Craziest Skin Conditions Your Dermatologist has Ever Seen

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The skin is the body’s largest organ, and as such, there is no limit to the crazy skin conditions that can occur. Similarly, there seems to be no limit to the crazy things people do to their skin. In the article “21 Crazy Things Your Dermatologist Has Seen,” Prevention magazine surveyed multiple dermatologists to collect the “strangest, most out-there things derms have seen or been asked to do.”


Self tanner is not the only thing that can turn skin orange. This dermatologist shares an experience that illustrates you really “are what you eat:”

“More than once over the years, I’ve seen patients come in looking orange. Usually they’ve gone on juicing programs that require eating a lot of carrots, which turns their skin orange—a condition called carotenemia. The color fades over time when they decrease the carrot juice.”
–Rebecca Baxt, MD, dermatologist at Baxt CosMedical, Paramus, NJ

Related: The perfect spray tan: Tips for making a fake tan look natural

Carrots are not the only thing you can consume that will change your skin a different color. This NYC dermatologist describes a patient suffering from Argyria, an extremely rare skin condition:

“A patient came in and he was completely blue from head to toe. He had been drinking an elixir made of colloidal silver in order to keep from getting sick. Despite his blue appearance, he was thrilled that he hadn’t had a cold in 15 years!”
–Dendy Engelman, MD, director of dermatologic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital, New York City


All dermatologists take the Hippocratic Oath, where the physician vows that they will “utterly reject harm and mischief” Sometimes, as seen in these anecdotes, that requires derms to persuade their patients away of harming themselves:

“One lady looked at my tool for pore extractions and asked if she could buy one from us. I told her no because she would wreck her face with it—it’s aggressive! So 3 weeks later, she comes back with scabs, scars, and marks all over her face. Sheepishly, she hands back the tool, which she had stolen from my drawer, announcing that I was right and to now fix her.”

–Karin Sanson, MD, cosmetic dermatologist based in Santa Monica, CA

Laser hair removal can remove unwanted body hair from head to toe, but some people want to remove every hair, like this patient:

“One patient wanted me to use laser hair removal to take off her eyebrows completely so she could pencil them in. I won’t do that because there will always be some regret about not having real eyebrows!” (Here’s how to shape perfect eyebrows.)
–Elizabeth Tanzi, MD

Cosmetic injections lead the industry in being the most popular cosmetic procedure that is non-invasive. Additionally, the numerous benefits of Botox, besides anti-aging skincare, are incredible. This patient however, wanted a cosmetic injection for a rather unusual off label use.

“A cosmetic junkie pleaded with me to put filler in the tips of her middle three toes on one foot so they would better match the appearance of toes on her other foot.”
–Neal Schultz, MD, Manhattan dermatologist


Prevention magazine highlighted an experience from SKINNEY Medspa’s dermatologist, DR. Hadley King:

“A man complained of dry skin on his feet and lower legs, so I recomended containing urea, which would exfoliate and moisturize at the same time. When he returned to the office a few months later, he told me that the cream was too expensive so he had instead been soaking his feet in a bucket of his own urine. He was pleased with the results. Urine does contain urea, but I would not necessarily recomend this approach!”
–Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist at SKINNEY Medspa in Manhattan


Protecting yourself from sun exposure is skincare 101, especially if you want to avoid age related skin conditions, but the cause for this patient’s “sun spots” is surprising:

“I’ve had people come in panicked about random brown spots on their bodies after vacation—sometimes in the form of a handprint! The condition, called phytophotodermatitis, comes from drinking something with lime juice, touching the lime, and then touching the body. The lime and the sun create a reaction that causes hyperpigmentation of the skin. It fades over time.”
–Rebecca Baxt, MD

Related: How to diminish sun spots


These are only a few of the crazy stories dermatologists shared with Prevention Magazine. Click here for the full article.

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By filling out this form you agree to get email, text, and phone communications from SKINNEY MEDSPA and SKINNEY. *Offer cannot be combined with other sales or promotions. *Offer cannot be combined with other sales or promotions.

Francell Rankins

Aesthetician

Francell Rankins

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Sydney Cumberbatch

Account Exec

Sydney Cumberbatch

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Elizabeth Saviou

Aesthetician

Elizabeth Saviou

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Margaret Stanton

PA

Margaret Stanton

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Angelica Becerra

Front Desk Manager

Angelica Becerra

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Natasha Martinez

Esthetician

Natasha Martinez

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.
Paula Ramierz

Beauty Director

Paula Ramierz

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time. In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

CEO, Skinney Medspa

Ryan Bloch

Ryan Bloch attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. He then attended Benjamin Cardozo Law School in Manhattan. After graduating, Ryan entered into what was then a brand new industry – the med spa industry. Ryan Bloch founded Laser Cosmetica in 2001 making him one of the first med spa operators in the nation. He quickly grew to become the largest provider of laser hair removal and photofacials in New York and expanded the organization into 17 centers across 4 States, comprising over 150 employees. Laser Cosmetica grew to be the third largest med spa organization in the nation at that time.

In 2010, Ryan founded Body Cosmetica. Body Cosmetica quickly grew to be one of the largest providers of plastic surgery in New York State and expanded to 24 offices across 8 States, all with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

Sarah Bonner

Sales Director

Sarah Bonner

Sarah Bonner is the Beauty Director at SKINNEY Medspa, helping clients create and discuss customized treatment plans based on their needs and desires. A Texas native, Sarah graduated with a degree in Business and Marketing and has experience working in the medical and health & wellness industries. She is passionate about working with people to find the most customized treatment plan to make them feel their best from the inside out.

Patricia Giles

Sales Director, L.E.

Patricia Giles, LE

Patricia graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.

Shortly after, she attended Xenon International Academy of Esthetics to pursue her dream of guiding others on their journey to skin health and wellness. Patricia believes that aesthetic upkeep builds self-confidence—it is not just about the way you look, but rather an outward reflection of how you feel inside. Patricia is passionate about connecting and forming relationships with others. She ensures that all our clients feel comfortable during the consulting process and works to achieve optimal results by creating individual treatment plans based on their unique aesthetic goals.

In her earlier years, Patricia was engaged in both the dance and modeling industries. She has been featured in the Omaha World Herald, Omaha Fashion Week, Good Morning America, and UK Vogue, and is recognized in primetime and show-biz dance competition academy

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Licensed Esthetician

Megan Mackey, LE

Megan is a New York licensed esthetician and certified technician of CoolSculpting, chemical peels, microneedling, and Morpheus 8 laser skin resurfacing. Megan has been passionate about esthetics her whole life, beginning with the countless facials she gave as a little girl to her mom. Pursuing her dream to career in medical aesthetics, Megan graduated with honors from Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics and joined the team at SKINNEY Medspa. Megan loves supporting SKINNEY clients at the Flatiron location in their esthetic goals by providing the most effective treatments with the utmost of care.

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Licensed Medical Esthetician

Shamrin Virani

Shamrin Virani is a licensed Medical Esthetician. She specializes in skincare treatments, body contouring, and laser services.

Shamrin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University. Soon after, she graduated with honors from Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics. She is certified in Coolsculpting, Laser, Chemical Peels, Hydrafacial, Microneedling and Microdermabrasion. Shamrin is passionate about educating her clients about skincare and helping them reach their aesthetic goals.

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Licensed Medical Esthetician

Amanda Dorfman

Amanda Dorfman is a New York State licensed Medical Esthetician, certified Laser Technician and Body Contouring specialist.

With over 15 years in the industry, Amanda’s meticulous and thorough approach to skincare and body contouring has gained her an extensive clientele. Beginning her career as a holistic skincare expert, Amanda is able to uniquely integrate technology into her customized treatment plans giving her clients a natural, enhanced result. After graduating from The Hudson Valley School of Advanced Aesthetics in 2007, she opened a private skin studio inside of the Pierre Hotel in New York City, having the pleasure of working on some of the world’s most prestigious faces.

Amanda joined the SKINNEY team in 2021, specializing in IPL, microneedling, radio frequency, CoolSculpting, Fraxel and more. Her passion for skin enhancement and education led her to enroll in a nursing program where she will earn her degree to become an RN, with a goal to combine injectables into her current practice.

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Licensed Esthetician

Christine Anderson, LME

Christine studied esthetics at the prestigious Atelier Esthetique Institute  under industry pioneer Annette Hanson and became an esthetics trainer at both Atelier and LASER Studio Plus. Christine is a licensed laser technician, specializing in cosmetic laser technologies including Laser Hair Removal NYC, laser skin resurfacing using IPL fractional lasers such as Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel, chemical peel, and more.

Christine first joined the SKINNEY Medspa team at their Upper East Side Spa location and is thrilled to be a part of the SKINNEY Med Spa Flatiron location with internationally renowned NYC hair and beauty salon Warren-Tricomi.

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Licensed Esthetician

Ashley Palmer

Ashley is a licensed esthetician specializing in medical-grade skin treatments and laser services. She received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in design and photography and studied skincare at the National Institute of Medical Aesthetics. She began her career in the beauty industry in 2011 as a makeup artist. She is very excited to bring her knowledge and passion for health and skincare to Skinney Medspa. She looks forward to giving each of her clients a wonderful experience and furthermore, amazing results.

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Licensed Esthetician

Alison Cohen

Alison is a SKINNEY Medspa Licensed Esthetician who specializes in non-invasive laser treatments, anti-aging services, and body contouring. She is a certified technician of CoolSculpting, Alma lasers, ablative skin restoration microneedling, and radiofrequency. Alison earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and graduated with honors from Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics. Alison cares deeply for her clients and is passionate about creating individualized treatment plans to suit each client’s specific needs and goals. She has a bubbly and warm personality and demonstrates a deep breadth of knowledge of both products and treatments. Alison is always in the know on the latest and greatest advancements in medical esthetics and is excited to share her expertise.

Gina Martinelli

Beauty Concierge

Gina Martinelli

Gina Martinelli is the front desk coordinator at SKINNEY Medspa. Pursuing her love for all things skin and beauty.

Gina intends to obtain her esthetics license from Christine Valmy. She is born and raised in New York City and enjoys writing, watching documentaries, and keeping up on the latest beauty trends.

Denise Galbreath

Spa Director

Denise Galbreath

With a background in Hospitality and a passion for the beauty industry, Denise’s priority is ensuring all guests have a memorable experience. As our Front Desk Manager at our W 57th + Saks NYC locations, she loves getting to meet clients and help guide them through their Skinney journey! When Denise isn’t charming guests with her southern hospitality, you can find her outside enjoying nature.

Thalia Valdes

Front Desk Manager

Thalia Valdes

Thalia Valdes is the manager at our Bal Harbour location.

Passionate about aesthetics and all things beauty she is the point of contact for Miami and is comitted to working with clients, creating a stress-free & rewarding experience.

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Director of Education, L.E.

Parminder Singh, LME

Parminder is licensed esthetician and certified laser technician, specializing in laser skin resurfacing and Clear + Brilliant. She has received advanced training in CoolSculpting as well as skin tightening treatments such as Ultherapy and Thermage. She received her makeup artist license from Lia Schorr Institute, which she put to use working in the bridal, fashion, and special effects industries. She then attended the Dermalogica Academy where she received her laser and esthetician license. Her passion for skin care is coupled with her desire to provide clients of SKINNEY Medspa with the most modern, most effective treatments for restoring and maintaining healthy, youthful looking skin. Parminder was born in Mainz, Germany and moved to the United States at 7 years old. Her favorite hobbies include cooking, traveling the world and staying on top of the latest beauty trends.

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Aesthetic Trainer, LE

Josie Holmes

Josie Holmes is a Licensed Esthetician and specializes in non-invasive body contouring. She is the SKINNEY MedSpa National Aesthetic Trainer. She also holds a position with Allergan Aesthetics as an Allergan Medical Instructor faculty member. Josie possesses a sharp eye for detail which she uses to her advantage in all of her medical aesthetic treatments. With strong interpersonal and leadership skills, she is a pioneer for our education team.

Gloria Reyes

Spa Director

Gloria Reyes

Gloria is extremely passionate about ensuring the SKINNEY experience is of utmost luxury. As the spa director her goal is to ensure all clients are met with quality service and care throughout our spas.

Nurse Practitioner

Ellie Markey

Ellie is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to her experience in aesthetics, Ellie cared for postoperative inpatients following plastic surgery in San Francisco and most recently managed corporate wellness here in Manhattan. Currently, Ellie’s focus is helping her patients make personal improvements with each visit. She understands that mind and body wellness can take many forms – whether it’s adding volume to the cheeks, reducing fine wrinkles, gently contouring the abdomen, or removing unwanted blemishes. Whatever the concern or procedure, Ellie knows that making small and natural appearing improvements can have a profound effect on her clients.

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Nurse Practitioner

Angel Socha

Angel Socha is a Nurse Practitioner licensed in NYC, NJ, + PA. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science in BioBehavioral Health from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University graduating with the highest distinction. Angel’s clinical experience at Penn Medicine includes Emergency Room medicine, cardiology, women’s health, and dermatology. Angel specializes in botox and filler injections and has completed training with industry leading practitioners. Angel’s unique patient centered approach allows her to provide her clients unparalleled results while delivering an aesthetic plan that suits their long-term beauty and wellness goals. Angel is trained in advanced lasers that help with anti-aging, pigmentation, acne scarring, hair removal, brown spots, and overall skin complexion. Angel is an avid learner and continues to educate herself on the latest techniques in beauty and wellness.

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Aesthetic Director

Dasha Varshavski

Dasha is a board-certified Physician Associate (PA) specializing in beauty and wellness. Her first experiences in medicine included plastic/reconstructive surgery, and dermatology where she picked up corrective and enhancement beauty practices that she now implements in her treatments at SKINNEY. Having a strong background in medicine coupled with her own business ventures, Dasha joins SKINNEY’s team as an expert in anti-aging treatments, nutrition, wellness, and utilizing cutting-edge technology. She is passionate about helping her patients look and feel their absolute best.

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Medical Director

Dr. Carlos Rodriguez

Dr. Rodriguez is a highly regarded NYC primary care physician with board-certification in internal medicine. He completed his residency at Cornell University and the Lincoln Medical Center. Dr. Rodriguez’s expertise extends beyond primary care. He’s also a master injector and national trainer for Revance Therapeutics, specializing in RHA fillers and the innovative Daxxify treatment for frown lines. His commitment to medical advancement is evident as he trains extensively on these treatments.

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Board Certified Physician

Dr. Joseph Mattingly

Dr. Joseph Mattingly attended undergraduate school at Aquinas College in Michigan, where he was part of the prestigious TriBeta national honor society. Prior to attending the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, he was a graduate assistant at Western Michigan University’s Physician Assistant school teaching regional anatomy, where he completed his MBA. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine in North Jersey, where he served as chief resident in his final year.

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Medical Director, Miami

Dr. Shaker Hamadiya

Dr. Shaker Hamadiya has grown to be one of Miami’s most in-demand cosmetic practitioners and an expert in cosmetic injections.

As Skinney’s Medical Director, Dr. Hamadiya is a Board Certified Physician, specializing in Preventive Medicine and Esthetics. He received his Medical Degree from the top-5 Baylor College of Medicine and has worked under some of the world’s most renowned surgeons.

He uses his unique vision for the aesthetic and attempts to, not only provide patients with their desired enhancement but, ensure they can maintain the most natural appearance while alleviating the visual signs of aging.

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Operations Manager

Revana Rahman

Revana is the Operations Manager at SKINNEY Medspa as she manages day-to-day business development while assisting the director of operations in the responsibilities of brand partnerships, e-comerce, and vendor relationships. Revana has been a part of the developing beauty and aesthetics industry for 5+ years in metropolitan New York City, where she was also born and raised. Alongside fueling her passion for beauty and aesthetics, SKINNEY Medspa has also inspired Revana to complete medical school in hopes of becoming a fabulous physician one day (soon) specializing in women’s health.

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Chief Operating Officer

Lindsay Malachowski

Lindsay Malachowski is the Chief Operating Officer at SKINNEY Medspa where she oversees the operations of their national team with locations in New York, Miami & Houston. Under her leadership SKINNEY Medspa has spearheaded partnerships with Saks 5th Avenue and Biologique Recherche and grown from 2 locations locally, to 5 locations nationally, SKINNEY Medspa is the #1 provider of Coolsculpting in the country, and the #1 provider of Emsculpt in the world and positioned for continued expansion.
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