expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Geoffrey A. Potts, M.D.

Dermatologist

Dr. Geoffrey Potts is a dermatologist practicing in Dearborn and Troy, MI. Dr. Potts specializes in skin care. Dermatologists evaluate and manage both common and uncommon skin conditions. These conditions include acne, psoriasis, warts, skin infections, atopic dermatitis, herpes simplex, and skin cancer. Dermatologists are also experts in more complex skin diseases like blistering disease, hidradenitis suppurativa, and lupus. Dr. Potts diagnoses skin problems and develops unique treatments plans for each individual patient.</p>
13 years Experience
Dr. Geoffrey A. Potts, M.D.
  • Troy, MI
  • Wayne State University School of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

How to manage petechiae?

You have a very complicated health history. I recommend finding a local board certified dermatologist to assume your care if you have not seen one recently. Also given your RA READ MORE
You have a very complicated health history. I recommend finding a local board certified dermatologist to assume your care if you have not seen one recently. Also given your RA I hope you are following with a rheumatologist you trust and discuss your symptoms with them as they could be from the medications or the hepatitis b.

Suspicious mole?

Please seek out a local board certified dermatologist. It is difficult to tell from this photo but a closer look or biopsy under the care of a dermatologist is highly recommended. READ MORE
Please seek out a local board certified dermatologist. It is difficult to tell from this photo but a closer look or biopsy under the care of a dermatologist is highly recommended.

Is Mohs surgery painful?

Mohs surgery is done under local anesthesia (numbing) injection just as simple biopsies are. Pain after the procedure is typically managed with ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen READ MORE
Mohs surgery is done under local anesthesia (numbing) injection just as simple biopsies are. Pain after the procedure is typically managed with ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) depending on the size and location of the surgery.

How do doctors remove skin tags?

Depending on size, location, number, and skin type we use cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen or snip removal after cleaning with alcohol. Bleeding can be an issue for larger lesions READ MORE
Depending on size, location, number, and skin type we use cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen or snip removal after cleaning with alcohol. Bleeding can be an issue for larger lesions so local anesthesia with topical creams and or injections are often used followed by cautery.

What causes rashes on your face?

There are many causes of facial rashes in men ranging from the common seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and contact dermatitis all the way to less common. Seeing a board certified READ MORE
There are many causes of facial rashes in men ranging from the common seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and contact dermatitis all the way to less common. Seeing a board certified dermatologist is important to get an accurate diagnosis and regimen for treatment.

What vitamins can I take for my nails?

Biotin may be helpful to strengthen the nails. Consider avoiding harsh soaps, physical removal of the cuticle, and irritating products. Use a moisturizer on the nails themselves READ MORE
Biotin may be helpful to strengthen the nails. Consider avoiding harsh soaps, physical removal of the cuticle, and irritating products. Use a moisturizer on the nails themselves to help the nails heal.

Why are my hands so itchy?

It’s difficult to make a diagnosis over that description but a disease called dyshidrotic eczema can cause small blisters on the hands that are quite itchy. Treatment is avoiding READ MORE
It’s difficult to make a diagnosis over that description but a disease called dyshidrotic eczema can cause small blisters on the hands that are quite itchy. Treatment is avoiding harsh soaps, fragrances, and water. Topical prescription cortisones are helpful to control symptoms. For that see your local board certified dermatologist.

How do you know if you're allergic to cosmetics?

It could be irritating or you could be allergic. I would suggest using it on the inner arm for 3 days and observing after 2-3 days for a reaction. If it persists do not use the READ MORE
It could be irritating or you could be allergic. I would suggest using it on the inner arm for 3 days and observing after 2-3 days for a reaction. If it persists do not use the product and consider a test called patch testing done at a local board certified dermatologist to determine what ingredients you may be allergic to.

Can dermatitis cause hair loss?

It can contribute and if your seborrheic dermatitis is not under control you should see board certified dermatologist to determine if there are other factors that need treatment READ MORE
It can contribute and if your seborrheic dermatitis is not under control you should see board certified dermatologist to determine if there are other factors that need treatment for the hair loss.

Is thinning hair a sign of hair loss?

Loss of 100 hairs a day is considered normal. Shedding hair can be a sign of many things including iron deficiency anemia, thyroid disease, or recent illness or surgery 3 months READ MORE
Loss of 100 hairs a day is considered normal. Shedding hair can be a sign of many things including iron deficiency anemia, thyroid disease, or recent illness or surgery 3 months prior to onset of hair loss. Patterned hair loss (male or female) is common and often starts at the front of the scalp and moves back. If the hair loss is rapid or continues see a local board certified dermatologist.

What can I do for ingrown hairs?

There are many tips to avoid this. First use a gentle cleanser to wash the face in warm water. If you have many inflamed bumps consider a benzoyl peroxide type wash prior to shaving. READ MORE
There are many tips to avoid this. First use a gentle cleanser to wash the face in warm water. If you have many inflamed bumps consider a benzoyl peroxide type wash prior to shaving. Use a fragrance free gentle moisturizing shaving cream. Shave with the grain (downwards) rather than against the grain (upwards). Use a sharp razor with short strokes or electric razor. Avoid pulling on the skin under tension to avoid skin trauma. Do not pull out the hairs or pluck them once ingrown they will find their way out. Do not squeeze if acne type lesions develops. After shaving wash the face with a gentle non medicated cleanser and apply a fragrance free moisturizer that is oil free. If those tips are not helpful see your primary doctor or board certified dermatologist.

Is laser hair removal safe for my face?

Yes. Depending on the pigmentation of your skin it might require a special laser to avoid causing light spots on the skin. Laser can be a long term solution to remove hair. A board READ MORE
Yes. Depending on the pigmentation of your skin it might require a special laser to avoid causing light spots on the skin. Laser can be a long term solution to remove hair. A board certified dermatologist is best equipped to make recommendations.

Why do lips peel?

Sun, irritation from makeup, lip products, or toothpastes, and lip licking are common causes of peeling lips. Sunblock and Vaseline are good options to treat scaly lips. If it READ MORE
Sun, irritation from makeup, lip products, or toothpastes, and lip licking are common causes of peeling lips. Sunblock and Vaseline are good options to treat scaly lips. If it persists see a board certified dermatologist to determine the cause and best treatment.

Why do I have swollen ankles after sunburn?

Yes. One of the local changes if inflammation is edema (swelling). Using aloe, moisturizer, ice, and leg elevation will help. The most important for next time is sun protection READ MORE
Yes. One of the local changes if inflammation is edema (swelling). Using aloe, moisturizer, ice, and leg elevation will help. The most important for next time is sun protection and avoidance.

Can sunblock cause an itchy face?

Consider zinc oxide sunscreen if you have sensitive skin (same stuff in diaper cream). If it persists consider seeing a board certified dermatologist to evaluate.

How can I effectively fight acne?

We have many options depending on the severity ranging from topicals to hormonal treatments and other oral options. Most will require prescriptions for long term control. The best READ MORE
We have many options depending on the severity ranging from topicals to hormonal treatments and other oral options. Most will require prescriptions for long term control. The best person to see is a board certified dermatologist.

Can seborrhea dermatitis be treated?

Yes. OTC products such as Nizoral, Head and Shoulders, Selsun Blue, Tgel/Tsal for the scalp or Clotrimazole cream on the face can be effective. If not helpful prescriptions may READ MORE
Yes. OTC products such as Nizoral, Head and Shoulders, Selsun Blue, Tgel/Tsal for the scalp or Clotrimazole cream on the face can be effective. If not helpful prescriptions may be required for adequate control.

When should one get a mole biopsied?

As soon as it starts changing. Make an appointment with a board certified dermatologist.

What causes bumps to form on one's penis?

These are normal glands called fordyce spots. No treatment is needed.

How can my daughter treat acne safely?

It the acne is as severe as you say the next step should be to see a board certified dermatologist to treat to avoid scarring.