Dermatology and Skin Cancer Treatment - Serving Jackson and Greenville, Mississippi, and the Entire Delta Region

The skin is the body's shield, offering protection against a host of environmental elements, both natural and man-made. Healthy skin is also critical to a person’s overall appearance and psychological well being. Dr. Joseph Terracina and his professional staff are dedicated to helping each of their patients achieve optimal skin health through state-of-the-art treatments and personalized care. At The Skin Institute, we offer a full range of advanced procedures, including acne treatment, skin cancer treatment, and mole removal to help our Greenville and Jackson, Mississippi area patients achieve excellent skin health and the most aesthetically pleasing results possible. Dr. Terracina often performs a dermatology procedure in conjunction with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), a neck lift, or other cosmetic procedure as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan. If you are concerned about the condition of your skin or the threat of skin cancer, we urge you to contact The Skin Institute today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Terracina.

General Dermatology:
Acne Treatment
Photodynamic Acne Treatment
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Nail Problems
Hair Problems
Rashes
Dry Skin
Eczema
Surgical Dermatology:
Skin Cancer Treatment
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mole Removal
Benign Growths
Warts
Skin Tags

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To learn more about acne treatment, mole removal, and skin cancer treatment at our Greenville clinic, residents of Jackson, Mississippi and all Delta-area communities can contact The Skin Institute.






The Skin Institute
2525 Hwy 1 South, Suite A
Greenville, Mississippi 38701
Phone: 662-335-1103
Fax: 662-335-8746
[ maps/directions ]

Acne Treatment

Acne is a skin condition that typically begins in and continues through adolescence. Though acne does not threaten health, it affects facial aesthetics and, as a result, often causes stress and heartache during the teen years when appearance and peer approval become so important. Because acne can leave scars that last a lifetime, effective acne treatment that produces lasting results is vital to restoring self-esteem. At The Skin Institute, Dr. Joseph Terracina provides custom acne treatment for his Jackson, Mississippi patients, taking into careful account each unique skin type and condition.

Dr. Terracina has many excellent solutions for acne. Treatment with topical retinoids, topical and oral antibiotics, and other medications can treat existing acne and prevent further outbreaks. Vitamin A–based medications such as Retin-A®, Differin®, and Tazorac® can effectively treat whiteheads and blackheads. The new acne treatment that many of our Jackson, Mississippi patients are choosing is Photodynamic Acne Treatment with the ClearLight® Acne PhotoClearing Laser. If you or a loved one suffers from acne, schedule an appointment for custom treatment by Dr. Joseph Terracina at The Skin Institute.

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Photodynamic Acne Treatment

Dr. Terracina is one of very few physicians in the South who offer advanced Photodynamic Acne Treatment with the ClearLight® Acne PhotoClearing Laser. In performing this revolutionary new treatment, Dr. Terracina first applies a special photosensitizing agent called Levulan® to the skin. Levulan® is FDA approved and has been used extensively to treat acne and other skin conditions, including sun-damaged skin. After Dr. Terracina applies Levulan®, he activates its healing properties with the specific light wavelengths of the ClearLight® Acne PhotoClearing Laser. The Levulan® targets active oil glands to reduce the appearance of acne and pores. The entire process takes about eight minutes, and two to three treatments at intervals of two to three weeks are recommended for the best results. To learn more about exciting Photodynamic Acne Treatment, residents of Jackson, Mississippi and other Delta-area communities can contact a member of our helpful staff or schedule a consultation with Dr. Terracina. The future of acne treatment has arrived. Experience it at The Skin Institute.

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Psoriasis

In addition to offering highly effective acne treatment, mole removal, and skin cancer treatment, our Greenville dermatologist helps Jackson, Mississippi residents and patients from throughout the Delta region by offering treatment for a wide range of skin conditions, including psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that results in itchy, red, raised skin with white scaly patches. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of the people throughout the world suffer from psoriasis, and, among this group, 25 percent are at risk for psoriatic arthritis. The itching and pain of this troubling skin condition can be debilitating, and individuals with psoriasis may socially isolate themselves because of embarrassment about their appearance. As a result, those afflicted with psoriasis often suffer from depression and low self-esteem.

At The Skin Institute, we take a great deal of pride in our effective psoriasis treatments. Dr. Terracina is a board-certified dermatologist who has extensive training in the treatment of psoriasis. The measures he uses to effectively target and heal chronic psoriasis include treatment with the XTRAC® Excimer Laser and the BClear® Targeted PhotoClearing System for full-body, narrow-band UVB phototherapy. Dr. Terracina can prescribe topical and oral medications that have been proven to be effective in treating psoriasis.

If you have psoriasis, there is no reason for you to suffer in silence. Dr. Terracina will carefully evaluate your condition and design a custom psoriasis treatment program that is just right for you. Most of our patients are clear within 30 days of their first visit.

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Rosacea

Rosacea is the redness that appears on the face and sometimes the neck, chest, or ears on some individuals, usually after the age of 30. In addition to skin redness, other symptoms include bumps and pus-filled pimples, eye irritation, a burning or stinging sensation on the face, and swelling. More than 14 million Americans are reported to suffer from rosacea. According to the National Rosacea Society, 70 percent of patients with the affliction said it had lowered their confidence and self-esteem. While there is no cure for rosacea, Dr. Terracina can prescribe topical medications and perform laser surgery to provide effective relief from the condition. Our skilled dermatologist carefully evaluates and designs a custom treatment program for each patient.

To learn more about Dr. Terracina's highly effective treatments and procedures, including skin cancer treatment, mole removal, and acne treatment, Greenville and Jackson, Mississippi residents can contact The Skin Institute to speak with a highly trained staff member or schedule a consultation with Dr. Terracina.

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Nail Problems

Often called "ringworm of the nail," a fungal infection of the nails can occur when fungus directly attacks the nails, or when it spreads from an athlete's foot or other fungal infection of the foot. The typical symptom of this condition is a whitish thickening of the nail and nail bed. In advanced cases, the nail can be destroyed. Dr. Terracina provides individualized treatment for nail problems that eliminates the infection and returns the nails to a healthy appearance.

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Hair Problems

Alopecia areata is a disease that causes hair loss. Its cause is unknown, but it has been linked in some cases to stress and seborrheic dermatitis. Individuals who have alopecia areata usually exhibit no other symptoms aside from hair loss, and they are generally in good health. Hair usually grows back after a bout of the disease, but growth is typically very slow. Dr. Terracina can treat alopecia areata hair loss with cortisone injections. Cortisone protects the hair roots and stimulates them to resume creating hair. Dr. Terracina typically performs injection treatments once a month for two to six months, depending on the extent of hair loss and the patient's response to treatment. If hair loss is profound, Dr. Terracina may prescribe systemic medications to augment the cortisone treatments. You can learn more about Dr. Terracina's effective alopecia areata treatment, acne treatment, mole removal, and skin cancer treatment by contacting our Greenville, Mississippi clinic. Jackson, Mississippi and all Delta-area residents deserve the best in dermatology and cosmetic care. At The Skin Institute, that's exactly what we deliver.

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Rashes

The term rash is used to describe a number of skin conditions that typically result in red, irritated skin with scales or itchy bumps. Rashes are rarely dangerous. However, self-diagnosis and treatment of a rash are not recommended because they are often ineffective. Self-treatment may actually cause the rash to worsen. Proper diagnosis and treatment of a rash can only be accomplished by a trained professional. Dr. Joseph Terracina is a board-certified dermatologist who has diagnosed and treated the many types of rashes. He will carefully diagnose your condition and provide the precise treatment necessary to provide you with exceptional results.

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Dry Skin

One of the most common conditions we see at The Skin Institute is dry skin. The irritation and itchiness of dry skin can occur any time of year, but it is particularly troublesome in the winter, when the air is cold and dry. If dry skin becomes a rash, Dr. Terracina may prescribe topical or oral medications. However, the most effective treatment is generally keeping the skin moist by taking fewer showers or baths and using the proper skin care products to maintain your skin's health and aesthetic appearance. Dr. Terracina will design a treatment that specifically addresses your skin's needs and restores your skin to optimal condition.

In addition to providing effective treatment for dry skin, Dr. Terracina helps patients by offering a full range procedures, such as mole removal, acne treatment, and skin cancer treatment, so that his Greenville and Jackson, Mississippi patients can remain healthy and achieve their aesthetic goals. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Terracina and learn about the benefits we can provide.

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Eczema

Eczema, often referred to as dermatitis, is a condition that causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Causes of eczema are varied. Eczema usually results from an allergic reaction to any number of substances, including medications, the glues and other chemical agents used in many products, and natural sources such as poison ivy. At The Skin Institute, Dr. Terracina performs allergy testing to pinpoint the cause of eczema. Then he provides state-of-the-art treatment with advanced laser phototherapy as well as highly effective medications. Once we know the source of your eczema and effectively treat it at The Skin Institute, we will provide you with at-home protocols so that you can avoid a recurrence.

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Skin Cancer Treatment

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are detected every year in the United States. Exposure to ultraviolet light, usually from the sun or through extensive use of tanning booths, is the primary cause of skin cancer. Those individuals most at risk for contracting this serious disease are people with light skin color, a family history of skin cancer, and/or prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning lights. Dr. Terracina provides essential and effective skin cancer treatment at his Greenville, Mississippi clinic so that his patients can avoid the devastation this dread disease can cause. He also provides education and strategies to protect you and your loved ones from the harmful effects of the sun or tanning lights.

There are three common types of skin cancer:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Approximately 80 percent of individual diagnosed with skin cancer have basal cell carcinoma. It can appear in many forms: a rough, reddish patch; a sore that refuses to heal; an area that looks like a scar; or a bump that resembles a mole. Dr. Terracina provides several forms of skin cancer treatment of basal cell carcinoma, including Mohs micrographic surgery, that eliminate the cancer and the chance that it can progress to a more dangerous stage.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma occurs in approximately 16 percent of cases. This skin cancer usually occurs on areas of skin that are exposed to ultraviolet rays, but it can appear anywhere on the body. Physical signs of squamous cell carcinoma closely resemble those of basal cell skin cancer. Treatment should occur quickly after signs of the cancer are detected to prevent uncontrolled growth and possible metastasis.
  • Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, occurs in about 4 percent of cases. It is completely curable if it is detected and treated in its early stages. Melanoma usually appears as a black or brown bump or discolored patch, but it can appear as any color. Early detection of melanoma is crucial to avoid the dangerous consequences of this sometimes-deadly skin cancer. Because of the danger this skin cancer poses, treatment is usually surgical excision, or removal of the melanoma with a scalpel.

Because the signs of skin cancer are often confused with normal skin conditions, it is highly recommended that you see a qualified dermatologist at least once a year for a skin check. When skin cancer is undetected and left untreated, the consequences can include disfigurement from radical surgery and even death. Dr. Terracina provides check-ups for early detection and expert skin cancer treatment at his Greenville, Mississippi clinic so that you and your loved ones can have peace of mind.

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Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is an advanced skin cancer treatment performed at our Greenville, Mississippi dermatology clinic that offers the highest potential for recovery to skin cancer patients. The procedure is usually performed to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. In performing Mohs micrographic surgery, Dr. Terracina uses a special microscope to ensure that he removes a skin cancer down to its roots. Mohs micrographic surgery has the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatments, up to 99 percent, even for cancers that have been treated previously. It is the most precise method of tumor removal in existence. It minimizes the chances for reoccurrence of a cancer, and it reduces the potential for scarring or disfigurement. Contact The Skin Institute to learn more about skin cancer treatment and Mohs micrographic surgery.

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Mole Removal

Moles typically develop through young adulthood to about the age of 40. Moles often go unnoticed, but they may appear in functionally and cosmetically inconvenient places. They can become a nuisance when they rub against clothing or get in the way of shaving. A mole on the face or other cosmetically sensitive area can negatively affect appearance. Though most moles are benign, some moles are a sign of cancer and can lead to potentially very dangerous health consequences. If a mole seems out of the ordinary - a mole, for example, with ragged edges, uneven shape, varied color, or that bleeds - you should have it examined immediately by a qualified dermatologist. Dr. Terracina is a board-certified dermatologist who has extensive training and experience in identifying dangerous moles and in performing mole removal. If you live in Jackson, Mississippi or any other Delta-area community and have a mole that seems questionable, we urge you to make an appointment today to have it examined by our expert doctor.

Dr. Terracina performs mole removal for both health and cosmetic purposes. Before removing a mole, Dr. Terracina will have a biopsy performed on a small sample of the mole tissue to determine whether cancerous cells are present. If after examination and lab tests a mole proves to be normal, Dr. Terracina can remove it by shaving it or by excision. Shaving is usually performed on a mole that rubs against clothing. Dr. Terracina removes the mole's protruding surface. However, because this mole removal method can leave discolored skin and mole cells capable of regrowing, Dr. Terracina usually uses the excision method of mole removal.

The excision method of mole removal is performed by cutting (with stitches) or cauterization (burning). The method used depends on the depth of the mole and the desired cosmetic outcome. Dr. Terracina usually performs excision mole removal when a patient has a mole that is cosmetically inconvenient or is cancerous because the method virtually guarantees complete removal of all mole cells. Our skilled doctor can minimize a remaining scar so that it is as imperceptible as possible. If you have a mole that has caused you concern or that detracts from your appearance, Dr. Terracina provides quick and effective mole removal for his Jackson, Mississippi area patients with excellent results. Schedule an appointment today to have Dr. Terracina examine your mole and advise you on the best method of mole removal to ensure your health and meet your cosmetic needs.

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Benign Growths

Benign growths are any of a wide variety of abnormal skin growths or pigmentation that can be present at birth or appear later in life. They can appear as bumps, moles, freckles, discolored areas, or keloid scars. Though most pose no risk, an unusual growth or discoloration should be checked by a qualified dermatologist to ensure that cancer cells are not present. Dr. Terracina is a board-certified dermatologist who will provide precise diagnosis of any benign growth and design a treatment plan that will provide the best results for eliminating the growth. If you have an unusual growth or other skin condition, contact The Skin Institute today to schedule an appointment to receive accurate and effective diagnosis and treatment.

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Warts

Though a wart looks as though it is just a raised bump of hard skin, it is actually the result of a viral infection of the top layer of skin. The wart virus can be passed from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching a surface that carries the virus, such as a shower-room floor. It may come as a surprise that the most effective treatment of warts is to irritate the wart so that the body recognizes it as an infection and attacks it with the immune system. Dr. Terracina uses a variety of methods to irritate a wart, including freezing, medicines, and laser treatments. Every patient is unique, so when you come to The Skin Institute for wart removal, Dr. Terracina will provide the treatment that is most appropriate for you.

To learn more about all of our highly effective procedures, including skin cancer treatment, mole removal, and acne treatment, Greenville and Jackson, Mississippi residents can contact The Skin Institute to speak with a member of our professional staff or to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Terracina.

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Skin Tags

Skin tags are a small growth that projects from the skin with a bump-like appearance or on a stalk so that hangs from the surrounding skin. Skin tags can have a smooth or irregular shape and can be flesh colored or pigmented. They occur almost anywhere on the body, but often manifest on the neck, eyelids, armpits, upper chest, and groin. Skin tags typically begin to appear in middle age, and they are more prevalent on women than men. There is usually no health risk associated with skin tags. Dr. Terracina removes these small growths using by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, starving them of their blood supply with a tied thread or suture, and by excision (cutting off skin tags with a scalpel or other instrument). Dr. Terracina will carefully evaluate your case and provide the treatment that will give you the best possible results.

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Learn More about Acne Treatment, Mole Removal, and Skin Cancer Treatment

At The Skin Institute, Dr. Terracina and his professionally trained staff strive to provide state-of-the-art care and exceptional service to every patient. Our full range of procedures includes mole removal, skin cancer treatment, and acne treatment. We also offer Greenville and Jackson, Mississippi residents skin consultations and a full selection of outstanding skin care products for achieving and maintaining beautiful, healthy skin. Contact The Skin Institute today to learn more about how we can help you look your very best.

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