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James Contestable

Dermatologist

Dr. James Contestable is a dermatologist practicing in Jacksonville, NC. Dr. Contestable specializes in skin care. Dermatologists evaluate and manage both common and uncommon skin conditions. These conditions include acne, psoriasis, warts, skin infections, atopic dermatitis, herpes simplex and more. Dermatologists are also experts in more complex skin diseases like impetigo, hidradenitis and milaria. Dr. Contestable diagnoses skin problems and develops unique treatments plans for each individual patient.
Learn More About Me
17 years Experience
James Contestable
  • Camp Lejeune, NC
  • University of Florida
  • Accepting new patients

How safe is finasteride?

This is a complex question and likely depends on dosing and previous history or issues with ED. Overall, it is a good medication for hair loss. I typically recommend folks try READ MORE
This is a complex question and likely depends on dosing and previous history or issues with ED. Overall, it is a good medication for hair loss. I typically recommend folks try topical minoxidil and or topical finasteride for 6 months unless they aren’t too concerned about the possible ED issue. If the topical doesn’t help stop loss, then we have a further discussion
about oral tabs. Multiple types including finasteride. I recommend you touch base with a board certified dermatologist.
Hope that helps.

A question about vitamin supplements?

Unfortunately, studies on collagen for skin are fairly mixed. Some say it can do something, and others that it’s a waste of time and money. Almost all studies that support use READ MORE
Unfortunately, studies on collagen for skin are fairly mixed. Some say it can do something, and others that it’s a waste of time and money. Almost all studies that support use come from people funded by a company trying to sell it. As collagen 1 and 3 are the main skin collagens, I would stick to those. Mostly 1. I think if you are going to take collagen, you don’t need to do more than 10mg. For nails, I honestly think taking collagen is kind of silly. Nails are made of keratin, not collagen. Sure, amino acids are used to make both collagen and keratin as both are proteins. Anyways, we are early in the understanding of what collagen supplements can do - or not do. Better to use sunblock daily, not smoke, and try to not use harsh products or techniques on your hair. If you are going to take collagen, give it a 6-month trial and see if you like it. If it doesn’t really help, then just stop.

Should I use toothpaste to treat my pimples?

That's an easy one --- NO. Try benzoyl peroxide instead as a spot treatment, but remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, using preventative measures is way better. READ MORE
That's an easy one --- NO. Try benzoyl peroxide instead as a spot treatment, but remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, using preventative measures is way
better. No one wants to get acne, so keep it from coming rather than trying to treat once it's there. :)

Lips feel odd?

Consider a biopsy. A few inflammatory processes can create that type of issue. Otherwise moisturize with vaseline until your follow-up with your dermatologist.

Skin problem?

I am so sorry, but I am having a hard time with the photos - they are small and blurry - however, I would be worried about tinea corporis here, especially if you have dogs at home READ MORE
I am so sorry, but I am having a hard time with the photos - they are small and blurry - however, I would be worried about tinea corporis here, especially if you have dogs at home or if she plays sports. The topical steroid would "make it better" only to make it worse thereafter. She should see a dermatologist for a clearer diagnosis. There are also apps for telederm out there where the image quality might be better.
Sorry I couldn't help more.

Warm Regards,

JJC

Is getting a perm bad for the hair?

Typically, having a perm only stresses your hair shafts (the hairs) and does not create risk to the hair follicles (what creates the hair) and therefore should present no increased READ MORE
Typically, having a perm only stresses your hair shafts (the hairs) and does not create risk to the hair follicles (what creates the hair) and therefore should present no increased risk for hair loss.

Hope that helps,

JJC

Cyst on wrist?

You need to see a physician to help diagnose what type of cyst it is. Most commonly, this will be a ganglion cyst which can be treated by a primary care doctor, sports medicine READ MORE
You need to see a physician to help diagnose what type of cyst it is. Most commonly, this will be a ganglion cyst which can be treated by a primary care doctor, sports medicine doctor, orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist. Step one get a diagnosis. Then treatment.

Warm regards,

JJC

Small growth around toenail?

That appears to be a periungual fibroma. You don't typically need to have these removed unless it is bothering you. As with anything, no one can be 100% sure based on a photo, READ MORE
That appears to be a periungual fibroma. You don't typically need to have these removed unless it is bothering you. As with anything, no one can be 100% sure based on a photo, if you have further concerns or it makes changes you should see a board certified dermatologist. If removal is attempted, recurrence is likely unless in seasoned hands. Damage to the matrix and/or proximal nail fold can occur with attempts at removal.

Hope this helps,

JJC

What causes an arm rash?

Hard to say. Differential diagnosis includes and area that you are picking at or even a squamous cell cancer. As far as a rash, all I see is one blurry lesion. Sorry I can’t be READ MORE
Hard to say. Differential diagnosis includes and area that you are picking at or even a squamous cell cancer. As far as a rash, all I see is one blurry lesion. Sorry I can’t be of more help. I’d have that checked by a board certified dermatologist.

Warm regards,

“Acne” on penis?

More than likely it’s a cyst. Derm or urologist - either should be able to help you. As a Derm, I take care of these all the time. 15 minutes and it’s all gone. Heal for 5-7 days. READ MORE
More than likely it’s a cyst. Derm or urologist - either should be able to help you. As a Derm, I take care of these all the time. 15 minutes and it’s all gone. Heal for 5-7 days.

Buttcrack pore?

You likely have pilonidal cyst disease. The spots you are seeing are blocked hair follicles (black heads) and likely connect under the skin - tracts. There are many treatments READ MORE
You likely have pilonidal cyst disease. The spots you are seeing are blocked hair follicles (black heads) and likely connect under the skin - tracts. There are many treatments for pilonidal cyst disease. Surgery is the main.

Melanoma mole?

As a dermatologist, we typically use a dermatoscope to evaluate suspicious spots. No one can give you a 100% answer without seeing you in person. I would say it is very likely READ MORE
As a dermatologist, we typically use a dermatoscope to evaluate suspicious spots. No one can give you a 100% answer without seeing you in person. I would say it is very likely a Dermatofibroma, but if you were my family member I would tell you to see a dermatologist to confirm this.
Hope that helps. Warm regards.

What are cancerous skin sores?

Hard to say. We have found in telemedicine/virtual health that is is difficult to discern skin cancer from not based solely on a photo. As a dermatologist, we use a device called READ MORE
Hard to say. We have found in telemedicine/virtual health that is is difficult to discern skin cancer from not based solely on a photo. As a dermatologist, we use a device called a dermatoscope to help aid in the diagnosis of skin cancer - which can be tough to simulate by a camera. I suggest that if this spot has been present for more than a few weeks - is growing, bleeding, itching, etc. - or is causing you distress, then I would have it evaluated by a Board certified dermatologist.

Warm regards,

JJC

I have an unknown skin issue?

This is more than likely a prurigo nodule. But anything like this should always be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist. That’s what I would recommend. If you can’t be READ MORE
This is more than likely a prurigo nodule. But anything like this should always be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist. That’s what I would recommend. If you can’t be seen by a doctor, I would say if it has decreased in size before when you are not scratching it then you could attempt to cover it and not scratch or rub it. Put some Menphor or lidocaine on it or just a cold compress when it feels itchy. If it starts to go away then it is very likely a prurigo nodule.

Warm regards,

JJC

What is this rash?

They don't seem to be related. This looks like pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor - a yeast infection (but different than candida - thrush). Tinea versicolor is a common READ MORE
They don't seem to be related. This looks like pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor - a yeast infection (but different than candida - thrush). Tinea versicolor is a common superficial yeast skin disorder. The causative organism is part of the normal skin flora. Lesions are more appreciated during the summer months due to increase discrepancies in skin pigment
between affected and unaffected areas. Lesions can be hypo or hyperpigmented depending of patient's natural skin tone. Tinea versicolor responds to a variety of treatments, but the course can be chronic and pigment changes can take months to years to revert. I have patients try head and shoulders or selsun blue - let sit for 5-10 mins daily for 2 weeks, then use as a preventative every week. Skin color change may take many months to revert even after successful treatment.

All the best,

JJC

What could this be and should I see a doctor?

The pictures are tough to fully interpret. However, this is possibly psoriasis. An in-person visit with a Board Certified Dermatologist should get you a diagnosis and good treatment READ MORE
The pictures are tough to fully interpret. However, this is possibly psoriasis. An in-person visit with a Board Certified Dermatologist should get you a diagnosis and good treatment plan.
All the best.

Can scabies be determined by a biopsy of the bites?

Reading your question again. “Welts” makes urticaria or urticaria phase of bullous pemphigoid much more likely.
Good luck out there.

Dr. Contestable

Skin redness and inflammation?

It’s hard to say for sure, but it sounds like you have keratosis Pilaris, which are small red bumps on the arms or cheeks, which are a sign of sensitive skin. Florida may just READ MORE
It’s hard to say for sure, but it sounds like you have keratosis Pilaris, which are small red bumps on the arms or cheeks, which are a sign of sensitive skin. Florida may just be humid enough to keep it under control. Look for moisturizers with alpha or beta hydroxy acid - gold bond rough and bumpy, glytone, sal acid-based lotions and washes, etc. Don’t scrub or rub.
Hope that helps.

Hyperhidrosis?

Sorry to hear it. You should consult a doctor about your issue, but if found to be primary focal hyperhydrosis, then given the extent of the process, glycopyrolate would be reasonable. READ MORE
Sorry to hear it. You should consult a doctor about your issue, but if found to be primary focal hyperhydrosis, then given the extent of the process, glycopyrolate would be reasonable. I still think topicals play a nice role though. You can check out Carpe - they make antiperspirants in lotions base formulas that work fairly well. Apply before bedtime to dry skin, then you can wipe off in the morning. Continue nightly until you feel your sweat is more normal, then you can decrease use sometimes to as little as weekly.
Hope that helps.

What steps are needed to treat my razor bumps?

So sorry to hear it. Steps to recovery - apply soothing creams to the area - a nice one would be one that contains Hydrocortisone and maybe additionally pramoxine. This should READ MORE
So sorry to hear it. Steps to recovery - apply soothing creams to the area - a nice one would be one that contains Hydrocortisone and maybe additionally pramoxine. This should help with the itch. If you are getting ingrown hairs, then it is reasonable to GENTLY coax the hairs to the surface with a small needle that has been cleaned with some alcohol. In the future, you may want to consider depilatory creams - NAIR or MAGIC are two brands. Or even consider laser hair reduction! Which pays for itself over the years. Patients typically only need 4-6 treatments depending on skin type and the laser used.
Hope that helps!