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
No results found
What causes grey hair?
Graying of hair can start in early adolescence and is a normal part of aging.
Is acne a permanent condition?
Acne can always be treated even in a long term basis. The scars can be permanent though appearance can be minimized.
Are cold sores treatable?
Yes. Episode severity can be reduced with acyclovir or valacyclovir and suppressed with those same medications long term. Avoiding triggers (stress, immunosuppression, sun, or READ MORE
Yes. Episode severity can be reduced with acyclovir or valacyclovir and suppressed with those same medications long term. Avoiding triggers (stress, immunosuppression, sun, or trauma) can lessen frequency of outbreaks.
Does sun exposure cause actinic keratosis?
Yes that is the most common cause. Welders are also at risk but that is also from ultraviolet light exposure.
Can rashes be caused by anxiety?
Yes dyshidrotic eczema of the hands is often triggered by stress.
My Fourteen-Year-Old Grandson Used Clearasil Pads and Has Welts Now
He could have a salicylate/aspirin allergy if it is true urticaria (hives/welts) since Clearasil contains salicylic acid and he should avoid it. If acne is an issue see a board READ MORE
He could have a salicylate/aspirin allergy if it is true urticaria (hives/welts) since Clearasil contains salicylic acid and he should avoid it. If acne is an issue see a board certified dermatologist for further treatment.
Does drinking alcohol make acne worse?
Regular acne (acne vulgaris) may flare with high glycemic index foods (simple sugars, processed grains) or low fat milk (worse than whole milk). Rosacea (AKA adult acne) may flare READ MORE
Regular acne (acne vulgaris) may flare with high glycemic index foods (simple sugars, processed grains) or low fat milk (worse than whole milk). Rosacea (AKA adult acne) may flare with alcohol, stress, sun, hot beverages, or a mite that lives in the hair follicles. If you are having flares that are not easily controlled, see a board dermatologist to assist with identifying triggers and reach long-term control.
How do moles and freckles differ?
Freckles are often present from childhood and get darker in the sun though usually tan in color. Solar lentigines are sunspots that tend to stay dark year round and develop later READ MORE
Freckles are often present from childhood and get darker in the sun though usually tan in color. Solar lentigines are sunspots that tend to stay dark year round and develop later in age due to sun exposure. “Moles” or nevi tend to develop in childhood up until 30s. They have a network and are typically brown and tan. Changing nevi or new ones after age 30 should be looked at more closely by a board certified dermatologist especially if you have a large number of moles, sun damage, and a family history of skin cancer.
What medication helps with jock itch?
Medications such as Lotrimin Ultra (butenafine), Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole), Lamisil (terbinafine) are all good anti-fungal options for mild tinea cruris/jock itch. You should READ MORE
Medications such as Lotrimin Ultra (butenafine), Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole), Lamisil (terbinafine) are all good anti-fungal options for mild tinea cruris/jock itch. You should use twice daily and two weeks beyond resolution of the rash. If it is recurrent, then you should probably use once weekly to keep it from returning. Keeping the area dry or using powders once the rash is gone might also be helpful. If it doesn't improve, chances are it is not fungal and I would suggest you see a board certified dermatologist in your area for evaluation and treatment.
Do Biore Pore strips help remove blackheads?
They do temporarily. Using retinoids such as Differin or prescription tretinoin would work better long term.
Can frequent hot tub use cause rashes?
It sounds like it with the timing. Ensure your bromine levels and pH are within range because poorly sanitized hot tubs can cause hot tub folliculitis which are hair follicle bumps READ MORE
It sounds like it with the timing. Ensure your bromine levels and pH are within range because poorly sanitized hot tubs can cause hot tub folliculitis which are hair follicle bumps that usually have pus in them. If it is more of a scaly red rash it could be irritation especially if you have underlying eczema. You may want to rinse off with water and moisturize after getting out just like you should after being in a pool.
What causes acne on the butt?
Sometimes sweating and friction cause irritation of the hair follicles. Bacteria can cause local infections. An easy treatment is use of benzoyl peroxide over the counter wash READ MORE
Sometimes sweating and friction cause irritation of the hair follicles. Bacteria can cause local infections. An easy treatment is use of benzoyl peroxide over the counter wash in the shower. If bathing 1/4 cup of household bleach in a full tub twice weekly may keep bacterial counts down. If it recurs you may be colonized with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which is a common bacterium. That may require prescription treatment.
Does frequent tanning put me at risk for skin cancer?
There is evidence that even one exposure to indoor tanning can increase your risk of skin cancer and eventually skin aging with long term exposure (wrinkles, thin/saggy skin, anddark READ MORE
There is evidence that even one exposure to indoor tanning can increase your risk of skin cancer and eventually skin aging with long term exposure (wrinkles, thin/saggy skin, anddark spots). I would recommend self tanner rather than exposure to tanning beds.
I have a small growth under my breast. Could it be a tumor?
It could be many things ranging from breast cancer to benign (not cancerous) growths. See your physician to recommend further evaluation.
How much sun exposure a day is healthy?
Less than 15 minutes per day. Unless most of your body is exposed many of us have difficulty getting enough vitamin D from the sun especially when it is not summer. If you have READ MORE
Less than 15 minutes per day. Unless most of your body is exposed many of us have difficulty getting enough vitamin D from the sun especially when it is not summer. If you have very pale skin you may be at high risk for skin cancer with excessive sun exposure. The recommendation is to get adequate oral supplementation to ensure no deficiency of vitamin D rather than to relay on UV exposure.
Should I stop eating chocolate because of acne?
Most of the current evidence points towards high glycemic index foods (sugars and white rice/breads) as well as low fat milk being worse than whole milk. There is no evidence that READ MORE
Most of the current evidence points towards high glycemic index foods (sugars and white rice/breads) as well as low fat milk being worse than whole milk. There is no evidence that greasy foods worsen acne but certainly they should be eaten in moderation due to usual high caloric intake.
What are lentigines?
These are signs of sun damage or sun freckles. Unlike normal ephilides or freckles solar lentigines tend to stay year round
Would I need to have antibiotics after Mohs surgery?
It varies depending on surgeon preference. The guidelines state for most clean sites without risk factors no antibiotics are needed. Mohs and many closures are low risk for infection READ MORE
It varies depending on surgeon preference. The guidelines state for most clean sites without risk factors no antibiotics are needed. Mohs and many closures are low risk for infection but depending on location or patient risk factors antibiotics may be necessary.
Which blackhead cleansers won't dry my skin out?
Try differin acne gel over the counter pea sized amount two nights weekly to entire face. Mix together with an oil free moisturizer a pea sized amount on the other hand. As tolerated READ MORE
Try differin acne gel over the counter pea sized amount two nights weekly to entire face. Mix together with an oil free moisturizer a pea sized amount on the other hand. As tolerated increase frequency until nightly. Use a gentle cleanser without medications every morning/night and spot treat with an oil free moisturizer to areas that might get dry. If this is not helpful make an appointment with your local bird certified dermatologist.
Do cancerous moles itch?
Benign and cancerous moles can itch. Anything symptomatic (bleeding, itching, tender, painful, or growing significantly) on the skin should be brought to the attention of a board READ MORE
Benign and cancerous moles can itch. Anything symptomatic (bleeding, itching, tender, painful, or growing significantly) on the skin should be brought to the attention of a board certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
