Dr. Michael Foss, DO

Dr. Michael Foss, DO is a Dermatology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. He practices at his clinic in Bradenton, FL, adhering to the highest standards of medical practice, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond treating existing conditions; Dr. Foss is a key partner in preventive health, recognizing that 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. Please call (941) 667-9070 to confirm if Dr. Foss is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Michael Foss, DO is a dermatologist in Bradenton, FL. Dr. Foss has extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision, and is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Carson Valley Health. He is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, and Board Certified in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology. His approach to care is grounded in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. Dr. Foss provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pityriasis Alba: While usually harmless, pityriasis alba can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions, so monitoring its appearance helps ensure timely diagnosis and prevents unnecessary treatment.
• Psoriasis: Managing psoriasis proactively through regular check-ups and prescribed treatments helps prevent flares, reduces the risk of secondary infections, and maintains overall well-being.
• Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis, often appearing as rough, scaly patches, is a sign of sun damage and warrants prompt medical attention to prevent its progression into more serious skin cancers.
• 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.
• Contact Dermatitis: Managing contact dermatitis effectively involves promptly identifying the culprit substance and avoiding future contact to prevent recurring inflammation and potential complications.
• Warts: Early detection of warts allows for timely treatment, minimizing discomfort and preventing the development of more warts.
• 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.
• Onychomycosis: Proper hygiene and prompt treatment of onychomycosis reduce the risk of transmission to other nails and individuals, contributing to overall preventive health.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Managing eczema and contact dermatitis through careful skincare and avoidance of irritants helps prevent skin damage and secondary infections.
• Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a long-term condition where patches of skin lose their pigment, making them appear lighter than the surrounding skin, and proactive skin protection can help manage sun sensitivity in affected areas.
• 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.
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Managing lichen simplex chronicus through gentle skin care and avoiding triggers can prevent the worsening of symptoms and maintain healthy skin.

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. Michael Foss 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: 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: This simple procedure removes a harmless skin growth, allowing for proper examination and preventing any future complications.
• 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: 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.
• 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. Michael Foss 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 closely monitoring the subtle changes in their skin and following a proactive skin care plan, a patient was able to confidently manage pityriasis alba, avoiding unnecessary concerns and maintaining a healthy appearance.
• By adhering to a proactive skin care routine and regular check-ups, a patient effectively managed their psoriasis, minimizing flare-ups and maintaining a comfortable 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. Michael Foss:

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, and manage 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. Foss 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 sunscreen use, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds are crucial for lifelong skin health. These preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk.

What are the ABCDEs of melanoma?

Dr. Foss and our team encourage you to become familiar with the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving or changing moles. Recognizing these features can empower you to be actively involved in early skin cancer detection. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

How do you treat chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema?

Dr. Foss'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. Individualized treatment plans are developed to meet each patient's specific needs.

My child has a rash. When should we see a dermatologist?

While many childhood rashes are minor, it's important to see a dermatologist if the rash is persistent, spreading, painful, itchy, or accompanied by a fever. Dr. Foss can effectively diagnose and treat common pediatric conditions like eczema, molluscum, and warts.

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 kind of laser treatments do you offer?

Dr. Foss utilizes various lasers for both preventive and restorative skin treatments. Different lasers are employed to address diverse concerns, including unwanted hair removal, rosacea reduction, sun damage mitigation, age spot correction, and acne scar reduction.

2101 61st St W
Bradenton FL 34209
Phone: (941) 667-9070

Dr. Michael Foss, 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): 1285193193

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. Michael Foss 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.