About Dr. Kristen Richards, MD
Kristen Richards, MD is a board-certified La Jolla dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon providing care to patients at Torrey Pines Dermatology.
Dr. Richards, a native of La Jolla, received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Stanford University and then received her medical degree (MD) from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU) in Cleveland.
Dr. Richards received her dermatology specialty training at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago, following an internship in pediatrics at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. After completing her residency, Dr. Richards pursued her interest in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction through a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Dr. Richards maintains staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where she was the Dermatology Department Head. Professional Affiliations
Dr. Richards, a native of La Jolla, received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Stanford University and then received her medical degree (MD) from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU) in Cleveland.
Dr. Richards received her dermatology specialty training at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago, following an internship in pediatrics at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. After completing her residency, Dr. Richards pursued her interest in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction through a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Dr. Richards maintains staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where she was the Dermatology Department Head. Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
- American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology (ACMS)
Patient Education Resources
How can I reduce the skin redness caused by rosacea?
There are several ways to reduce the skin redness caused by rosacea:Avoiding triggers: Triggers such as sun exposure, wind, high temperatures, stress, spicy foods, and alcohol, can worsen the symptoms...
There are several ways to reduce the skin redness caused by rosacea:Avoiding triggers: Triggers such as sun exposure, wind, high temperatures, stress, spicy foods, and alcohol, can worsen the symptoms...
How do I find out if I have skin cancer?
The best way to find out if you have skin cancer is to have a skin examination performed by a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist. They will visually inspect your skin for any suspicious m...
The best way to find out if you have skin cancer is to have a skin examination performed by a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist. They will visually inspect your skin for any suspicious m...
What are the best sunscreens?
The best sunscreens are those that provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. They should also have an SPF (sun protecti...
The best sunscreens are those that provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. They should also have an SPF (sun protecti...
What is the treatment for nail fungus?
Treatment for nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be challenging, as the fungus can be difficult to eliminate and may recur. Treatment options include:Topical antifungal medication: Over-the-counter antif...
Treatment for nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be challenging, as the fungus can be difficult to eliminate and may recur. Treatment options include:Topical antifungal medication: Over-the-counter antif...
What is the treatment for skin cancer?
Treatment for skin cancer will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the location and size of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. The main treatment options for skin canc...
Treatment for skin cancer will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the location and size of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. The main treatment options for skin canc...
Torrey Pines Dermatology

Torrey Pines Dermatology, located conveniently on the Scripps Hospital campus in La Jolla, is committed to bringing state-of-the-art dermatological care to our San Diego patients in a comfortable, compassionate atmosphere. Torrey Pines Dermatology is La Jolla’s premier skin care resource, providing both medical and cosmetic treatments in a highly professional, but warm and welcoming atmosphere.