General Dermatology in San Francisco

General dermatology at The Maas Clinic covers the diagnosis and treatment of common and complex skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, inflammatory skin disorders, and skin cancer surveillance, led by Susana Ortiz Urda, MD, PhD, MBA.

Comprehensive Dermatology, Backed by Academic Excellence

Dr. Ortiz Urda brings a research-driven approach to everyday dermatology at The Maas Clinic in Pacific Heights. As an Associate Professor in Residence in the Department of Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, and Director of the UCSF Melanoma Program, she treats routine skin conditions with the same clinical rigor she applies to advanced skin cancer care. Patients see one dermatologist for both day-to-day concerns and long-term skin health monitoring.

What Is General Dermatology?

General dermatology addresses the full range of medical skin conditions, from acne and rosacea to chronic inflammatory disorders and skin cancer screening. Dr. Ortiz Urda evaluates each condition through a combination of clinical exam, patient history, and, when indicated, dermoscopy or biopsy, then builds a treatment plan suited to the specific diagnosis rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Clinical Dermatology Services

Acne Treatment

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million Americans each year. Dr. Ortiz Urda develops personalized treatment plans that address acne at every stage, from mild breakouts to more severe cystic acne, to improve skin quality and prevent long-term scarring.

Rosacea Treatment

A 2024 global study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found an overall prevalence of rosacea of about 5%, with women affected more often than men. Dr. Ortiz Urda offers evidence-based therapies to reduce facial redness and inflammation and improve day-to-day skin comfort.

Rashes and Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Chronic inflammatory conditions such as eczema and dermatitis can cause persistent irritation, redness, and discomfort. Dr. Ortiz Urda provides a comprehensive evaluation of rashes and inflammatory skin disorders to identify triggers and build an appropriate long-term management plan.

Serving Dermatological Oncology Patients With Skin Cancer Surveillance

Skin cancer surveillance combines Dr. Ortiz Urda's clinical expertise with dermoscopy and imaging technology for early detection and long-term monitoring. Every skin cancer surveillance protocol at The Maas Clinic begins with an initial Vectra 360 Whole Body Imaging assessment, which establishes a full-body baseline for comparison at future visits. Learn more about 3D skin surveillance at The Maas Clinic.

Who Could Benefit From General Dermatology Care?

Most patients seeking relief from a specific skin concern are candidates for an evaluation with Dr. Ortiz Urda, including those with:

Acne
Rosacea
A persistent rash
A suspicious mole
A personal or family history of skin cancer
No specific concern, but who are due for a routine skin check

Why San Francisco Trusts Dr. Ortiz Urda for Dermatology

Dual expertise: Dr. Ortiz Urda treats both common skin conditions and complex skin cancer cases, so patients don't need to see multiple specialists.
Academic-grade care: She directs the UCSF Melanoma Program and has authored more than 55 peer-reviewed publications, including work in Science and JAMA Dermatology.
Integrated practice: General dermatology is available alongside The Maas Clinic's facial plastic surgery, regenerative medicine, and skin care services at a single Pacific Heights location.
Advanced technology: Skin cancer surveillance at The Maas Clinic uses Vectra 360 3D imaging, arriving mid-August 2026.

What to Expect at Your Dermatology Visit

Most general dermatology visits run about 45 minutes and include a clinical evaluation, discussion of symptoms and history, and a personalized treatment plan. For skin cancer surveillance specifically, the visit begins with Vectra 360 Whole Body Imaging before any additional protocol.

General Dermatology FAQs

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ortiz Urda for a skin concern?

No referral is required to schedule a general dermatology consultation at The Maas Clinic.

Can Dr. Ortiz Urda treat both a cosmetic and a medical skin concern in the same visit?

Yes. Because she practices both dermatologic oncology and general dermatology, Dr. Ortiz Urda can address multiple concerns during a single consultation when appropriate.

How do I know if a mole needs to be evaluated?

Any new mole, or one that changes in size or color, is asymmetric, or has irregular borders, should be evaluated. The American Academy of Dermatology's ABCDE guide (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) is a helpful starting point, but an in-person evaluation is the most reliable way to assess a specific lesion.

Bringing Medical and Preventive Dermatology Together

The Maas Clinic patients enjoy care from a single dermatologist who can treat everyday skin concerns and monitor long-term skin cancer risk, rather than juggling referrals between separate specialists. To schedule a general dermatology consultation with Dr. Ortiz Urda, get in touch with our team today.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.