- ArthritisPsoriasis is more than just an aesthetic concern, as it may cause intense itching, pain and even psychological problems in some individuals. One out of three individuals with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis, which is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints and tendons. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any part of the body and can range from mild to severe. Without proper treatment, psoriatic arthritis can lead to impairment.
- Medical Weight LossAt one time or another, most of us have tried following fad diets and restrictions in order to achieve weight loss. While the debate of diets in regards to losing weight still remains, there are some positive effects when it comes to the appearance of your skin. Cutting carbs is a fad diet that will help you quickly lose some weight; however, it will likely be regained after a few years. Although this may not be the most effective weight loss strategy, it can provide multiple skincare benefits. Cutting out high glycemic foods such as white bread, pasta and refined sugars can help maintain your blood pressure. If blood pressure soars too quickly, it could cause inflammation of the skin, causing it to become blotchy and irritated.
- Pediatric CareDr. Mary Helen Allen Hutchinson earned her undergraduate degree from Queens College in Charlotte and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She received her Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University and her medical degree from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. She completed a pediatrics internship at the University of North Carolina before completing a dermatology residency at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Hutchinson is board certified in Dermatology, and is currently accepting new patients.
- Primary CareSince opening our doors in 1967, we have expanded and now have six practices throughout Eastern North Carolina. Our offices are located in Greenville, New Bern, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Washington and Newport. We are pleased to offer the latest technology for treatment of medical and cosmetic conditions that affect the skin. Our board-certified physicians and experienced professionals work closely to provide the comfort and care you need while assuring the improvement of your health and overall appearance. While most medical conditions require referrals from your primary care physician, most of our cosmetic offerings are performed by professionals without the need for a physician referral. We encourage you to contact the office location nearest you to find out more about what we offer and how we can help you.
- Labor and DeliveryNita J. Lee earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then attended Beaufort Community College, becoming a registered nurse and graduating with the top GPA in her class. First working as a labor and delivery nurse at Vidant Hospital in Greenville, she decided to continue her studies, becoming a licensed aesthetician, graduating with honors from Craven Community College in New Bern. Nita is a Beaufort County native living in Washington, with her husband, Steven and their four children. She is passionate about skincare, and specializes in microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and dermaplaning.
- Internal MedicineDr. Eric Howell completed his undergraduate degree at North Carolina State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He earned his medical degree from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and completed his internal medicine internship and Dermatology Residency at Pitt County Memorial Hospital/Brody School of Medicine before entering private practice. Dr. Howell is board certified in Dermatology and is currently accepting new patients.
- Ultrasound® is a non-surgical ultrasound treatment used to counter the effects of time and gravity on your skin. This 30-60 minute face and neck treatment uses the body’s own regenerative response to gently restore memory to the skin and underlying tissue, resulting in a natural lift.
- Radiation Therapy® Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) technology. Facial veins, or telangiectasias, are dilated blood vessels found on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and other facial areas. They are commonly seen in fair-skinned women, and often associated with excessive sun exposure, hormones, normal aging, steroid use, liver disease, genetics, radiation therapy and trauma.
- Mohs SurgeryUsing Mohs surgery, the percentage of cure is more than 99 percent for most skin cancers, even when other forms of treatment have failed. Other methods of treatment offer only a 50 percent chance of success if previous treatments have failed.
- BotoxPaige House is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Aesthetician. She has been practicing in the aesthetic field for over 20 years. The services she offers include sclerotherapy, dermal fillers, BOTOX
- Laser ResurfacingFractional laser resurfacing is used to improve areas of fine lines, sunspots, and other discoloration on the face, chest, hands, and body. This treatment creates thousands of microscopic wounds, while leaving the surrounding skin intact. As these wounds heal, fresher skin emerges in its place. Skin is left looking smooth and retextured after treatment. It may also be used to target stretch marks and scars by rebuilding collagen, which creates a smoother, flatter appearance.
- Cosmetic DermatologyOur aesthetic division offers the latest advances in beauty, dermatology, and laser treatments. Cosmetic dermatology is focused on aesthetic appeal and we offer treatments to target wrinkles, spots, lines, and body fat. Our board-certified physicians and state-of-the-art technology will help you get back to your healthiest and best looking self. You can find more information on our aesthetic dermatology services below.
- Skin CancerThe Mediterranean diet consists of consuming plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. This diet has been proven to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and has increased skin benefits as well. Fruits and vegetables are known for their antioxidants, which can help fight against fine lines and wrinkles. The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to protection against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Some of the antioxidants found in olive oil and red wine can block chemical reactions that cause sun damage of the skin. Vegetarian diets also promote eating fresh foods that neutralize free radicals helping to keep wrinkles and age spots at bay.
- DermatologyOur practice proudly serves North Carolina’s eastern region at six different locations. We currently have office locations in Greenville, New Bern, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Newport, and Washington. Each practice provides state-of-the-art technology to treat a variety of skin conditions to meet your medical dermatology needs. The latest advances in aesthetic technology are offered exclusively at our Greenville, New Bern, and Newport (Crystal Coast) offices. Please refer to our location links to find more information on the providers, products and services offered at any of our locations.
- Acne TreatmentAcne is a common skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become clogged with oil or dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples and can appear on most places on the body. It most commonly appears amongst adolescents, but has the potential to also affect adults. Our practice offers several options for acne treatment and will help find the best solution for your unique skin type.
- EczemaAcne, eczema and itchy or irritated skin may all be signs of food intolerance. Intolerance differs from a food allergy in that they do not always invoke an immediate response from the immune system. The body may not even recognize the intolerance until 48 hours later. Dairy is a common food intolerance or sensitivity and can result in acne as it releases testosterone in the body which stimulates production of oil in the skin. One step that can be taken is the elimination diet, which involves removing any food your body has trouble digesting and monitoring to see if you notice any results. You may be able to slowly add these foods back into your diet being sure to track if you notice any skin changes.
- FungusFungal Infections of the nails are extremely common and begin with a white or yellow spot under the tip of a fingernail or toenail. Nail fungus can lead to Onychomycosis, which is characterized by the brittle and ragged appearance of the nail.
- LesionsReport changing lesions or new spots to your dermatologist. Regular check-ups are important to monitor for new skin cancers.
- Chemical PeelsDermaplane is a safe and effective treatment that manually exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Dead cells and baby fine vellous hairs are removed by using a sharp, sterile blade. This treatment may be performed alone or preceding a chemical peel or mask and will leave you with a flawless finish.
- Skin CareEating a balanced diet may keep you slim and healthy, but it also leaves an impact on your skin. We’ve all heard that drinking more water improves acne and gives you healthier skin, but this fact remains controversial because there are not many studies that prove it. Nevertheless, a lack of water can still leave you with a dull appearance and increase the prevalence of fine lines and wrinkles. So what about the food we eat, and does skin care actually begin from the inside out?
- MicrodermabrasionMicrodermabrasion is a light cosmetic procedure that uses a mechanical medium for exfoliation to gently remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that is performed in-office by a trained skincare professional.
- PsoriasisEach year, August serves as Psoriasis Awareness Month to promote the education and awareness of this disease to the public. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that’s often recognized for its patches of scaly, red skin. This occurs because it initiates a rapid buildup of skin cells. This scaliness generally appears whitish to silver in color and may eventually start to crack and bleed. Flare-ups and periods of remission are likely to occur with this disease. Most flare-ups typically happen in response to stress or certain medications.