Dr. Larry Heard, MD

Dr. Larry Heard, MD is a Dermatology provider dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. He practices at his clinic in Plant City, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends to 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 is committed to serving all ages. Please call (813) 752-0757 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Larry Heard, MD is a dermatologist in Plant City, FL, with extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center Magnolia Campus, and holds a medical degree from the University Of South Florida. He is Board Certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you are empowered to actively participate in your long-term health. Dr. Heard provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lice: Head lice infestations are common, but early detection and treatment prevent spreading to others and reduce discomfort.
• Shingles: Protecting yourself from shingles starts with understanding your risk factors and getting the recommended vaccine, especially if you're over 50.
• Lupus: Preventing severe skin complications from lupus requires a proactive approach, including regular doctor visits, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments to manage the disease effectively.
• Nail Infection: Regularly checking your nails for signs of infection, such as discoloration, pain, or swelling, allows for prompt treatment and prevents the spread of infection.
• Skin Cancer: Protecting your skin from sun damage and regularly checking for changes can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer.
• Onychomycosis: Managing onychomycosis helps prevent secondary bacterial infections, pain, and potential disability from severe nail damage, preserving overall foot health.
• Rash: Preventing skin problems starts with recognizing rashes – an unexpected skin change could be a sign of a more serious condition that needs professional attention to manage long-term skin health.
• Keloid Scar: Understanding your risk factors for keloid scars, such as genetics and skin type, can help you prevent them or manage them effectively after a wound.
• Hives: Managing hives effectively involves identifying and avoiding triggers to prevent future outbreaks and improve your overall skin health and well-being.
• Pemphigus: Because pemphigus can severely impact your quality of life, early detection and prompt treatment from a dermatologist are vital for managing this autoimmune disease.
• Acne: Acne, if left untreated, can lead to persistent inflammation and scarring; proactive management ensures clear, healthy skin.
• 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.

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. Larry Heard 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: Removing a harmless skin growth proactively helps maintain the health and appearance of your skin.
• Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: This treatment effectively removes cancerous skin lesions, contributing to a healthier and safer future for you.
• 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: Protecting yourself from the potential dangers of skin cancer, excision offers complete removal of cancerous tissues for better outcomes.
• 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.
• 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: Skin grafts are used to repair extensive skin damage from burns, injuries, or surgery, helping restore skin function and appearance.
• 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. Larry Heard 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:

• A family was relieved to learn that early detection and proactive treatment of head lice, guided by expert advice, prevented the spread of the infestation to other family members and minimized discomfort.
• Knowing their risk factors and getting the shingles vaccine, a patient proactively reduced their chances of developing the painful condition, ensuring a healthier future.

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. Larry Heard:

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 various 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. Heard may recommend more frequent screenings for early detection.

What is the best way to prevent skin cancer?

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is key to preventing skin cancer. Simple habits like daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds are excellent ways to maintain healthy skin throughout your life.

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. Recognizing these features can empower you to be a partner in early detection. If you notice any changes, please schedule a visit with Dr. Heard for evaluation.

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

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

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

Acne is a treatable medical condition, not something you have to live with. Dr. Heard can create a personalized treatment plan, which may include topical creams, oral medications, and procedures, to prevent scarring and improve your skin and confidence.

What is rosacea and how is it managed?

Rosacea is a common chronic condition that causes 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 prescription medications, if needed.

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a simple, quick in-office procedure. Dr. Heard 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.

2010 Thonotosassa Rd
Plant City FL 33563
Phone: (813) 752-0757

Dr. Larry Heard, 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): 1942735626

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. Larry Heard 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.