My name is Martha and I am a dermatologist, a skin specialist. I strive to help people solve all of their skin problems by providing them with treatments and medicines suitable to fit their needs. Should you have any question, I am always available by phone, email or by filling out our contact form located at the bottom of this page. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Martha Liliana Acosta Quiroz
Undergraduate degree from the Universidad Libre de Cali and medical degree with specialty in Dermatology from the Prof. Rubém David Azulay Institute of Dermatology (http://santacasadermatoazulay.com.br/) of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Member of the Colombian Society of Dermatology (ASOCOLDERMA)
Acne is an inflammatory condition of the structure consisting of the hair follicle and the skin oil gland -also known as pilosebaceous unit- whose manifestations are what we call clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads (closed and open comedones), papules, cysts and nodules. It may occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders and arms, affecting mostly those in their teens, but it also may be present in grownups (late, persistent acne) and newborns (neonatal or baby acne). It is important to treat acne to avoid scars.
Acne treatment varies for each person, depending on the type and severity of the lesions, as well as on the patient’s type of skin, age and lifestyle. Options include: Topical drugs, i.e., retinoic acid and adapalene, Antibiotics, Oral retinoids (isotretinoin).
Furthermore, there are other options that may help with the acne and its scars, such as: Comedone extraction, Subcision, Chemical peelings, Laser.
These diseases usually manifest themselves by itching, rash, desquamation, swelling and burning. Allergies can originate from many ingested, injected or inhaled substances, mainly medicines and foods. They may also arise from topically applied substances which cause skin irritation (e.g., cleaning products, soaps, chemical products...) or from an actual immune response (to e.g., cement, leather, dyes, rubber, etc.).
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in humans and its prevalence has increased worldwide in the last few years. It is an abnormal growth of skin cells which generally –but not always- develop on skin exposed to the sun’s rays.
There are 3 major types of skin cancer:
Also, there are other less frequent types of malignant skin tumors such as sebaceous and/or sweat gland carcinomas, sarcomas or skin manifestations of internal neoplasias.
Diagnosis is made based on clinical observation of the lesions and dermatoscopy, and confirmed through a skin biopsy. The importance of the clinical examination lies in distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions, as well as in identifying the type of skin cancer, in order to implement proper treatment and help to prevent new lesions.
Infectious diseases are those caused by microorganisms, including fungi, viruses and bacteria. For instance, mycosis in skin, fingernails and hair. Also, pyodermitis –e.g., erysipela, folliculitis, impetigo and cellulitis- are caused by bacteria. Varicella or chickenpox, herpes (simplex or genital), warts and molluscum are caused by viruses.
Leprosy and leishmaniosis are also infectious diseases that are most common in the tropical areas of our country. The dermatologist is the professional responsible for treating several sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid or herpes). This is the reason why there is a branch of dermatology called venereology. These diseases can be transmittable, hence the importance of an early diagnosis. Treatment can be administered topically or orally.
Age spots are known as dyschromias. They are alterations to color skin, and they can be dark or light. Light spots can be caused by several factors: they may occur following swelling or injury of any kind, they may reflect a fungal infection (i.e., “white cloth” or pityriasis versicolor), eczematides (white patches of allergic origin which are seen often in children), vitiligo and progressive macular hypomelanosis, a common skin disorder prevailing in dark-skinned people.
Darker spots may also occur following swelling, trauma or sun exposure; and they may even be caused by fungus. Nevertheless, the most common reason for visits to dermatologists is melasma. Melasma is a patchy brown discoloration, very light-sensitive, and common on the face of women that appears or worsens during pregnancy. It is caused by the sun and by genetic and hormonal factors.
A biopsy is a sample of affected skin or tissue taken using a scalpel or a punch (a pencil-like tool that makes circular cuts on the skin.) They can include the whole lesion (excisional), or part of the lesion or part of the affected skin (incisional). The material thus obtained is usually sent for histopathological test. The incision area is closed with different sutures, according to the anatomical area; and the stitch will be removed after 7 to 21 days. It is performed for diagnostic purposes and also to excise some benign skin lesions..
This is a skin scraping using an instrument known as curette to remove the external side of benign skin tumors, such as warts and calluses.
Also known as the electric scalpel or laser, it is actually a device that uses a low voltage, low frequency and high amperage electric current to transfer heat to the tissue to remove the skin lesion. It is successfully used in the treatment of warts, seborrheic keratosis, fibromas, polyps, cherry angiomas (ruby points, red dots) and others.
This involves the use of low temperature chemical substances to destroy and treat skin tissues. Liquid nitrogen - at around -196 ºC - is the most commonly used product. It is a standard treatment for warts, scars, skin cancers and premalignant lesions.
These devices (Nanopore Turbo-Roller, from Sesderma) employ very small needles (microneedles from 0.5 to 2.5 mm) to pierce the top layer of the skin in order to foster production of collagen by the dermis. It is also effective to apply medicines inside the skin through the channels and paths created by the needles. It is used for the treatment of scars caused by acne, and also for rejuvenation, wrinkles, enlarged pores, stretch marks, hair loss and even for skin spots, i.e., melasma.
This involves the use of a needle with a cutting edge to remove any fibrosis present or simply to stimulate the formation of a clot within the skin, thus filling the cutaneous layers and fostering the production of collagen. It is very helpful for the treatment of stretch marks, cellulitis, wrinkles, scars caused by acne and other kinds of scars.
Best known by its more famous brand name, Botox is a botulinum toxin intended to reduce or attenuate the contraction of some muscles of the face, thus minimizing the appearance of lines caused by movement. Wrinkles are caused by the aging of the skin tissues, sun exposure, smoking and pollution. The movement of the facial muscles is also a major factor in the creation of some wrinkles or expression lines.
Botox halts and/or weakens the movement for several months, attenuating the formation of wrinkles. It is important to note that well performed, repeated treatments are capable of achieving sustained weakness in specific muscle groups, while leaving others active, which over time will reposition tissues. It can lift up the brow, the countenance, and accentuate the contours of the face, giving the patient a younger look.
Furthermore, Botox may enhance some natural aspects of each patient, such as the eyebrow line; it helps correcting the appearance of an excessive gummy smile; it reduces wrinkles around the mouth, the forehead, the brow and the neck; and it improves significantly wrinkles known as crow’s feet. It is also effective in elevating the eyebrow, opening up the eyes, raising the edges of the mouth, and lifting the nose.
An additional indication for Botox includes reduction in sweat production and bad odor (in the hands, armpits, scalp, etc.) with excellent and durable results.
The duration of the effect of Botox ranges between 4 to 12 months. Injections are administered using very fine needles; the treatment is totally bearable and can be preceded by topical anesthetics in addition to ice packs. Patients can resume their activities immediately with a few specific restrictions.
Fillers are a group of diverse substances that are injected under the skin to fill or reduce pronounced skin folds and fine, deep wrinkles. The nasolabial or nasogenian fold (the deep lines that run from the sides of the nose to the mouth or chin) is the most common wrinkle treatment requested. They are also effective to replenish and resize deep structures of the face that naturally become diminished, disfigured or reduced over time.
Also worthy of mention is the aesthetic improvement achieved by correcting baggy eyes and filling lips (volume, projection and contour), which - if not done excessively - can produce a natural look. They can also be used for the hydration and restructuring of the skin.
The chances for developing an allergy with these products are minimal, particularly because the hyaluronic acid is already present in our skin and it degrades over time, thus requiring a new application; however, its administration on an ongoing basis fosters the body’s production of skin collagen, improving its appearance.
Peelings can be physical or chemical and their effect results in a controlled swelling which leads to desquamation 2-3 days after the procedure. They are very useful to clear up spots and to foster production of collagen. Peelings also help in the treatment of acne, reducing baggy eyes, etc.
Chemical peeling is the application of one or more exfoliators to the skin with the purpose of removing or destroying in a controlled manner certain areas of the skin (epidermis or dermis), resulting in cell regeneration and replacement of tissues.
Peelings are indicated and effective for fine, light and mild wrinkles, blemishes, melasmas, blackheads and pimples; for several types of scars, including those caused by acne, enlarged pores, keratosis; for facial rejuvenation; and for the improvement of skin texture, stretch marks and follicular keratosis.
The basic rule of thumb is that these procedures should be performed by experienced professionals, since there is a potential for permanent complications such as scars and blemishes.
This is a test that allows the evaluation of pigmented skin lesions, age spots or moles, as well as non-pigmented skin lesions. Though this examination, skin cancer can be diagnosed more accurately, particularly the most dangerous type, i.e., melanoma. It also helps to determine which spots or moles should be removed. The test is conducted using a dermatoscope, which magnifies the image of the skin and provides a closer view, thus enabling the analysis of the spots.
Should you have any question and/or comment, or if you want to know more about the services we offer, please call us or fill out the form below.
Note: In case of emergency do not use this form.
Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Calle 5 N° 38-14
Edificio Consumedico Consultorio 302. Cali - Colombia.
Office: (+57 2)396 4681 - Cell phone: 317 709 5337