Dr. Keith Whitmer, MD

Dr. Keith Whitmer, MD is a Dermatology physician practicing at his Gainesville, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to 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. Please call (352) 332-4442 to schedule.

Dr. Keith Whitmer, MD is a dermatologist in Gainesville, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville in 1999. He is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, and has extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Whitmer provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acanthosis Nigricans: Preventing serious health issues starts with noticing changes in your skin; acanthosis nigricans, characterized by thickened, dark skin patches, might signal insulin resistance or other conditions, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups.
• Warts: Preventing the spread of warts is key to maintaining healthy skin, regular self-exams can help with early detection and reduce transmission to others.
• Scabies: Scabies can be easily treated if caught early, reducing discomfort and preventing potential secondary bacterial infections from constant scratching.
• 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.
• 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.
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Managing lichen simplex chronicus through gentle skin care and avoiding triggers can prevent the worsening of symptoms and maintain healthy skin.
• Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin lesion caused by sun exposure that can develop into skin cancer if left untreated, highlighting the importance of regular skin checks and sun protection.
• Tinea Versicolor: Catching tinea versicolor early through self-examination helps prevent prolonged discoloration and potential social anxieties related to skin changes.
• Hypertrophic Scar: Hypertrophic scars, while not cancerous, can impact quality of life; taking care of injuries and seeking early medical attention can minimize their severity.
• Alopecia: Alopecia, or hair loss, can sometimes signal an underlying health problem, making early detection and medical attention crucial for preventing further complications.
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin condition that can be managed effectively with early intervention, preventing long-term complications like skin infections and scarring.
• Hives: Preventing severe reactions from hives starts with understanding your triggers. Identifying these triggers can limit outbreaks and improve quality of life.

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

• Mohs Surgery: As a key step in early skin cancer detection and treatment, Mohs surgery ensures the complete removal of cancerous cells, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence.
• Wart Freezing: Wart freezing is a safe and effective method for removing warts, improving your skin's appearance and preventing discomfort.
• Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: This simple procedure removes a harmless skin growth, allowing for proper examination and preventing any future complications.
• Destruction of Benign Skin Lesion: This procedure eliminates a benign skin lesion, preventing potential future complications and improving your skin's overall look.
• 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.
• Excision of Skin Lesion: As part of your regular skin cancer screenings, excision of a skin lesion helps us thoroughly examine suspicious spots to ensure they aren't cancerous and safeguard your long-term health.
• Mole Evaluation: Regular mole evaluations are a proactive step to detect skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
• Skin Tag Removal: Skin tag removal is a simple procedure that can help prevent future skin irritation and infection from bothersome skin growths.
• Excision of Skin Cancer: Protecting yourself from the potential dangers of skin cancer, excision offers complete removal of cancerous tissues for better outcomes.
• Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: Protecting your health involves removing cancerous skin growths to prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.
• Melanoma Screening: Take charge of your skin health: a melanoma screening is a proactive step to identify and address any potential skin cancer concerns.
• Acne Surgery: Taking a proactive step with acne surgery can address persistent acne that doesn't respond to other treatments, preventing further skin damage.

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. Keith Whitmer 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:

• Noticing thickened, dark skin patches, a patient sought guidance from a dermatologist and implemented lifestyle changes. Early detection allowed for proactive management, reducing the risk of underlying health concerns.
• By regularly checking their skin and following a proactive skin care plan, a family significantly reduced the risk of warts spreading, fostering a sense of well-being and confidence in maintaining healthy skin.

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. Keith Whitmer:

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, detecting, and treating skin cancer, as well as 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. Whitmer 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 is Mohs surgery, and why is it used?

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

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

Yes, dermatologists are experts in hair and scalp disorders (trichology). Dr. Whitmer 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 an actinic keratosis (AK)?

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

How do you treat chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema?

Dr. Whitmer's approach to chronic conditions like psoriasis and eczema is comprehensive, focusing on preventing flares and improving your quality of life. We utilize a range of treatments, from topical steroids and moisturizers to advanced biologic medications, tailored to your specific needs and condition severity. This personalized approach helps us manage your symptoms effectively and achieve long-term control.

Can you treat warts?

Yes, warts are common skin infections caused by a virus. While some resolve on their own, Dr. Whitmer can treat persistent warts with effective in-office procedures like cryotherapy to prevent them from spreading or becoming painful.

114 NW 76th Dr
Gainesville FL 32607
Phone: (352) 332-4442

Dr. Keith Whitmer, 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): 1467414235

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. Keith Whitmer 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.