Key West Dermatology & Skin Health

Medical dermatology and skin health services at Keywest.Health. Medical dermatology services are led by Dr. Shannon Smeltzer, DNP, who evaluates and manages a range of skin concerns common in sun-exposed environments — from photoaging and pigmentation to acne, rosacea, and benign skin lesions. Serving patients throughout Key West and the Florida Keys.

Why Skin Health Matters in Key West

Key West sits at the southern tip of Florida, where the sun is intense, year-round, and relentless. Whether you've lived here for decades or you're visiting from somewhere with less UV exposure, your skin is absorbing more ultraviolet radiation than most people realize. Over time, that exposure shows up as sunspots, uneven tone, broken capillaries, fine lines, and rough texture — collectively known as photoaging.

For visitors, a week in the Keys sun without adequate protection can trigger hyperpigmentation that takes months to fade. For residents, the cumulative effect is even more significant. Skin cancer rates in Florida consistently rank among the highest in the nation, and Key West's outdoor lifestyle — boating, fishing, diving, cycling — means even well-intentioned sun protection often falls short.

That's why proactive skin health matters. At Keywest.Health, we focus on evaluating changes early, creating targeted treatment plans, and supporting long-term skin health — whether that means addressing existing sun damage or preventing future problems.

Our Dermatology Services

Medical dermatology services at Keywest.Health cover the skin concerns we see most often in a sun-exposed environment. Every treatment plan starts with an evaluation of your skin type, concerns, and medical history. Looking for a Key West dermatologist? Dr. Shannon Smeltzer, DNP, APRN, evaluates common skin concerns and can discuss referral to a dermatologist when specialist care is needed.

• Sun Damage Reversal & Prevention: Assessment and treatment of photoaging, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone. Options include prescription topical regimens, DiamondGlow® facials for deep exfoliation and serum infusion, and chemical peels to accelerate skin renewal and reduce pigmentation.
• Acne & Rosacea Management: Evaluation and treatment of active breakouts and chronic redness using prescription-grade topical and oral medications, tailored to your skin type and severity. Treatment plans may also include chemical peels and in-office procedures for stubborn or recurrent cases.
• Skin Tag & Benign Lesion Removal: In-office removal of benign skin growths including skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, and other non-cancerous lesions. Every lesion is evaluated before removal to assess whether it appears benign.
• Prescription Skincare: Medical-grade products selected for your specific concerns — from retinoids and hydroquinone for pigmentation to antibiotics and anti-inflammatory topicals for acne and rosacea. These are formulations you won't find at the drugstore, and they're selected based on what your skin actually needs.
• In-Office Procedures: Chemical peels (SkinMedica® Illuminize, Vitalize, and Rejuvenize peels) and laser or light-based therapies via the Alma Harmony XL platform for sunspots, broken capillaries, and texture refinement.

Skin Cancer Awareness & Honest Scope

We believe in being straightforward about what we do well — and where we refer. Dr. Shannon Smeltzer, DNP, APRN, evaluates and manages a wide range of common skin concerns. She is not a dermatologist, and we don't pretend otherwise.

For suspicious lesions — anything that's new, changing, bleeding, or doesn't look like your other moles — we recommend evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist. If we identify something during your visit that warrants closer examination, we coordinate a referral to a dermatologist in Key West or on the mainland for biopsy and specialist follow-up.

This honest scope of practice means you get thorough evaluation for the skin concerns we treat best, and prompt access to specialist care when you need it. Your skin health is too important for anything less.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your dermatology consultation begins with a thorough evaluation of your skin concerns, skin type, sun exposure history, and relevant medical history. Dr. Smeltzer will examine the areas of concern, discuss what's driving your symptoms, and outline treatment options with honest timelines and expected outcomes.

If your concerns fall within our scope, we'll build a treatment plan together — whether that's a prescription skincare regimen, an in-office procedure, or a combination approach. If your concerns require specialist evaluation, we'll discuss referral options and next steps.

Most consultations take 30–45 minutes, and you'll leave with a clear understanding of your skin health and a plan you can act on.

Sun Damage Treatments for Visitors & Residents

If you're visiting Key West and notice sun damage flaring up — dark spots appearing after a day on the beach, or existing pigmentation getting worse — we can evaluate and begin treatment during your stay. Topical regimens can be started immediately, and chemical peels or light-based treatments may be appropriate depending on your skin type and timeline.

For residents, we focus on long-term skin health strategies: ongoing sun protection guidance, periodic skin evaluations, and treatments that address cumulative damage while preventing further harm. Living in Key West means your skin is working harder than most — your treatment plan should reflect that.

Skin Tag & Mole Removal in Key West

Looking for skin tag removal in Key West? Skin tags and benign-appearing moles are common in the Florida Keys. Dr. Smeltzer evaluates each lesion before discussing whether in-office removal is appropriate — some lesions that appear benign may be eligible for same-visit removal, depending on the evaluation.

If a lesion has concerning features — new or changing growth, irregular borders, or color changes — we discuss further evaluation, which may include biopsy or referral to a board-certified dermatologist; we do not treat a concerning lesion as routine cosmetic removal. Keywest.Health is a self-pay practice; pricing depends on the number and type of lesions addressed. Call (305) 514-0482 to ask about current skin tag and mole removal pricing.

How Much Does a Dermatology Consultation Cost?

Pricing depends on the consultation and any treatments you choose. Keywest.Health does not bill insurance; this is a self-pay practice. Ask for current consultation pricing before your visit — we discuss the cost of any proposed treatment with you before it begins. We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), Venmo, Apple Pay, Cash App, Zelle, cash, debit cards, and CareCredit financing (subject to approval); ask about available coupon discounts. Call (305) 514-0482 or schedule online for current pricing.

Medical Dermatology in Key West — Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a dermatologist on staff?

Care at Keywest.Health is led by Dr. Shannon Smeltzer, DNP, APRN, who evaluates and manages a wide range of common skin concerns — from sun damage and acne to benign skin lesions. Dr. Smeltzer is not a dermatologist, and we believe in being transparent about that. For suspicious lesions, biopsy results that require specialist follow-up, or conditions outside our scope, we coordinate a referral to a board-certified dermatologist in the Keys or on the mainland.

What is the process for mole or skin tag removal?

Every mole or skin tag is evaluated first to assess whether it appears benign before removal. The evaluation includes a visual assessment and, when appropriate, a brief discussion of any features that warrant closer monitoring. Benign lesions can often be removed during the same visit using simple in-office techniques. If anything looks concerning, we refer to a dermatologist for biopsy and further evaluation.

How much does a dermatology consultation cost?

Consultation pricing depends on the type of visit and services provided. Call (305) 514-0482 or schedule online to discuss current pricing and available options before your appointment.

Do you offer skin cancer screenings?

We perform skin evaluations as part of your dermatology consultation. If we identify a suspicious lesion, we discuss next steps — which may include biopsy in-office or referral to a dermatologist for comprehensive screening and biopsy. We are honest about our scope: Dr. Smeltzer evaluates and manages common skin concerns, and anything that warrants specialist attention gets referred promptly.

Does insurance cover dermatology services?

Keywest.Health does not bill insurance for dermatology services; this is a self-pay practice. Ask for current consultation pricing before your visit — we discuss the cost of any proposed treatment with you before it begins. Call (305) 514-0482 for current pricing and payment options.

What acne and rosacea treatments do you offer?

We offer prescription-grade topical and oral treatments for acne and rosacea, tailored to your skin type and severity. Treatment plans may also include chemical peels, medical-grade skincare, and in-office procedures. For patients whose acne involves scarring, we discuss options including microneedling and laser treatments. Visit our acne treatment page for a detailed overview.

What sun damage treatments are available in Key West?

Sun damage is the most common skin concern we see — and for good reason, given Key West's year-round UV exposure. Treatment options include topical regimens for hyperpigmentation, chemical peels to accelerate skin renewal, and laser or light-based therapies for sunspots and broken capillaries. We also provide guidance on daily sun protection to prevent further damage.

Related Treatments in Key West

Many dermatology patients also benefit from our acne treatment plans, DiamondGlow® facials for deep exfoliation and skin renewal, and Alma Harmony XL laser treatments for sunspots and pigmentation. Learn more about Dr. Shannon Smeltzer, DNP, APRN and her approach to skin health.