The Trillium Clinic team of dermatologists in Chapel Hill is dedicated to delivering a superior patient experience. We specialize in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology for conditions of the skin, hair and nails in patients of all ages, pediatric and adult. We specialize in skin cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. We offer a range of non-surgical cosmetic dermatology procedures. We offer specially formulated skin care products and services, perfectly complementing the treatments Trillium Clinic physicians and our other dermatology experts provide.

Our clinical research division plays a fundamental role in making clinical trials available to you, thereby providing you with access to some of the newest drugs and treatments available. Because we use leading-edge medications, procedures and technological advancements within our clinical trials, we already have advanced knowledge and expertise in working with them once they receive wider approval.

Our relationship with you is a partnership based on trust. We are committed to delivering the highest-quality dermatology care and to achieving the best-possible outcomes. Welcome to The Trillium Clinic.

In addition to your new patient paperwork, which you can complete on the patient portal, bring a photo ID, insurance card(s), and a list of prescriptions you are currently taking (including supplements, aspirin and other over-the-counter medications). Please include dosage and frequency. If you’ve had any recent tests related to a dermatologic condition, bring a copy of your results or have them sent to our office if possible.

Looking for a dermatologist near me? Our dermatology experts will want the most unobstructed view of your skin, hair and nails. If possible, come to your appointment without make-up (but do remember your SPF protection), nail polish, hair clips and holders, etc.

Great care begins with great communication. Expect an in-depth review of your medical history, a discussion about your areas of concern, and in many cases, your first annual Total Body Skin Cancer Exam. It’s very important to have us check your skin at least yearly, especially on areas you can’t see—to look at your moles, discolorations or marks for anything suspicious. Performed often, these exams can often help us spot skin cancer or other problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.

Be prepared to answer medical and health questions about you and your immediate family. If you have questions you really want answers to, write them down and bring them. Only in that way will you get the answers that you are looking for.

Once your physical exam is completed, we will explain any recommended treatment options, including precise directions for how to use prescription products, and discuss follow-up steps.

Unless your insurance plan requires a referral from your primary care physician, you can simply contact us by phone or fill out an online form to schedule an appointment or a consultation. To determine if you require a referral, or what services are covered by your plan, a quick call directly to your insurance company should help answer those questions.

For most people, an annual visit that includes a Total-Body Skin Cancer Exam is recommended. If you are receiving treatments for skin, hair or nail conditions, or cosmetic/aesthetic treatments, your dermatologist or expert provider will recommend the appropriate length of time between your visits.

Dermatologists treat a wide range of conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. They are experts in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Most non-invasive cosmetic procedures, lasers, and light devices were developed by dermatologists.

You should visit your dermatologist at least once each year for a thorough skin examination. If you have issues between your yearly visit, including acne, suspicious areas that do not heal, a rash, or an infected nail, you should contact your dermatologist’s office.  Many skin conditions can be easily diagnosed and treated by an experienced physician.

Yes, we make bill paying simple and secure. Just go to pay my bill on the side menu.

Looking to visit a dermatologist near me? Well look no further than Trillium Clinic Dermatology in Chapel Hill. We are a group of Chapel Hill Dermatologists that accept all the major insurance carriers. Your insurance provider will be able to explain your coverage, or you can contact our office to find out if we accept yours.

By leaving an authorized payment method on file, we can ensure payment is processed on a timely basis. You will receive an e-statement for processing.

Factors that increase a person’s risk of skin cancer include:

• Fair skin or skin that freckles, easily turns red, or quickly becomes sensitive after sun exposure
• Blue or green eyes
• Blond or red hair
• Family history of skin cancer
• Exposure to the sun at work or play
• Sunburns, especially early in life
• Exposure to tanning beds

You should consult a dermatologist promptly if you have a growth or skin spot that rapidly changes size, shape or color or bleeds easily. Sores that recur, don’t heal, or persist for more than a few weeks should also be evaluated by your dermatologist.

Only a dermatologist can distinguish a benign skin growth from cancer. If you have a suspicious growth, your dermatologist is likely to remove part or all of it for biopsy. In some cases, he or she will advise additional treatment to ensure that all the cancer cells have been removed if the pathologist that reviews the biopsy diagnoses it as cancer.

If it’s left untreated, melanoma can spread and be life-threatening; however, if it is found and treated in its early stages, melanoma is curable. Other skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma are curable or manageable. To protect your health and find skin cancer early, be sure to see your dermatologist each year (or sooner if you have a suspicious spot on your skin.)

Skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer.  Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma are typically removed (or excised) surgically. Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise technique for removing skin cancer that helps preserve healthy tissue. Other techniques for treating skin cancer include curettage and electrosurgery, cryosurgery, radiation, photodynamic therapy, laser surgery, and topical medications.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to limit your exposure to the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer.

There is no safe way to tan. Tanning occurs when damaging ultraviolet rays enter the skin.

Excessive exposure to the sun can cause your skin to wrinkle, form blotches, roughen, redden, and be prone to bruising and skin cancer.

The US Department of Health & Human Services and the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer have confirmed that ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds can cause cancer. Recent research shows a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma in people who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning before age 35.

There are many different skin types: oily, dry, combination, normal and sensitive. Knowing your skin type can help you choose the best skin care regiment, including picking out a moisturizer.

• Oily skin is common in preteens and teens. Pores can be enlarged, and blackheads, whiteheads and other types of acne may be present.
• People with dry skin have very small pores and more visible lines. Their complexion may look dull and/or feel rough, along with exhibiting patches of redness.
• Combination skin can be dry/ normal in some areas, yet oily in other areas. It’s common for the nose and forehead to be oily. Pores may be dilated and there may be blackheads.
• Normal skin is well-balanced and has few imperfections. It’s not overly sensitive, and the pores are minimally visible. The complexion looks bright.
• People with sensitive skin may experience redness, dryness, burning or itching — or a combination of these symptoms. Symptoms can come and go.

Picking a moisturizer can be extremely confusing. If you walk in the skin care aisle, it will make your head spin. There are so many options. There are face creams, body and facial moisturizers, and lotions or ointments for dry, sensitive, light, or dark skin. Add in anti-aging ingredients and sunscreens and the confusion just grows. Picking a moisturizer is a must, no matter what kind of skin you have: oily, dry or a combination of both. In general if you have dry skin, you’ll probably want to lock in moisture with a thick ointment. Creams are thinner and are good for normal skin. Lotions are the lightest (water is their main ingredient) and are a good match for oily skin.

There are key products that you should use to prevent the signs of aging.  The key products include cleansers, toners, antioxidants, sunscreens and retinoids.

• Cleanser removes the dirt and oil off your skin.
• Toners act as a delivery system for your antioxidants.
• Antioxidants nourish and restore healthier and more radiant looking skin.
• Sunscreens protect against further sun damage and provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
• Retinoids help to increase cell turnover and support healthy collagen production and brighten areas of pigmentation.

Identifying your type of acne before treating your breakouts is critical. There are two types of acne inflammatory vs. non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne has no significant redness or inflammation—you’ll see whiteheads and blackheads. In inflammatory acne, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts are present. Nodules and cysts are seen in more severe acne.

• Whiteheads are closed, clogged pores
• Blackheads are open, clogged pores
• Papules are small red, tender bumps
• Pustules (pimples) are papules containing pus
• Large, firm, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin are nodules
• Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin are cystic lesions

Mild, non-inflammatory acne can usually be treated at home with products containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids(AHAs) and retinoids including:

• Benzoyl Peroxide 5% or Benzaderm 10% with Aloe
• Glycolic / Salicylic 5-2 & 10-2 Pads

A series of treatments with AviClear can also help clear and control acne.

If you have hormonal acne, birth control or a pill like Spironolactone can be effective. If the acne is severe, Accutane or other acne medications may be appropriate. Another option is AviClear.

For more severe acne with nodules and cysts, prescription treatments like antibiotics, topical retinoids or isotretinoin are used. AviClear is also a great option for acne treatment. It offers similar results to oral medications without the side effects.