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

Is Propidren suitable for me? I'm afraid it'll mess up my other hormones

I would suggest first seeing a board certified dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. Propidren is an unregulated dietary supplement that contains saw READ MORE
I would suggest first seeing a board certified dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. Propidren is an unregulated dietary supplement that contains saw palmetto. Saw palmetto blocks DHT production in the body in all tissues similar to the medication Propecia. This could certainly alter hormonal balance. Minoxidil 5% solution or foam (Rogaine) is a topical product with a similar mechanism and can be purchased over the counter in bulk from Costco or Sam’s Club at a discount. I would still see your doctor for an evaluation though.

Is petechiae harmful?

It could be a sign of an underlying bleeding disorder or something more serious. See your primary physician first or bird certified dermatologist to do a more thorough history READ MORE
It could be a sign of an underlying bleeding disorder or something more serious. See your primary physician first or bird certified dermatologist to do a more thorough history and exam.

What products best treat whiteheads?

Retinoid products (Differin, Retin A, Tazorac) work well for this type of acne. Differin acne gel is OTC and may take a couple months to work. If not helpful see a board certified READ MORE
Retinoid products (Differin, Retin A, Tazorac) work well for this type of acne. Differin acne gel is OTC and may take a couple months to work. If not helpful see a board certified dermatologist to treat you.

Does Accutane remove acne scars?

It may improve the appearance of some of the scars but it’s most important role is stopping you from creating more scars from acne. There are other treatments that can improve READ MORE
It may improve the appearance of some of the scars but it’s most important role is stopping you from creating more scars from acne. There are other treatments that can improve the cosmetic appearance but the key is to treat the underlying acne first.

How can I stop hair loss?

See a board certified dermatologist to rule out underlying illness and discuss options.

Steam burn on my palm, what should I do?

It sounds like you need a board certified dermatologist to evaluate the actual cause of the rash. Blisters can be multiple different things like eczema, psoriasis, herpes, or burn READ MORE
It sounds like you need a board certified dermatologist to evaluate the actual cause of the rash. Blisters can be multiple different things like eczema, psoriasis, herpes, or burn as you had originally among other things.

Can one remove moles without getting surgery?

A board certified dermatologist would be the best person to evaluate your mole and give you the best idea about how to manage the spot.

Are skin sores a symptom of psoriatic arthritis?

It sounds like you need to see a board certified dermatologist and possibly a rheumatologist (joint specialist) to properly give you an answer and manage your problem. Don’t delay READ MORE
It sounds like you need to see a board certified dermatologist and possibly a rheumatologist (joint specialist) to properly give you an answer and manage your problem. Don’t delay as joint inflammation can lead to permanent joint damage.

Is there any way to remove tattoos?

Find a board certified dermatologist in your area trained that has the correct laser for your tattoo

My mole looks like it changed colors. Is this melanoma?

See a board certified dermatologist in your area as soon as you can to evaluate the mole.

Are lasers the best treatment for rosacea?

For redness, larger blood vessels (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) yes laser is an effective long term solution. Creams such as Mirvaso and Rhofade are also helpful in temporary READ MORE
For redness, larger blood vessels (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) yes laser is an effective long term solution. Creams such as Mirvaso and Rhofade are also helpful in temporary improvement of flushing associated with rosacea. The most important factor is to determine underlying triggers for your skin and avoid them. Using sunscreen and sunscreen daily is important for skin cancer prevention and to reduce rosacea flares. Gentle washes or sulfa cleansers are often helpful to avoid irritating the skin. If you have bumps if rosacea there are many different prescription topicals and pills to assist with the inflammation. Some even have eye involvement of rosacea. A board certified dermatologist in your area could help you get clearer skin.

How do I know if a mole is cancerous or non-cancerous?

To reassure you my suggestion is to see a board certified dermatologist to get a good look at the mole to see if it is anything to worry about.

How long is the recovery after Mohs surgery?

Depends how it is closed or if closed at all. It is highly dependent on the location of the skin cancer. If the wound is closed on the face usually sutures are in for 5-7 days. READ MORE
Depends how it is closed or if closed at all. It is highly dependent on the location of the skin cancer. If the wound is closed on the face usually sutures are in for 5-7 days. I'd suggest you contact your surgeon for specifics about what to expect.

Why does my skin turn red when exposed to the sun?

This sounds like it needs to be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist. There's a lot of possibilities from sun sensitivity due to medications, products you apply to the READ MORE
This sounds like it needs to be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist. There's a lot of possibilities from sun sensitivity due to medications, products you apply to the skin, or some other underlying skin condition.

What can I do to treat eczema around my elbows and neck region?

Make an appointment with a board certified dermatologist to make sure it is just eczema and not some other cause. Beyond that we have many other treatments other than creams or READ MORE
Make an appointment with a board certified dermatologist to make sure it is just eczema and not some other cause. Beyond that we have many other treatments other than creams or ointments to offer.

What is the best brand of sun screen?

Depending on your skin type I usually recommend broad spectrum mineral (inorganic) sun blocks containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with SPF 30 or above. Remember most people READ MORE
Depending on your skin type I usually recommend broad spectrum mineral (inorganic) sun blocks containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with SPF 30 or above. Remember most people especially those with lighter skin types or high risk of skin cancer typically need both sun protection (clothing/hats) and sun block to properly prevent skin cancer, aging, and sun burn.

What's the difference between rosacea and acne?

A biopsy or tests is not usually helpful to tell between acne vulgaris (regular acne) and acne rosacea. The differences are clinical. If you saw a board certified dermatologist READ MORE
A biopsy or tests is not usually helpful to tell between acne vulgaris (regular acne) and acne rosacea. The differences are clinical. If you saw a board certified dermatologist I would trust his/her opinion.

Acne vulgaris usually starts in teenage years and often persists in women throughout life due to hormonal flares. It usually has whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory pustules (pus bumps) or papules (red bumps). There are other less common subtypes such as nodulocystic (deep under the skin).

On the other hand acne rosacea (sometimes called adult acne) has multiple different subtypes and is quite common in caucasian patients. It can have enlarged blood vessels on the mid face/nose, flushing, red bumps/pus bumps, eye involvement, or an itchy subtype called perioral dermatitis often caused by use of topical steroids. Rosacea has different triggers for everyone including sun, heat, stress, and spicy foods. The treatments can be similar (oral anti-inflammatory antibiotics such as doxycycline) or with topical washes.

When should children have skin tags removed?

A three year old seems quite young to have a skin tag. I would ensure you see a board certified dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist for another opinion.

My psoriasis is starting to hurt. Is there something I can do?

You have enough skin involvement that using topical treatments may not be enough to treat it properly. You should see a board certified dermatologist to offer options on how to READ MORE
You have enough skin involvement that using topical treatments may not be enough to treat it properly. You should see a board certified dermatologist to offer options on how to treat your psoriasis.
Psoriasis

Does sunscreen prevent me from absorbing vitamin D?

Real world studies show no reduced production of vitamin D from the sun when using sunscreen. In many climates the amount of sun exposure you need to produce a blood level of Vitamin READ MORE
Real world studies show no reduced production of vitamin D from the sun when using sunscreen. In many climates the amount of sun exposure you need to produce a blood level of Vitamin D may far exceed the safe amounts of sun you can get depending on your skin type in terms of aging and risk of skin cancer. Take a vitamin D supplement daily and work on moderating your sun exposure.