Dr. Andrew Nelson, MD

Dr. Andrew Nelson, MD is a dermatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. He practices at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive health extends beyond the clinic, emphasizing personalized plans to maintain lifelong skin health, coordinating vital screenings for early skin cancer detection, and managing skin, hair, and nail conditions to ensure overall wellness. He serves all ages, welcoming new patients to embark on this proactive health journey.

Your dermatologist is your primary partner in lifelong skin health, creating personalized prevention plans, coordinating vital screenings for early skin cancer detection, managing skin, hair, and nail conditions, and ensuring your overall wellness for years to come. Dr. Andrew Nelson, MD is a dermatologist in Saint Petersburg, FL, with extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Northside Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. Dr. Nelson earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University, School of Radiologic Technology, and is Board Certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology. He approaches care with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients actively participate in their long-term health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nelson, please call (727) 895-8131. Dr. Andrew Nelson provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Andrew Nelson is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Andrew Nelson can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Andrew Nelson provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Tinea Versicolor: Catching tinea versicolor early through self-examination helps prevent prolonged discoloration and potential social anxieties related to skin changes.
• Shingles: While shingles itself isn't directly related to skin cancer, promptly addressing it prevents secondary skin infections that can delay healing or add further complications.
• Seborrheic Keratosis: Seborrheic keratoses are common, benign skin growths that usually don't require treatment, but regular skin checks help ensure they don't get confused with more serious conditions.
• Rash: A rash, appearing as a change in your skin's texture or color, can sometimes signal an underlying health issue, so early identification and treatment are key to preventing complications.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Eczema and contact dermatitis are skin conditions that can be managed with preventative measures to reduce flare-ups and long-term complications, like skin infections.
• Ringworm: Preventing the spread of ringworm and its potential for uncomfortable symptoms relies on maintaining good hygiene, recognizing early signs, and seeking timely treatment.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be managed effectively through prompt treatment if caught early, preventing more invasive procedures and potential complications down the line.
• Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can be managed with early detection and proper skincare to prevent flare-ups and long-term skin damage.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Managing herpes simplex infection effectively, through medication and lifestyle changes, helps to prevent recurring outbreaks and potential complications to your overall well-being.
• Acne: Regular skin checks and consistent treatment for acne minimize the risk of severe inflammation and promote long-term skin health.
• Hypertrophic Scar: Early detection and treatment of wounds can significantly reduce your risk of developing a hypertrophic scar, which can become unsightly and uncomfortable.
• Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a long-term condition where patches of skin lose their pigment, making them appear lighter than the surrounding skin, and proactive skin protection can help manage sun sensitivity in affected areas.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Andrew Nelson offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that helps rejuvenate the skin's surface, leading to a more even skin tone and improved texture.
• Destruction of Benign Skin Lesion: Removing a harmless skin growth proactively helps maintain the health and appearance of your skin.
• Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: This treatment effectively removes cancerous skin lesions, contributing to a healthier and safer future for you.
• Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: For peace of mind and early detection of any potential skin issues, removal of a benign skin lesion helps us confirm it's non-cancerous.
• Excision of Skin Cancer: Taking charge of your skin health, excision helps to completely remove suspicious skin lesions, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
• Excision of Skin Lesion: For peace of mind and early detection, an excision of a skin lesion surgically removes an abnormal area of skin for lab analysis, ensuring any potential skin cancer is caught in its earliest, most treatable stage.
• Melanoma Screening: Take charge of your skin health: a melanoma screening is a proactive step to identify and address any potential skin cancer concerns.
• Mohs Surgery: As a key step in early skin cancer detection and treatment, Mohs surgery ensures the complete removal of cancerous cells, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence.
• Mole Evaluation: A mole evaluation is a preventative measure that enables early diagnosis of skin cancer, improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Shaving of Skin Lesion: As part of proactive skin cancer prevention, your doctor might remove a small sample from a concerning lesion to analyze its structure, improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Skin Grafts: Skin grafts are used to repair extensive skin damage from burns, injuries, or surgery, helping restore skin function and appearance.
• Wart Freezing: Taking proactive steps like wart freezing helps eliminate unsightly warts and reduces the risk of secondary infections.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Dermatologies in Florida.

Dr. Andrew Nelson is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By regularly checking their skin for subtle discoloration, a patient caught tinea versicolor early, preventing prolonged skin changes and associated anxieties. This proactive approach allowed them to quickly address the issue and maintain confidence in their appearance.
• By proactively discussing their risk factors with a dermatologist, a patient felt empowered to take steps toward preventing shingles and its potential complications, allowing them to embrace a healthier, more secure future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Dermatological care with Dr. Andrew Nelson:

What is a Dermatologist?

Dr. Andrew Nelson and our team are dermatologists, medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. We play a vital role in preventing, detecting, and treating skin cancer, as well as managing a wide range of skin diseases.

How often should I get a full-body skin exam?

For average-risk individuals, an annual skin exam is recommended as a vital preventive measure. However, for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or with many moles, Dr. Andrew Nelson may recommend more frequent screenings for early detection.

What is the best way to prevent skin cancer?

Protecting your skin from the sun is key. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ and seeking shade during peak sun hours are simple habits that can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds further contribute to lifelong skin health.

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a simple, quick in-office procedure. Dr. Nelson will numb the area and remove a small skin sample, which is sent to a lab for examination under a microscope to provide a definitive diagnosis.

How do you treat chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema?

Dr. Nelson's approach to chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema is comprehensive, focusing on preventing flares and improving your quality of life. We utilize a range of treatments, from topical therapies like steroids and moisturizers, to phototherapy, and, when necessary, advanced biologic medications that target the underlying inflammation. Our goal is to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

I'm experiencing hair loss. Can a dermatologist help?

Yes, dermatologists are experts in hair and scalp disorders (trichology). Dr. Andrew Nelson can perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose the specific type of hair loss (alopecia) and recommend effective treatments to prevent further loss and encourage regrowth.

How can I prevent my eczema from flaring up?

Managing eczema proactively is key. Daily moisturizing with a thick, fragrance-free cream, avoiding triggers like harsh soaps or allergens, and promptly using prescription medications from Dr. Andrew Nelson's office at the first sign of a flare are important steps to prevent worsening.

What is Mohs surgery, and why is it used?

Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to remove certain types of skin cancer, often on the face and neck. Its key advantage is that it removes all cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue, leading to the highest cure rate and smallest possible scar.

350 6th St S
Saint Petersburg FL 33701
Phone: (727) 895-8131

Dr. Andrew Nelson, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1548396260

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Dermatologies like Dr. Andrew Nelson are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your dermatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.