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>
14 years
Experience
Dr. Geoffrey A. Potts, M.D.
- Troy, MI
- Wayne State University School of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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Why do I have severe itching all over my skin after bathing?
Harsh soaps or water that is too hot is a possibility combined with the low humidity of most homes in winter. I'd suggest a gentle detergent cleanser such as Dove sensitive skin READ MORE
Harsh soaps or water that is too hot is a possibility combined with the low humidity of most homes in winter. I'd suggest a gentle detergent cleanser such as Dove sensitive skin or Vanicream. Ensure you pat dry with a towel followed by application of a cream or ointment to moisturize the skin.
Do you recommend Proactiv?
Differin acne gel and benzoyl peroxide (I suggest Acne Free 2.5% benzoyl peroxide) are significantly cheaper than Proactiv. Proactiv MD is benzoyl peroxide and adapalene (same READ MORE
Differin acne gel and benzoyl peroxide (I suggest Acne Free 2.5% benzoyl peroxide) are significantly cheaper than Proactiv. Proactiv MD is benzoyl peroxide and adapalene (same as Differin), but much more expensive. If she's developing scarring, please see a board certified dermatologist to stop the process more rapidly.
Can I drive after MOHS surgery?
In general yes but I highly suggest you speak with your dermatologic surgeon regarding this. If it is very close to the eye it is possible you will have a bandage covering the READ MORE
In general yes but I highly suggest you speak with your dermatologic surgeon regarding this. If it is very close to the eye it is possible you will have a bandage covering the eye and making driving unsafe.
How would I know if I have diabetic dermopathy?
I suggest seeing a board certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. There are certain conditions (such as venous insufficiency or diabetic dermopathy among others) that READ MORE
I suggest seeing a board certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. There are certain conditions (such as venous insufficiency or diabetic dermopathy among others) that are common in this location.
Mintezol for pinworms?
Most of these medications require a second treatment once the eggs hatch to kill remaining worms. Please see your primary care physician or dermatologist for accurate diagnosis READ MORE
Most of these medications require a second treatment once the eggs hatch to kill remaining worms. Please see your primary care physician or dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Is there a test that can confirm psoriasis?
Most dermatologists and primary care physicians can accurately make this diagnosis clinically by the appearance and location of the characteristic rash. If widespread or not improving READ MORE
Most dermatologists and primary care physicians can accurately make this diagnosis clinically by the appearance and location of the characteristic rash. If widespread or not improving with standard topical therapy please see your board certified dermatologist for further management. If the rash is not classic a biopsy can assist with helping narrow down the diagnosis.
What are the stages of basal cell carcinoma?
This is an important question for your dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon. Most basal cells are slow growing tumors limited to the skin and very few of them spread beyond the READ MORE
This is an important question for your dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon. Most basal cells are slow growing tumors limited to the skin and very few of them spread beyond the fat. Treatment is determined by the depth of invasion, size, and location. Most basal cells that metastasize (spread beyond the skin) had been present for a significant amount of time (years) and metastatic basal cell carcinoma is extremely rare. The most important thing to do is follow closely with your board certified dermatologist for proper care.
Are antibiotics required to treat severe pimples?
Antibiotic therapy short term is one of the treatments to rapidly treat inflammatory acne (red pimples and pus bumps). Depending on your age and types of acne there are many other READ MORE
Antibiotic therapy short term is one of the treatments to rapidly treat inflammatory acne (red pimples and pus bumps). Depending on your age and types of acne there are many other long term options to keep acne clear. To prevent scarring often these treatments are used to keep things under control. See your board certified dermatologist for further management.
What could this be?
See your primary care doctor or board certified dermatologist to determine the cause of your rash.
Birth control for acne?
It can work well for combination (estrogen/progestin) but if intolerable there are many other options for acne. Certainly first line therapies for acne may work well and there READ MORE
It can work well for combination (estrogen/progestin) but if intolerable there are many other options for acne. Certainly first line therapies for acne may work well and there are other hormonal therapies available other than oral contraceptive birth control pills. They work by regulating menstrual cycles and flares of hormonal acne.
I am repeatedly getting pus boils around my groin area. What could be the reason?
There's a few possibilities. Depending on how long this has been occurring hidradenitis suppurativa or MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) infection seem the most READ MORE
There's a few possibilities. Depending on how long this has been occurring hidradenitis suppurativa or MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) infection seem the most likely in this location. I'd suggest seeing your local board certified dermatologist to help determine which it is and assist with prevention/treatment.
How is a sample collected for a pus culture?
If large, local anesthesia (numbing by injection) is usually provided around the abscess. Using a blade the pus and pocket are opened and swab is taken of the pus. The entire contents READ MORE
If large, local anesthesia (numbing by injection) is usually provided around the abscess. Using a blade the pus and pocket are opened and swab is taken of the pus. The entire contents of the abscess is expressed and often antibiotics are given after to improve the chances of a cure. Prevention of reinfection is by decolonization.
How are carbuncles treated?
If really carbuncles, methicillin resistant staph aureus is one of the more common infectious causes of these. Drainage and antibiotic therapy followed by decolonization is the READ MORE
If really carbuncles, methicillin resistant staph aureus is one of the more common infectious causes of these. Drainage and antibiotic therapy followed by decolonization is the best way to prevent recurrence.
How are ringworm infections treated in babies?
If you haven’t seen your pediatrician that would certainly be the first step. Barrier creams/ointments such as Vaseline or Aquaphor are good to protect skin from water, which can READ MORE
If you haven’t seen your pediatrician that would certainly be the first step. Barrier creams/ointments such as Vaseline or Aquaphor are good to protect skin from water, which can lead to candidal (yeast)/fungal (ring worm) infections. Ensuring the skin is completely dry is another important step. If your physician is not able to assist with keeping this infection/irritation down look into getting a referral to your local board certified dermatologist.
Can you suggest a medicated solution for dandruff?
Nizoral (ketoconazole 1%), Head and shoulders, Selsun blue, Neutrogena Tgel/Tsal, DHS are all good brands. Ensure you are using the products as recommended on the label (often READ MORE
Nizoral (ketoconazole 1%), Head and shoulders, Selsun blue, Neutrogena Tgel/Tsal, DHS are all good brands. Ensure you are using the products as recommended on the label (often twice a week depending on the product). If not clearing I recommend seeing your local board certified dermatologist. This is a recurrent problem easier to keep clear with maintenance therapy than to clear it when active.
Why do I have red rashes all over my body?
There are many different possibilities. If you have avoided harsh soaps and fragrances and despite your treatment with your primary physician then you may want to see a board certified READ MORE
There are many different possibilities. If you have avoided harsh soaps and fragrances and despite your treatment with your primary physician then you may want to see a board certified dermatologist for his/her opinion.
My daughter is developing white patches on her skin. What is the treatment for it?
Eczema or any rash can cause hypopigmented (light) patches. Vitiligo is complete loss of pigmentation and is caused by the immune system attacking the cells that create pigment READ MORE
Eczema or any rash can cause hypopigmented (light) patches. Vitiligo is complete loss of pigmentation and is caused by the immune system attacking the cells that create pigment (melanocytes). Depending which it is determines how it should be treated. You should talk to your primary care doctor or board certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
What is the treatment for acne in teenagers?
Keep in mind natural is not always safe or effective. Studies have shown whole milk is better than low-fat milk for acne. Low glycemic index foods (avoid those sugary drinks or READ MORE
Keep in mind natural is not always safe or effective. Studies have shown whole milk is better than low-fat milk for acne. Low glycemic index foods (avoid those sugary drinks or white bread) may be better for acne as well. Tea tree may not be significantly effective and may be irritating, but can work for some people. Salicylic acid is a common over the counter ingredient derived from willow tree that is similar to aspirin though can be somewhat irritating. Over the counter products such as benzoyl peroxide washes (lower percentages are better) or adapalene (Differin acne gel) are good starts to any acne regimen unless it is scarring. Differin is a mild retinoid (vitamin A derivative). If scarring is developing, I suggest seeing a board certified dermatologist to stop the progress before permanent scars set in. If it is not scarring the above two ingredients are often a good regimen). Be sure to ease into use of the Differin as it takes time to work and can be irritating. Use only a pea-sized amount to the whole face.
My daughter has a red mole that will be operated on. Does she need anesthesia?
Dermatologists utilize local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia so instead of having the risk of putting patients to sleep we do it all in the office. This means we use READ MORE
Dermatologists utilize local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia so instead of having the risk of putting patients to sleep we do it all in the office. This means we use local injections of lidocaine which stings for 5-10 seconds then the pain of the procedure itself is not felt. Board certified dermatologists have many tricks to avoid the pain of the injection you just have to ask.
Crusty, odd-looking mole
I suggest you have it evaluated by your primary physician and/or board certified dermatologist. Depending what it actually looks like there are many possibilities some of which READ MORE
I suggest you have it evaluated by your primary physician and/or board certified dermatologist. Depending what it actually looks like there are many possibilities some of which may not be anything to worry about but crusting can be a sign of skin cancer as well.
