Dr. James Highsmith, MD

Dr. James Highsmith, MD is a Dermatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. His practice focuses on prevention, recognizing that your dermatologist is your primary partner in lifelong skin health. This involves 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. Please call (813) 972-2000 to schedule.

Dr. James Highsmith, MD is a dermatologist in Tampa, FL with extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision. He is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Highsmith earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and completed his residency training in Dermatology at New York Medical College in 2014, followed by fellowship training in Dermatology Associates in 2015, further specializing his expertise in comprehensive medical care for all ages. He is Board Certified in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and patient-centered, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Highsmith provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Protecting your skin from the itch-scratch cycle of eczema is key to preventing further damage and improving your quality of life – early detection and proactive care are vital.
• Warts: Early detection of warts allows for timely treatment, minimizing discomfort and preventing the development of more warts.
• Rash: Rashes, whether itchy or painless, warrant attention as they could indicate an infection or allergic reaction; prompt medical evaluation helps manage the condition effectively.
• Actinic Keratosis: Early detection and treatment of actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin growth caused by sun exposure, are crucial for preventing the development of squamous cell carcinoma.
• Psoriasis Vulgaris: Psoriasis vulgaris, while not directly cancerous, needs careful monitoring to minimize its effects on your skin and overall well-being.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer that's often preventable through sun protection and regular skin checks, allowing for early detection and treatment before it spreads.
• Alopecia: While some alopecia is temporary, identifying the cause through early medical evaluation is vital for preventing permanent hair loss or related health issues.
• Lupus: Managing lupus effectively involves regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor skin changes and prevent potentially serious complications, improving your overall health.
• Hair Loss: Managing hair loss effectively contributes to long-term hair health and can prevent emotional distress associated with hair thinning or baldness.
• Skin Cancer: Regularly examining your skin for unusual moles, spots, or sores can help detect skin cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.
• Ringworm: Catching ringworm early is key to preventing its spread and potential scarring, making prompt treatment a vital part of your preventative skin health.
• Intertrigo: Early detection of intertrigo is key to preventing complications like secondary infections; recognizing the signs early and taking steps to keep the affected area dry is crucial for quick resolution.

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. James Highsmith 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: This procedure eliminates a benign skin lesion, preventing potential future complications and improving your skin's overall look.
• Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: Taking proactive steps to remove a cancerous skin growth helps prevent its spread and improve your long-term health.
• 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: As part of your proactive cancer prevention plan, skin cancer excision ensures the complete removal of cancerous cells to reduce recurrence risks.
• 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.
• Melanoma Screening: Regular melanoma screenings help detect skin cancer early, when it's most treatable, improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Mohs Surgery: Mohs surgery is a precise procedure that removes skin cancer layer by layer, maximizing the chance of complete cancer removal while preserving healthy tissue.
• 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: Taking a shaving of an unusual skin lesion enables your dermatologist to analyze its cells, facilitating early diagnosis of potentially cancerous growths and minimizing the risk of advanced disease.
• Skin Grafts: To improve the look and function of severely damaged skin, a skin graft may be used to replace lost or injured tissue with healthy skin.
• Skin Tag Removal: Having a skin tag removed allows for a thorough examination by a dermatologist, aiding in the early detection of potentially cancerous lesions.
• Wart Freezing: Protect your skin's health by opting for wart freezing – a quick and easy treatment to remove these common viral growths.

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. James Highsmith 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 implementing a proactive skin care routine guided by expert advice, a family significantly reduced the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups, leading to a more comfortable and enjoyable daily life.
• By scheduling regular check-ups and discussing any skin changes, a patient successfully prevented the spread of warts, maintaining clear skin and peace of mind.

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. James Highsmith:

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. However, for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or with many moles, Dr. Highsmith 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 to preventing skin cancer. Simple habits like daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use (SPF 30+), seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds are crucial for lifelong skin health. Dr. Highsmith and his team are here to help you achieve and maintain healthy skin.

What are the ABCDEs of melanoma?

The ABCDEs of melanoma—Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving or changing—are a helpful tool for self-monitoring moles. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can become a partner in early detection of skin cancer. If you notice any changes, please schedule a visit with our office for evaluation.

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

Yes, dermatologists are experts in hair and scalp disorders (trichology). Dr. Highsmith 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 rosacea and how is it managed?

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition causing facial redness, flushing, and sometimes 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.

How do you treat chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema?

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

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.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. James Highsmith, 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): 1760427165

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. James Highsmith 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.