DermHelpCentral

How to Use this Site

Dermatology Central is a resource for persons who have skin disorders and/or who have visited a dermatologist.  You can find information regarding what you wish to learn more about in the "Categories" Section that is located on the right hand column of this page.  We hope you will find DermCentral useful.  Your suggestions will be of value.

The most comprehensive web site that gives information about skin disorders is: DermNet NZ. It is the brain-child of Dr. Amanda Oakley, a dermatologist from Hamilton, New Zealand..  If you have any questions about almost any skin problem, you will find basic unbiased information there.  DermCentral does not try to duplicate DermNet, but provides a different type of information: treatment protocols, controversies, news articles, the latest research findings.  Both sites are complimentary and will enable people who want to be managers or partners iin their own care to help then work with their physicians. 

You may contact us at: DermCentral Email.

New Patient Form for Virtual Visit

In an attempt to reduce your exposure to, and the spread of, COVID-19 we are trying to limit the number of patients seen in our office and insure safe personal distancing. At the same time, we recognize the need to evaluate all patients seeking an opinion regarding a skin problem.

You can either email this back to us or send us a synopsis. Photographs will be helpful and be assured that our privacy will be respected. Ideally, photos should be taken under natural daylight.

Your name:

Your age and occupation:

A brief description of the skin problem. Please send us photos, if appropriate. Let us know how long you’ve had this problem, whether it has been treated by another physician, and with what medications.

General Information: In a paragraph or two, let me know:

• What other skin problems you may have had, whether any skin problems runs in your family, what allergies do you have, specifically to drugs and what the reaction was.
• Please let me know what other problems you have been treated for by physicians or other health care providers.
• Please let me know all medications you are taking. This includes pills, liquids, injectable medications, over-the-counter medications. Include all creams and other topical medications.
• Please let me know any other concerns you may have.

Do you have a personal or family history of asthma, hay fever, eczema, or hives?

Do you have a personal history of skin cancer? If yes, what type.

Do you have a family history of skin cancer and if so what type?

Are there any particular stressors in your life that we should know about?

For Women Only. Are you pregnant or breast-feeding?

If it’s appropriate, please let me know if you are using birth control pills or hormones.

In a brief paragraph let me know if you have any other specific concerns and what comments you would like to make.

It is said: "If the physician listens long enough, the patient will tell her/him what the diagnosis is.”

Ideally, you can email the answers to me at:

Dr. Eloern’s personal email: [email protected]        

Office email: [email protected]

Office Fax: 413–458–4224.

Thank you!

Teledermatology Forms

These forms will help you to communicate with the dermatologist, David Elpern, for new problems, existing problems and prescription refill requests.  If you do not have a prescription plan with your medical insurance, you can usually save a significant amount on your medications from GoodRx.

New Patient/New Problem Form

Question about an Existing Problem

Refill Request

If you have specific questions or comments, please contact DJ Elpern.

About This Resource

The Internet is consulted by millions of people in search of for unbiased health information on a regular basis.  In 1995, a Pew Center survey found that 95 million Americans went to the WWW with health related queries, and the number has certainly risen in the past 15 years. Sadly, many of the pages they retrieve are selling products or procedures.  Government web sites. while often useful, are often constrained by arcane regulations.

We are attempting to provide as unbiased information as possible.  We do not accept any PhRMA monies, nor represent any society or organization.  We have nothing to sell.  The site is run by a dermatologist, David Elpern, whose name is writ in water.  If you have specific questions and have found this website helpful, please feel free to contact me.  DJE. (August 2010)