Dr. David Hecker, MD

Dr. David Hecker, MD is a Dermatologist practicing at his clinic in Margate, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 974-3664 to schedule.

Dr. David Hecker, MD is a dermatologist in Margate, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a long-standing commitment to his patients and their families. Dr. Hecker earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1993 and completed his residency training in Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 1999, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, and affiliated with HCA Florida Palms West Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Hecker provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lichen Planus: Lichen planus is a chronic skin condition that can cause itchy rashes and lesions, but early detection and proper management can help prevent long-term complications and improve your skin's health.
• Itchy Skin: Itchy skin might seem minor, but consistent itching can lead to skin irritation and infection; proactive management is key for preventing these complications.
• Acanthosis Nigricans: Managing acanthosis nigricans effectively involves addressing any underlying health problems, such as insulin resistance, as this skin condition itself doesn't resolve without treating the root cause.
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Lichen simplex chronicus is a skin condition where scratching leads to thickened, itchy skin patches, and early recognition helps prevent long-term skin damage.
• Folliculitis: Preventing folliculitis involves practicing good hygiene and avoiding skin irritation to maintain healthy hair follicles and prevent complications.
• Bowenoid Papulosis: Because bowenoid papulosis can increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, regular dermatologist visits for monitoring and treatment are vital for preventative health.
• Ringworm: Managing ringworm effectively prevents secondary skin infections and discomfort, so seeking medical attention when you suspect it is crucial for your overall well-being.
• Psoriasis: Managing psoriasis proactively through regular check-ups and prescribed treatments helps prevent flares, reduces the risk of secondary infections, and maintains overall well-being.
• Hives: Managing hives effectively involves identifying and avoiding triggers to prevent future outbreaks and improve your overall skin health and well-being.
• Lice: Head lice infestations are common, but early detection and treatment prevent spreading to others and reduce discomfort.
• 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.
• Pemphigus Erythematosus: Managing pemphigus erythematosus effectively involves working closely with your dermatologist to control symptoms and prevent skin damage, ultimately reducing long-term health risks.

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

• Destruction of Benign Skin Lesion: By removing a non-cancerous skin lesion, you're taking a step towards preventing any issues that might arise from its presence.
• Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: Early detection and removal of malignant skin lesions significantly improves the chances of successful skin cancer treatment.
• Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: Protecting your skin's health, excision of a benign lesion offers a quick and effective way to rule out any concerns and maintain healthy skin.
• Excision of Skin Cancer: Protecting yourself from the potential dangers of skin cancer, excision offers complete removal of cancerous tissues for better outcomes.
• Excision of Skin Lesion: Taking proactive steps towards skin cancer prevention, an excision of a skin lesion involves the surgical removal of a suspicious area for examination, helping detect and prevent potential problems early.
• Melanoma Screening: Protecting your skin from the dangers of melanoma starts with proactive screenings, helping catch this serious disease in its early stages.
• Mole Evaluation: Protect your skin's health by scheduling mole evaluations; this helps identify potentially cancerous moles before they become a serious threat.
• 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.
• Wart Freezing: Wart freezing, or cryotherapy, is a simple procedure that can effectively remove warts and prevent their spread.

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. David Hecker 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 following a proactive skin care plan guided by a dermatologist, a patient successfully managed their lichen planus, preventing further outbreaks and maintaining healthy skin. Early intervention allowed them to avoid long-term complications and enjoy a better quality of life.
• By following a proactive skin care routine, a patient significantly reduced their itchy skin episodes, achieving greater comfort and preventing secondary skin infections.

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. David Hecker:

What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. They play a vital role in preventing and treating skin cancer, and 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. Dr. Hecker may recommend more frequent screenings for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or those with many moles, to aid in early detection.

What is the best way to prevent skin cancer?

Protecting your skin from the sun is key to preventing skin cancer. Simple habits like daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing are vital for lifelong skin health. Avoid tanning beds altogether.

What are Botox® and dermal fillers used for?

Botox® is a neuromodulator that relaxes muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers like Juvéderm® or Restylane® add volume to restore youthful contours and fill in static lines.

What is an actinic keratosis (AK)?

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous skin growth often caused by long-term sun exposure. They frequently appear as rough, sandpaper-like patches. Treating AKs is important because a small percentage can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

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

Yes, dermatologists are experts in hair and scalp disorders (trichology). Dr. Hecker 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.

What is a skin biopsy?

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

What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

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

3275 N State Road 7
Margate FL 33063
Phone: (954) 974-3664

Dr. David Hecker, 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): 1235248238

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. David Hecker 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.