Dr. Christopher Crosby
Dermatology
La Mesa, CA
16 years experience male
Locations
Office
La Mesa, CA
My office hours
Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Show moreAbout
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Dermatology
Licenses
United States: California, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, Washington
Doctor Q&A
55 Answers
1 Agree
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Chickenpox Part II: Shingles (varicella zoster) is a reactivation of the chicken pox infection you had as a child. The virus remains dormant in the body. It can reactiva... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See your doctor: Medications may help shingles but it will usually resolve on its own. One exception is when it is located around the eye. If the eye is involved, it ... Read More
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See Below: It can be a bit confusing. The technical name for 'shingles' is herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is caused by a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: Pregnancy can cause changes in oil production and can affect hair growth and texture. Many women actually experience increased hair body during pregna... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See Below: There are multiple treatment methods for psoriatic arthritis. They are most effective early in the disease before significant joint damage occurs. Th... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
It depends . . : The impact of melanoma on overall health depends on how deep the cancer is at diagnosis. For very thin (in situ) lesions, there is very little impact ... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
It depends: The long term effects of having melanoma depend on how deep the cancer is at diagnosis and whether it has spread beyond the skin. For very thin (in si... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Normal Mole: When a mole is biopsied and examined under the microscope, there a many different patterns that may be seen. Dermatopathologists name the moles based ... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Better to treat it: Most cases of eczema can be treated by your dermatologist. Since there are so many effective treatments, it would be better to fix the problem than ju... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
7 days: Chicken pox (varicella) is spread via two routes. Airborne spread through respiratory secretions and via contact with open lesions. Patients are typi... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See Below: Both are insecticides. Pyrethrins are naturally occurring compounds derived from the chrysanthemum plant. Permethrin is a more potent synthetic versio... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Most work well: Over the counter antifungal creams, powders, and sprays are very effective for athlete's foot, but recurrences are common. For people with sweaty feet... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See Below: Dry scaly skin on the scalp can have multiple causes. Dandruff is the most common and scalp eczema is actually rare. Dandruff can be treated with otc... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Congenital Nevus: A bathing trunk nevus is a common term used to describe a giant congenital nevus. These large moles or birthmarks are present at birth and can cover t... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: Hair transplants have vastly improved over the last few decades. In the right hands, the newer follicular unit graft procedures can look nearly as goo... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Antifungal Cream: Over the counter antifungal creams, powders, and sprays are very effective for athlete's foot. Recurrences are common. For people with sweaty feet, i... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Location: Tinea cruis occurs in the groin.
Tinea pedis occurs on the feet.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: When a mole is biopsied and examined under the microscope, there a many different patterns junctional nevus is a common, benign mole.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is the most common cause of round bald spots in facial hair. The disorder is oftentimes self limited. In some cases, a series of topi... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See below: Healthy skin is designed to maintain the proper amount of moisture. Many factors including age, genetic, and environmental factors can make the skin b... Read More
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See below: Tazorac (tazarotene) does not treat acne scarring. It is a topical retinoid similar to, but more potent that retin-a. It can help prevent new acne sca... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
It's complicated: At it's root, atopic dermatitis is caused by partially inherited defects in the barrier function of the skin and a propensity of the skin to overreact... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Not actually a worm: Ringworm is a common name for 'tinea corporis' this is a skin infection caused by a fungus. The infection forms slightly raised, scaly ring shaped sp... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Don't Wait.: There are actually a number melanoma subtypes. Some can grow slowly over many years and some can progress rapidly over months. Melanoma can be complet... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Very Few: Topical Permethrin is usually prescribed for scabies infestation. When used as directed, it is a safe medication. The only real contradiction is any k... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Normal Mole: When a mole is biopsied and examined under the microscope, there a many different patterns that may be seen. Dermatopathologists name the moles based ... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: Keloids are caused by skin injury in susceptible people. While piercing is one of the most common causes, tattoos (due the injury caused by the needl... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Wound Care: Xenaderm is a topical cream for chemical debridement. It is used to aid in the healing of chronic wounds. It helps promote new blood vessel growth and... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: The short answer is yes, but it is less common in the US. Head lice move around the scalp by gripping hair shafts. Most head lice in the US have claw... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See Below: Bed sores are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin . . . Usually over bony prominences such as hips or shoulder blades. They can be common in peop... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
It can be tricky.: There is overlap between the appearance and symptoms of eczema & fungal infections. Both can be red, scaly and itchy. Mild eczema responds well to moi... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes for minor rash: If you truly have contact allergy caused by soap, the first step is to avoid the product. Overuse of soap can cause irritant dermatitis due to over-dr... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Usually Not: The skin serves as a barrier to the environment. In general, this barrier is most effective when it is well moisturized. However, some lotions contain... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: Melanoma is a malignant overgrowth of melanocytes. Melanocytes are most numerous in the skin which is why almost all melanoma occurs in the skin. Howe... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Very Few: Topical benzoyl peroxide is usually prescribed for the treatment of acne. When used as directed, it is a safe medication. The only real contradiction ... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
First Degree: First degree burns involve only the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See below: While it is true that guttate refers to a particular appearance of the psoriasis lesions, the cause is also different. Plaque psoriasis is a chronic c... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
At least 6 months: Isotretinoin (the Accutane brand no longer sold) has been linked to hypertrophic scar and keloid formation. This was most commonly noted in dermabrasi... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: Ringworm (tinea corporis) is actually caused by a fungus. There are no 'worms' involved. This fungal infection can be spread by direct contact with in... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Elbow grease: Medications are effective to varying degrees in killing lice and lice eggs(nits), but the eggs are cemented the the hair shaft. They can be removed wi... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See Below: Seasonal allergies do not usually directly cause skin rashes. However, people with seasonal allergies are more likely to suffer from asthma an eczema ... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Clinical exam: Actinic keratoses are early precancerous lesions caused primarily by sun exposure over time. They are usually diagnosed by your dermatologist on clin... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Wait: If you nail falls off due to a presumed fungal infection, see your physician. If it is indeed a fungal infection, you may be treated to help eliminate... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: There are no good research studies that prove a relationship between stress and psoriasis flares. However both patients and psoriasis experts have no... Read More
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See below: It can be a bit confusing. The technical name for 'shingles' is herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is caused by a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
NOT Contagious: Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be spread between individuals. There is evidence that there may be a genetic component to psoriasis and it may... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Yes: 'blind pimple' is a colloquial term for deep pimples that have not yet "come to a head." as with any pimples, it is important not to manipulate them ... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See below: Retin-a mirco does not treat acne scarring. It can help prevent new acne scars by preventing serious breakout as part of an acne treatment regimen. S... Read More
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Anywhere: Any part of the body (including internal organs) can be affected by fungus.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
See your Doctor: The primary cause of pressure sores is infrequent changes in position. Chronic illness and poor nutrition can also contribute. Prevention is of course... Read More
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
5
Recommendations
124
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Jun 18, 2017
I have acne under my chin ingrown hairs. I saw a Dermatology, he commented me cream cost $600.00 I don't have that amount of money.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Crosby is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Crosby is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Your answer was very helpful, thanks! Thank you for your clarification on this subject, Dr. Crosby
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, SC
Graduated 2005MD
Residency
EMORY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Completed 2009
Awards
HealthTap Founding Doctor
Affiliations
Sharp Grossmont Hospital, La Mesa, CA
Department of veterans affairs
University California Sandiego Medical Center
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