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Robert Hartman MD
About
Bio
UCLA M.A. Biology
UCLA M.D.
University of Utah Internal Medicine internship
Yale University Dermatology residency and Chief Resident
Clinical Professor of Dermatology USC School of Medicine
Attending Pediatric Dermatolgy Clinic CHLA
Board certified in Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology
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
Specialty
Licenses
United States: California
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
94 Answers
3 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 37-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Shedding or thinning: Hair that is falling out excessive causing the thinning is called a telogen effluvium. It often occurs 3 months after an illness or high fever.
There... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Psoriasis?: Dandruff usually responds to topical tar shampoos such as tarsum, dhs tar, t-gel.
Nizoral shampoo also is useful. Scalpicin lotion is over the counte... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Life goes on: Herpes may have been passed to you and you will not ever know. In married partners after 10 years there is a 100 chance of passing the virus. In many ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Irritant reaction: Itchy nipples can be caused by dryness and frictrion rubbing with exercise. The t-shirt with work-outs causes an irritant reaction due to the sweat.
... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Myth of E: Topical vitamin e does nothing. It is ofen a cause of allergic contact dermatitis and there is no evidence that it prevents scarring.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 61-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Moderation: I don't forbid all alcohol with mtx but it depends on is how much mtx and how much etoh are you taking.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Surgery!: Go have this inflamed cyst removed by a surgeon or derm.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Ok if no skin rash: It is ok to use both. The cream plus Accutane may be too irritating. But it ok if you can tolerate it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Red only ok: First degree burns can be managed with pure vaseline massaged often. Advil (ibuprofen) for pain and inflammation is fine. Burn center for more serious... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Discharge must stop: Skin irritation is a direct result of the discharge. Yeast infection can cause this reaction. Other causes of discharge vaginally need to be examined.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 59-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Capillaritis: Minute red dots that appear after standing all day is called a capillaritis. Do you have varicose veins? That could also contribute to your problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Yes and yes: Yearly exams are to detect a second melanoma. Melanoma can return many years later and we do not use a 5 year disease free interval like in colon canc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
No way: Evenly colored, symmetrical and 3mm is benign.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 56-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Infection?: Otitis externa and zoster can both cause the pain you are describing. Ent doc would help DX your problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Fixed drug: A dark spot that came back in the same place is a fixed drug reaction. It is usually due to an over the counter medicine that you take occasionally li... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Fixed drug: A dark spot that appears suddenly on the penis is most likely a fixed drug reaction from an over the counter medicine. It will slowly resolve, but co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Variable: All swelling fades over time from bites. Ice compresses and advil (ibuprofen) may help.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
No: Opioids cause the mast cell to degranulate. The itch of opioids is a direct effect on releasing histamine from the mast cell. Hives are an allergic re... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Smell and pattern: Yeast infections are usually bright red with little red dots at the outside border. Heat rashes are much more diffuse.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Redness fades!: Redness is a color not a scar. Redness will fade in time and it varies per person. I would not spend the money for laser treatments even though it mig... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Antibiotic: Staph folliculitis is the most common cause of scalp pimples. An anti staph antibiotic for one week works best. Clean your combs and brushes with hot ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Pure vaseline: Best way is to apply pure vaseline several times daily. If the tear persists, it often can be hidden hpv virus with the tear area.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Minimal at that dose: All side effects are dose related. That dose is safe and has minimal side effects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
No but not necessary: This anti-yeast shampoo helps less than half the people with dandruff. It was suppose to kill pitysporum yeast and this yeast was purportedly the caus... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
High dose yes: The side effects of Accutane are dose related and the acne often gets worse the first 2 months then improves gradually.
You should definitely see imp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Benzoyl peroxide: Apply over the counter benzoyl peroxide 10% overnight. 1% of the population is allergic to benzoly peroxide.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Mild soaps: Dirt does not cause acne. Use a mild gentle bar soap such as dove or cetaphil bar.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Drug failure: Nystatin is an ok drug for yeast infections but there are many treatment failures. Apply Ciclopirox Cream twice daily.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Cortisone cream: Best not to use topical Benadryl (diphenhydramine) as it is a potent sensitizer and many will develop an allergic reaction from it. Topical cortisone... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Molluscum?: Small red bumps on the penis are most likely molluscum, a contagious wart. This needs to be treated by a dermatologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
2 weeks only: All topical cortisone creams should be limited to 2 weeks with a 1 week break before starting again. Protopic ointment is a non-cortisone product that... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Stress, drugs,fever: Rapid falling of hair is called a telogen effluvium. It occurs 3 months after a stressful event, either physical or mental. High fever and drugs can a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
No miracles.: Protopic ointment daily is the best initial treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Open wets : Aloe vera is a potent allergen and may cause an allergic contact dermatitis. Open wets dressings with a thin cotton material followed by pure vaseline... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 60-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
How long ago?: Shingles does re-immunize you and makes the vaccination unnecessary. If the shingles was in the distant past, i would take the vaccination.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Dose related: The higher the dose the more side effects. The dryness appears in the first month.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Yea: I see no problems ever with this infrequent use but rarely see any improvement in psoriasis with this frequency.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Sun sun and sun: Melanin production can be increased by sun and by msh injections. Genetics determine the melanin production.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Yes: A much faster way to absorb the alcohol on an empty stomach. But why? Drunk faster and not recommended.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Background allergy?: Hot water brings more blood up to the skin which can activate an underlying allergic skin condition. Apply pure vaseline sparingly to the skin, avoid ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Lymph vessel trauma: Frequent and vigorous masturbation can cause a painful swelling behind the head of the penis. Give you penis a break and leave it alone for a week. T... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Home free: Swelling and redness fades over time. If there is no itch or pain, then you are home free.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
No problem: These vitamins are all water soluble and should be fine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Cyst : A painless bump on the labia is most likely a cyst. Your obgyn doctor can be very helpful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Folliculitis: Itch and painful pimples in the scalp are usually an a sign of a staph infection.
See you doctor for an antibiotic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
No : It is a folk lore that drinking lots of water cleanses your body. It will just make you pee alot.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
No not likely: If there is a suppressed immune system, there are reports of eruption of multiple moles.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Vitamin A daily: Protopic ointment nightly and vitamin a orally 10, 000 iu daily for 3 months will help alot.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Vitamin A orally: Keratosis pilaris is a marker of the atopic gene. You can not wash it away or apply a cream that will result in any significant improvement.
Oral vit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Hartmananswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Yes: Certain forms of psoriasis can result in a very high white count. Erythrodermic psoriasis and pustular psoriasis are notorious for this effect.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k 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
112
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Hartman is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Hartman is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you for that ill sure buy that shampoo. Aparntly i have psoriasis on my head and when itching it bleeds. I Hope this shampoo works.
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Can u plz email me so I can send u pic of my foot and results. My foot doesn't have warts so I'm confused. Keri.kobe@yahoo.com.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I will try these supplements and see if it helps, thank you!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Other, Other
Graduated 1982MD
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