Paul A. Regan, MD, FAAD

Dermatologists do a little bit of everything: detective work (What is this rash?), preventative care (Let’s catch skin cancer early),
and the occasional “please explain why my face is doing this right before picture day.” In that busy world, credentials matterbecause your
skin is not a “trial-and-error” hobby project.

Paul A. Regan, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania whose work centers on general medical and surgical dermatology, with
special interests that include inflammatory skin disease and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. If that sounds broad, that’s
because it is: the skin is the body’s largest organ, and it has a dramatic personality.

Quick snapshot: who Dr. Regan is and what he does

Dr. Regan practices as a general dermatologistmeaning he evaluates and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions across age groups.
“General” in dermatology doesn’t mean basic; it means you’re trained to handle everything from everyday acne and eczema to suspicious moles that
deserve a closer look, and to perform procedures when needed.

• Specialty: Dermatology (general medical and surgical dermatology)
• Clinical interests: Inflammatory skin diseases; skin cancer detection and treatment
• Location: Pennsylvania (Main Line region, including Bryn Mawr and Newtown Square)
• Credentials: MD; FAAD; board-certified in dermatology

What the letters mean: MD, FAAD, and board certification

MD: the medical foundation

“MD” is the medical degree that signals full physician training: medical school, clinical rotations, licensing exams, and the background needed to
connect skin symptoms to overall health. Dermatology isn’t just “skin-deep”many conditions overlap with immunology, infectious disease, internal
medicine, and oncology.

Board-certified dermatologist: the specialty “proof of work”

Board certification in dermatology indicates a physician has completed specialty training and met rigorous standards set by the field. In the U.S.,
dermatology board certification is associated with the American Board of Dermatology, an ABMS member board. In plain English: it’s a credential
that reflects specialty-level knowledge, experience, and ongoing professional expectationsnot just “I took a weekend course and now I do mole checks.”

FAAD: Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology

“FAAD” stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Fellowship signals professional standing within the national dermatology community.
For readers, it’s a helpful shorthand that a physician is engaged with the specialty’s leading professional organization and its education resources.

Education and training: how dermatologists are made

Dermatology is competitive for a reason: it combines complex medical decision-making, procedural skill, and long-term patient relationships. Dr. Regan’s
training follows a classic high-intensity pathwaystrong science education, medical school, an internal medicine internship, then a dermatology residency.

Academic path

Dr. Regan graduated from Villanova University (biology, summa cum laude) and earned his medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine.
He completed an internship in internal medicine at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, and then trained in dermatology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey
Medical Centerserving as chief resident during residency.

That internal medicine year is worth mentioning because it shapes how a dermatologist thinks. Skin findings can be “first clues” to systemic issuesautoimmune disease,
medication reactions, infections, metabolic changes, and more. Good dermatology often starts with good medicine.

Clinical focus: medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, and the “inflammatory” middle

General medical dermatology

Medical dermatology covers the day-to-day conditions that can seriously affect quality of life: acne, rosacea, eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, contact dermatitis,
hair loss concerns, warts, fungal infections, hives, and a long list of “why is my skin doing this?” puzzles.

The best dermatology visits often feel like a collaboration. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat, but the plan also depends on a patient’s schedule, budget, skin sensitivity,
lifestyle triggers, and how much trial-and-adjustment they can tolerate. (Some people want a 10-step routine. Others want one product and a prayer.)

Medical and surgical dermatology: when you need procedures

Surgical dermatology includes biopsies, removals of suspicious lesions, and treatment of certain skin cancers and growths. Even when a procedure is small, the goal is big:
get an accurate diagnosis, treat effectively, and preserve function and appearance whenever possible.

Many skin cancer decisions begin with a biopsyessentially, taking a sample so the diagnosis isn’t a guess. The results guide next steps, whether that’s monitoring,
removing a lesion, or referring for specialized procedures such as Mohs micrographic surgery when appropriate.

Inflammatory skin disease: where immunology meets real life

Dr. Regan has noted interests in inflammatory skin diseases. That umbrella includes conditions where the immune system, skin barrier, environment, and genetics all collide.
Common examples include eczema and psoriasis, but it can also include hidradenitis suppurativa, lichen planus, certain blistering disorders, and medication-driven rashes.

Modern dermatology has expanded dramatically in this area. Many inflammatory conditions now have more options than “try a cream and hope for the best,” including targeted
non-steroid topicals, light-based treatments in some settings, and systemic therapies (including biologics) for appropriate patients. The key is matching the treatment to the
diagnosis, severity, and patient preferenceswithout over-treating mild problems or under-treating severe ones.

Skin cancer care: why screening and early detection get so much attention

Skin cancer is common, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a major, preventable risk factor. That’s why dermatologists talk about sun protection so often: it’s one of the few
times “prevention” isn’t just a motivational posterit’s practical risk reduction.

What a skin cancer check usually looks like

A typical skin check is a visual exam where a clinician looks for suspicious lesions and patternsespecially changes in moles or new growths. Full-body exams are commonly
recommended when feasible, because skin cancers don’t always pick “convenient” locations. If something looks concerning, the next step may be dermoscopy (a closer look
with a specialized tool) and, if indicated, a biopsy.

Who should be especially mindful

Risk isn’t one-size-fits-all. People who have had significant sun exposure or blistering sunburns, used tanning beds, have a personal or family history of skin cancer, or
notice changing lesions may be advised to be more proactive. The best move is a simple one: if something is new, changing, bleeding, or not healing, get it checked rather
than “waiting it out” for six months like it’s a trendy diet.

Research and professional contribution: beyond clinic visits

While most patients meet a dermatologist in an exam room, dermatologists also contribute to the field through medical literature, education, and review work that helps shape
what the public reads and what clinicians learn.

Dr. Regan has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications, including dermatology case-based work and topics related to medical training and resident experience.
Publication topics associated with his work include case reports involving Mohs-related findings, clinical dermatology challenges, and research on impostor syndrome among
dermatology residentsan issue that quietly affects performance, confidence, and wellbeing in high-achieving medical environments.

He has also served as a medical reviewer for consumer health education outlets, helping ensure public-facing articles reflect current, evidence-based dermatology knowledge.
That role matters because skincare misinformation travels fastand it rarely arrives with a return label.

What patients can do to get more out of a dermatology appointment

Dermatology visits go best when you treat them like a collaboration. You don’t need a spreadsheet (unless that sparks joy), but a little prep helps.

Bring the “when, where, what changed” story

• When did it start, and was it sudden or gradual?
• Where is it located, and has it spread?
• What changed right before it appeared (new product, medication, travel, stress, illness, pets, laundry detergent)?

Photos can be surprisingly helpful

Rashes and hives love disappearing the moment you finally have an appointment. A clear photo (with decent lighting) can help a clinician see what your skin looked like at its peak.

Ask about the plan in plain language

If a treatment has steps, ask for the “what to do first” order. If there are alternatives, ask what changes the choice (severity, side effects, cost, long-term control).
Dermatology plans often work best when they’re simple enough to follow on a busy day, not just on your most organized day.

Choosing a dermatologist: a practical checklist

If you’re looking for a dermatologistwhether for acne, a persistent rash, or a skin cancer screeninghere are realistic things to consider:

• Board certification: Confirms specialty training and standards within dermatology.
• Scope of care: Do they provide medical and surgical dermatology, and do they treat your age group?
• Communication style: You want someone who can explain the “why,” not just hand you a prescription and vanish.
• Comfort level: Skin problems can be personal. Feeling respected is not optional.
• Follow-up options: Many conditions require adjustment over timeask how follow-ups typically work.

Why the “human” part of dermatology matters

Skin conditions don’t just show up on the skin. They affect sleep, confidence, comfort in social settings, and even what clothing feels tolerable.
Good dermatology care balances clinical precision with the reality of daily life. The goal isn’t simply to name a conditionit’s to help someone live
more comfortably in their own body.

That mindset aligns with the way Dr. Regan’s background is presented publicly: broad general dermatology capability, a strong interest in inflammatory
conditions (which are often chronic and quality-of-life heavy), and a consistent emphasis on early skin cancer detection (where timely action can truly
change outcomes).

Experience section: what “care with Paul A. Regan, MD, FAAD” can feel like (realistic scenarios)

The word “experience” can mean a lot of things in healthcare, so let’s keep this grounded. The following are realistic, common scenarios in a general dermatology practice
that match Dr. Regan’s clinical scopemedical dermatology, surgical dermatology, inflammatory skin disease care, and skin cancer detection. These aren’t personal patient
testimonials; they’re examples of what patients often experience during typical dermatology journeys.

Scenario 1: the “I found a weird mole” appointment

You notice a spot that looks different from your other molesmaybe it’s changing, darker, irregular, or just giving you a bad vibe. At a skin check, the first experience
is usually relief: someone takes it seriously without panicking. The dermatologist looks at the lesion (often with a dermatoscope), checks your overall pattern of moles,
and asks about timing and change. If the spot is suspicious, the next experience is often a quick biopsytypically done right there with local anesthetic. It sounds scary,
but it’s usually fast: numb the area, remove a small sample, bandage it, and send it to pathology. The takeaway many people have afterward is simple:
“I should’ve done this sooner.”

Scenario 2: acne that’s “not just a phase”

Acne can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally exhaustingespecially when it becomes cystic, scarring, or persistent into adulthood. A helpful dermatology experience
often starts with normalization (“Yes, this is common and treatable”) and then gets specific: where the acne is located, whether it flares with cycles or stress, what you’ve tried,
and whether the skin is sensitive or prone to irritation. Patients often experience a plan that includes both short-term and long-term steps: a starter routine that doesn’t destroy
your skin barrier, plus a timeline for when to reassess. The surprise for many people is learning that “stronger” isn’t always “better”consistent, targeted treatment usually wins over
the scorched-earth approach of applying everything in your bathroom cabinet at once.

Scenario 3: eczema or dermatitis that keeps returning

Chronic itchy rashes can feel like an unfair subscription you never signed up for. Dermatology visits for eczema and dermatitis often include detective work: is it atopic dermatitis,
contact dermatitis from a product, an occupational exposure, or something else entirely? Many patients experience a shift from guessing to clarity. Treatment plans often focus on
calming inflammation and repairing the skin barrier, while also identifying triggers (fragrance, certain soaps, metal exposure, harsh sanitizers, stress, climate changes).
If flares are frequent, some patients experience a stepped approachadjusting topical medications, refining skincare routines, and considering broader options when appropriate.
The “win” isn’t perfection; it’s control: fewer flares, less itch, better sleep, and skin that behaves more like skin and less like a protest sign.

Scenario 4: the “quick procedure” that ends up being a big deal

Sometimes a patient comes in for a growth that seems minora persistent bump, a scaly patch, or a spot that bleeds when it shouldn’t. One of the most meaningful experiences
in dermatology is when a small, simple procedure prevents a bigger problem. A biopsy or removal can confirm what it is (benign, precancerous, cancerous, inflammatory),
and that clarity guides next steps. Patients often describe two emotions afterward: gratitude that it was caught early, and amazement that something so important could look so ordinary.
That’s part of why dermatologists emphasize monitoring changes and not ignoring non-healing lesions.

Scenario 5: “I just want a plan I can actually follow”

A quietly common dermatology experience is walking in overwhelmed: too many products, too much advice, too many contradictory TikTok “experts,” and a bathroom counter that looks
like a skincare thrift store. A good visit often ends with a simpler routine and a clear priority list. Patients typically appreciate when a clinician explains what matters most:
which steps are essential, which are optional, and what results realistically take weeks versus months. The most useful feeling isn’t hypeit’s confidence. You leave knowing what you’re
doing, why you’re doing it, and when you’ll know if it’s working.

Across these experiences, the common thread is the one people don’t always expect: dermatology is both precise and personal. The skin is visible, emotional, and deeply tied to identity.
The best outcomes come from accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and a plan that fits the real worldbecause even the smartest regimen fails if it’s impossible to live with.

Conclusion

Paul A. Regan, MD, FAAD is a Pennsylvania-based, board-certified dermatologist focused on general medical and surgical dermatology, with particular interest in inflammatory skin disease
and skin cancer detection. His training and professional work reflect a blend of hands-on clinical care, procedural skill, and contributions to medical education and public-facing health content.

Whether you’re scheduling a skin check, trying to control an inflammatory condition, or simply looking for a dermatologist who can translate complex skin science into a realistic plan,
the credentials and scope behind the name matter. Your skin is with you every day. It deserves care that’s both expert and human.