven Americans each year. Ultraviolet light from the sun is one of the most common causes of skin cancer in Hawaii.

The majority of skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated in time. There are a number of different skin cancers, distinguished by cell type. Dr. Ly is an expert at the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancers.

Click for More Skin Cancer Information
from Aloha Dermatology and Laser Center on Maui

It is never a good idea to remove blackheads or whiteheads (both called comedones) or pimples on your own. A dermatologist has the proper equipment to extract them without leaving scars. Click for Before and After Pictures

Skin tags (acrochordons) are small, unsightly, growths of skin that individuals develop around the eyelids, neck, armpits, and the groin areas. Typically they look like small little balls of skin attached to the body by a thin stalk.

The vast majority of moles or nevi do not require removal. Those prone to irritation, or certain lesions which evidence change concerning for abnormality or possibly melanoma should be evaluated by a dermatologist and removed in the appropriate fashion. Many patients seek removal of nevi for cosmetic reasons as well.

Surgical scar revision involves removing the entire scar surgically and rejoining the skin. Although a new scar will form, the goal of the surgical technique is to create a less obvious scar. Surgical scar revision is usually reserved for wide or long scars, scars that healed in an unusual way, or scars in very visible places.

Melasma is a skin condition presenting as brown patches on the face of adults. Both sides of the face are usually affected. The most common sites of involvement are the cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead, and upper lip.

A common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Often referred to as "adult acne," rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It also may involve the ears, chest and back. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddened area; however, unlike acne, there are no blackheads.