Help - need recommendation for DC-area expert dermatologist

Submitted by Just_Anon_Stuff t3_1071lcv in washingtondc

(Mod note: This is NOT a request for medical advice, but for recommendations of NoVA-area dermatologists with a particular expertise.)

I'm a resident of Fairfax City. For about eight months, I've been having some chronic skin conditions - itchiness, flaking and oozing skin, and puffy eyes.

I have repeatedly visited a local dermatology practice, but they have no idea what's wrong with me. For reasons I don't understand, they won't connect me with one of their board-certified dermatologist M.D.s - they keep scheduling my visits with PAs, who have largely run out of ideas. Their recommendations are lotions that are ineffective, drugs that only mask the itchiness (and poorly at that), and "maybe try phototherapy?" ... not confidence-inspiring. They mean well and they're probably effective for garden-variety conditions, but it's clear that my condition is way out of their depth.

As it stands, I'm approaching eight months of struggling with a chronic skin condition of increasing severity. I have no clear diagnosis, no clear plan of care, and little hope for a near-term resolution. It is taking a huge toll on my personal life, my career, and my mental health.

I am in desperate need of a recommendation of an expert dermatologist in the area who specializes in difficult cases, including multifactorial cases with a possible immunologic component. My health insurer (Anthem) has a big list of covered providers, and I plan to spend tomorrow on the phone making new-patient appointments - but the website has no indication of specialties or practice quality, so it's like picking names from a phone book. (I contacted one that seemed well-suited based on Anthem's website, and was informed that they specialize in dermatology cancer surgery. Totally not suitable.) I'm willing to drive into DC for the right provider (or, for that matter, Baltimore or Richmond).

Please please please help with a recommendation - thank you.

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Crafty-You t1_j3k1yfr wrote

I just went to Dr. Vincenzo Gianelli to help differentiate between psoriasis and eczema connected to autoimmune arthritis. He couldn’t rule anything out because I have nothing to biopsy currently but 1. I had a great experience in their office; 2.his credentials checked out; 3. He was straight forward and explained his thought process which makes me trust him.

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ResponsibleSwing1 t1_j3k3f43 wrote

I’ve been a life long sufferer eczema, atopic dermatitis and some amount of psoriasis. It sucks. I found some amount of help at Medical and Aesthetic Dermatology in Columbia, MD. There was a PA that actually listened to me and asked about the history and progression of my skin conditions. Unfortunately she moved to FL this summer. The PA she recommended was either Brooke or Rebecca (do not visit Julia)I haven’t gone back but would try them if I was desperate enough. FWIW a product that actually worked is Eucerin Urea face cream to the point i rarely use steroids on my face.

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hil120 t1_j3k44zw wrote

Highly recommend Dr. Khan at Washington institute of dermatological surgery!

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BertaniWasBehindIt t1_j3k89ye wrote

Just wanted to drop a note to avoid Integrated Dermatology. Dr. McElroy quoted me $250 and they charged me over $1200. Stay far away and good luck!

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Terrible-Echidna801 t1_j3k9ma6 wrote

I’m sorry to hear you are having difficulties with a diagnosis and follow up care—I know how frustrating it can be. My experience with GW Derm was okay but not very personal. I felt they were lacking in patient care and communications. I saw a second dermatologist (who I can’t remember the name but openly admitted they specialized in cosmetic stuff) who recommend both Dr R. Prussick (years of experience & very good with patient care) or Dr Ben Lockshin (has received derm awards). Good luck and keep your chin up!

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SenseiRaheem t1_j3khr3c wrote

Braun Dermatology (in the Foxhall building in NW) has been wonderful, but I'm not sure how deep their experience runs with your kind of situation. I think they also have a VA location.

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Ok-Dragonfruit-2041 t1_j3kjkw0 wrote

Dr Margaret Kopelman in Falls Church. City NOVA derm. I trust her so much. She is honest, patient, smart, humble, and thorough. She also is the sole doctor and has no NP or PA. She runs the show.

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Ok-Dragonfruit-2041 t1_j3kjv32 wrote

Sounds like immunology/allergy would also help. Nithya Swamy MD in Ballston is great.

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FreelyIP109 t1_j3knffq wrote

If you think it could be an allergy/immunology issue, my wife is an allergist in Chantilly. You can send me a PM for more info.

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Reasons2BCheerfulPt1 t1_j3lcef5 wrote

Dr Tamjidi has offices in Chevy Chase and McLean. She is very good. Not sure she will be able to address your complaints but she will get you a referral to someone else if she can’t.

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messmaker523 t1_j3lwti3 wrote

Do you have a primary care. Sometimes a referral from one with a H&P of your visit will make a specialist look more closely at your case rather than just pawn you off immediately to a PA for your initial visit. Especially if your primary care expressed concern for your condition in the referral

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minhtyfreshtea t1_j3m0sns wrote

Replying to Just_Anon_Stuff (#1,313,511)

I second Prussick who I've been with since moving into the area a few years ago. He and his staff are very good with patient care even when I leave feeling frustrated (chronic eczema since I was a kid, symptoms are under enough control that I am functional & living good enough lol).

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Appeal_Mother t1_j3mni0u wrote

Arden Edwards in Bethesda (Apex Dermatology). She is trained in med-derm and super smart and thorough. Didn't take insurance but her office fees are low and my insurance paid most of it OON.

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IDKJA t1_j3mrqmq wrote

I have no medical expertise, but based on your symptoms and as someone who has been through skin conditions/allergies - it may be worth consulting with an allergist as well. I highly recommend Dr. Nsouli's practice - he and his daughter are great! https://nsouliallergyandasthma.com/ I hope you find the care you need and get some relief ASAP!

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SchrodingersCatfight t1_j3mwy2a wrote

Replying to Just_Anon_Stuff (#1,313,511)

FWIW, I've been going to Ben Lockshin's practice for over a decade at this point (his father, Norman, practiced there before him) and have always had a solid experience.

One thing I would recommend is coming with a full list of what you've tried so you can go through it with the doctor and don't forget anything. My derm (Saurabh Singh) is great, but it is a BUSY practice and I feel like I always have to be on my A game to go through everything before he's off to the next patient. I've seen other docs in the practice in urgent cases b/c it can take months for me to see him for routine check-ins and had the same feeling.

They're good, but they're also scheduled really tightly I think.

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DCGirl50 t1_j3ofkz1 wrote

Off the wall idea but there is a version of celiac disease called dermatitis herpetiformus that causes similar symptoms. Maybe ask for screening for that?

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DCGirl50 t1_j3ofoq4 wrote

Off the wall idea but there is a version of celiac disease called dermatitis herpetiformus that causes similar symptoms. Maybe ask for screening for that?

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skintwo t1_j3us47z wrote

Dr Katherine Ellison, near you!

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