Dr. Steven Kern, MD
Physician
Dermatology
Specialty
Dermatologic Surgery
Provide FeedbackAbout Dr. Steven Kern, MD
Dr. Kern is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon who was in private practice in San Diego, California, since 1991. He relocated to Park City, UT in 2006.
Dr. Kern is a member of numerous medical societies. His curriculum vitae and references are available upon request.
Conditions Treated
Acne
Aging Skin & Wrinkles
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis
Hair Loss (Balding)
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Skin Cancer
Warts
Acne Scars
Actinic Keratoses (AKs)
Procedures & Services
Botox® Cosmetic
Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Augmentation)
Biologic Medications for Psoriasis
Juvederm®
Tips & Wisdom
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic Keratoses (singular: Seborrheic Keratosis) are harmless, common skin growths. They occur during adult life, gradually increasing in number. Some persons have a very large number of them. They are not caused by sun exposure. They should not be confused with Actinic Keratoses (also called Solar Keratoses). Actinic Keratoses are often pre-cancerous. Seborrheic Keratoses are harmless. They begin as slightly raised, light brown spots. Gradually, they thicken and take on a rough, w...
Seborrheic Keratoses (singular: Seborrheic Keratosis) are harmless, common skin growths. They occur during adult life, gradually increasing in number. Some persons have a very large number of them. They are not caused by sun exposure. They should not be confused with Actinic Keratoses (also called Solar Keratoses). Actinic Keratoses are often pre-cancerous. Seborrheic Keratoses are harmless. They begin as slightly raised, light brown spots. Gradually, they thicken and take on a rough, w...
What is an AK?
What is an actinic keratosis? “Keratosis” (plural keratosis) refers to a rough scaly spot. An actinic keratosis (sometimes called a solar keratosis) is a rough scaly spot caused by many years of repeated sun. These rough spots remain on the skin even if the crust or scale is picked off. Why treat actinic keratosis? Actinic keratoses are not skin cancers. However, they are often referred to as “pre-cancerous” because they may sometimes turn cancerous. It’s a...
What is an actinic keratosis? “Keratosis” (plural keratosis) refers to a rough scaly spot. An actinic keratosis (sometimes called a solar keratosis) is a rough scaly spot caused by many years of repeated sun. These rough spots remain on the skin even if the crust or scale is picked off. Why treat actinic keratosis? Actinic keratoses are not skin cancers. However, they are often referred to as “pre-cancerous” because they may sometimes turn cancerous. It’s a...
Tips to Avoid Itching
You can take some basic steps to reduce itching Bathing Bathe or shower with lukewarm or cool (not hot) water. Lubrication Within three minutes after drying after every bath or shower, apply a lubricant (moisturizer) to the entire body. It is important to apply this immediately after drying in order to trap any moisture remaining in your skin from bathing. Greasy or oily lubricants such as Vaseline jelly, aquaphor, mineral oil, or “baby oil” are best, but many people d...
You can take some basic steps to reduce itching Bathing Bathe or shower with lukewarm or cool (not hot) water. Lubrication Within three minutes after drying after every bath or shower, apply a lubricant (moisturizer) to the entire body. It is important to apply this immediately after drying in order to trap any moisture remaining in your skin from bathing. Greasy or oily lubricants such as Vaseline jelly, aquaphor, mineral oil, or “baby oil” are best, but many people d...
Tips for Dry Skin
What causes dry skin? Several factors contribute to dry skin. Repeated exposure to soaps, solvents, hot water, and disinfectants are often at fault. These remove the lipid (oil) from the top layer of skin, allowing water to escapeLow relative humidity and dry, cold winds also “pull” water from the skin. For unknown reasons, certain people (particularly elderly persons) may be more prone to losing skin moisture. Bathing Bathe in lukewarm or cool water. Minimize soaping and sc...
What causes dry skin? Several factors contribute to dry skin. Repeated exposure to soaps, solvents, hot water, and disinfectants are often at fault. These remove the lipid (oil) from the top layer of skin, allowing water to escapeLow relative humidity and dry, cold winds also “pull” water from the skin. For unknown reasons, certain people (particularly elderly persons) may be more prone to losing skin moisture. Bathing Bathe in lukewarm or cool water. Minimize soaping and sc...
What to do about Moles?
Moles are the familiar and normal tumors on the skin most people. They can come at any time and at any age. Most occur during one’s adult’s life they come in large numbers as a shower of lesions. It is thought that they tend to disappear spontaneously after a period of many years. Moles consist of nevus cells, a cell thought to be related to both the nervous system and to the pigment –forming cells of the body. This latter relationship explains why a mole can become a melano...
Moles are the familiar and normal tumors on the skin most people. They can come at any time and at any age. Most occur during one’s adult’s life they come in large numbers as a shower of lesions. It is thought that they tend to disappear spontaneously after a period of many years. Moles consist of nevus cells, a cell thought to be related to both the nervous system and to the pigment –forming cells of the body. This latter relationship explains why a mole can become a melano...
Aging Skin & Wrinkles
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON AGING SKIN WHAT IS PHOTODAMAGE AND HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED? “Photodamage” is a term that encompasses all harmful interactions between sun and skin, both acute and chronic. Virtually everyone is acquainted with the red, swollen, stinging experience of sunburn. Yet, many are unaware that accumulated sun exposure may lead to a wide variety of delayed effects, such as skin cancers, scaly pre-cancers (actinic keratoses) and other effects, like fa...
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON AGING SKIN WHAT IS PHOTODAMAGE AND HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED? “Photodamage” is a term that encompasses all harmful interactions between sun and skin, both acute and chronic. Virtually everyone is acquainted with the red, swollen, stinging experience of sunburn. Yet, many are unaware that accumulated sun exposure may lead to a wide variety of delayed effects, such as skin cancers, scaly pre-cancers (actinic keratoses) and other effects, like fa...
Anthralin for Psoriasis
Anthralin Treatment of Alopecia Areata What is anthralin? Anthralin is a drug that will cause skin irritation. In some cases, this will induce hair growth. A mild degree of irritation is desired in order for it to have a beneficial effect on hair re-growth. How to use it Apply anthralin cream once per day to the areas of hair loss. Rub in well. Wipe off excess. Wash with soap and water after 15-30 minutes. If severe irritation or burning does not occur, the strength may b...
Anthralin Treatment of Alopecia Areata What is anthralin? Anthralin is a drug that will cause skin irritation. In some cases, this will induce hair growth. A mild degree of irritation is desired in order for it to have a beneficial effect on hair re-growth. How to use it Apply anthralin cream once per day to the areas of hair loss. Rub in well. Wipe off excess. Wash with soap and water after 15-30 minutes. If severe irritation or burning does not occur, the strength may b...
Boils and Carbuncles
RECURRENT BOILS What causes boils? Boils (furuncles) are painful swellings of the skin caused by a deep infection with staphylococcus bacteria. The bacteria enter the skin from the outside, usually through a hair opening. The source of the “staph” bacteria is not always known. However, many people carry staph bacteria in their nostrils without having any symptoms. Sometimes, these may be transferred to the skin, causing a skin infection. Other people in ...
RECURRENT BOILS What causes boils? Boils (furuncles) are painful swellings of the skin caused by a deep infection with staphylococcus bacteria. The bacteria enter the skin from the outside, usually through a hair opening. The source of the “staph” bacteria is not always known. However, many people carry staph bacteria in their nostrils without having any symptoms. Sometimes, these may be transferred to the skin, causing a skin infection. Other people in ...
Coal Tar for Psoriasis
WHAT IS COAL TAR USED FOR? Coal tar is often used in the treatment of psoriasis and sometimes in the treatment of eczema (dermatitis). It may be used alone (described here) or combined with ultraviolet light treatments (described in another information sheet). WHAT TYPES OF COAL TAR ARE THERE? Crude coal tar is messy, stains a lot, and requires a prescription. Refined coal tar is much less messy, stairs less, and does not require a prescription. &nbs...
WHAT IS COAL TAR USED FOR? Coal tar is often used in the treatment of psoriasis and sometimes in the treatment of eczema (dermatitis). It may be used alone (described here) or combined with ultraviolet light treatments (described in another information sheet). WHAT TYPES OF COAL TAR ARE THERE? Crude coal tar is messy, stains a lot, and requires a prescription. Refined coal tar is much less messy, stairs less, and does not require a prescription. &nbs...
Facial Flushing
Flushing may have multiple causes. It is most often due to an increased sensitivity of your blood vessels to substances produced by your body. It may be aggravated by various substances found in certain foods or certain medications. Even if flushing is aggravated by some of these factors, if it is serious and unremitting, blood and urine tests will be performed to be certain there is no underlying treatable illness causing the flushing. Please circle any item if you have you...
Flushing may have multiple causes. It is most often due to an increased sensitivity of your blood vessels to substances produced by your body. It may be aggravated by various substances found in certain foods or certain medications. Even if flushing is aggravated by some of these factors, if it is serious and unremitting, blood and urine tests will be performed to be certain there is no underlying treatable illness causing the flushing. Please circle any item if you have you...
Intertrigo
Your doctor will mark the treatments that are appropriate for your particular situation. Follow these general techniques to keep the body folds as dry as possible. Continue these suggestions indefinitely to prevent recurrences, particularly during hot weather. Living and working areas should be cool and dry. Use air conditioning or fans if possible. When feasible, expose the involved areas to a fan or cool blow dryer at various times during the day If necessary, separate the involved ...
Your doctor will mark the treatments that are appropriate for your particular situation. Follow these general techniques to keep the body folds as dry as possible. Continue these suggestions indefinitely to prevent recurrences, particularly during hot weather. Living and working areas should be cool and dry. Use air conditioning or fans if possible. When feasible, expose the involved areas to a fan or cool blow dryer at various times during the day If necessary, separate the involved ...
Keratosis Pilaris
This disorder causes the formation of small rough spiny elevations of the skin similar to gooseflesh over large areas such as the upper arms and thighs. It is most prominent in cold weather and less prominent in warm summer weather. It also varies with the humidity. Keratosis pilaris often begins around age two and persists for years extending into adulthood, but many people do outgrow the disease. Other conditions that give a somewhat similar appearance are vitamin A ...
This disorder causes the formation of small rough spiny elevations of the skin similar to gooseflesh over large areas such as the upper arms and thighs. It is most prominent in cold weather and less prominent in warm summer weather. It also varies with the humidity. Keratosis pilaris often begins around age two and persists for years extending into adulthood, but many people do outgrow the disease. Other conditions that give a somewhat similar appearance are vitamin A ...
Perioral Dermatitis
PERIORAL DERMATITIS INSTRUCTION SHEET You have a condition that occurs around your mouth and many times only on your chin, that is known as Perioral Dermatitis, or Rosacea-like Dermatitis. This is a combination of an irritation from acne and eczema. This condition is very common and it tends to come and go in many people over time. With appropriate treatment, it can be kept under excellent control. Some people have to keep treating the skin properly for many years to keep th...
PERIORAL DERMATITIS INSTRUCTION SHEET You have a condition that occurs around your mouth and many times only on your chin, that is known as Perioral Dermatitis, or Rosacea-like Dermatitis. This is a combination of an irritation from acne and eczema. This condition is very common and it tends to come and go in many people over time. With appropriate treatment, it can be kept under excellent control. Some people have to keep treating the skin properly for many years to keep th...
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
What causes shingles? Shingles (Herpes zoster) is a nerve infection caused by the chicken pox virus. Shingles results from activation of chicken-pox virus that has remained in your body since you had chicken –pox perhaps many years ago. The virus activation is limited to a nerve root. That accounts for the pattern of the rash, which usually stops at the body’s midline. The nerve involvement explains the stinging, burning, or pain common in shingles. S...
What causes shingles? Shingles (Herpes zoster) is a nerve infection caused by the chicken pox virus. Shingles results from activation of chicken-pox virus that has remained in your body since you had chicken –pox perhaps many years ago. The virus activation is limited to a nerve root. That accounts for the pattern of the rash, which usually stops at the body’s midline. The nerve involvement explains the stinging, burning, or pain common in shingles. S...
Hydroquinone and Sun Protection
PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH HYDROQUINONE PRODUCTS Opaque with partial sunblock Eldopaque Forte* Non Opaque Eldoquin Forte* Cream Melanex Solution Soloquin Forte* Cream or Gel Sun Protection Absolutely strict sun avoidance or protection is imperative since the ability of the sun to darken melasma is much greater than the ability of bleaching medications to lighten it. The following sun protection measures apply both on sunny and cloudy days because ultraviolet skin...
PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH HYDROQUINONE PRODUCTS Opaque with partial sunblock Eldopaque Forte* Non Opaque Eldoquin Forte* Cream Melanex Solution Soloquin Forte* Cream or Gel Sun Protection Absolutely strict sun avoidance or protection is imperative since the ability of the sun to darken melasma is much greater than the ability of bleaching medications to lighten it. The following sun protection measures apply both on sunny and cloudy days because ultraviolet skin...
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Treatment
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan depending on the severity of the rash. Never apply to the skin creams, lotions, ointments, or sprays containing benzocaine (examples: Solarcaine and others), antihistamines (examples: Benadryl, Caladryl, and others), or zirconium. These frequently produce allergic rashes. Treatment options for mild to moderate rash: Soaks: When the skin is weeping, oozing or crusted (or if bathing causes stinging or burning), use this technique: 1. Lie in a c...
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan depending on the severity of the rash. Never apply to the skin creams, lotions, ointments, or sprays containing benzocaine (examples: Solarcaine and others), antihistamines (examples: Benadryl, Caladryl, and others), or zirconium. These frequently produce allergic rashes. Treatment options for mild to moderate rash: Soaks: When the skin is weeping, oozing or crusted (or if bathing causes stinging or burning), use this technique: 1. Lie in a c...
Patient Education Resources
Acne Treatment
What causes acne? Acne is caused by plugged oil glands. At puberty, the oil glands in the skin start producing an oily material called sebum. This is discharged onto the skin’s surface. Sometimes the wall of the oil gland breaks and spills the sebum underneath the skin’s surface. The sebum irritates the skin tissues and causes redness, swelling, and pus. This is a pimple. At other times, the gland is blocked, but does not become inflamed...
What causes acne? Acne is caused by plugged oil glands. At puberty, the oil glands in the skin start producing an oily material called sebum. This is discharged onto the skin’s surface. Sometimes the wall of the oil gland breaks and spills the sebum underneath the skin’s surface. The sebum irritates the skin tissues and causes redness, swelling, and pus. This is a pimple. At other times, the gland is blocked, but does not become inflamed...
Atopic Dermatitis Triggers & Tips
What is Atopic Dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is a fairly common skin disease that affects about 3% of the U.S. population. It tends to occur in families who have asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. It occurs most commonly in infants and young children and frequently disappears before adulthood. It may reappear later, often on the hands. What causes it? The cause is not known, although a genetic predisposition seems likely.&...
What is Atopic Dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is a fairly common skin disease that affects about 3% of the U.S. population. It tends to occur in families who have asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. It occurs most commonly in infants and young children and frequently disappears before adulthood. It may reappear later, often on the hands. What causes it? The cause is not known, although a genetic predisposition seems likely.&...
Dermatofibroma
What is a dermatofibroma? A dermatofibroma is a slowly-growing, round to oval, brownish to purple, firm skin growth that is usually dome-shaped, but may be depressed below the skin surface. The most common locations are the legs and arms. Dermatofibromas contain scar tissue. What causes a dermatofibroma? Trauma or old insect bites cause some dermatofibromas. In other cases, the cause is unknown. Treatment Dermatofibromas are best ignored since they...
What is a dermatofibroma? A dermatofibroma is a slowly-growing, round to oval, brownish to purple, firm skin growth that is usually dome-shaped, but may be depressed below the skin surface. The most common locations are the legs and arms. Dermatofibromas contain scar tissue. What causes a dermatofibroma? Trauma or old insect bites cause some dermatofibromas. In other cases, the cause is unknown. Treatment Dermatofibromas are best ignored since they...
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Overview
What causes poison ivy or poison oak rash? Poison ivy and poison oak rashes are caused by allergy to a substance called urushiol found in these plants. Since urushiol is found in all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, and roots), contact with any of these will induce a rash. Urushiol can even reach your skin indirectly when you touch items such as clothing, tools, or pets that have been exposed. These objects may remain capable of transmitting the urushiol to ...
What causes poison ivy or poison oak rash? Poison ivy and poison oak rashes are caused by allergy to a substance called urushiol found in these plants. Since urushiol is found in all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, and roots), contact with any of these will induce a rash. Urushiol can even reach your skin indirectly when you touch items such as clothing, tools, or pets that have been exposed. These objects may remain capable of transmitting the urushiol to ...
Psoriasis of the Scalp Treatment
Use the medication selected by your dermatologist. The choices will depend on the severity of your scalp involvement. Tar Shampoo: Wet the scalp thoroughly in the shower. Then apply a shampoo containing tar (Polytar, T-gel, Ionil T,) one containing tar ( polytar, T-gel, Zetar, Ionil T, Denorex, DHS tar gel, Neutragena T/Gel, Tegrin, and others) or one containing tar plus salicylic acid (Beta Tar Gel, Sebutone, Van-Seb T, X-Seb T, Neutragena T-Sal, Ionil-T-Plus, and others). None of t...
Use the medication selected by your dermatologist. The choices will depend on the severity of your scalp involvement. Tar Shampoo: Wet the scalp thoroughly in the shower. Then apply a shampoo containing tar (Polytar, T-gel, Ionil T,) one containing tar ( polytar, T-gel, Zetar, Ionil T, Denorex, DHS tar gel, Neutragena T/Gel, Tegrin, and others) or one containing tar plus salicylic acid (Beta Tar Gel, Sebutone, Van-Seb T, X-Seb T, Neutragena T-Sal, Ionil-T-Plus, and others). None of t...
Psoriasis Overview
What is psoriasis? A chronic skin disorder that affects at least 4 million people in the United States. What causes psoriasis? No one knows. Skin injury, emotional stress and some forms of infections are said to trigger its development. Who gets psoriasis? Men and Women in equal numbers at any age, but most often between the ages of 15 to 35. Psoriasias has been diagnosed for the first time in people of advanced age. It also strikes children. About 150,000 new cases of psori...
What is psoriasis? A chronic skin disorder that affects at least 4 million people in the United States. What causes psoriasis? No one knows. Skin injury, emotional stress and some forms of infections are said to trigger its development. Who gets psoriasis? Men and Women in equal numbers at any age, but most often between the ages of 15 to 35. Psoriasias has been diagnosed for the first time in people of advanced age. It also strikes children. About 150,000 new cases of psori...
Tinea Versicolor
What Causes Tinea Versicolor? Tinea Versicolor is a harmless skin disorder caused by a yeast-like organism living on normal skin. Usually, this yeast, which all of us have on our skin, grows sparsely and is not visible. In some individuals, for unknown reasons, it grows more actively. This causes the slightly scaling patches on the trunk, neck, or arms known as Tinea Versicolor is a pink to coppery tan rash. On tanned skin, the Tinea Versicolor patc...
What Causes Tinea Versicolor? Tinea Versicolor is a harmless skin disorder caused by a yeast-like organism living on normal skin. Usually, this yeast, which all of us have on our skin, grows sparsely and is not visible. In some individuals, for unknown reasons, it grows more actively. This causes the slightly scaling patches on the trunk, neck, or arms known as Tinea Versicolor is a pink to coppery tan rash. On tanned skin, the Tinea Versicolor patc...
Tretinoin
Tretinoin (RETIN-A) Therapy for Acne What Is Tretinoin? Tretinoin (trade name Retin A) is a very effective drug against acne. It is similar to Vitamin A in structure. It acts by preventing the plugging of oil glands in the skin. How Long Does It Take To Work? Clearing or marked improvement should occur within 2-3 months. However, during the first few weeks, the skin may look worse. Don’t stop using it! The long-term results...
Tretinoin (RETIN-A) Therapy for Acne What Is Tretinoin? Tretinoin (trade name Retin A) is a very effective drug against acne. It is similar to Vitamin A in structure. It acts by preventing the plugging of oil glands in the skin. How Long Does It Take To Work? Clearing or marked improvement should occur within 2-3 months. However, during the first few weeks, the skin may look worse. Don’t stop using it! The long-term results...
Education & Training
Dr. Kern, a native southern Californian, graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He attended the University of Southern California School of Medicine for medical school training and Internal Medicine residency, then spent a year in Boston, studying the mechanism of skin aging at the U.S.D.A. Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. His research has led to several publications. He attended the Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery residency at the University of California at San Diego where Dr. Kern served as Chief Resident.
Professional Affiliations
Park City Dermatology
When you have skin conditions or concerns you want to turn to a dermatologist who listens and responds. An experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs. A friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Dr. Steven Kern and staff meet all these criteria. You will receive the individualized attention you deserve from a dedicated team of trained and caring professionals.