Dr. Leah Hooey, DO

Dr. Leah Hooey, DO is a Dermatology specialist practicing at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring her patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 594-1500 to schedule.

Leah J. Hooey, D.O., F.A.A.D., a clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, brings a wealth of experience to her practice. Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Dallas, Dr. Hooey earned her medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Following a dermatology residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where she received the Mutasim Humanitarian Award and served as chief resident, she became Board Certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology by the American Board of Dermatology. Dr. Hooey's commitment to patient-centered care, coupled with her extensive training and certifications, makes her an invaluable resource for your skin health needs. Dr. Leah Hooey provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hair Loss: Managing hair loss effectively contributes to long-term hair health and can prevent emotional distress associated with hair thinning or baldness.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and a skin rash, and early diagnosis is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing serious complications.
• Warts: While often harmless, warts can be unsightly and sometimes painful; prompt attention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
• Psoriasis: Because psoriasis can be linked to other health issues, preventive care includes regular doctor visits to monitor its impact and address any associated complications.
• Keloid Scar: Though keloids aren't life-threatening, proactive management through preventative measures and early treatment can minimize their size and improve the overall cosmetic appearance.
• Alopecia: Alopecia, or hair loss, can sometimes signal an underlying health problem, making early detection and medical attention crucial for preventing further complications.
• Seborrheic Keratosis: Managing seborrheic keratoses involves regular self-skin exams and professional checkups to quickly identify and address any unusual changes or associated symptoms.
• Onychomycosis: Proper hygiene and prompt treatment of onychomycosis reduce the risk of transmission to other nails and individuals, contributing to overall preventive health.
• Ringworm: Ringworm, a highly contagious fungal infection, is best addressed with early detection and treatment to stop its spread and reduce the risk of long-term skin issues.

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. Leah Hooey 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: This procedure targets and eliminates cancerous skin lesions, lowering your risk of skin cancer progression.
• 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.
• 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: Take charge of your skin health: a melanoma screening is a proactive step to identify and address any potential skin cancer concerns.
• Mole Evaluation: Regular mole evaluations are a proactive step to detect skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
• 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.
• 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.
• Wart Freezing: Wart freezing is a safe and effective method for removing warts, improving your skin's appearance and preventing discomfort.

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. Leah Hooey 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 their hair loss triggers and implementing a proactive scalp care routine, a patient felt empowered to address their concerns and maintain healthy hair, boosting their self-confidence.
• Knowing the shingles vaccine could protect them from painful outbreaks and potential nerve damage, a family proactively scheduled their vaccinations, gaining peace of mind about their future health.

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. Leah Hooey:

What is a Dermatologist?

Dr. Hooey and our team are dermatologists, medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. We play a vital role in preventing, detecting, and treating skin cancer, and managing a wide array 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. For patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or with many moles, Dr. Hooey 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 using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can significantly reduce your risk. These are easy steps for lifelong skin health.

What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, appears as thick, red, scaly plaques. Eczema, often linked to allergies, typically manifests as dry, intensely itchy, red patches. A dermatologist's proper diagnosis is essential for the best treatment approach.

What is rosacea and how is it managed?

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that often causes facial redness, flushing, and sometimes small 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.

Can you treat warts?

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

How can I prevent my eczema from flaring up?

Managing eczema proactively is key. Daily moisturizing with a thick, fragrance-free cream, avoiding triggers like harsh soaps or allergens, and using prescription medications from Dr. Hooey's office at the first sign of a flare will help prevent worsening.

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

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

4037 NW 86th Ter
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 594-1500

Dr. Leah Hooey, 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): 1598179277

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. Leah Hooey 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.