Dr. Christopher Ballard, MD is a Dermatologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dermatological care for older adults. He practices at his Largo, FL clinic, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). A dermatologist offers specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions common in seniors, including skin cancers and chronic diseases, working collaboratively with your primary care physician to ensure comprehensive care. He serves older adults (65+) and those with age-related skin concerns, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 820-1786 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Christopher Ballard, MD is a dermatologist in Largo, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Ballard has extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2007 and completed an internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami, followed by a residency in Dermatology at the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital, graduating in 2011. He is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment for patients and their families to feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Ballard provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Christopher Ballard is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ballard is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dermatological care with a focus on the individual. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin conditions, including those often associated with aging, and collaborates closely with primary care physicians to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to care, prioritizing the well-being and comfort of each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christopher Ballard can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Select HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christopher Ballard provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Acne: Late-onset acne can be frustrating, but it's treatable. It involves breakouts similar to younger-adult acne, and simple strategies like regular washing and medication can greatly improve the condition and confidence.
- Onychomycosis: As we age, nail fungus (onychomycosis) becomes more prevalent, leading to unsightly nails and potential discomfort. Fortunately, treatment options are available to clear the infection and restore healthier-looking nails.
- Psoriasis: Dealing with psoriasis can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan from your doctor, you can control its symptoms, improve your skin's health, and feel more comfortable.
- Dyshydrotic Eczema: Dyshidrotic eczema is a recurring skin condition that can be controlled with regular skincare and medical treatments, allowing seniors to better enjoy everyday tasks without the discomfort of intense itching and blisters.
- Psoriasis Vulgaris: If you have psoriasis, you may experience itchy, inflamed skin, but thankfully, various treatments are available to ease symptoms and help you maintain your independence and enjoy your daily activities.
- Skin Cancer: Several types of skin cancer exist, but through regular self-exams and visits to a dermatologist, we can catch them early, leading to successful treatment and a better quality of life.
- Hypertrophic Scar: Sometimes, injuries leave behind raised, firm scars called hypertrophic scars; these are usually harmless, but your dermatologist can help improve their appearance and address any concerns you may have.
- Intertrigo: Intertrigo is a skin condition causing inflammation in skin folds; simple measures like regular cleaning, use of absorbent powders, and loose-fitting clothes can reduce discomfort and allow for easier daily activities.
- Melanoma: With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as surgery or targeted therapies, melanoma can often be managed effectively, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite activities.
- Lichen Simplex Chronicus: Lichen simplex chronicus is a skin condition where constant itching and scratching lead to thickened, leathery skin patches, but with consistent treatment like moisturizing and avoiding scratching, you can significantly improve comfort and prevent further irritation.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin: SCC is a skin cancer that develops in the top layer of your skin and, while concerning, is often treatable with various methods to minimize its impact on your life.
- Vasculitis: If you have vasculitis, you may experience skin discoloration, sores, or inflammation due to blood vessel damage; working with your doctor on a treatment plan can help you manage these symptoms effectively.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Christopher Ballard offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Mole Evaluation: This simple procedure plays a vital role in ensuring your skin health and well-being, helping to catch skin cancers like melanoma in their early stages.
- Wart Freezing: Wart freezing helps address a common skin concern in older adults, contributing to a comprehensive approach for maintaining healthy skin in your senior years.
- Excision: To address skin abnormalities in a timely manner, excision provides a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment, facilitating proactive senior care.
- Shaving of Skin Lesion: As part of your comprehensive skin care plan, shaving a lesion aids in early detection of skin cancer or other serious skin diseases.
- Abscess or Cyst Drainage or Aspiration: Draining or aspirating a skin abscess or cyst helps remove infected material, relieving pain and promoting faster healing for seniors.
- Skin Lesion Biopsy: To ensure your skin concerns are addressed effectively, a skin lesion biopsy helps diagnose skin conditions like melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, guiding your doctor in choosing the most appropriate treatment.
- Melanoma Screening: Melanoma screening helps detect melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer, early when treatment is most effective.
- Skin Cancer Removal: Skin cancer removal is a surgical procedure to eliminate cancerous skin growths, helping ensure your skin's health and preventing further spread.
- Excision of Skin Cancer: For seniors, excision of skin cancer provides a definitive diagnosis and enables prompt treatment to preserve health and quality of life.
- Skin Tag Removal: Skin tag removal offers a simple solution for managing irritating or aesthetically displeasing growths.
- Excision of Skin Lesion: This procedure helps diagnose and manage many skin conditions in older adults, ensuring any suspicious growth is thoroughly evaluated and dealt with promptly.
- Skin Lesion Removal: This procedure is a crucial step in managing skin conditions like melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, improving overall health.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Dermatology in Florida.
Dr. Christopher Ballard is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With the guidance of a dermatologist, a senior woman found relief from frustrating acne breakouts, allowing her to feel more confident and comfortable attending social events again.
- With the nail fungus successfully treated, a senior woman regained the confidence to wear sandals at the summer picnic, a cherished family tradition. Her previously unsightly nails now presented a healthy, natural appearance, greatly improving her overall sense of well-being.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Dermatology (Dermatology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dermatological care with Dr. Christopher Ballard:
- What is a Dermatologist?
- Dr. Ballard is a medical doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions. He diagnoses and treats various skin issues, including skin cancer, chronic conditions, and age-related changes. His expertise is vital for maintaining healthy skin in older adults.
- How often should I get a full-body skin exam?
- We strongly recommend a full-body skin exam with Dr. Ballard at least once a year. For seniors with a history of skin cancer or many moles, Dr. Ballard may recommend more frequent checks. This is the single most important step in catching skin cancer early when it's most treatable.
- What changes in a mole should I watch for?
- Changes in moles, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, changing colors, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving appearance, should be evaluated by Dr. Ballard immediately. Schedule an appointment if you notice any of these changes in a new or existing spot.
- Are 'age spots' or 'liver spots' dangerous?
- Age spots, also known as seborrheic keratoses or solar lentigines, are generally harmless. However, any new or changing brown spots should be checked by a dermatologist like Dr. Christopher Ballard to rule out skin cancer. If desired, there are treatments to lighten or remove them for cosmetic reasons.
- What happens during a skin biopsy?
- During a skin biopsy, Dr. Ballard removes a small skin sample to be examined under a microscope. The area is numbed first, making the procedure comfortable. It's a quick, routine part of dermatological care and the only way to definitively diagnose many skin conditions, including skin cancer.
- What is actinic keratosis?
- Actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous skin growth often appearing as rough, scaly patches, caused by years of sun exposure. Treating AKs is important because they can sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer.
- My face is often red and flushed. Could this be rosacea?
- Persistent redness and flushing are classic signs of rosacea, a common skin condition. Dr. Ballard can develop a highly effective management plan with gentle skincare, topical medications, and sometimes laser treatments to control redness and prevent flare-ups.
- What can be done for dry, itchy skin (eczema) in seniors?
- Dry, itchy skin, or eczema, is very common in older adults. Dr. Ballard can help identify the triggers and create a gentle skincare routine. Treatment often involves specialized moisturizers and may include prescription creams to control inflammation and provide relief.
11200 Seminole Blvd Ste 205
Largo FL 33778
Phone: (727) 820-1786
Dr. Christopher Ballard, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1164679668
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Dermatology like Dr. Christopher Ballard are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.