Dr. James Towry, DO

Dr. James Towry, DO is a Dermatology physician practicing at Water's Edge Dermatology in Ocala, 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). He is a trusted partner in your 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, understanding that proactive health care is a journey that begins at any stage. Dr. Towry is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (352) 300-3596 to schedule.

Born and raised in Ocala, FL, Dr. Towry's commitment to the community is deeply rooted. His extensive background includes a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from the A. T. Still University Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1985, followed by a Family Practice residency, and a Dermatology residency. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in dermatological care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, and Board Certified in Family Practice/OMT by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, and Board Certified in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. His experience spans multiple facets of medical care, from his initial Family Practice focus to his current specialization in Dermatology, further solidifying his expertise in addressing a wide range of skin concerns. In his practice, he strives to treat each patient with respect and dignity. Dr. Towry provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. James Towry 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 Towry 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 Towry 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: Regular skin checks can help you detect tinea versicolor promptly, allowing for quick treatment and preventing the discoloration from worsening.
• Rosacea: Managing rosacea effectively involves understanding your triggers and using recommended skincare products and treatments to prevent its progression.
• Warts: Warts are common skin infections that can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals, early detection and treatment can prevent spreading and complications.
• 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.
• Intertrigo: Managing intertrigo effectively involves good hygiene practices and keeping skin folds dry to avoid prolonged inflammation and potential scarring, safeguarding your long-term skin health.
• Molluscum Contagiosum Infection: Managing molluscum contagiosum effectively minimizes the duration of the infection and reduces the risk of secondary bacterial infections or spread to other areas of the body.
• Hair Loss: Managing hair loss effectively contributes to long-term hair health and can prevent emotional distress associated with hair thinning or baldness.
• Acanthosis Nigricans: Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition causing dark, velvety patches, often indicating an underlying health problem, so early detection through regular skin checks is crucial for timely management.
• Seborrheic Keratosis: While usually harmless, keeping an eye on seborrheic keratoses allows for early detection of any changes that might warrant a dermatologist's evaluation.
• Acne: Understanding your acne triggers and practicing good skincare habits are key to preventing breakouts and maintaining clear skin.
• Hand and Foot Hyperhidrosis: While not directly a skin cancer risk, persistent hand and foot hyperhidrosis can lead to skin problems that require treatment, so addressing it early is crucial for preventing complications.
• Keloid Scar: A keloid scar is an overgrowth of scar tissue that can develop after an injury, and early intervention can minimize its size and appearance, preventing further growth.

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

• Acne Surgery: Proactive management of severe acne with surgery can help prevent long-term skin discoloration and improve your overall 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: Taking proactive steps to remove a cancerous skin growth helps prevent its spread and improve your long-term health.
• Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: As part of your proactive skin care routine, removing a benign lesion gives you confidence and helps maintain long-term skin health.
• 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: Protecting your skin health, an excision of a skin lesion is a procedure to remove a potentially cancerous or precancerous growth, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Skin Tag Removal: Skin tag removal offers peace of mind by ensuring that suspicious skin growths are properly evaluated and addressed.
• 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. James Towry 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 and following a proactive skin care routine, a patient successfully prevented the discoloration associated with tinea versicolor, maintaining healthy, even skin tone.
• By understanding their rosacea triggers and consistently using recommended skincare products, a patient significantly reduced their flare-ups and maintained clear skin, improving their confidence and quality of life.

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 Towry:

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. However, for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or with many moles, Dr. Towry may recommend more frequent screenings for early detection.

What is the best way to prevent skin cancer?

Protecting your skin from sun damage is key to preventing skin cancer. Simple habits like daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can significantly reduce your risk. These practices are important for lifelong skin health.

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

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

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's evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a simple, quick in-office procedure. Dr. Towry 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 is Mohs surgery, and why is it used?

Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to remove certain skin cancers, 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 the highest cure rate and smallest possible scar.

I have acne. Is it something I just have to live with?

Acne is a treatable medical condition, not a personal failing. Dr. Towry can create a personalized treatment plan, which may include topical creams, oral medications, and procedural options, to prevent scarring and improve your skin and confidence.

7502 SW 60th Ave # A
Ocala FL 34476
Phone: (352) 300-3596

Dr. James Towry, DO 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): 1952367716

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 Towry 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.