Dr. Heather Pontasch, MD

Dr. Heather Pontasch, MD is a Dermatologist with a focus on Pediatric Dermatology, practicing at her clinic in Naples, FL. She is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a valued partner in preventive health, Dr. Pontasch is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. Her practice prioritizes the early detection and management of skin conditions, particularly in pediatric populations, to help patients maintain long-term health. 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. She serves all ages and welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (239) 307-4605 to schedule.

Dr. Heather Pontasch, MD, a dermatologist in Naples, FL, brings over 10 years of experience in the medical field, with extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision. She graduated from the R J & Lucille Carver College of Medicine University of Ia in 2010 and completed an internship at St. Vincent's Hospital in 2011, followed by a dermatology residency at the University of Michigan Health System in 2014. Dr. Pontasch is affiliated with Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge and University of Vermont Medical Center and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. This wealth of clinical knowledge, coupled with her compassionate approach, ensures patients and their families receive the highest quality care. She 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. Dr. Pontasch provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Shingles: Shingles, caused by the chickenpox virus, can be prevented with the shingles vaccine, protecting you from its painful rash and potential long-term nerve damage.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: Protecting your skin from sun damage and regularly examining it for changes can help prevent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and ensure early detection if it does occur, leading to better treatment outcomes.
• Psoriasis: Understanding your risk factors for psoriasis and seeking medical advice when symptoms appear allows for early intervention, thereby mitigating potential long-term skin damage and discomfort.
• Pemphigus: While there's no known way to prevent pemphigus, regular dermatological check-ups can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, allowing for better disease control and preventing long-term health issues.
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Early diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis (eczema) are crucial to minimize discomfort, prevent secondary infections, and improve overall skin health.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Understanding what causes your eczema or contact dermatitis helps prevent future outbreaks and promotes healthier skin in the long run.
• Pityriasis Alba: While usually harmless, pityriasis alba can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions, so monitoring its appearance helps ensure timely diagnosis and prevents unnecessary treatment.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Herpes simplex infection, often causing cold sores or genital herpes, can be managed with antiviral medications to reduce outbreaks and prevent complications like eye infections or spread to others.
• Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a skin condition causing loss of skin color, and consistent skincare, including sun protection and possibly depigmentation treatments, prevents further complications and improves quality of life.
• Pityriasis Rosea: Managing the symptoms of pityriasis rosea, like itching, through recommended strategies from your doctor can improve your comfort and prevent secondary skin infections.
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Early identification of lichen simplex chronicus allows for proactive treatment, preventing the development of persistent skin changes and discomfort.

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. Heather Pontasch 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.
• 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.
• Shaving of Skin Lesion: Shaving a suspicious skin lesion allows dermatologists to examine the tissue closely for signs of skin cancer, helping ensure early detection and treatment.
• Wart Freezing: Wart freezing, or cryotherapy, is a simple procedure that can effectively remove warts and prevent their spread.
• Mole Evaluation: A mole evaluation is a preventative measure that enables early diagnosis of skin cancer, improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Melanoma Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a melanoma screening; it's a simple procedure that can significantly reduce your risk of serious 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.
• Skin Tag Removal: Removing a skin tag can be a proactive step towards maintaining healthy skin and ensuring early detection of any underlying skin concerns.
• Laser Hair Removal: For some individuals, laser hair removal can be a preventative measure against skin irritation associated with other hair removal methods, promoting smoother, healthier skin.
• Excision of Skin Cancer: Protecting yourself from the potential dangers of skin cancer, excision offers complete removal of cancerous tissues for better outcomes.
• Dermal Filler: While not directly preventing skin cancer, choosing dermal fillers as a cosmetic procedure allows you to focus on other proactive measures for skin health, such as regular skin exams and sun protection.
• Acne Surgery: To improve your skin's health and confidence, acne surgery offers a targeted approach to remove acne cysts and nodules, minimizing scarring.

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. Heather Pontasch 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 early signs of rosacea and implementing a consistent skincare routine, a patient successfully managed flare-ups and prevented further skin damage, leading to increased confidence and improved quality of life.
• By proactively scheduling the shingles vaccine, a patient gained peace of mind, knowing they were significantly reducing their risk of developing this painful condition.

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. Heather Pontasch:

What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. They are crucial in preventing, detecting, 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. However, for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or with many moles, Dr. Pontasch 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 important for long-term skin health.

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, most commonly 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 higher cure rate and a smaller scar.

My child has a rash. When should we see a dermatologist?

While many childhood rashes are minor, a dermatologist should be consulted if the rash is persistent, spreading, painful, itchy, or accompanied by a fever. Common pediatric conditions like eczema, molluscum, and warts can be effectively diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist.

What kind of laser treatments do you offer?

Dr. Pontasch's practice utilizes various laser technologies for both preventative and restorative skin treatments. Different lasers are used to address a wide range of concerns, including unwanted hair removal, reducing rosacea redness, improving sun damage and age spots, and minimizing acne scars.

What is a skin biopsy?

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

What are the ABCDEs of melanoma?

Dr. Pontasch and her team encourage you to be proactive in skin cancer detection. The ABCDEs—Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than a pencil eraser, and Evolving or changing—are a helpful tool for self-monitoring moles. Recognizing these features can help you bring any concerns to Dr. Pontasch for evaluation and promote early intervention.

1333 3rd Ave S Ste 201
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 307-4605

Dr. Heather Pontasch, 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): 1114242674

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. Heather Pontasch 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.