Dr. Steven Feldman, MD
Physician
Dermatology
Specialty
General Dermatology
Provide FeedbackMedical Expertise of Dr. Steven Feldman, MD
Dr. Feldman specializes in medical dermatology, diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions. He has particular expertise in the treatment and management of psoriasis, including the use of biologic medications.
Dr. Feldman has also authored multiple publications regarding patient adherence, patient satisfaction and patient care and is actively involved in medical research.
About Dr. Steven Feldman, MD
Dr. Steve Feldman is Professor of Pathology (Anatomic Pathology) and Dermatology at Wake Forest Univeristy Baptist Medical Center.
Dr. Feldman also serves as Chief Medical Editor of Skin & Aging magazine, a professional publication for dermatologists, and is the founder of DrScore.
He is a member of the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) and chairs that board’s Subcommittee on Education. He also serves as the Director of the Foundation’s Chief Resident’s Meeting on psoriasis treatment.
- Teaching: General Dermatology; Dermatopathology; Biochemistry of Skin
- Research: Photoaging; Psoriasis; Health Services Research
Conditions Treated
Acne
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Skin Cancer
Actinic Keratoses (AKs)
Psoriatic Arthritis
Procedures & Services
Biologic Medications for Psoriasis
Phototherapy for Psoriasis
Biologic Medications for Psoriatic Arthritis
Tips & Wisdom
Over-the-counter Acne Medications
Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide is a reasonably potent first line acne treatment and is available inexpensively in OTC preparations. It's a very reasonable first start for treatment.Prescription medications include:A. Topical vitamin A related medications (tretinoin [available generic and in several brand name formulations], adapalene [Differin®], tazarotene [Tazorac®])B. Topical antibiotics (erythromycin and clindamycin)C. Various oral antibiotics,D. Hormonal treatment (birth control pills, f...
Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide is a reasonably potent first line acne treatment and is available inexpensively in OTC preparations. It's a very reasonable first start for treatment.Prescription medications include:A. Topical vitamin A related medications (tretinoin [available generic and in several brand name formulations], adapalene [Differin®], tazarotene [Tazorac®])B. Topical antibiotics (erythromycin and clindamycin)C. Various oral antibiotics,D. Hormonal treatment (birth control pills, f...
Quick Thoughts on Biologics for Psoriasis
Biologics are fabulously effective at treating psoriasis. They are very safe too. Biologics may be a very good choice for people who have extensive psoriasis. Patients may be candidates for biologic treatment when the psoriasis is too extensive to treat with topicals or when there is a debilitating disease that is resistant to other treatments (like palm and sole psoriasis). Biologics are costly. Insurers may have specific policies regarding when they will pay for particular biologi...
Biologics are fabulously effective at treating psoriasis. They are very safe too. Biologics may be a very good choice for people who have extensive psoriasis. Patients may be candidates for biologic treatment when the psoriasis is too extensive to treat with topicals or when there is a debilitating disease that is resistant to other treatments (like palm and sole psoriasis). Biologics are costly. Insurers may have specific policies regarding when they will pay for particular biologi...
Light (Phototherapy) is a Centuries Old Treatment for Psoriasis
Phototherapy has been used to treat psoriasis for centuries. Phototherapy generally involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light exposure reduces inflammation in the skin. For patients with limited disease, localized phototherapy can be done to individual spots of psoriasis. For patients with extensive psoriasis, whole body phototherapy can be done. There are many ways to get ultraviolet light on the skin to treat psoriasis. Some dermatologists offer in-office tre...
Phototherapy has been used to treat psoriasis for centuries. Phototherapy generally involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light exposure reduces inflammation in the skin. For patients with limited disease, localized phototherapy can be done to individual spots of psoriasis. For patients with extensive psoriasis, whole body phototherapy can be done. There are many ways to get ultraviolet light on the skin to treat psoriasis. Some dermatologists offer in-office tre...
My Approach to Treating Psoriasis
Step 1 to treating psoriasis is to educate patients about the condition and the available treatments. A great way to do that is to encourage them to join that National Psoriasis Foundation and to use the Foundation’s resources that are available at www.psoriasis.org. Step 2 is to screen for psoriatic arthritis. If there are signs of arthritis, I want the patient to have a thorough evaluation from a rheumatologist. Step 3 is to determine if the patient has limited (mild-to-moderate) p...
Step 1 to treating psoriasis is to educate patients about the condition and the available treatments. A great way to do that is to encourage them to join that National Psoriasis Foundation and to use the Foundation’s resources that are available at www.psoriasis.org. Step 2 is to screen for psoriatic arthritis. If there are signs of arthritis, I want the patient to have a thorough evaluation from a rheumatologist. Step 3 is to determine if the patient has limited (mild-to-moderate) p...
Corticosteroids Remain Effective Treatment for Psoriasis
Topical corticosteroids are very effective psoriasis treatments, especially if used well. They are available in a variety of vehicles—ointment, cream, gel, solution, foam, shampoo, etc—giving patients the flexibility to use a formulation that appeals to them. It may help to keep the treatment regimen as simple as possible, just one or two medications, as otherwise the complexity of treatment may make it hard for patients to use the treatment regularly.
Topical corticosteroids are very effective psoriasis treatments, especially if used well. They are available in a variety of vehicles—ointment, cream, gel, solution, foam, shampoo, etc—giving patients the flexibility to use a formulation that appeals to them. It may help to keep the treatment regimen as simple as possible, just one or two medications, as otherwise the complexity of treatment may make it hard for patients to use the treatment regularly.
Vitamin D Derivatives May be Used in Combination
Topical vitamin D is a moderately effective treatment for psoriasis. It can be used separately from topical corticosteroids or in combination products. They tend to be more costly than topical corticosteroids, but vitamin D analogs don’t have topical corticosteroid side effects. Prescribing separate steroid and vitamin D products complicates treatment and could make it harder to adhere to the treatment regimen.
Topical vitamin D is a moderately effective treatment for psoriasis. It can be used separately from topical corticosteroids or in combination products. They tend to be more costly than topical corticosteroids, but vitamin D analogs don’t have topical corticosteroid side effects. Prescribing separate steroid and vitamin D products complicates treatment and could make it harder to adhere to the treatment regimen.
Patient Education Resources
Does Coolsculpting® really work?
CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses a device to cool targeted areas of fat, causing the fat cells to freeze and die. Over time, the body naturally eliminates these d...
CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses a device to cool targeted areas of fat, causing the fat cells to freeze and die. Over time, the body naturally eliminates these d...
Does the acne on my back and chest require different treatment from the acne on my face?
Truncal acne, which refers to acne that occurs on the trunk of the body (such as the chest and back), may require a slightly different treatment approach than facial acne. This is because the skin on ...
Truncal acne, which refers to acne that occurs on the trunk of the body (such as the chest and back), may require a slightly different treatment approach than facial acne. This is because the skin on ...
What are some tips for treating dry skin?
Dry skin can be caused by a variety of factors, such as cold weather, low humidity, harsh soaps, and certain medical conditions. Here are some tips for treating dry skin:Moisturize: Moisturizing is th...
Dry skin can be caused by a variety of factors, such as cold weather, low humidity, harsh soaps, and certain medical conditions. Here are some tips for treating dry skin:Moisturize: Moisturizing is th...
What can reduce the appearance of my acne scars?
Acne scars can be treated with a variety of methods, including:Topical treatments: Topical creams and gels containing ingredients such as retinoids, hydroquinone, and vitamin C can help to reduce the ...
Acne scars can be treated with a variety of methods, including:Topical treatments: Topical creams and gels containing ingredients such as retinoids, hydroquinone, and vitamin C can help to reduce the ...
What is the best brand of botulinum toxin to improve my appearance?
Botulinum toxin is a type of neurotoxin that is used for a variety of cosmetic and medical purposes. There are several different types of botulinum toxin available on the market, each with their own u...
Botulinum toxin is a type of neurotoxin that is used for a variety of cosmetic and medical purposes. There are several different types of botulinum toxin available on the market, each with their own u...
Education & Training
- Undergraduate Degree: University of Chicago, BA 1980
- Postgraduate Degree: Duke University School of Medicine, PhD 1985; Duke University School of Medicine, MD 1985
- Medical Internship: Duke University Hospital 1986-1987
- Residencies: Medical University of South Carolina 1990-1991; North Carolina Memorial Hospital 1987-1990
- Fellowship: Dermatopathology
Professional Affiliations
Steven R. Feldman, M.D., PhD - Dermatologist
The Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine strives to improve skin health in all patients; educate patients, students and residents about skin disease; and to improve skin health through research. As the region's leading dermatology department, we provide top-notch training for future practitioners of dermatology and a productive setting for basic and applied research on diseases of the skin.