Skin We Care Dermatology Jan Fu, M.D., Ph.D. 4834 Socialville-Fosters Road, Mason OH 45040 513 459-1988

Since opening her dermatology practice, Dr. Jan Fu has dedicated herself to the mysteries to be uncovered in human skin, hair and nails.

"I think dermatology is one of the most exciting and diverse fields of medicine," Fu said. "I feel privileged to be able to treat both children and adults, make challenging diagnoses, and perform surgery. Dermatology involves a great deal of medical investigation. The skin, nails and hair are a window to health. Kidney problems can be picked up in the nails. Hair loss can indicate thyroid problems. At the same time, surgery makes people look and feel better."

Fu completed her dermatology residency at the University of Cincinnati and currently practices at 4834 Socialville-Fosters Road in Mason. Working alongside Kristine L. Cameron, a nurse practitioner, and a full staff of medical assistants, Fu says she is committed to serving her patients.

With her extensive experience in both the basic and clinical sciences, Fu holds dual medicine and Ph.D degrees and is a frequent guest lecturer at local, national, and international seminars. Fu has dedicated herself to meeting patients' basic dermatologic needs while staying at the forefront of new advances in treatment. Her practice encompasses medical and surgical dermatology, as well as the latest clinical trials and cosmetic treatments.

"In our practice, we cover almost every area of dermatology," Fu said. "Day to day, we treat some of the most common dermatologic problems, such as skin rashes, acne, anything related to growing or losing hair and even nail problems.

"My most important mission as a dermatologist is to never miss skin cancer in my patients. We spend a lot of time educating patients about preventing and identifying skin cancer. Melanoma is the most important because it can start with an innocent looking freckle and yet have serious medical consequences," Fu said.

She quizzes each patient on what is called the ABCDs of melanoma detection: asymmetry, border irregularity, color change and diameter greater than 6 millimeters. Typical visits include full skin examinations from head to toe.

"Melanoma can occur on any part of your skin, including the bottoms of your feet, your palms, and your scalp. People should enjoy the outdoors but we encourage them to do so safely with sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and mindfulness of changes in their skin," she says.

Fu's crusade against skin cancer does not stop at the office door. She places a strong emphasis on community education and regularly visits schools to provide education about skin cancer and sun protection. "We like to catch them when they're young to give them a lifetime of protection," she said.

Fu's practice also provides patients the unique opportunity to participate in a variety of clinical trials, testing new therapies for genital herpes simplex, psoriasis, and even acne.

"We keep up with the newest developments in dermatology in order to best serve our patients," Fu said.

Lastly, the dermatology office provides a full range of cosmetic procedures that are popular with both men and women. These include chemical peels, laser treatments, Botox and Restylane procedures, and leg vein sclerotherapy. Fu also carries a line of cosmetic skin products for improve skin conditions.

"We coach patients on how best to take care of their skin," she said.

Botox treatments, which have been commercially available for two years, employ muscle-relaxing toxins derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum to treat frown lines and eye and forehead wrinkles. Restylane, a new dermal filler just approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is a non-animal non-allergenic hyaluronic acid agent that, when injected, smooths out the nasolabial folds and smoke lines above the upper lip. Another cosmetic procedure offered by Dr. Fu is sclerotherapy, an effective treatment for varicose veins that involves hypertonic saline injections and results in the disappearance of targeted veins over weeks.

Fu's practice is committed to seeing patients as soon as possible and accepts most insurance. Once a patient is seen for a consultation, surgical and cosmetic procedures can often be done the same day.

"Although we are very busy, we're very accommodating. We stay late and get the job done," she said.

To make an appointment or to see if you qualify for a trial, call 459-1988.

By Shelly Sack for The Progress Edition.

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