Dr. Catherine Degesys, MD

Dr. Catherine Degesys, MD is a Dermatologist with a Focus on Mohs Micrographic Surgery, practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the importance of early intervention and personalized strategies to maintain optimal skin health. Her commitment extends beyond the immediate treatment of skin conditions, encompassing a holistic approach to your well-being.

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. This area of practice is key to prevention, focusing on the early detection and management of mohs micrographic surgery to help patients maintain long-term health. She serves all ages and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if Dr. Degesys is currently accepting new patients, please call (904) 953-2000.

Dr. Catherine Degesys, MD is a dermatologist in Jacksonville, FL, with extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision. She is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida, and Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, and Board Certified in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients to be active participants in their health journey. Dr. Degesys provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Catherine Degesys 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. Catherine Degesys 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. Catherine Degesys 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:

• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Understanding what causes your eczema or contact dermatitis helps prevent future outbreaks and promotes healthier skin in the long run.
• Erythema Multiforme: While erythema multiforme often resolves on its own, seeking prompt medical attention can ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications.
• Warts: While often harmless, warts can be unsightly and sometimes painful; prompt attention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
• Nail Infection: A nail infection, if left untreated, can spread and cause more serious problems, so early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Preventing complications from lichen simplex chronicus involves recognizing the itch-scratch cycle and actively managing it to avoid skin thickening and infection.
• Intertrigo: Regularly checking skin folds for signs of intertrigo helps with early detection and timely treatment, lessening the risk of long-term skin damage and secondary issues related to chronic inflammation.
• Varicose Eczema: Proper management of varicose eczema through lifestyle changes and medical interventions can reduce the severity of symptoms and maintain healthy skin for a better quality of life.
• Bullous Pemphigoid: Bullous pemphigoid is a rare autoimmune skin disease causing large, fluid-filled blisters, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment helps prevent extensive skin damage and long-term complications.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Understanding your risk factors for herpes simplex infection and taking preventative measures, such as avoiding contact with infected individuals, is crucial for long-term health.
• Pemphigoid: Because pemphigoid can lead to chronic skin problems, regular checkups with your dermatologist are important for early detection and to keep your symptoms under control.
• Acne: Acne, if left untreated, can lead to persistent inflammation and scarring; proactive management ensures clear, healthy skin.
• Hives: Managing hives effectively involves identifying and avoiding triggers to prevent future outbreaks and improve your overall skin health and well-being.

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. Catherine Degesys offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Skin Grafts: Skin grafts are a surgical option for treating significant skin loss, helping minimize the risk of infection and improving overall healing.
• Excision of Skin Lesion: To maintain healthy skin and prevent serious issues, an excision of a skin lesion is a simple procedure that removes a suspicious area, helping prevent skin cancer and other concerns.
• Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: Early detection and removal of malignant skin lesions significantly improves the chances of successful skin cancer treatment.
• Wart Freezing: Taking proactive steps like wart freezing helps eliminate unsightly warts and reduces the risk of secondary infections.
• Mohs Surgery: For the best chance of successful skin cancer treatment, Mohs surgery provides a meticulous approach to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
• Shaving of Skin Lesion: For accurate diagnosis and management of skin conditions, your dermatologist may take a small shaving of the affected area to determine its nature and guide the appropriate treatment plan.
• Melanoma Screening: Early detection is key in fighting melanoma. Melanoma screenings provide peace of mind and facilitate early intervention if needed.
• Acne Surgery: Acne surgery can help clear up severe acne blemishes and reduce scarring, improving your skin's appearance and long-term health.
• Mole Evaluation: Regular mole evaluations are a proactive step to detect skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
• Destruction of Benign Skin Lesion: This procedure eliminates a benign skin lesion, preventing potential future complications and improving your skin's overall look.
• Dermabrasion: For those concerned about sun damage or age-related skin changes, dermabrasion offers a way to improve your skin's appearance and boost your confidence.
• Excision of Skin Cancer: As part of your proactive cancer prevention plan, skin cancer excision ensures the complete removal of cancerous cells to reduce recurrence risks.

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. Catherine Degesys 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 understanding the triggers of their eczema and contact dermatitis, a family found effective ways to prevent future outbreaks, leading to a more comfortable and confident daily life.
• By understanding the early warning signs of erythema multiforme and following a proactive skin care plan, a patient felt empowered to manage the condition effectively, reducing the likelihood of future flare-ups.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Catherine Degesys:

What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. They play a vital role in preventing, detecting, and treating skin cancer, and manage 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. For patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or with many moles, Dr. Degesys 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. Simple habits like daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer. Avoiding tanning beds is also crucial for lifelong skin health.

What kind of laser treatments do you offer?

Dr. Degesys and her team offer a variety of laser treatments for both preventative and restorative purposes. Different lasers are used to address a wide range of concerns, including unwanted hair removal, rosacea reduction, sun damage improvement, age spot reduction, and acne scar minimization.

What is rosacea and how is it managed?

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that often causes facial redness, flushing, and sometimes small bumps or pimples. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups by identifying and avoiding personal triggers and using a combination of gentle skincare and, if needed, prescription medications.

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 as much healthy tissue as possible, leading to a high cure rate and minimal scarring.

What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, typically presents as thick, red, scaly plaques. Eczema, often linked to allergies, manifests as dry, intensely itchy, red patches. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose and recommend the best treatment plan.

How do you treat chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema?

Dr. Degesys's approach to chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema is comprehensive, focusing on preventing flares and improving quality of life. We utilize a range of treatments, from topical therapies like steroids and moisturizers to more advanced biologic medications that target the underlying inflammation. Our goal is to tailor a personalized treatment plan to meet each patient's unique needs.

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Catherine Degesys, 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): 1538588348

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. Catherine Degesys 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.