Dr. Michael Wartels, MD

Dr. Michael Wartels, MD is a Dermatology specializing in the proactive and comprehensive care of skin, hair, and nails. He is dedicated to empowering patients with personalized prevention plans, ensuring early detection of skin cancer, and managing all conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails. As a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he prioritizes your overall wellness, recognizing your dermatologist is your primary partner in lifelong skin health. 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 welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (239) 232-1176 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Wartels, MD is a dermatologist in Fort Myers, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having dedicated his career to the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Dr. Wartels has extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision and is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology. He earned his medical degree from New York University Grossman School of Medicine in 1985, followed by an internship at Strong Memorial Hospital in 1986 and residency training in Dermatologies at Einstein/Jacobi/Montefiore, graduating in 1989. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Wartels is currently accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Lichen Planus: Although lichen planus typically isn't dangerous, it's important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have it. Early intervention with treatment can reduce the intensity and duration of its symptoms.
• Rash: A rash, appearing as a change in your skin's texture or color, can sometimes signal an underlying health issue, so early identification and treatment are key to preventing complications.
• Hives: Hives, or urticaria, are itchy welts on your skin that can be a sign of an underlying allergy or infection, making early identification key for preventing discomfort and potential complications.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Managing herpes simplex infection effectively, through medication and lifestyle changes, helps to prevent recurring outbreaks and potential complications to your overall well-being.
• Folliculitis: Preventing folliculitis involves practicing good hygiene and avoiding skin irritation to maintain healthy hair follicles and prevent complications.
• Psoriasis: Early recognition of psoriasis symptoms can help you start treatment sooner, preventing the spread of the condition and minimizing its impact on your quality of life.
• 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.
• Itchy Skin: Don't ignore itchy skin – it could indicate a problem like eczema or psoriasis, making early detection and treatment crucial for preventing chronic discomfort and skin damage.
• Acne: Managing acne effectively prevents scarring and long-term skin damage, promoting healthy skin throughout your life.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be managed effectively through prompt treatment if caught early, preventing more invasive procedures and potential complications down the line.
• Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction that can be prevented by identifying and avoiding irritants or allergens, protecting your skin from harmful substances, and seeking early treatment to minimize long-term skin damage.
• Lymphangioma: Regular skin checks and early identification of lymphangioma can help prevent potential complications such as cosmetic concerns or nerve compression.

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

• Acne Surgery: Acne surgery can help clear up severe acne blemishes and reduce scarring, improving your skin's appearance and long-term health.
• 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: Early detection and removal of malignant skin lesions significantly improves the chances of successful skin cancer treatment.
• 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.
• Melanoma Screening: Regular melanoma screenings help detect skin cancer early, when it's most treatable, improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Mole Evaluation: A mole evaluation is a preventative measure that enables early diagnosis of skin cancer, improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Shaving of Skin Lesion: For accurate diagnosis and management of skin conditions, your dermatologist may take a small shaving of the affected area to determine its nature and guide the appropriate treatment plan.
• Skin Tag Removal: Skin tag removal offers peace of mind by ensuring that suspicious skin growths are properly evaluated and addressed.
• 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. Michael Wartels 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 patient, proactively managing potential lichen planus symptoms with regular check-ups, experienced significant symptom reduction and maintained a positive outlook on their long-term health.
• Recognizing the early signs of a skin rash, a patient proactively sought guidance from a dermatologist, significantly reducing the risk of potential complications and regaining confidence in their skin health.

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 Wartels:

What is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. 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 as a vital preventive measure. However, for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or with many moles, Dr. Wartels 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 daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce your risk. Avoiding tanning beds is also crucial for lifelong skin health.

What are Botox® and dermal fillers used for?

Botox® is a neuromodulator used to relax muscles and smooth dynamic wrinkles like frown lines. Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm® or Restylane®, add volume to restore youthful contours and fill in static lines.

What is rosacea and how is it managed?

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition causing 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.

Can you treat warts?

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

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 can accurately diagnose and recommend the best treatment.

What is Mohs surgery, and why is it used?

Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to remove certain types of skin cancer, primarily 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.

3268 Forum Blvd Ste 201
Fort Myers FL 33905
Phone: (239) 232-1176

Dr. Michael Wartels, 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): 1336133792

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 Wartels 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.