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Dr. Rachel A. Sennett, MD, PHD is a dermatopathologist in Washington, DC specializing in dermatopathology. She graduated from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 2017 and has 7 years of experience. Dr. Rachel A. Sennett, MD, PHD is affiliated with Holy Cross Health (Maryland), MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Health and KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH OF THE PLAN MID-ATLANTIC STATES, INC.
110 Irving Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20010
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove the outer layer of the skin using chemical solutions, like glycolic acid and phenol. Although most commonly performed on the face, this non-surgical procedure may be done on the neck and hands as well. Chemical peels can treat the following:
Before the procedure, a skin evaluation is done to determine which type of peel will produce the best results. Dark skin tends to respond well to light peels, while severely sun-damaged skin will likely benefit from a moderate or deep peel. Pre-treatment creams and sunscreen need to be applied every day for several weeks prior to the procedure. Doing this may help shorten the healing process.
During the peel, the area to be treated is cleaned thoroughly, and the chemical solution is applied on the skin for several minutes, which produces a stinging sensation. A neutralizing agent is then used, and the stinging sensation gradually goes away. For more intense peels, a cool compress may be placed on the area to relieve any stinging or burning, or the solution may be applied in intervals to limit exposure to the strong chemicals.
Following a light peel, there will be redness and swelling, which typically fade in a few days. Swelling after a moderate or deep peel may last for a week, and mild redness may continue for a few weeks. To help improve the final results of a peel, treated areas must be kept cool, moisturized, and protected from sunlight.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where the sweat glands become overactive, leading to excessive sweating. It can occur in just one area, such as the armpits, feet, or hands; or it can be general sweating over the entire body. Hyperhidrosis can happen to people of all ages and genders. It is estimated that the condition affects as many as 3% of all people, but many are never diagnosed because they are too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms with their doctor.
When excessive sweating is the main complaint and is not related to any other condition, it is called primary hyperhidrosis. There is no known cause, but it does tend to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or menopause. Sometimes treating the underlying condition can improve this type of sweating.
There are tests doctors can use to diagnose hyperhidrosis. One involves simply soaking up the perspiration with paper and then weighing the paper to measure how much extra sweat is being produced. Another test, called the starch-iodine test, involves covering the body with powder. This powder turns blue in any areas where sweat is produced.
Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and the areas affected. Some options are:
Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. Treatments are available, and support groups exist to help patients cope.
Skin Issues
The skin is the largest organ in the body, protecting and covering the more sensitive inner organs. Considering its size and that it is constantly exposed to the elements, the skin is usually relatively problem-free. However that doesn't mean that issues don't come up from time to time that might need the help of a professional. The most common skin issues that people seek medical help with are cosmetic issues, acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin growths.
Professional cosmetic skin treatments exist to treat wrinkles, scars, dark spots, remove excess hair, tone and tighten skin, and otherwise improve the appearance of the skin. They may use lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or many other forms of skin treatment.
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, most commonly on the face or back. The clogged follicles can then become infected and inflamed. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and retinoid creams.
Eczema is dry, sensitive skin that causes an itchy red rash, often in response to specific triggers. It is common in childhood but can sometimes last into adulthood. The main treatment involves keeping skin well moisturized.
Dermatitis is the medical name for any kind of skin inflammation or rash. Rashes can happen because of an allergy or contact with an irritating substance. They may be red, itchy, or even painful. They are often treated with antihistamines or moisturizing creams containing cortisone.
Psoriasis is patches of thick, red skin that is covered in silvery scales. It is often itchy and sore. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune disorder, and it runs in families. Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no cure, but there are medicated creams available to treat the symptoms.
Skin growths, including warts and moles, are usually not serious. However, some skin growths should be examined by a doctor to make sure they don't cause problems in the future. Warts are harmless, rough, bumpy growths caused by a viral infection. They occur most often on the hands and feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious. Moles are brown or black spots that are sometimes raised slightly from the surface of the skin. They happen when clumps of pigment cells form in a cluster instead of spread out. Moles are harmless except that they are more vulnerable to cancer than other parts of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its risk increases with sun exposure and fair skin tone.
Skin issues can be embarrassing or irritating, but most are minor and can be treated without serious problems. Some, however, can be a sign of a more significant issue, so it is important to see a doctor for anything out of the ordinary.
Dr. Rachel A. Sennett, MD, PHD graduated from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 2017. She completed residency at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dermatology and has a state license in Maryland.
Medical School: Mount Sinai School of Medicine (2017)
Residency: University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Affiliated Hospitals (2021)
Board Certification: American Board of Dermatology, Dermatology
Licensed In: Maryland
Dr. Rachel A. Sennett, MD, PHD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Rachel Sennett is a Washington, DC physician who specializes in dermatopathology. These areas are among Dr. Sennett's clinical interests: onabotulinumtoxinA (botox, botox cosmetic), angiosarcoma, and dermatomyositis. She is affiliated with Holy Cross Health (Maryland) and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Before performing her residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Dr. Sennett attended Mount Sinai School of Medicine.