What to Look for in a Dermatologist: Dark Spots, Hair Loss & Adult Acne
with Dr. Sonya Campbell Johnson, MD · Dermatology, Dermatology Associates, PC, Indianapolis
Picking a dermatologist takes more than a quick online search, especially if you have darker skin or textured hair. In this episode of the Top Providers Podcast, Joe Brown talks with Dr. Sonya Campbell Johnson, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dermatology Associates, with offices in Indianapolis, Batesville and Tipton, Indiana. Dr. Johnson earned her medical degree at Saint Louis University, completed her dermatology residency at Indiana University, and has cared for Indiana patients for more than 25 years, with a special focus on skin of color and hair and scalp conditions. She covers what to look for in a dermatologist, plus green flags and red flags on a first visit; what to ask if you have darker skin or textured hair; what causes dark spots and uneven skin tone, and why some dark spots don't respond to bleaching creams; one habit that helps your skin; early signs of hair loss and how much shedding is normal; why so many women get acne in their 40s; and medical vs. cosmetic care and setting realistic expectations. This episode is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your own doctor. See a dermatologist about any skin, hair or scalp concern before starting a new treatment.
- 0:00How much hair loss is normal?
- 0:38Welcome & meet Dr. Johnson
- 1:24What to look for in a dermatologist
- 1:49Green flags & red flags on a first visit
- 3:10Darker skin or textured hair: what to ask a dermatologist
- 4:22What causes dark spots & uneven skin tone
- 5:51The dark spot bleaching creams can't fix
- 6:48One habit that helps your skin more than any product
- 7:45Hair loss in women of color: early signs to watch
- 9:38Why adult acne is so common in women 40 to 50
- 11:06Medical vs. cosmetic: setting realistic expectations
- 12:00What she wants patients to understand
- 12:49Wrap-up
For general information, not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.
The guest
Booking details, hours and her full background live on her profile.
Clips from this episode
Under a minute each, cut straight from the interview.
Shorts0:25Red flag: a dermatologist who doesn't listen
Why you should ask again if your questions aren't being answered.
Shorts0:40Textured hair? Ask your dermatologist this first
The question to ask about a dermatologist's experience with textured hair and scalp concerns.
Shorts0:43How much hair loss is actually normal?
Normal shedding vs. prolonged hair loss, and when to see a doctor.
Shorts0:44Dark spot not fading? This could be why
Why some dark marks left after picking at acne don't respond to bleaching products. Ask a dermatologist what's behind yours.
Transcript
A reviewed transcript of this episode will appear here. Until then, the chapters above let you jump to each part of the conversation.