American Institute of Dermatology P.A.

09/24/2026

Psoriasis Is Not Contagious: Common triggers and treatment options

Psoriasis is a chronic condition in which an overactive immune system causes skin cells to build up too quickly. This can lead to thick, scaly patches that itch, crack, or feel sore. It can also affect the scalp and nails.

You cannot catch psoriasis by touching or hugging someone who has it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), psoriasis is not contagious.

What can trigger a flare?

Triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include:
• Stress
• Skin injuries, including cuts, scratches, and sunburn
• Infections, such as strep throat
• Cold, dry weather
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Certain medications—talk with your prescriber before making changes.

What treatments can help?

According to the NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), treatment depends on the type, severity, and location of psoriasis. Options include:

• Prescription creams and ointments, including corticosteroids and vitamin D-based medicines
• Medically supervised light therapy (phototherapy)
• Oral or injectable medications, including biologics that target specific parts of the immune system

There is no cure yet, but treatment can help control symptoms. Moisturizing and managing personal triggers can also help.

At the American Institute of Dermatology, we can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options tailored to you. Visit www.aiod.net to request an appointment.

Sources:
• American Academy of Dermatology.
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

09/16/2026

7 SUNSCREEN MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation—but only when it is selected and applied correctly. Sun protection matters during everyday activities such as driving, exercising, working outdoors, attending sporting events and spending time at the pool or beach.

Are you making any of these common mistakes?

1. Saving sunscreen for beach days
Harmful UV rays are present throughout the year, including on cloudy days. Protect exposed skin whenever you're outdoors.

2. Looking only at SPF
Choose a sunscreen that offers all three of the following:

✅ Broad-spectrum protection
✅ SPF 30 or higher
✅ Water resistance

3. Applying too little
Most adults need at least one ounce—approximately enough to fill a shot glass—to cover skin not protected by clothing. Depending on your body size and the amount of exposed skin, you may need more.

4. Waiting until you're outside
Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before heading outdoors. This gives it time to provide the intended protection.

5. Missing easy-to-forget spots
Frequently overlooked areas include the ears, nose, lips, back of the neck, hands, tops of the feet, hairline and exposed scalp. Use SPF 30+ lip balm, too.

6. Forgetting to reapply
Reapply every 2 hours outdoors and immediately after swimming or sweating. Follow the label's directions.

7. Relying on sunscreen alone
Sunscreen should be combined with other protective measures whenever possible, including shade, protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Have questions about sun protection or a changing spot? Schedule a visit with American Institute of Dermatology. We're here to help you care for your skin.

www.aiod.net

Sources: AAD, "How to apply sunscreen" and "Practice Safe Sun" (aad.org).

09/10/2026

Dandruff, Dry Scalp or Scalp Psoriasis? Understanding the differences.

An itchy, flaky scalp can have several causes—and the right care starts with knowing what’s behind it. Here are some clues:

#1: Dandruff
Flakes and itching are common, and your scalp may be oily. Dandruff is often associated with seborrheic dermatitis, a condition involving yeast that naturally lives on the skin. A medicated dandruff shampoo can help; follow the label’s directions for application and rinsing.

#2: Dry Scalp
When your scalp loses too much moisture, it can become itchy and flaky. Dry air and hair products that strip natural oils can contribute. You may notice dry skin elsewhere, too. Switching to a gentle, non-medicated shampoo may help.

#3: Scalp Psoriasis
This chronic condition causes skin cells to build up into patches called plaques. You may notice raised, inflamed patches with silvery scale, itching or burning. Treatment depends on severity and may include prescription scalp medications, medicated shampoos or other therapies.

Similar flakes don’t always mean the same condition. Symptoms can overlap, and appearance alone isn’t enough to confirm the cause.

If symptoms persist despite appropriate care—or you notice significant discomfort, thick patches or hair loss—schedule a dermatology visit. Our team can evaluate your scalp and recommend treatment for your diagnosis.

Save this post as a reminder: your scalp deserves care, too!

Sources:
• American Academy of Dermatology
• Cleveland Clinic

09/07/2026

Today, we honor the dedication, talent, and hard work of people across every profession who help our communities grow and thrive.

We are especially grateful for our outstanding team, whose compassion and commitment make a meaningful difference in our patients’ lives every day.

From all of us at American Institute of Dermatology, P.A., we wish our patients, colleagues, team members, and community a safe, relaxing, and happy Labor Day!

09/04/2026

What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Examination?
What Patients Should Expect.

A full-body skin exam is a head-to-toe visual check performed by a dermatology professional. It helps identify suspicious changes—including spots in places that are difficult to see on your own.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Before the exam
Tell your provider about any spot that is new, changing, itching, bleeding or not healing. You may be asked to change into a gown. Removing nail polish and makeup and wearing your hair loose can help with examining your nails, face and scalp.

2. A head-to-toe evaluation
Your provider will examine your skin, including your scalp, ears, back, hands, nails, feet, soles and between your toes. A small magnifying tool called a dermatoscope may be used for a closer look.

3. A discussion of any findings
If an area looks suspicious, your provider may recommend monitoring it or performing a biopsy. During a biopsy, the area is numbed and a small sample is sent to a laboratory. A biopsy does not automatically mean a spot is cancerous.

🔔 Why are regular professional skin exams important?
Skin cancer can develop anywhere—even in areas that receive little sun—and early skin cancer may not cause pain or make you feel ill. Finding it early, when it is generally most treatable, can make an important difference.

📅 How often should you have one?
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a professional full-body skin exam at least once a year and more often for people at higher risk. However, the right schedule depends on your individual risk. Your dermatology provider may recommend a different frequency based on your skin type, sun exposure, number of moles, family history or personal history of skin cancer.

Do not wait for your next routine exam if you notice a spot that is new, changing, itching, bleeding or not healing.

Schedule your full-body skin examination with the American Institute of Dermatology: www.aiod.net

Sources:
• American Academy of Dermatology.
• The Skin Cancer Foundation.

09/03/2026

A great beard starts with healthy skin. These simple habits can help prevent dryness, itching, acne and razor bumps:

1. Wash your face and beard every day. Massage a gentle facial cleanser through the beard to reach the skin, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that daily washing removes oil, germs, dead skin cells and buildup that can clog pores and irritate skin.

2. Moisturize underneath. Apply moisturizer while your skin is slightly damp. If you are acne-prone or sensitive, look for a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic product. Use beard oil sparingly and choose products that match your skin type.

3. Shave the edges carefully. When cleaning up your neckline, cheeks or other areas around your beard, shave in the direction the hair grows. Shave after a warm shower, use moisturizing shaving cream and avoid pressing hard or stretching your skin. Replace disposable blades after five to seven shaves, rinse after each stroke and store your razor in a dry place.

4. Keep hands and tools clean. Touching your beard can transfer dirt and germs to your face. Clean trimmers and combs regularly, and make sure barbering tools are properly sanitized.

5. Don’t ignore persistent flakes, itching or bumps. Cleveland Clinic notes that beard itch may come from dry skin, ingrown hairs, seborrheic dermatitis or infection—not simply poor hygiene. Avoid picking or squeezing bumps.

6. Check the skin your beard hides. While grooming, look for any spot or lump that is new, growing, changing or bleeding, and have it checked promptly.

If you’re experiencing beard acne, painful razor bumps, ongoing itching, scaling that does not improve, or if you notice a changing spot, our dermatology team can identify the cause and recommend the right treatment. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and keep the skin beneath your beard healthy.

Sources:
• American Academy of Dermatology
• Cleveland Clinic

09/02/2026

Hormonal Acne: Why It Happens and When to Seek Treatment

Hormonal acne isn’t just a teenage concern. Changes in hormones—especially androgens—can stimulate the skin’s oil glands. The resulting excess oil can contribute to clogged pores, inflammation, and breakouts. These blemishes may be tender, recur in a predictable pattern, and appear along the lower face or jawline.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fluctuating hormone levels can trigger acne around menstrual periods, during pregnancy, throughout perimenopause or menopause, or after starting or stopping birth-control pills.

When should you seek treatment?

• You develop deep, painful cysts or nodules.
• Breakouts are leaving scars or persistent dark marks.
• Nonprescription treatments have not cleared your skin.
• Your acne is sudden, severe, or keeps returning.
• It is affecting your confidence or emotional well-being.

The AAD recommends seeing a dermatologist when acne causes cysts or nodules, has not cleared with nonprescription treatment, or makes you feel uncomfortable.

Acne treatment is not one-size-fits-all. A dermatologist can determine whether prescription topical medication, oral medication, hormonal therapy, or another approach is appropriate for you. Early, effective care may also reduce the risk of permanent scarring.

If persistent or painful acne is affecting you, our dermatology team is here to help. We can evaluate your skin and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Contact our office today to schedule an acne consultation and take the next step toward clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology

09/01/2026

A simple, effective nighttime skincare routine.

Healthy skin doesn’t require a shelf full of products. Keep your evening routine gentle and focused on your skin’s needs.

1. Cleanse gently.
Remove makeup before bed. Wash with a mild cleanser and warm water, using your fingertips. Rinse and gently pat dry—skip the scrubbing.

2. Use treatment only if needed.
If you use a treatment for acne or another skin concern, it generally goes after cleansing and before moisturizer. Follow your dermatologist’s directions for timing and application.

3. Moisturize.
Choose a moisturizer for your skin type—even oily skin needs moisture. Look for “non-comedogenic,” meaning formulated not to clog pores. When no treatment is needed, apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin to help retain moisture.

Keep it simple. Layering too many products can irritate your skin. An effective routine can be affordable.

Save this post for tonight! Need help choosing products? Our dermatology team can help you build a routine for your skin.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

08/31/2026

Exceptional care begins with exceptional people.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ana Jalkh to our practice. With more than a decade of experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Jalkh brings extensive knowledge, a thoughtful approach, and a strong commitment to patient care.

We are proud to have her join our team and look forward to the difference she will make for our patients and community.

Welcome, Dr. Jalkh.

08/31/2026

HOW TO PERFORM A MONTHLY SKIN SELF-EXAMINATION

A monthly skin self-examination helps you become familiar with your normal pattern of moles, freckles and other spots—making it easier to notice something new or changing.

According to the American Cancer Society, examining your skin approximately once a month is commonly recommended. Your dermatologist can advise you if your personal or family history requires a different schedule.

Before you begin:

- Choose a private, well-lit room
- Use a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror
- Consider using your phone or a body mole map to record spots
- Try to perform the examination on the same date each month

Follow these steps from head to toe:

1. Examine your face and scalp
Check your face, nose, lips, ears and behind your ears. Use a comb or hair dryer to separate your hair into sections, and use a handheld mirror to inspect your scalp. Ask someone you trust to help with difficult-to-see areas.

2. Check your upper body
Using a full-length mirror, examine the front and back of your body. Raise your arms and check both sides of your torso.

3. Examine your arms and hands
Look at your shoulders, underarms, upper arms, elbows and forearms. Check your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers and around and underneath your fingernails.

4. Inspect your lower body
Examine the front and back of your thighs and lower legs. Do not overlook the groin and buttocks.

5. Check your feet carefully
Look at the tops and soles of your feet, your heels, between your toes and around and underneath your toenails.

6. Use a handheld mirror for difficult areas
Check the back of your neck, shoulders, upper and lower back and any other areas that are difficult to see directly.

7. Record anything new or changing
Take clear photographs or mark the location on a body map. Try to use similar lighting and distance each month so changes are easier to compare.

What should prompt a dermatology appointment?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, contact a dermatologist if you notice:

• A new spot
• A spot that looks different from the others
• A mole or growth that is changing
• A spot that itches, hurts or bleeds
• A sore that does not heal or heals and returns
• A new or changing band of color around or beneath a nail

A skin self-examination is not a way to diagnose skin cancer, and it does not replace an examination by a dermatologist. Its purpose is to help you recognize changes that deserve professional evaluation.

Concerned about a spot—or need help establishing an appropriate skin-examination schedule? Contact the American Institute of Dermatology. Our dermatology team can evaluate your skin and answer your questions.

Visit www.aiod.net to find an office near you.

Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology — aad.org
American Cancer Society — cancer.org

07/10/2024

Meet your new dermatologist in Winter Garden, Dr. Darrin A. Rotman. Dr. Rotman is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon who has been treating conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails for over 26 years. For over a quarter of a century, Dr. Rotman has provided his patients with a myriad of skin care services including cancer treatments, Mohs surgery, and the diagnosis and treatment of rashes, growths, and skin beautification techniques for patients of all ages.

For any issues you might have related to your skin, hair, or nails, please give us a call at (407) 434-9901 or visit us at our Winter Garden office located at:

15536 W. Colonial Drive
Suite A
Winter Garden, FL 34787

07/12/2023

For a quarter of a century, American Institute of Dermatology has provided patients with only the highest standard of quality skin care. We look forward to taking care of your skin needs for many more years to come!

10/24/2022