Dr. Tara Ezzell, MD is a Dermatology specialist deeply committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive dermatological care for older adults. As a partner in senior health at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices in accordance with 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. She serves older adults (65+) and those with age-related skin concerns, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (352) 352-1765 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Tara Ezzell, MD is a dermatologist in Gainesville, FL, with extensive experience in skin conditions, skin cancer & excision, and cosmetic skin procedures. She is affiliated with HCA Florida North Florida Hospital and welcomes new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Ezzell's dedication to senior care stems from her comprehensive training. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida, followed by an internship and residency in Dermatology at the same institution. This rigorous training, focused on the unique needs of older adults (65+) and those with age-related skin concerns, has provided her with the specialized knowledge and skills to effectively address the dermatological challenges often encountered in this population. She is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology. Dr. Ezzell believes in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Ezzell provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Tara Ezzell is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Tara Ezzell is a compassionate dermatologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors. She excels in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, including skin cancers and chronic diseases, working collaboratively with primary care physicians to ensure a holistic approach. Dr. Ezzell prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment to maintain comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Tara Ezzell can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Medicaid
- Midwest Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Tara Ezzell 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:
- Candidiasis of Skin and Nails: Yeast infections (candidiasis) on the skin or nails can cause itching, redness, and discomfort, but thankfully, simple antifungal creams or oral medications usually clear them up, letting you enjoy life more.
- Genital Warts: Dealing with genital warts can be challenging, but with appropriate medical care, you can find relief, improve your quality of life, and avoid future occurrences.
- Varicose Eczema: Varicose eczema is a type of eczema that often appears on the lower legs, near varicose veins, causing itchy, inflamed skin that can be managed with moisturizing creams and gentle cleansers, improving comfort and preventing complications.
- Inflamed Seborrheic Keratosis: Sometimes, the usually benign seborrheic keratosis can become inflamed, causing discomfort; however, managing the inflammation can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.
- Scabies: The intense itching and rash of scabies can disrupt sleep and daily activities; luckily, scabies is easily treated with topical medication prescribed by your doctor, leading to significant improvement in your comfort and overall well-being.
- Alopecia: Experiencing hair thinning or bald patches? Alopecia is a condition affecting hair growth, but thankfully, dermatologists offer options to slow hair loss or explore hair replacement solutions that can boost your sense of well-being.
- Warts: While warts are generally harmless, they can be a nuisance, especially when located in sensitive areas. Treatment options can help clear them up and prevent spread.
- Plantar Wart: Plantar warts are small, hard bumps on the bottom of your feet that can be quite painful and make walking difficult, but thankfully, there are many effective treatments available to remove them and get you back on your feet.
- Carcinoma in Situ of Skin: This type of skin cancer, called carcinoma in situ, is found only in the outermost skin layer, making early detection and treatment very effective at preventing further complications and maintaining independence.
- Hives: For seniors, managing hives may require adjustments to medication routines or environmental factors; working with your doctor to identify and avoid triggers is key to maintaining comfort and preventing future outbreaks.
- 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.
- Molluscum Contagiosum Infection: This viral skin infection, molluscum contagiosum, presents as pearly bumps and is often self-limiting, meaning it resolves without intervention, preserving your overall well-being.
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. Tara Ezzell offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Skin Tag Removal: Removing skin tags can be a part of a comprehensive skin assessment to ensure early detection of any concerning changes.
- Excision of Skin Lesion: Removing a skin lesion allows doctors to examine it under a microscope, providing a definitive diagnosis for conditions like skin cancer or other skin problems.
- Destruction of Benign Skin Lesion: Removing a harmless skin growth helps prevent unnecessary worry and ensures it's not something more serious.
- Excision: Excision is a surgical procedure where a suspicious skin growth or lesion is completely removed, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
- Wart Freezing: As part of your overall skin health plan, wart freezing offers a convenient treatment option to eliminate bothersome warts and maintain healthy skin.
- 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.
- Abscess or Cyst Drainage or Aspiration: Removing fluid from a skin cyst or abscess via drainage or aspiration allows for better examination of the underlying issue, tailoring treatment to the senior's individual needs.
- Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion: As part of a comprehensive skin cancer care plan, destroying a malignant skin lesion helps prevent the spread of cancer and promotes healing.
- Adjacent Tissue Transfer: Adjacent tissue transfer is a surgical technique where healthy skin from a nearby area is moved to cover a wound or defect, often used after skin cancer removal to ensure complete healing.
- Abscess or Fluid Incision and Drainage: This procedure swiftly addresses painful fluid-filled skin bumps, improving a senior's comfort and preventing further complications.
- Mole Evaluation: Regular mole checks are a crucial part of proactive skin cancer prevention and management for seniors.
- Melanoma Screening: This procedure involves a thorough skin exam to identify any suspicious moles or lesions that could be melanoma.
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. Tara Ezzell 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:
- After struggling with persistent itching and discomfort from yeast infections on her hands and feet, a senior woman found relief with topical antifungal treatments. She was able to resume her favorite hobby of knitting without the distraction of painful skin irritation.
- With compassionate guidance, a senior felt empowered to resume intimate relationships with a renewed sense of confidence and comfort. The patient's quality of life significantly improved, thanks to the dermatologist's expert care.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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. Tara Ezzell:
- What is a Dermatologist?
- Dr. Ezzell is a medical doctor specializing in skin, hair, and nail conditions. She diagnoses and treats various issues, including skin cancer, chronic skin conditions, and age-related skin changes. Her expertise is vital for maintaining healthy and comfortable skin in older adults.
- How often should I get a full-body skin exam?
- We strongly recommend a full-body skin exam with Dr. Ezzell at least once a year. For seniors with a history of skin cancer or many moles, Dr. Ezzell 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 a mole, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, changing color, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving/changing appearance, may be signs of melanoma. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Ezzell immediately if you notice any of these changes in a new or existing spot.
- I had chickenpox as a child. Do I need to worry about shingles?
- Yes, anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the same virus. The risk of shingles increases with age, and the shingles vaccine is the best way to protect against this condition and its potential long-term nerve pain.
- What are these small skin tags, and do they need to be removed?
- Skin tags are common, harmless growths that often appear as we age. They don't need to be removed medically, but if they are bothersome, Dr. Ezzell can easily remove them during an office visit.
- What happens during a skin biopsy?
- During a skin biopsy, Dr. Ezzell removes a small skin sample to be examined under a microscope. The area is numbed beforehand, 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.
- Are 'age spots' or 'liver spots' dangerous?
- Age spots, also known as seborrheic keratoses or solar lentigines, are typically harmless. However, any new or changing brown spots should be checked by a dermatologist like Dr. Ezzell to rule out skin cancer. If desired, there are treatments available to lighten or remove them for cosmetic reasons.
- What can be done for dry, itchy skin (eczema) in seniors?
- Dry, itchy skin, or eczema, is very common in older adults. Dr. Ezzell can help identify the causes and create a gentle skincare routine. Treatment often involves specialized moisturizers and, if needed, prescription creams to control inflammation and provide relief.
350 NW 76th Dr Ste A
Gainesville FL 32607
Phone: (352) 352-1765
Dr. Tara Ezzell, 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): 1750399051
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. Tara Ezzell 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.