Dr. John Kirk, MD is a dermatologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dermatological care for older adults at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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) 328-0900 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. John Kirk, MD is a dermatologist in Saint Petersburg, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a strong commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1991 and completed his internship at the University of North Carolina in 1992, followed by a residency in Dermatology at the University of Virginia in 1995, where he specialized in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (65+) and those with age-related skin concerns. He has extensive experience in Skin Cancer & Excision and is affiliated with St. Anthony's Hospital. Dr. Kirk is accepting new patients and provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. John Kirk is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kirk is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dermatological care. He expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin conditions, working collaboratively with your primary care physician to ensure a holistic approach, addressing concerns specific to the aging process and promoting overall well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. John Kirk can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Coventry Health Care
Evolutions Healthcare Systems
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Health Net
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. John Kirk 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:
- Warts: Warts are common, benign skin growths caused by a virus, often appearing as small, rough bumps that can be treated with various methods to improve comfort and appearance.
- Skin Infections: Skin infections, like fungal infections or shingles, are common in older adults, but with proper diagnosis and treatment from a doctor, they can be effectively managed to prevent discomfort and potential complications.
- Skin Discoloration: Managing skin discoloration may involve simple strategies like sunscreen use or, in some cases, treatments to improve appearance and boost your confidence.
- 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.
- Dyshydrotic Eczema: Characterized by tiny, itchy blisters, dyshidrotic eczema can be treated with topical medications to reduce discomfort and prevent scratching, helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Vasculitis: Vasculitis affects blood vessels, sometimes leading to skin changes in older adults, and treatment focuses on managing inflammation and protecting the skin to maintain comfort and mobility.
- Lipomas: While lipomas, or fatty tumors, can be concerning to discover, they're usually harmless and only require removal if they cause pain or interfere with daily life.
- Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Eczema and contact dermatitis are skin conditions causing itchy, inflamed rashes, often managed with gentle moisturizers and topical corticosteroids to relieve discomfort and improve daily comfort.
- Onychomycosis: Thickened, yellowed, or oddly shaped nails might be a sign of onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can regain the confidence of having healthy, attractive nails.
- Seborrheic Keratosis: Seborrheic keratosis is a common, harmless skin growth that often appears as a raised, waxy, or scaly patch, usually brown or black, and is easily managed by a dermatologist.
- Inflamed Seborrheic Keratosis: An inflamed seborrheic keratosis is a common, harmless skin growth that's become irritated, often appearing red, swollen, or itchy, but usually responds well to simple treatments.
- Moles (Benign Skin Lesions): Most moles are benign, meaning they're not cancerous, but it's crucial to have any new, changing, or unusual moles checked by a doctor to ensure they remain harmless.
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. John Kirk offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Excision of Skin Cancer: Excision of skin cancer is a key part of a comprehensive care plan, removing suspicious skin lesions and preventing further spread.
- Abscess or Cyst Drainage or Aspiration: For seniors with painful or concerning skin cysts or abscesses, drainage or aspiration offers prompt relief and prevents complications.
- Excision: To address skin abnormalities in a timely manner, excision provides a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment, facilitating proactive senior care.
- Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: For seniors with cancerous skin lesions, this procedure offers a way to remove the abnormal tissue, aiding in the prevention of further complications and promoting long-term health.
- Skin Biopsy: A skin biopsy helps create a comprehensive care plan by providing definitive answers about the nature of a skin problem, leading to more effective and personalized treatment.
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: Incision and drainage helps remove pus from a skin abscess, relieving pain and preventing infection, a crucial step in managing skin conditions common in seniors.
- Cryosurgery for Skin Lesions: As part of your comprehensive skin care plan, cryosurgery offers a minimally invasive treatment option for certain skin lesions and growths.
- Destruction of Benign Skin Lesion: This procedure eliminates a non-cancerous skin lesion, enhancing your comfort and confidence.
- Excision of Benign Skin Lesion: Excision of a benign skin lesion is a straightforward procedure that can improve your skin's appearance and address any discomfort.
- 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.
- Skin Tag Removal: As a part of routine senior care, skin tag removal contributes to overall skin health and well-being.
- Shaving of Skin Lesion: Shaving a skin lesion is a minimally invasive way to remove a suspicious area for microscopic examination, contributing to a more effective treatment strategy.
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. John Kirk 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:
- A senior woman, previously self-conscious about warts on her hands, was delighted to find that treatment options allowed her to resume her knitting hobby without discomfort.
- Grandma's itchy skin finally subsided, thanks to the dermatologist's guidance, and she could once again enjoy her favorite hobby: knitting, without the distraction of discomfort. The family felt a huge sense of relief knowing their loved one was more comfortable and healthier at home.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dermatological care with Dr. John Kirk:
- What is a Dermatologist?
- A dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions. They diagnose and treat a wide range of issues, and for seniors, this includes preventing and treating skin cancer, managing chronic skin conditions, and addressing age-related skin changes.
- How often should I get a full-body skin exam?
- We strongly recommend a full-body skin exam with Dr. Kirk at least once a year. For seniors with a history of skin cancer or many moles, Dr. Kirk 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, like asymmetry, irregular borders, changing colors, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving/changing spots, should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kirk immediately if you notice any of these changes in a new or existing mole.
- What happens during a skin biopsy?
- During a skin biopsy, Dr. Kirk removes a small skin sample, which is then examined under a microscope. The area is numbed beforehand to ensure comfort, and it's a quick, routine procedure used to diagnose skin conditions like skin cancer. It's the only way to get a definitive diagnosis.
- What treatments do you offer for thinning hair?
- Hair loss is a common concern for seniors. Dr. Kirk first diagnoses the cause of thinning hair. Treatment options range from topical solutions and oral medications to advanced therapies, with the goal of slowing loss and promoting healthier hair.
- What are these small skin tags, and do they need to be removed?
- Skin tags are common, harmless, benign growths that often appear with age. They typically don't need removal, but if they are bothersome, Dr. Kirk can easily remove them during an office visit.
- I had chickenpox as a child. Do I need to worry about shingles?
- Yes, anyone who's had chickenpox can get shingles, and the risk increases with age. Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the same virus. The shingles vaccine is strongly recommended as the best way to protect against this condition and its potential long-term nerve pain.
- What is Mohs surgery, and why is it used?
- Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to remove skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. It's beneficial because it carefully removes all cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, especially important for areas like the face.
4444 Central Ave
Saint Petersburg FL 33711
Phone: (727) 328-0900
Dr. John Kirk, 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): 1023011129
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. John Kirk 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.