Dr. Michelle Bruner, DO

Dr. Michelle Bruner, DO is a Dermatology physician practicing at her Clearwater, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive dermatological care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a key partner in preventive 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. She serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (727) 248-0118 to schedule.

Dr. Bruner's deep understanding of dermatology stems from her rigorous education, including a BS in Biology from the University of Michigan and her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency at Oakwood Medical Center and the Michigan State University Consortium, graduating as Chief Resident. As a Board Certified Dermatologist by the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, Dr. Bruner is committed to delivering expert care, and is published in multiple medical journals and has lectured nationally on dermatology topics. Her passion for patient-centered care, coupled with her special interest in women's dermatologic health, skin cancer prevention, and treatment, makes her an exceptional choice for your dermatological needs.

Dr. Bruner treats a wide range of conditions, from acne and psoriasis to eczema and hair loss, encompassing all diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care and is experienced in treating patients of all ages. Dr. Michelle Bruner provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Intertrigo: Intertrigo is a skin rash that develops in warm, moist areas of the body, like folds of skin, and preventing it involves keeping these areas clean and dry to avoid infection and discomfort.
• 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.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Managing eczema and contact dermatitis through careful skincare and avoidance of irritants helps prevent skin damage and secondary infections.
• 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.
• Hair Loss: Hair loss can be a sign of various conditions, making early identification and medical intervention important for managing its progression and potential long-term consequences.
• Onychomycosis: Regularly inspecting your nails for signs of onychomycosis, such as discoloration or thickening, is a simple preventive measure to ensure early intervention and treatment.
• 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.
• Cellulitis: Recognizing the symptoms of cellulitis, such as redness, swelling, and pain, and seeking treatment quickly are key steps in preventing more severe health consequences.
• Contact Dermatitis: Managing contact dermatitis effectively involves promptly identifying the culprit substance and avoiding future contact to prevent recurring inflammation and potential complications.
• Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, causing rashes and sores, so early detection and consistent management are crucial for preventing long-term skin damage.
• Alopecia: Addressing alopecia promptly through proper diagnosis and treatment can prevent irreversible hair loss, highlighting the significance of proactive preventive health measures.
• 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.

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. Michelle Bruner 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: This is a simple way to address a benign skin growth, ensuring that it doesn't develop into something more problematic down the road.
• Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: Protecting your health involves removing cancerous skin growths to prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.
• Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: Taking proactive steps towards skin health, a benign skin lesion excision ensures its harmless nature and prevents unnecessary worry.
• Excision of Skin Cancer: For early detection and effective treatment, excision is a vital step in managing skin cancer and safeguarding your overall well-being.
• Excision of Skin Lesion: Taking proactive steps towards skin cancer prevention, an excision of a skin lesion involves the surgical removal of a suspicious area for examination, helping detect and prevent potential problems early.
• Melanoma Screening: Invest in your long-term health with a melanoma screening; it's a simple procedure that can significantly reduce your risk of serious skin cancer.
• Mole Evaluation: Regular mole evaluations are a proactive step to detect skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
• Skin Tag Removal: Having a skin tag removed allows for a thorough examination by a dermatologist, aiding in the early detection of potentially cancerous lesions.
• 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. Michelle Bruner 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 consistently keeping skin folds clean and dry, a patient experienced significant relief from intertrigo discomfort, regaining confidence and comfort in their daily activities.
• A patient, recognizing the early signs of hives, proactively consulted a dermatologist, effectively managing their symptoms and reducing the risk of future flare-ups, leading to a more comfortable and confident daily life.

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. Michelle Bruner:

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 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. Dr. Bruner may recommend more frequent screenings for those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or a large number of moles, for early detection.

What is the best way to prevent skin cancer?

Protecting your skin from the sun is key. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ and seeking shade during peak sun hours are simple habits for lifelong skin health. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds further reduce your risk.

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. By recognizing these characteristics, you can become a partner in early detection of skin cancer. Regular skin checks and prompt consultation with a dermatologist are essential for skin health.

What kind of laser treatments do you offer?

Dr. Bruner's practice utilizes various laser technologies for both preventive and restorative skin treatments. Different lasers can address a wide range of concerns, including unwanted hair removal, rosacea reduction, sun damage correction, age spot treatment, and acne scar reduction.

What is an actinic keratosis (AK)?

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are precancerous skin growths caused by sun exposure. They often appear as rough, sandpaper-like patches. Treating AKs prevents a small percentage from potentially developing into squamous cell carcinoma.

How do you treat chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema?

Dr. Bruner's approach to chronic skin 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 that target the underlying inflammation. A personalized treatment plan is developed to address your specific needs and concerns.

What is rosacea and how is it managed?

Rosacea is a common chronic 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.

2454 N McMullen Booth Rd Ste 424
Clearwater FL 33759
Phone: (727) 248-0118

Dr. Michelle Bruner, 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): 1184814188

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. Michelle Bruner 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.