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Columbia, MO
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Bio
Medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology; private practice; work with another dermatologist and a team of estheticians, nurses, and skilled assistants; dermatopathlogist
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
Doctor Q&A
175 Answers
76 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Not likely: It may be annoying to have oily skin but there are no health problems associated with it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Eczema: Likely eczema due to dryness or harsh skin care products. Use gentle soaps, lotions after cooler bathing sessions, and try some over the counter stero... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Hives or pruritus: There is a long list ranging from blood disorders to kidney or liver problems to thyroid diseases. Cold be just hives. Could be underlying malignancy.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Yes: Yes, in fact if these are experienced you proceed to a doctors office or emergency clinic today.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 60-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Not a big deal: If you are sure it's a bite and it's painless then i would not worry.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Vitamin d: The newest topicals are prescription vitamin d analogs.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Staph infection: Likely a staph infection of the hair follicles here. Try a topical antibiotic three times a day for a week or so, if no help see an md for prescriptio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Not related: Taking Isotretinoin in the past could not explain your current symptoms. You need medical attention in order to see what this from and how to best tre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Dysdidrosis?: Likely dyshidrosis, a type of dermatitis. Could be fungal but less likely, however only way to be certain is to get the help of a derm who can do an i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Good drug: I like biafene for many purposes and this is a good one.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Pityriasis rosea?: This is just a good guess. Could be other things. But if it's pr it will resolve on its own. However it could be other entities i would hate to scare ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Infection: You need medical attention for a bacterial infection soon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
No: No, although lichen planus itches a lot, it does not spread it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid cleansers can help with acne and the red marks that follow.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Skin tag : Sounds like of life's little blessings, a skin tag. Easily addressed if annoying, or let it be if not.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Dermatitis: Sounds like dermatitis to me as well, and thinking of laundry or personal care products is smart. May have become allergic to things that he was not p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
No: There is a vaccine that reduces the chance of catching some types of genital warts. Ther are drugs that can be injected into warts that might nudge th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Same thing: Coldsore is the common name for herpes. However the sores may be due to other causes such as apthous ulcers and other conditions.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
A few days: It stains the skin temporarily, a few days. Its perfectly safe. Lasts longer if you don't swim or bathe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Seb derm: I'd use a tar based shampoo, zinc based, or a salicylic acid based shampoo. Sometimes its good to rotate them, using one one day and another the next... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Clothing?: Babies should not be in the sun much, but if a must protect with clothing or a physical ( chemical free) sunscreen containing zinc or titanium dioxide... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Controllable: Like many chronic diseases psoriasis can be controlled but not cured. Some folks do enjoy complete clearing, or nearly so. I encourage you to explore ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Not usually: Unlikely caused directly by pregnancy. Suspect you are applying something you are sensitive to. Use cetaphil cream on it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Veregen (sinecatechins): I assume you mean genital. Yes zyclara is somewhat effective but there are othe prescription options such as veregen, (sinecatechins) which i prefer o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 56-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Dermatitis: Likely a reaction to the prep done at time of surgery or a dressing after. What are you putting on the wound now? I'd ask the surgeon what they sugges... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 51-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Skin biopsy: Sounds like you are in the midst of an ongoing workup and not firmly diagnosed. A dermatologist evaluation and possible biopsy would be a great step n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Tinea versicolor?: I suspect it's another easily treated condition. See a Derm and get properly diagnosed!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Hydration: Drinking more water will not repair skin cracks or make skin moister. The act of bathing hydrates the skin while washing but then as the skin dries t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Topical anti fungal: The over the counter topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Wait: It may resolve itself, keep clean and with antibiotic ointment on area. But if recurs see gyn promptly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Hematoma or infect: The pain and warmth worries me, not likely a broken bone but may well be a soft tissue infection. Ou need to see a doc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Herpes: Small blisters clustered on a red patch.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Vaseline: Keep clean, no scab, vaseline at all times til healed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
He could : Get any rash on genitals checked by a doc for std.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Good: Excellent choice! proven to be effective, more so than most other remedies!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
No interaction: Having a yeast infection will not interfere with becoming pregnant nor damage the sperm in any way.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Moisturize: Absolutely. This will reduce scarring and itching.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
It's safe: Despite the labeling in the opinion of most derms it's safer and most effective, in fact the foam is likely the most effective for both men and women.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Dermatitis: Common this time of year is a condition called asteatotic dermatitis. Dry skin, soap or laundry fragrance and cheap lotions all make it worse. Bathe g... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Not if its new: I'd wait til its well healed before going.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Same drug: Same drug by different routes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Benign growths: These are also known as angiofibromas. They are common benign growths on the mid face a bout the size of a pinhead. Usually solitary and arising in ad... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Going away?: It may be going away. Gently pare the loose skin and try otc salacid on it nightly- likely a good time to nudge it away.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
No big deal: One itchy wrist- no major issue. Dermatitis likely, try over the counter Hydrocortisone but if not helpful see your doc. Bottom line- no risk or issue... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Lunula: Some people have 10/10 lunulae (moons), some have none, some have a number in between, but there is nothing abnormal about seeing lunulae ( or not ).
... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Get to a Derm: This is unusual, i'd get to your derm.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Waxing: Of the options out there i'd say waxing. Laser is more effective but costly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Dry nails: Nails, like skin, are prone to dryness if exposed to a harsh environments. Try to be gentler on your hands, and within 5 min of bathing or washing app... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. John Despainanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
Fungi: Not worms. Certain species of fungus invades the uppermost layer of the skin and digests lipids in the stratum corneum outwardly expanding, hence the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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.
3
Recommendations
389
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Nov 22, 2012
Answered quickly and it was in his field of expertise and I feel he gave great advice to try instead of just referring me to my own doc.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Despain is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Despain is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! I have one line on each of my finger nails. It looks as if a new thicker nail started growing there (its about midway through now) I hate to look at doctor Google but I...Read More
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thank you I'm Joan lee from hongkong , I have a topical psoriasis,, it spread every where , little by little
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful and the quick reply was fantastic. Going to my Dr today and will ask about these.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Missouri - Columbia, MO
Graduated 1984MD
Awards
Top Doctor, Second Place, Columbia Region - Summer
2014
Top Dermatologist , First Place, Missouri - Summer
2014
Most Influential Doctor, First Place, Columbia Region - Summer
2014
Affiliations
DeSpain Cayce Dermatology
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