Our Services
Cookeville Dermatology is primarily a general dermatology practice. Dr. Whiteaker and her physician assistants, Kristi, McKenzie, and Shelby, perform careful skin exams and biopsy of suspicious moles or skin lesions. We also diagnose and treat a wide variety of skin issues (for example acne, eczema, and psoriasis), skin lesions (including but not limited to skin cancers of all types and abnormal moles, as well as benign moles, benign skin lesions, and skin tags), and hair and nail abnormalities (hair loss, abnormal nails).
Dermatology has a number of even more narrow specialties, such as Mohs micrographic surgery, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. Dr. Whiteaker has researched and hand-picked physicians in these specialties to optimize the care of her patients. For example, all biopsy specimens are sent to Nashville to be looked at under the microscope by dermatologists who are also trained pathologists (dermatopathologists). Although Dr. Whiteaker does some skin surgeries in her office, she may refer patients (such as patients who have biopsy-proven skin cancers that are large, or in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face) to highly trained and certified skin surgery specialists called Mohs surgeons. Dr. Whiteaker takes this very seriously and refers only when necessary, and only to the best doctors for her patient’s needs.
Learn more about our services
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Acne develops when pores become clogged. What type of acne you get depends on what clogs your pores. You’ll find pictures of the different types of acne, along with a description of how each type of blemish forms at: Acne: Signs and symptoms.
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The word “eczema” has two meanings. It can mean either of the following:
A group of conditions that causes inflamed, irritated, and often itchy skin.
Any one of the conditions within this group, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or stasis dermatitis.
Find out more about Eczema at the American Academy of Dermatologists site.
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This condition develops when the body makes skin cells too quickly, causing skin cells to pile up and form visible patches or spots on the skin.
Psoriasis is not contagrious.
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Rosacea is a common skin condition that often begins with tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people.
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Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed each year. It’s also one of the most preventable cancers and highly treatable when found early.
Common Types of Skin Cancer include:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Squamos Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
There are more types of skin cancer, but these are the most common. Learn more about these and other types of skin cancer.
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Hair loss can be difficult to talk about. However, there are several types of hair loss that are common such as male and female pattern hair loss, Alopecia, hair loss in the center of the scalp (CCCA), and receding hairline.
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Changes in your nail color, texture or shape can mean nothing, but it can also be a sign of disease. If you have noticed any changes to your fingernails or toenails recently, we are here to help.
Learn more about 12 changes in nails that a dermatologist should examine.
The information on this page was adapted from the American Academy of Dermatologists (https://www.aad.org/public) web site.
If you are not sure if we can provide the service or if you need an appointment, or you just have questions, please contact us.