expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Harley Haynes, MD

Dermatologist

Dr. Harley Haynes is a dermatologist practicing in Boston, MA. Dr. Haynes 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 more. Dermatologists are also experts in more complex skin diseases like impetigo, hidradenitis and milaria. Dr. Haynes diagnoses skin problems and develops unique treatments plans for each individual patient.
61 years Experience
Dr. Harley Haynes, MD
  • Boston, MA
  • Harvard Med Sch, Boston Ma
  • Accepting new patients

Are these stretch marks?

These are not stretch marks, but vascular lesions. You should consult a physician.

Skin issues?

These look like warts. See a dermatologist for treatment.

What are these?

I cannot be sure, but these lesions look like molluscum contagiosum viral infection that is harmless. Google it.

Infected piercing?

Yes. Not only safe but a good idea.

Blue spots?

Sounds benign, likely the result of minor blunt trauma. Should resolve over next few weeks.

Why do I have dry, itchy skin?

I am not sure, but it could be rosacea. Rosacea is often treated with long-term, low dose antibiotic as an anti-inflammatory agent. Rosacea is not an infection, but over-dilated READ MORE
I am not sure, but it could be rosacea. Rosacea is often treated with long-term, low dose antibiotic as an anti-inflammatory agent. Rosacea is not an infection, but over-dilated blood vessels. Certain foods and beverages (especially alcohol) can exacerbate the redness.

I have little black pores?

Pores in the skin of your nose are normal. Try to stop obsessing over them. Cosmetic powder will reduce their appearance.

I don't know what skin problem this is and I need advice?

This problem sounds like hand eczema. The inflammation causes both abnormal loss of the skin barrier at the surface and itching that results in scratching that further damages READ MORE
This problem sounds like hand eczema. The inflammation causes both abnormal loss of the skin barrier at the surface and itching that results in scratching that further damages the skin and causes even more inflammation. Avoidance of too much soap and water is key to avoid yet further damage. Ointments are better than cream. Using cotton gloves on top overnight helps keep the medication in place. Usually prescription-grade topical corticosteroid treatment is necessary. If antihistamines provide relief from itching, they can be very helpful. Often, systemic stress aggravates hand eczema, so steps to investigate and reduce causes of stress can help. Sometimes an irritant or actual allergy to something the hands contact is the responsible agent. Identifying and removing it from contact with the hands would then be crucial in addition to the therapy mentioned. Hand eczema can be a very vexing problem and the guidance of an excellent dermatologist is usually indispensable.

How to get rid of a nose bump?

If the bump is exactly where the piercing is, it is probably a hypertrophic scar or keloid. Do not try to have it surgically cut, as that might cause an even bigger bump. Local READ MORE
If the bump is exactly where the piercing is, it is probably a hypertrophic scar or keloid. Do not try to have it surgically cut, as that might cause an even bigger bump. Local injection of corticosteroid might be the most reasonable, but you should see a dermatologist for more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Remember, I do not even have a photo to examine.

I have red bumps on my skin?

I am not sure what this is. Insect bites or staphylococcal folliculitis are two possibilities.

Wound infection?

If infected, the wound would swell, get red around it, and be extremely tender to pressure. The photo isn’t great, but your hand does not look infected from what I can see. READ MORE
If infected, the wound would swell, get red around it, and be extremely tender to pressure. The photo isn’t great, but your hand does not look infected from what I can see.

Is my mole cancerous?

The mole looks benign to me. If cancer, there should be more irregularity in the shape and color as well as significantly increasing size.

Fungal infection?

I expect the white spots will resolve without therapy. You can continue what you are doing.

My face is dry and peeling?

The condition seems accentuated in mustache/beard areas. This is characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis, the same condition that causes dandruff in the scalp. Both can be treated READ MORE
The condition seems accentuated in mustache/beard areas. This is characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis, the same condition that causes dandruff in the scalp. Both can be treated by a dandruff shampoo. I prefer the ones containing zinc pyrithione. Shampoo the affected areas and rinse daily. Needs to be continued.

Skin cancer?

If they are brownish in color, or they could be seborrheic keratosis (google this, benign diagnosis). If they are reddish in color, they could be actinic keratoses (google this, READ MORE
If they are brownish in color, or they could be seborrheic keratosis (google this, benign diagnosis). If they are reddish in color, they could be actinic keratoses (google this, sometimes oremaligna tdiagnosis).

Lips feel odd?

Keep them lubed with chapstick or Vaseline or 1% hydrocortisone OINTMENT. Take some with you when you are out of the home.

Should I use toothpaste to treat my pimples?

Although I have been a dermatologist for over 50 years, I have no information on treating pimples with toothpaste. If you are trying to avoid the doctor, ask your pharmacist about READ MORE
Although I have been a dermatologist for over 50 years, I have no information on treating pimples with toothpaste. If you are trying to avoid the doctor, ask your pharmacist about products designed for treating acne or pimples.

How safe is finasteride?

Finasteride is effective at improving hair loss. Side effects you mention are not common and disappear upon stopping the drug if they do occur.

I have a growing mole?

Your description of the current development of your mole(s) is concerning - it does not sound like usual expected behavior. Therefore, I strongly urge you to consult a doctor. READ MORE
Your description of the current development of your mole(s) is concerning - it does not sound like usual expected behavior. Therefore, I strongly urge you to consult a doctor. My preference would be for you to see a dermatologist. However, if you have a respected primary care doctor, go to that person first.

Skin problem?

The lesion does look like a fungal infection (ringworm). The clotrimazole could have killed numerous fungi suddenly, causing an inflammatory reaction to their dead/dying parts. READ MORE
The lesion does look like a fungal infection (ringworm). The clotrimazole could have killed numerous fungi suddenly, causing an inflammatory reaction to their dead/dying parts. A dermatologist could confirm the diagnosis by examining skin scrapings from the lesion under a microscope. If fungal infection is confirmed, oral treatment by antifungal pills should be better tolerated.