Dr. John Stephens
Dermatology
Indianapolis, IN
20 years experience male
Locations
Office
Indianapolis, IN
Insurances accepted
Aetna
Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Humana
IU Health
Sagamore Health Network
UnitedHealthcare
Office
Carmel, IN
About
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
62 Answers
5 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a doctor: I would see your obgyn. You may need a culture to identify the causative agent. You may still have a yeast infection that is resistant to your initi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Psoriasis: Nail pitting is commonly seen in nail psoriasis. A dermatologist should be able to tell you if this is the case.
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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: You may need prescription topical or oral antifungal treatment. Or you may not have ringworm at all.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Several possibilites: Contact allergy and fungus are both possible, but usually are itchy. Contact allergy is usually due to nickel if directly under the snap on the front... Read More
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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Sounds strange: I would recommend prompt evaluation by a dermatologist.
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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Ok, once dry: Once you have patted your face dry after using your cleanser, it is okay to apply a moisturizer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old male asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Be evaluated: It sounds like these are very distressing. I would recommend prompt evaluation by a dermatologist. Chronic scalp folliculitis can be very frustratin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Pretty good: Dove is a good, relatively gentle soap. Cerave and cetaphil are other similarly gentle soaps. Dial is usually more drying, but does have greater ant... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Sounds like it: Fordyce spots are ectopic sebaceous glands (oil glands) and can appear exactly as you describe. Probably best to just ask your obgyn if you are conce... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Many possibilities: I recommend prompt evaluation by a dermatologist or your primary physician. Could be a number of causes. For example, scabies.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: There are several potential causes of these symptoms. Medication reaction, contact allergy, scabies, infection just to name a few. I recommend being... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Treat the scabies: Scabies needs to be appropriately treated by eliminating the mite responsible for the itching. If your itching it not improving, i recommended being ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Get it checked: I recommend having it evaluated. It could be a number of things. Eczema, psoriasis, allergy, fungus, just to name a few.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Many possibilities: Verruca plana, or flat warts would be one possibility. I recommend being evaluated by a dermatologist to identify the exact cause.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Antibiotics: Oral and topical antibiotics can help treat this. See your doctor for an appropriate regimen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Topical steroids: Lichen planus and eczema are two different conditions. However, both can be treated with topical or systemic steroids. A dermatologist should be abl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Both worked well: Both of these medications have anti-yeast properties and both should help with appropriate use. If one of these is in an ointment form, that is usual... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Dry skin: Probably due to dry skin. If you use a topical retinoid medication or an anti-aging cream at night, consider using a little less as these can be dryi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Probably not: Topical or oral antifungals would probably work better and faster. Also, less likely to irritate your skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Maybe: Use inside the mouth is not recommended. If you are referring to the corners of your lips (oral commissure), then that may be a condition called perl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: The key word is "fast." it will probably require oral or topical steroids for rapid improvement. To prevent future flares, avoid long, hot showers... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
A week or two: With consistent use, it should help within a week or two. Recurrence is not uncommon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Many possibilities: Causes of blisters include...Friction, medication reaction, infection, autoimmune bullous disease...Just to name a few.
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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
KP: Hard to say without seeing them but its likely keratosis pilaris. Very common. Usually not symptomatic, just annoys the people who have it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Yes: Could have a contact allergy to one of the several compounds found in exhaust.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
No: This is more likely to result in thermal injury to your hands than actually killing all of the scabies mites. Topical Permethrin or oral Ivermectin a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
May help: Silicone sheeting is particularly helpful in reducing/preventing thick, hypertrophic scars. They are usually cut to the size of the scar and placed o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
KP: If mainly on your upper arms, it's possibly keratosis pilaris. May want to consider applying am-lactin, lac-hydrin, or cerave sa a couple times a day... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Many possibilities: Eczema, fixed drug reaction, granuloma annulare, and morphea are a few possibilities. I recommend being evaluated by a dermatologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Get evaluated!: Could be a soft tissue infection within the skin, or could indicate a problem under the skin such as appendicitis or pancreatitis. I recommend prompt... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Yes: Itching and skin inflammation will often be exacerbated by emotional stress. This is a very common reaction.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Be evaluated: Chronic lip inflammation can be secondary to a variety of bacterial, yeast, or viral infections. Sunburn or windburn can also create chapped lips. Y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Should help: Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) can help folliculitis if caused by bacteria or yeast. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is often due to mechanical trauma after sha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Many possibilities: If this bump seems different from other areas on your skin, i would recommend having it checked by a dermatologist. It may something benign, such as... 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 Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Yeast: These medications are for yeast infections.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Tough: I recommend seeing a dermatologist. There are some treatments which may help stop progression of lesion, though there is not a treatment that is 100%... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: Most likely it is just eczema. Though there some other conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For example, dermatitis herpetiformis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Grey Turner?: I would seek out medical attention immediately. This could be grey-turner sign, which can be seen in the setting of pancreatitis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: Topical hydroquinone and sun protection will both help. I recommend discussing this with a dermatologist first to avoid any complications or adverse ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Not really: The key to treating scabies is total eradication followed by thorough washing of all sheets, towels, blankets, and clothing that may have been exposed... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: In office testing can usually identify any residual fungus. If persistent, may need oral antifungal treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Many possibilities: Could be dry skin due to winter weather or excessive washing. May be using a soap that is very drying to wash with. If using any type of anti-aging ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: Consider over the counter anti-dandruff shampoos such as head&shoulders, selsun, or t-gel. Must let these stay on scalp for several minutes prior to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
No: It could be, but could be a variety of other causes. If its not healing, best to have it checked by a doctor to make sure it is not cancerous.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: In office testing can usually identify any residual fungus. If persistent, may need oral antifungal treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Possibly: Scabies can affect most body sites, but preferentially affects body folds and creases. The skin between fingers/toes, groin, and armpits are the most... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Possible: It is possible for skin to stay slightly red and itchy as inflammation resolves. That being said, if you haven't noticed much improvement over the co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Could be: Isolated genital sores can be caused by herpes. However, there are several other causes, including syphilis, that may not cause symptoms right away. ... Read More
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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
DNA damage: Prolonged sun exposure, especially during midday hours, can cause dna damage to cells in the skin. This results in photoaging and can eventually lead... Read More
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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. John Stephensanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Steroid injection: You can see a physician for a steroid injection into the pimple. Also, avoid picking/squeezing the pimple as this will likely make it larger and more... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >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.
2
Recommendations
88
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Stephens is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Stephens is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Not sure these are the reasons. My life had been stress free basically, and it first showed up the first week in October Southern California
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful! And also very quick. I will certainly try this thanks onced again yours sincerely. Mrs J Co
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! This was an ingrown hair pimple. I did laser hair removal and woke up with the swelling and liquid.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Indiana University School of Medicine
Graduated 2007MD
Medical/Graduate school
DePauw University
Graduated 2003MD
Residency
University of Texas Medical Branch
Awards
Most Outstanding Resident, University of Texas Medical Branch
Faculty Award for Excellent Dermatology Service and Leadership, University of Texas Medical Branch
Dermatology Medical Student Award for Resident Teaching, University of Texas Medical Branch
Affiliations
American Academy of Dermatology
American Medical Association
American Board of Dermatology
Publications
Dermatological rituximab dosing: treatment of refractory pemphigus vulgaris in an adolescent male
The dermatology acting internship
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