Skin Conditions & Dermatology Care in Spanish Fork

What Skin Conditions Does Dr. Oldham Diagnose and Treat?

Dr. Oldham diagnoses and treats a broad range of skin conditions at the Spanish Fork office, including acne vulgaris, eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, hives (urticaria), fungal infections (ringworm, athlete’s foot, nail fungus), warts, molluscum contagiosum, impetigo, cellulitis, shingles, cold sores, sebaceous cysts, skin tags, suspicious moles, and non-melanoma skin cancers. The American Academy of Family Physicians recognizes that family medicine physicians manage the majority of skin conditions in the United States, and Dr. Oldham’s training includes the dermatologic evaluation skills needed to differentiate benign from concerning lesions.

Skin conditions account for a significant portion of same-day and scheduled visits in Spanish Fork, particularly during Utah’s dry winter months when eczema and psoriasis flare. Because he manages each patient’s full medical history, Dr. Oldham connects skin symptoms to underlying conditions that a stand-alone dermatology visit might miss. A new rash in a patient taking a recently started medication may be a drug reaction. Widespread itching in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes may signal poor glucose management. That whole-patient perspective improves diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.

How Does Dr. Oldham Treat Acne in Teens and Adults?

Dr. Oldham treats acne as a medical condition with established treatment algorithms, not a cosmetic concern that patients should simply outgrow. For mild acne (comedones and occasional papules), he starts with topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, which target the two main acne mechanisms: abnormal skin cell turnover and bacterial overgrowth. For moderate acne with inflammatory papules and pustules, Dr. Oldham adds a topical or oral antibiotic and reassesses at six to eight weeks. For severe or scarring acne that does not respond to combination therapy, he refers to dermatology for isotretinoin evaluation. Dr. Oldham follows the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for stepwise acne treatment and adjusts the plan based on response at each follow-up.

Adult acne responds to the same evidence-based approach, noting that hormonal acne along the jawline and chin in women may respond to spironolactone or a specific oral contraceptive in addition to topical therapy. In Spanish Fork, where outdoor activities and dry air can aggravate acne through skin barrier disruption, Dr. Oldham also reviews the patient’s skincare routine, recommends non-comedogenic moisturizers, and addresses the myth that acne results from poor hygiene. Setting realistic expectations matters: most acne treatments take six to twelve weeks to show full effect, and Dr. Oldham explains that timeline at the first visit to prevent patients from abandoning treatment too early.

Can Dr. Oldham Perform Skin Biopsies and Lesion Removals?

Dr. Oldham performs shave biopsies, punch biopsies, and excisional biopsies in the Spanish Fork office for suspicious moles, growths, and lesions that need pathologic evaluation. A shave biopsy removes the raised portion of a lesion with a scalpel and is used for superficial growths. A punch biopsy uses a circular blade to obtain a full-thickness skin sample and is used when deeper tissue is needed for diagnosis. An excisional biopsy removes the entire lesion with a margin of normal skin and serves as both diagnostic and therapeutic for small skin cancers. Dr. Oldham sends all biopsy specimens to a certified pathology lab and reviews the results with the patient within one to two weeks.

Benign skin lesions like skin tags, sebaceous cysts, and warts using cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), electrocautery, or surgical excision depending on the size and location. These minor procedures are performed under local anesthesia during a scheduled office visit and take 15 to 30 minutes. Patients leave with wound care instructions and a follow-up plan. Dr. Oldham’s surgical training during residency, which included four years of procedural rotations, prepared him to perform these office-based procedures safely and efficiently.

How Does Dr. Oldham Screen for Skin Cancer?

Dr. Oldham performs skin cancer screening as part of annual physicals and at any visit where a patient raises a concern about a new or changing mole. He uses the ABCDE criteria (asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter greater than 6 mm, and evolution over time) to evaluate suspicious lesions and performs a dermoscopic examination when available. Utah’s high altitude increases UV exposure, and the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that elevation increases UV radiation by roughly 4 to 5 percent for every 1,000 feet above sea level. Spanish Fork sits at approximately 4,600 feet, which means residents receive meaningfully more UV exposure than those at sea level.

Any lesion that meets clinical criteria is biopsied for suspicion and sends the specimen for pathologic evaluation. When a biopsy returns as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, Dr. Oldham discusses treatment options including excision in the office (for small, well-defined lesions) or referral to a dermatologic surgeon for Mohs surgery (for larger or cosmetically sensitive areas). For melanoma, he coordinates an urgent referral to oncology. Dr. Oldham emphasizes prevention at every skin visit: daily sunscreen (SPF 30+), protective clothing, avoiding peak UV hours, and regular self-exams at home between office visits.

How Does Dr. Oldham Manage Eczema and Psoriasis?

Dr. Oldham manages eczema and psoriasis as chronic conditions that require a long-term treatment plan rather than a single prescription. For eczema, he starts with daily moisturization using a fragrance-free emollient, identifies and eliminates triggers (harsh soaps, wool clothing, dry air), and prescribes topical corticosteroids for flares. For patients with moderate to severe eczema that does not respond to topical therapy, Dr. Oldham can prescribe calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) or refer to dermatology for systemic options including dupilumab. He monitors steroid use to prevent skin thinning and rotates treatment sites when long-term topical steroids are needed.

Psoriasis treatment starts with topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs (calcipotriene), and combination products for mild to moderate disease. For patients with widespread plaques or psoriatic arthritis symptoms, he refers to dermatology or rheumatology for biologic therapy evaluation. Dr. Oldham screens psoriasis patients for associated conditions including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and depression, because psoriasis carries systemic inflammation that affects more than the skin. In Spanish Fork, where dry winter air and indoor heating exacerbate both eczema and psoriasis, Dr. Oldham discusses humidifier use and bathing practices that protect the skin barrier during the cold months.

When Does Dr. Oldham Refer to a Dermatologist?

Dr. Oldham refers to dermatology when a skin condition requires specialized diagnostics, procedures, or therapies that exceed primary care scope. Specific referral triggers include suspected melanoma, acne that fails standard medical therapy and may need isotretinoin, psoriasis or eczema requiring biologic medications, autoimmune skin conditions like pemphigus or dermatomyositis, complex surgical excisions in cosmetically sensitive areas, and any diagnosis that remains uncertain after initial biopsy and treatment. Dr. Oldham maintains the referral relationship by reviewing the dermatologist’s notes, coordinating medication management, and continuing to see the patient for all other medical needs.

Many skin conditions referred to dermatology could have been managed in primary care with earlier intervention. A patient who waits three months for a dermatology appointment for a rash that Dr. Oldham can diagnose and treat at a same-day visit loses time and comfort unnecessarily. Dr. Oldham encourages patients to start with a primary care visit for any new skin concern, because he can resolve the majority of cases in the office and reserve dermatology referrals for the conditions that truly need a specialist’s tools and expertise.

Does Insurance Cover Skin Condition Treatment With Dr. Oldham?

Dr. Oldham bills skin condition visits under standard evaluation and management codes, and most of the 30+ insurance plans accepted at the Spanish Fork office cover these visits with a standard copay. Procedures like skin biopsies and lesion removals are billed under separate CPT codes and may carry an additional cost depending on the plan. Generic topical medications for acne, eczema, and psoriasis are typically covered at the lowest copay tier, while newer brand-name treatments and biologic agents may require prior authorization. The front desk verifies coverage before procedures and helps patients understand expected costs.

Cosmetic procedures, including removal of benign skin tags or moles for appearance rather than medical necessity, may not be covered by insurance. He discusses the distinction between medical and cosmetic indications at the visit so patients can make informed decisions about cost. Families without insurance can ask about self-pay rates for skin evaluations and procedures when scheduling.

How Do I Schedule a Skin Condition Visit With Dr. Oldham?

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Conditions