UVB light therapy, medications, creams and more – Calgary Dermatology offers various skin treatment services depending on your dermatological needs. Below are some of the most common treatments offered in our office for Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis and Skin Cancer.
For more information on various skin diseases, visit our Library.
Acne
In general there are two ways to treat Acne – from the outside (topical) or the inside (oral). These methods may be used separately or in some cases together, depending on your needs:
Learn more about the causes of Acne, Acne Treatments or their Side Effects.
Topical Treatments:
- Topical Retinoids (e.g. Differin) that help unclog pores
- Topical Antibiotics (e.g. Clindamycin or Dalacin ) to help fight off bacteria that causes acne
- Acids (e.g. Salicylic or Azelaic Acid) to help exfoliate and regenerate the skin.
Oral Medications:
- Isotretinoin medications (e.g. Accutane) to decrease the amount of facial oil (sebum) produced.
- Antiandrogens (e.g. birth control) to decrease the amount of testosterone in your body.
Eczema
While there is no cure for Eczema, it can be managed and treated to minimize flare-ups.
Learn more about the causes of Eczema, Eczema Treatments and possible Side Effects.
Treatments can include:
- Pills (e.g.Systemic Corticosteroids and Immunosuppressants) to help suppress the overreaction of the immune system and relieve symptoms of Eczema.
- Creams and moisturizers (e.g. Topical Corticosteroids) to help relieve itching and reduce inflammation.
- Phototherapy Exposure to help prevent the immune system from overreacting.
- Herbal Remedies (e.g. Aloe Vera Gel, ) to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
For tips on identifying and managing Eczema in babies, kids or adults, visit our Skin Care Tips page or our Online Resources section.
Psoriasis
There is no cure for Psoriasis but it can be managed and treated to minimize flare-ups.
Learn more about the causes of Psoriasis, Treatments for Psoriasis and possible Side Effects.
Psoriasis treatments are broken down into these 4 broad groups:
- Topical treatments (e.g. Salicylic Acid, Steroids and Vitamin D)
- Pills to inhibit specific molecules associated with inflammation.
- Injections to block the cells and proteins that cause Psoriasis.
- UV Light Therapy to slow the growth of affected skin cells.
Dr. Kirk Barber specializes in Psoriasis. He has treated hundreds of patients and frequently runs Clinical Research Trials specifically for the treatment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. You can participate in these clinics with or without a doctor’s referral by Contacting Us.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is broken into 2 categories: Melanoma and Non-Melanoma.
At Calgary Dermatology, we only offer treatments for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer. We also treat Actinic Keratosis, which is not a form of cancer but can become cancerous.
Learn more about Skin Cancer, our Skin Cancer Treatments and possible Side Effects.
Skin Cancer treatments can include the following:
- Liquid Nitrogen (also known as Cryosurgery) to freeze and destroy the cancerous tissue.
- Topical creams/gels (e.g. Picato) to destroy the effected cells.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to destroy a specific area of the skin.
