Conejo Dermatology

Brachytherapy

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About Brachytherapy

What is it?

Brachytherapy provides a faster skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team is able to remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

Brachytherapy benefits

  • Short, non‐invasive procedure with no hospital stay
  • Minimal side effects
  • Exceptional cosmetic outcomes in a relatively short timeframe
  • Ideal alternative for patients not interested in surgery or on a blood thinning medication (i.e. baby aspirin)

A different way to treat skin cancer

How Does HDR Brachytherapy Work?

With eBx™, a miniature x-ray source is temporarily placed on the skin using a surface applicator. This allows the radiation to be delivered directly to the skin lesion with impeccable accuracy. The treatment is non-invasive and painless, providing an ideal alternative for those not interested in surgery.

Treatment Process

The radiation treatment process will begin with a consultation where the Radiation Oncologist will evaluate your condition and determine if Brachytherapy is the right skin cancer treatment for you.
During treatment, your Radiation Oncologist and Radiation Therapist will place a miniature x-ray source temporarily on the skin using a surface applicator. This allows the radiation to be delivered directly to the skin lesion with impeccable accuracy.
It is a short procedure with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes in a short timeframe.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What are they?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) range from viral infections to bacterial infections. They’re most often caused by sexual intercourse, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Common STDs include bacterial STDs (such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea), viral STDs (including hepatitis, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV, and HIV), and parasitic STDs (such as trichomoniasis).

What causes them?

Although the most common way to get an STD is via some of form of sexual intercourse, some forms, such as trichomoniasis, can be contracted through skin contact with damp, moist objects like towels, clothing, and seats. In general, typical risk factors for STDs include the following: multiple sexual partners, intercourse with someone who’s had multiple partners, intercourse without a condom, and the sharing drug of needles.

Common treatments

Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases depends on the specific type of STD you have. In general, typical treatment plans are as follows: 1) Antibiotics, such as penicillin, for bacterial STDs, 2) Cryotherapy, topical medications, or even surgery for genital warts, and 3) Antiviral medications for viral STDs. Keep in mind that for viral STDs, there is no cure; any treatment you take is to manage the symptoms and keep the virus contained.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We appreciate the delicate subject of sexually transmitted diseases. We realize both the physical and emotional toll they can take, and as your community skin experts, we’re sensitive to these conditions and have the expertise to help you overcome any that you may have. The knowledgeable practitioners at our dermatology center have the skill and experience to help you overcome or manage your condition. We’ll talk to you about your case and gauge your overall health before developing a treatment that fits your needs.
It’s this personalized attention and focuses on you as a person that sets us apart. We understand the delicate nature of STDs and are available to address concerns and to provide compassion throughout the process. Healthy skin is our passion, and so is your health. Contact us today if you have symptoms of an STD to learn more about your treatment options.

Allergies

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About Allergies

What are they?

Allergies occur when the body overreacts to a foreign invader, or allergens, such as pet hair, pollen, pollutants, and more. Often, allergic reactions occur on the skin, but allergies are not just a cosmetic issue: they can be uncomfortable and even painful for certain individuals. Symptoms of allergies can vary, but some of the most common symptoms include the following: fatigue, sneezing or other sinus issues, headaches, itchy (or burning) eyes, shortness of breath, and coughing and/or wheezing. Skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and hives can also result due to allergies.

What causes them?

There are various causes for allergies. Some of the most common include pets or pet hair, pollutants and chemicals, pollen and other natural irritants, cigarette smoke, certain foods and drinks, powders, and fabrics and fibers. If you have allergies but aren’t aware of your risk factors, contact our dermatologists today, who will help you identify, manage, and treat your allergic symptoms.

Common treatments?

The best method for dealing with allergies is to avoid them in the first place, which means avoiding your risk factors – that’s why it’s important that you know them. Even then, allergies can cause problems. If you have allergy symptoms despite your best efforts to avoid them, various treatments can be effective. These treatments include topical medications, such as hydrocortisone cream, oral medications (such as antibiotics), antihistamines, and moisturizing creams and/or lotions. Depending on the severity of your allergies and their causes, these treatments can help you overcome your symptoms outright or at least make them manageable.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know how uncomfortable allergies can make you feel, especially when they manifest themselves on your skin as itchiness and/or inflammation. As your community skin specialists, we have the expertise to help you find relief. Allergies are unique to everyone, including you. Because of this, we customize your treatment to suit your lifestyle and health. This attention to you as an individual is what makes us different. Our neighborly staff is here to address concerns and provide compassionate support throughout the process.
Healthy skin is our passion. If you notice allergy symptoms, contact us so that we can help you overcome your systems.

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

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About Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

What is it?

Superficial radiation therapy is a non-surgical treatment for certain skin cancers. It uses a special kind of radiation which penetrates only skin deep to kill the cancer without injuring the surrounding tissues.

What to expect

The treatment itself is painless and generally takes 30-60 seconds. Usual treatment courses are 13-17 treatments, spaced twice weekly. You do not need to limit physical activity while undergoing treatment. You will develop a sunburn-like discoloration over the area during your treatment which will fade following treatment.

After the procedure

Superficial radiation therapy has success rates in the 96-99% range depending on cancer type and location.  After the procedure, you can expect little to no scarring. The physician will recheck the site 6 weeks after completion of treatment to ensure it appears clinically clear.

Our approach & expertise

Doctors Bodnar, Mitchell, and Rietkerk are each licensed by the State of California in administration and management of Superficial Radiation therapy. At Conejo Dermatology we have been using the machine since 2017 and have developed expertise in determining when SRT is an appropriate option as well as in determining safe and effective treatment courses for each patient. Our Radiation Therapist has over 25 years’ experience in administering radiation therapy, so you can expect thorough, thoughtful, and confident care.

We know how scary a skin cancer diagnosis can be. As your neighborhood skin cancer specialists, we offer every available treatment modality for typical skin cancers, which enables us to guide you without bias in terms of selecting the most appropriate treatment for your situation. We’re here to provide encouragement and strength with answers to all your questions should you ever be diagnosed with skin cancer. What makes Conejo Dermatology special is our focus on you as a person, treating each patient as if they were family.

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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

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About Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

What is it?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally-invasive skin cancer removal treatment for individuals with precancerous skin lesions (such as actinic keratoses) or non-melanoma skin cancers (like basal cell carcinoma). PDT eliminates cancer cells through the utilization of both drug and light therapy. First, a topical solution is applied for absorption by the cancerous cells. Later, the affected area is targeted with a very specific wavelength of light that uses an active form of oxygen to destroy the cancerous cells.

What to expect

As your community skin cancer experts, we are here to provide support and strength should you ever receive a diagnosis of skin cancer. You can be comfortable discussing everything you need to know about this disease with our neighborhood providers. We will be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis and from treatment to aftercare support. With photodynamic therapy, our specialists can eradicate specific types of skin cancer tumors, allowing you to live life to the fullest. This treatment is safe and effective at treating various types of cancer or precancerous cells, and since PDT is less invasive than other skin cancer treatments, you will be able to return to your normal life soon after the treatment is completed.

After the procedure

Photodynamic therapy precisely targets cancerous cells, allowing for quick recovery and little-to-no scarring after healing. Contact us today to learn if PDT is right for you.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

As your community skin cancer experts, we are here to provide support and strength should you ever receive a diagnosis of skin cancer. Our caring neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. You can lean on us as an integral pillar of support through this process, as even for completely cancer-free patients, apprehension and emotional scars can still persist.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact and office today to find out if photodynamic therapy is the right skin cancer treatment for you.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

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About Mohs Micrographic Surgery

What is it?

Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs, Mohs micrographic surgery is an extremely effective treatment for a variety of skin cancers. Due to its accuracy, high success rate, and cosmetically appropriate outcomes, Mohs remains the gold standard for skin cancer removal. Dr. Mitchell is highly trained to perform this precise surgery with skill and technique refined through years of experience and study.

What to expect

Dr, Mitchell dedicates all of her attention to treating skin cancer patients. During a Mohs procedure she administers lidocaine to numb the local tissue and ensure a completely painless experience. She then removes the cancer with careful, narrow margins, attempting to spare normal surrounding tissue. She examines this tissue microscopically, evaluating 100% of the margin to ensure no cancerous cells are left behind. If any margin is positive, she returns to remove that specific area, as she has mapped it and knows where the cancer cells lie. The process continues until the margin is 100% clear of tumor. She then crafts the best reconstruction for the patient based on cosmetic and functional needs.

After the procedure

The Mohs procedure has a proven high success rate (studies have shown 5-year cure rates of over 99% for new cancers) and grants patients quicker recovery times (2-4 weeks) than other skin cancer procedures. You can anticipate wearing a bandage for 1-3 weeks postoperatively depending on the complexity of the surgery. Our team will be here to support you should any needs arise during the postoperative period. The cosmetic outcomes of Dr. Mitchell’s repairs are consistently stellar.

Provider/Team

Dr. Mitchell is double board certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery. She is known for her compassion, thoughtfulness, painless surgical experience, and phenomenal cosmetic outcomes. She feels that each patient’s experience and outcome is a reflection of her work, so she takes tremendous pride in what she does for every patient. Her team is uniquely kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable and here to support you through the entire process from diagnosis to complete recovery.

Skin Cancer Removal

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About Skin Cancer Removal

What is it?

What happens if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer? What are the options? What’s the likelihood of successful treatment? Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect not only physically, but psychologically as well. We are here to provide treatment, encouragement, strength, support, and answers to all your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and aftercare support. Most importantly, know that skin cancer is very treatable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a 90% five-year survivability rate for patients who receive treatment.

What to expect

When it comes to skin cancer, treatment protocols typically involve one or a combination of the following treatments:

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment typically used for early-stage skin cancer that has not spread. This treatment is effective for actinic keratosis, warts, and superficial basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. During cryotherapy, the cancerous area is targeted with extremely cold liquid gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide between -346° F and -320° F) that instantly freezes the cancerous tissue before destroying it. You will receive your cryotherapy treatment in the office, often as part of a regular exam. Typically, cryotherapy only takes a few moments to perform and you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment is complete.

Electrodessication and curettage (EC&D)

This simple 2-step surgical procedure is especially effective for individuals with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. By removing the cancerous tissue via curettage (scraping), then closing the wound by electrodesiccation (superheating process), our surgeons can safely and effectively eradicate cancerous cells from your body. EC&D is performed in the office under local anesthesia and typically takes 30 minutes or less with no downtime following the procedure. In most cases, this treatment doesn’t even require sutures! EC&D is recommended for areas of the body that are not regularly visible, such as the back or torso. It’s also an excellent option for superficial, less serious skin cancers that have yet to spread beyond ¼ to ½ inch (6-10mm) in diameter.

Excisional surgery

Excisional surgery is a minor surgical procedure that carefully removes cancerous lesions from your body before they have a chance to spread. Our dermatologists recommend this procedure for small to medium-sized moles/lesions in areas of the body typically covered by clothing. Excisional surgery is a quick in-office procedure that is usually performed with local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the removed tissue will be sent to our pathology lab to determine if it was cancerous and to see if it all the cancerous cells were removed. Excisional surgery option is a good choice if a skin lesion is affecting your appearance. A consultation with your neighborhood skin cancer specialists at our center can determine if this treatment is right for you.

Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a time-tested procedure that remains one of the most effective skin cancer removal methods available. The procedure is meticulous and tumor removal is precise, accurate, and immediate. With Mohs surgery, uncertainty is not an issue; the procedure has a proven high success rate, features long-lasting results, and entails a shorter recovery time for patients. With Mohs, once all remnants of cancer have been removed, the procedure is over and patients are cancer-free. If you have a troublesome skin tumor or lesion, discuss it with your trusted community dermatologist to know if Mohs surgery is a viable option for you.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy provides a fast skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team is able to remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

After the procedure

Recovery from skin cancer removal depends on the type of treatment performed. To learn more about skin cancer recovery, please contact one of our dermatology specialists today!

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Skin cancer is our specialty. We have a variety of highly-trained and experienced skin cancer specialists who have a wide array of treatment options at their disposal. During a skin cancer consultation at our center, our dermatologists will assess your unique case and customize a treatment program suited to your particular needs.

Bullous Pemphigoid

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About Bullous Pemphigoid

What is it?

Bullous pemphigoid is a rare skin autoimmune condition that affects fewer than 20,000 Americans, usually over the age of 60. It is characterized by mild-to-severe inflammation and/or large, fluid-filled blisters that develop on or around areas that you frequently flex or fold, including the armpits, lower abdomen, and groin. However, it’s not uncommon for blisters to develop in your mouth or on your arms, legs, and chest. Symptoms vary from person to person; you may have experience intense itching while others may have hive-like rashes or fluid-filled blisters.

What causes it?

While it’s not altogether clear what causes your immune system to attack the skin in such a way, medications like sulfasalazine and penicillin have been found to trigger the body’s autoimmune response. It’s also believed that UV light for the treatment of other skin conditions could be responsible for the condition

Common treatments?

Although there is no known cure for bullous pemphigoid, our skin experts have the experience and training to help manage this condition. Some of our treatment options include corticosteroids, immune system-suppressing medicines, and various anti-inflammatory treatments.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that an unusual skin condition like bullous pemphigoid can impact you both physically and psychologically. As your community skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement, strength, and answers to all your questions about this particular skin problem. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis and prognosis to treatment and management of this skin issue.
Healthy skin is our passion, so contact us today if you notice symptoms of bullous pemphigoid so that we can help you manage this unpredictable and often painful condition. Our compassionate neighborhood staff is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns so that you can lean on us as a crucial part of your support in dealing with this disorder.

Lumps, Bumps and Moles

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About Lumps, Bumps, and Moles

What are they?

“Lumps, bumps, and moles” is a general term that typically refers to warts, skin tags, vascular birthmarks, cysts, fat deposits, and more. Normally, these skin growths and irregularities are benign; however, they can have a negative bearing on your self-esteem because they often form on parts of your body that are easily visible, such as the face or neck. Other areas of the body that frequently develop lumps, bumps, and moles include the torso, back, arms, legs, and groin.

What causes them?

Since lumps, bumps, and moles can develop due to a multitude of reasons, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who can properly identify and treat your particular condition.

Common treatments

Our skin experts have the training, knowledge, and experience to help you manage a variety of lumps, bumps, moles, warts, cysts, vascular birthmarks, and other skin irregularities. Treatment options include pulsed dye laser (PDL), Cutera Excel V laser, steroids, surgical excision, and prescription oral or topical medications. In some cases, such as with moles, only simple observation is necessary. However, since benign skin growths and irregularities vary from person to person, a consultation with your favorite skin specialist is the only to way to know which treatment is best for you.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that abnormal lumps or bumps in your skin may seem like nothing more than just a sign of aging, but they may actually be damaging the health and appearance of your skin. As your neighborhood skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and advice about a variety of lumps, bumps, and moles. Our compassionate staff of experts is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns, so don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can manage these unwanted skin irregularities.

Scleroderma

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About Scleroderma

What is it?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the skin, characterized by fibrosis of the skin. In other words, the disease causes hardening, thickening, and scarring of the skin’s connective tissues. Although it’s often localized to specific parts of the body, it can also be widespread, causing systemic issues that affect internal tissues and organs, including the esophagus, blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, heart, and GI tract. Even if scleroderma is restricted to a smaller area of your body and/or doesn’t impact you internally, it can still be troublesome, as the skin on your face, fingers, neck, and feet become swollen, tender, inflamed, and/or hardened as well as experience a decreased range of motion.

What causes it?

Unfortunately, there are no clear causes of this condition, although there is evidence that genetics and the environment contribute substantially to its development.

Common treatments

Due to the complicated nature of scleroderma as well as the uncertainty of what causes it, treatment is customized on a case-by-case basis and may involve various options, as a single medication or treatment may not be completely effective. For example, you may have a mild, localized case that does not require treatment. On the other hand, someone else may have a severe, relentless case that involves multiple options, each addressing a single of the various symptoms that manifest. For the experts at our dermatology center, the ultimate goal is the management of the conditions.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We know that a complicated, often systemic skin condition like scleroderma can have an adverse impact on you, both physically and emotionally. As your neighborhood skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement, support, and answers to your questions about this challenging condition. Our trained, knowledgeable dermatologic experts have the experience to help you manage scleroderma with treatment options tailored to suit your needs and goals. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate advice and support.
Contact an office today if you notice scleroderma symptoms so that we can help you find a customized solution.