Clarus Dermatology

Clarus Dermatology Clarus Dermatology is a comprehensive dermatology clinic including medical, surgical and cosmetic ca

Our Mission

Clarus Dermatology is committed to delivering the highest level of comprehensive dermatology service to all of our patients. We provide high-value, evidence-based care using a team-based approach that tightly integrates with your primary care team. High-Value Care: What it Means for Clarus Dermatology Patients

The dollars you spend on health care are no different than any other line item in your budget; you want to make sure you’re getting the best possible return on your investment. And that return on investment includes a careful evaluation of the outcome of your visit with us. At Clarus Dermatology, we strive to provide our patients with the best possible value in the services we provide; we will do all we can to efficiently and responsibly treat your conditions. If a simpler and less-expensive procedure is the right one to treat your condition, we’ll suggest that option. We’re also among the leading dermatology providers in Minnesota, meaning that we have a wide range of options to help solve complex cases as well. We at Clarus are dedicated to outcomes that return our patients to healthy living without unnecessary spending of either health care dollars or valuable time. Our goal is to have our patients walk out the door feeling healthier, happier, and satisfied with the true value of the care they received. Our Care Philosophy

At Clarus Dermatology, we live our values every day. That means giving our patients not only the care they need, but the respect they deserve. Our philosophy of care allows our physicians and medical staff to go the extra mile and give the best service to every patient, every day. When you become a Clarus Dermatology patient, your advantages include:
-An evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist or a Physician Assistant in dermatology at every visit
-Timely and accessible care
-Comprehensive and integrated care
-High-value medical care

03/16/2026

What to Expect During a Full-Body Skin Exam

During your exam:
🔍 We examine your skin from head to toe (including scalp, nails, and soles of your feet)
-We’ll ask about new, changing, or symptomatic spots
📸 Photos may be taken to monitor moles over time
-Concerning lesions are measured or noted for follow-up

If we see something suspicious:
- A quick biopsy may be recommended (local anesthetic, typically takes minutes)
- Results are reviewed and discussed with you within two weeks.

What to know:
✔️ Exams are usually quick and painless
✔️ You can ask questions at any time
✔️ Early detection saves lives

🗓️ Yearly skin checks are recommended for most adults—earlier or more often if you’re higher risk.

Terra Menkosky, PA-C

🩹 Skin Cancer Doesn’t Care How Old You AreThinking skin cancer is just a "little spot" or something that only happens wh...
03/12/2026

🩹 Skin Cancer Doesn’t Care How Old You Are

Thinking skin cancer is just a "little spot" or something that only happens when you're much older? Think again!

Take a look at this amazing transformation after Mohs surgery for a 38-year-old. She noticed a small spot on her midline frontal scalp, which turned out to be Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC).

That’s exactly why we routinely check your scalps during your full-body skin exam! Basal cell is the most common skin cancer, and catching it early makes all the difference.

So, don’t skip your yearly skin check. If you spot something new, notice any changes, or see any bleeding, make sure to get it checked out!

Light vs. Medium Depth Chemical Peels Not all peels are created equal—here’s how to know which might be right for you.Li...
03/11/2026

Light vs. Medium Depth Chemical Peels

Not all peels are created equal—here’s how to know which might be right for you.

Light (Superficial) Peel

Best for:
✔️ Dull skin
✔️ Mild acne
✔️ Uneven tone
✔️ Fine texture

What to expect:
• Minimal downtime
• Mild flaking for a few days
• Great “refresh” treatment
• Done in a series of 3. Book a consult to discuss our PCA peels!

Medium Depth Peel

Best for:
✔️ Sun damage
✔️ Pigmentation
✔️ Fine lines and wrinkles
✔️ Acne scarring

What to expect:
• 5–14 days of visible peeling
• More dramatic results
• Typically fewer treatments needed
• Requires strict sun protection. Book a consult to discuss our Medium TCA peel!

The right peel depends on your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle (especially upcoming sun exposure).

Not sure which is best? A consultation helps us customize the safest, most effective option for your goals.

Terra Menkosky, PA-C

Spring Break Skin Prep 🌴☀️Headed somewhere warm? Here’s how to best prepare your skin for travel!Do this BEFORE you trav...
03/05/2026

Spring Break Skin Prep 🌴☀️
Headed somewhere warm? Here’s how to best prepare your skin for travel!

Do this BEFORE you travel:
✔️ Book any peels, lasers, or microneedling at least 2–4 weeks prior
✔️ Start (or restart) daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+
✔️ Simplify your routine—travel + new products = irritation
✔️ Treat acne before the sun (many acne meds increase sun sensitivity)

Pack smart:
🧴 Mineral sunscreen SPF 30+ (reapply every 2 hours)
💧 Gentle cleanser + moisturizer
🧢 Hat + sunglasses + sun protective clothing (yes, they count as skincare)

If you need extra help addressing your skin care concerns prior to upcoming travel, book with one of our Clarus Dermatology providers today!

Terra Menkosky, PA-C

The back of the hand is a tough spot for surgery; the skin is incredibly thin, and there isn't much "extra" tissue to wo...
03/03/2026

The back of the hand is a tough spot for surgery; the skin is incredibly thin, and there isn't much "extra" tissue to work with. This is especially true for our 100-year-old female patient we recently treated for SCCIS (Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ) on her left hand.

For a delicate area like this, Dr. Neil Shah uses Mohs surgery to get the best possible outcome. By checking the margins in real-time, he can make sure every bit of the cancer is removed while saving as much healthy, skin as possible. 🔬✨

It’s always a privilege to see how well the body can heal at any age ! Check out how amazing her hand looks after just 2 weeks. We're so happy to see her doing well!

🩺 UV Nail Lamps & Skin Cancer Risk: What Patients Should Know🩺UV nail lamps used for gel manicures emit UVA radiation, w...
02/26/2026

🩺 UV Nail Lamps & Skin Cancer Risk: What Patients Should Know🩺

UV nail lamps used for gel manicures emit UVA radiation, which penetrates deeply into the skin and contributes to photoaging, DNA damage, and cumulative skin cancer risk. While occasional use is generally low risk, repeated and unprotected exposure over time may increase the risk—particularly on the hands and nail units, which are often overlooked during skin exams.

🔍 Watch for changes in the nails and nail beds, including:
• Dry, rough, or scaly lesions on the fingers or cuticles
• Non-healing sores around the nails
• Dark pigmentation or streaks within the nail or nail bed
• Changes in nail shape, color, or thickness

🧴 Dermatologist-recommended protection:
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to hands 15–20 minutes before exposure
• Wear UV-protective manicure gloves (with fingertip openings)
• Choose LED curing devices (shorter exposure times)
• Limit the frequency of gel manicures when possible

⚠️ Extra caution is advised for individuals with a family history of skin cancer or those who are immunosuppressed, as their risk may be higher.

👩‍⚕️ Examine your hands and nails during regular skin self-checks, and report any new or changing lesions to a dermatologist promptly.

Sydney Schwitters, PA-C


J. Q. Duong, M. S. Ceresnie, I. Kohli, and H. W. Lim, Revisiting Cutaneous Carcinogenic Risk From Ultraviolet Nail Polish Dryer Lamp Exposure, Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 41, no. 6 (2025): e70060, https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.70060.

Salerni G, Macoc M. Nail Melanoma in Situ in a Patient with Regular Ultraviolet Nail Lamp Exposure. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2025;15(3):5607. Published 2025 Jul 31. doi:10.5826/dpc.1503a5607

Shihab N, Lim HW. Potential cutaneous carcinogenic risk of exposure to UV nail lamp: A review. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2018; 34: 362–365. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12398

✨ Pout Perfection with Binh Vu, PA-C ✨Looking for that perfect pout? 👄 We are obsessed with this gorgeous transformation...
02/25/2026

✨ Pout Perfection with Binh Vu, PA-C ✨
Looking for that perfect pout? 👄 We are obsessed with this gorgeous transformation for our 25-year-old patient!

Whether you want to add a little extra volume, refine your shape, or simply enhance your natural symmetry, Binh Vu, PA-C specializes in creating results that look as good as they feel.

The "Binh" Difference:

Customized Approach: No "one-size-fits-all" here. Binh tailors every treatment to your unique facial features and anatomy. 🎨

Definition & Detail: A focus on beautiful borders and a crisp, defined cupid’s bow. ✨

Natural-Looking Volume: Subtle, soft, and totally stunning results that keep everyone guessing.

🩺 Chilblains (Pernio): What to KnowChilblains, also known as pernio, are inflammatory skin lesions that develop after ex...
02/23/2026

🩺 Chilblains (Pernio): What to Know

Chilblains, also known as pernio, are inflammatory skin lesions that develop after exposure to cold, damp conditions. Symptoms typically appear within 12–24 hours after exposure and most commonly affect the fingers and toes.

🔴 Symptoms may include:
• Red, purple, or bluish patches or bumps
• Itching, burning, or pain
• Swelling and tenderness

⚠️ Possible complications:
• Blistering
• Ulceration (in more severe cases)

❄️ Chilblains are usually self-limited and resolve within 1–3 weeks. Symptoms often improve with warmer weather and are less common during the warmer months of the year.

🧤 Prevention & care:
• Keep hands and feet warm and dry
• Avoid rapid rewarming (no hot water)
• Wear gloves, thick socks, and insulated footwear
• Stop smoking if applicable

👩‍⚕️ See a dermatologist if lesions are recurrent, severe, ulcerating, or persistent, or if they occur without clear cold exposure.

Sydney Schwitters, PA-C

Kroshinsky D. Pernio (chilblains). UpToDate. July 2, 2025. Accessed January 22, 2026. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pernio-chilblains?search=chilblains&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~34&usage_type=default&display_rank=1 .

🩺 Perioral Dermatitis: What Patients Should KnowPerioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory facial rash that presents a...
02/20/2026

🩺 Perioral Dermatitis: What Patients Should Know

Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory facial rash that presents as small red bumps or pustules around the mouth, and sometimes the nose or eyes—often sparing the skin immediately next to the lips.

🔴 Common symptoms:
• Red bumps or pimples
• Burning or stinging
• Mild itching or tenderness
• Dryness or scaling

⚠️ Common triggers:
• Topical steroid creams (even short-term use)
• Heavy or occlusive facial products
• Fluorinated toothpaste

🧴 Dermatologist tips:
• Stop all facial products and treatments initially
• Cleanse with water only
• Avoid topical steroids unless directed
• Prescription treatments may be needed to clear the rash

👩‍⚕️ See a dermatologist if symptoms are persistent or worsening.

Sydney Schwitters, PA-C

No Scalpel. No Stitches. No Scar. 🚫🔪When this 67-year-old was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in situ on hi...
02/19/2026

No Scalpel. No Stitches. No Scar. 🚫🔪

When this 67-year-old was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in situ on his left calf, he was looking for an alternative to traditional surgery. That’s when we decided to treat with Image-Guided SRT (IG-SRT).

We used medical-grade ultrasound to locate the cancer and then gently targeted it with low-level X-ray energy—all while he relaxed comfortably in a chair. The best part? No downtime and no need for recovery!

IG-SRT offers a 99% cure rate for non-melanoma skin cancers without the recovery time associated with Mohs surgery.

Just three months later, his skin is clear! No scar, no "divot," and everything looks great.

Thinking about whether IG-SRT is right for you? Click "Book Now" or give our office a call to set up a consultation. We’d love to help!

💋✨It’s not about changing who you are; it’s about restoring your natural beauty. ✨💋Binh Vu, PA-C  loved working with  51...
02/12/2026

💋✨It’s not about changing who you are; it’s about restoring your natural beauty. ✨💋

Binh Vu, PA-C loved working with 51-year-old patient who wanted to address natural volume loss without looking "done." Binh was able to achieve a refreshed, youthful look that honors our patients natural beauty.

Targeted: Fine lines and volume loss.

Goal: Subtle definition, avoiding that “done” look.

Result: soft, plush texture that looks fantastic with or without lipstick.

💋 Proof that lip filler is truly for every age! 💋

Address

900 Long Lake Road, Suite 150
New Brighton, MN
55112

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 3:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

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