Reader recommendation request: Searching for a skin specialist

If you are a regular reader of, and/or participant in, WSB comments, you know “Jiggers.” Often amusing, often pointed, always memorable. Our latest RRR is from him; he asks that anyone with a recommendation e-mail him directly (though if you also post here, it might help someone else someday too). “Jiggers” writes:

I am searching for a seasoned Dermatologist in WS, or downtown Seattle is fine. I have been battling Dermatitis and Psoriasis for years now, and my medical condition is progressively getting worse. I am in pain every day from my skin. I am looking for consultation and alternatives to treatments that I’m on now. I’ve been told that there’s no cure for these skin conditions. Part of why my skin is the way it is, is because I also have a weak immune system which doesn’t provide the necessary anti-bodies to help me heal properly. … I am coming to desperation mode because I am consistently bothered by these conditions every day at work, or no matter where I am. It’s affecting my day to day routine.

18 Replies to "Reader recommendation request: Searching for a skin specialist"

  • Elizabeth September 27, 2007 (7:44 pm)

    I’ve had dermatitis for many years and had seen a number of dermatologists with mixed results. I recently started going to Westside Dermatology and my skin cleared for the first time in at least 5 years.

    Good luck!

  • K September 27, 2007 (8:37 pm)

    I’ll second Westside Dermatology – Dr. Arntzen is fantastic.

  • sassy September 27, 2007 (8:55 pm)

    I’m third!

    Dr. Arntzen is a brilliant Dermatologist, with a gracious & warm personality. Also, her MA is fantastic too – caring, informed.

    My skin really does look great – thanks to her!

  • Leslie September 27, 2007 (9:56 pm)

    More cheers for Kelli Arntzen…she rxed the right treatment for me to finally clear a persistent rash that I’d had for years (unsuccessfuly managed by 2 other derms). She’s a good mix of smart doc and warm demeanor.

  • Sue September 27, 2007 (9:59 pm)

    Sorry to hear you’re dealing with that, Jiggers – my brother suffers from psoriasis and I know how difficult it is for him. (If he wasn’t in NY, I’d recommend his doctor.) I deal with eczema and have been seeing Amy Sarkie (PA) at Northwest Skin Specialists, 1229 Madison Street #1290, 206-315-4600 and would highly recommend her.

  • Jen V. September 27, 2007 (10:32 pm)

    Dr. Gee – Part of the Highline Clinic behind Jefferson Sqare.

  • willamina c. September 27, 2007 (11:32 pm)

    i’m fourthing or fifthing dr. kelli artzen at westside dermatology.

    smart, funny, able to be honest and forthright yet gentle, and amazing with my weird weird skin disease. (some forms of which, but not mine, is often mistaken for psoriasis, which she says she “sees a lot of.” i asked because she gladly hooked me up with coal tar shampoo for my hair even though nobody else would before.)

    did i mention she’s awesome?

  • lrb September 28, 2007 (9:53 am)

    may i also recommend getting tested for food allergies? i has eczema and psoriasis my whole life until i finally figured out my immune system was responding to all the foods i now know i’m allergic to. i had a food allergy blood test at the west seattle natural medicine clinic and now know what to avoid. the improvements are quite amazing.

  • andrea m September 28, 2007 (10:13 am)

    Dr. Susanne Gee is fantastic. She was a clinical nutritionist before going to medical school. She figured out that my hair loss was due to low iron and folic acid levels

  • Jiggers September 28, 2007 (10:21 am)

    Thanks for everyone lending me suggestions. I will consult with all of them.

  • Jumbojim September 28, 2007 (11:36 am)

    Hey Jiggers,

    Another alternative to consider is a naturopath. I personally have never been to one, but they would certainly give you a different take on things. Not sure it would work in conjunction with conventional treatments though.

    Good luck!

  • Shannon September 28, 2007 (12:44 pm)

    Dermatologist Sarah Matthews at the Group Health on Capitol Hill!

  • A.A. September 28, 2007 (12:56 pm)

    Jiggers, Do you see a Rheumatologist? I have an auto-immune disease as well (Ankylosing Spondylitis) and know of a couple of good ones if you don’t have one. Psoriasis can be treated by a dermatologist, but (as you probably know) the underlying auto-immune disease should really be treated by a Rheumatologist. There have been good results with Enbrel for Psoriasis. For me it wasn’t as good, and the side effects weren’t worth the minor improvement, but it may work for you.

  • Deb September 28, 2007 (2:03 pm)

    http://www.dermassocseattle.com/

    Dr. Goff at Dermatology Associates is great. My son had severe eczema as a baby and small child. We were able to get into the clinical trial for an eczema medicine he was testing and it really helped us. I noticed on their website that he is now working on Psoriasis Research & Treatment.

    Good luck.

  • Jiggers September 28, 2007 (5:31 pm)

    Thanks again WS bloggers for providing me with info. I do have my own Immune specialist at Virginia Mason already, but I wasn’t happy with their Dermatologist.

  • AA September 28, 2007 (8:36 pm)

    Glad to hear it. I saw Dr Molitor there for a few years. there are a few very good docs at VM. I got tired of their terrible billing practices after awhile though.

  • Amanda September 29, 2007 (4:41 pm)

    I was just recently diagnosed with psoriasis myself. Mine is most likey stress induced, but it’s also in my genes. I have started seeing Dr. Hu in the Nordstrom Medical Tower (206-343-4111) and have had great results. He has me on a systemic therapy, meaning I am taking oral medication. Every patient is different and respondes to treatments differently so it’s important to find a dermatologist that can work with you to find the best therapy. Dr. Hu is a man of few words, but he knows his stuff and sees approximately 100 patients a month that have psoriasis. I was given his name by my family doctor, but he is also on the national psoriasis foundation’s website (www.psoriasis.org). I highly reccommend Dr. Hu.

  • west sea mum August 17, 2008 (11:05 pm)

    I would absolutely recommend Westside Dermatology. I’ve been to several different, well-respected, dermatologists throughout the city in my constant bout with my own skin issues. So I can say with confidence that she and her staff are one of the best, if not the best, in Seattle. I’ve actually been seeing Amy Nelson over there for the past year and have been very impressed. She is so knowledgeable and kind. I never feel like I’m rushed through or not listened to like I did in some of the other offices I’ve been to. In fact, I’ve been fighting pretty severe acne for years and it was only after seeing her that it’s begun to clear up. I can’t recommend her enough! :)

Sorry, comment time is over.