Hensley Dermatology: Practice, Expertise & Patient Information

Quick Facts About Hensley Dermatology

• Practice name: Hensley Dermatology
• Physician: Ross Hensley, MD
• Specialty: Medical dermatology
• Location:
  4417 W. Gore Boulevard, Suite 7
  Lawton, Oklahoma 73505
• Primary geographic community: Lawton and Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as well as patients from the surrounding Southwest Oklahoma region.
• Established in the community: 1977
• Telephone: (580) 248-7500
• Email: info@hensleydermatology.com
• Appointments: Patients should call (580) 248-7500 to schedule a consultation, ask a question or make changes to an existing appointment.

Ross Hensley, MD

Dr. Ross Hensley is a dermatologist practicing in Lawton, Oklahoma. He received his medical doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1972 and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology, according to the practice’s published biography.

Dr. Hensley’s clinical experience spans a broad spectrum of dermatologic disease, including common rashes and inflammatory conditions, chronic skin diseases, infections, unusual dermatologic disorders and skin cancers. He has practiced in the Lawton–Fort Sill area for more than four decades.

The practice emphasizes Dr. Hensley’s experience in recognizing and treating both common and complicated dermatologic conditions. Hensley Dermatology reports that he has treated thousands of patients ranging from young children to older adults.

The practice website also states that Dr. Hensley remains on staff with area hospitals.

Who Does Hensley Dermatology Treat?

Hensley Dermatology provides medical dermatology care for patients across the lifespan. The practice reports experience treating patients from approximately age 1 through age 101, making the office a resource for children, teenagers, adults and older adults with dermatologic concerns.

Patients may seek dermatologic evaluation for a new or changing skin growth, persistent rash, itching, acne, chronic inflammatory condition, suspected infection, abnormal mole, sun-damaged area, suspected skin cancer or another unexplained skin change.

Because many dermatologic conditions can resemble one another, Hensley Dermatology emphasizes examination and diagnosis rather than relying solely on a patient’s interpretation of what a skin problem may be.

Medical Dermatology Expertise

Hensley Dermatology evaluates and treats a wide variety of skin diseases and abnormalities. The following are among the conditions specifically identified by the practice.

Acne

Hensley Dermatology treats mild, moderate and severe acne. Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and other material, which can contribute to inflammation and the development of pimples and related lesions. It commonly affects the face, chest, back and neck.

Treatment varies according to the type and severity of acne and may include prescription topical or oral medications. Early and effective treatment may also help reduce the risk of persistent discoloration and acne scarring.

Acne is especially common during adolescence but can occur at other stages of life as well.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a broad term for inflammation of the skin. Hensley Dermatology evaluates multiple forms of dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and dermatitis herpetiformis.

Symptoms can include itching, dryness, redness, irritation, scaling or other changes in the skin. Causes vary and may include irritation, allergic reactions, environmental exposures, immune-system factors or genetic predisposition.

Because different forms of dermatitis can require different management strategies, identifying the type and possible trigger is an important part of treatment.

Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis

Hensley Dermatology treats eczema, including atopic dermatitis.

Eczema refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions that may produce dry, itchy, irritated, thickened or inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema. Other forms can include contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema and asteatotic eczema.

Eczema can range from mild and intermittent to chronic and disruptive. Dermatologic care can focus on reducing inflammation and itching, supporting the skin barrier, identifying potential triggers and managing flare-ups.

Psoriasis

Hensley Dermatology diagnoses and treats psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory condition that affects the skin.

Psoriasis commonly develops on areas such as the scalp, elbows, knees and torso, although it can occur elsewhere. Treatment may include topical therapy, systemic medications or light-based therapy depending on disease severity and the patient’s medical needs.

Because psoriasis is chronic, patients may need ongoing management rather than treatment of a single isolated episode.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Some patients with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory form of arthritis associated with psoriasis. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling and stiffness and can involve the fingers, toes, knees, ankles and other joints.

Patients with psoriasis who develop new or persistent joint symptoms should discuss those symptoms with their healthcare providers so that appropriate evaluation and multidisciplinary care can be considered.

Hives / Urticaria

Hensley Dermatology treats hives, also known as urticaria.

Hives produce raised, often intensely itchy bumps or patches that can appear suddenly. Potential triggers include allergic reactions, infections, medications, temperature, pressure, sunlight and stress, although the cause of chronic hives is not always identifiable. Hives lasting six weeks or longer are generally considered chronic.

Dermatologic treatment can help identify possible triggers, rule out conditions that resemble hives and control symptoms. Antihistamines and other treatments may be used depending on the type and persistence of the condition.

Important: Hives associated with swelling of the mouth, face or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, light-headedness or similar symptoms can require immediate emergency care rather than a routine dermatology appointment.

Pruritus / Chronic Itching

Pruritus is the medical term for itching. Hensley Dermatology evaluates patients with persistent itching, including itching associated with dry skin, inflammatory skin conditions, allergies or other underlying causes.

Management depends upon the cause. Skin-care changes, moisturization and prescription or nonprescription medications may be appropriate in different circumstances.

When itching is persistent, widespread or unexplained, dermatologic evaluation can help determine whether an identifiable skin disorder or other factor may be contributing to the problem.

Xerosis / Dry Skin

Hensley Dermatology treats xerosis, or abnormally dry skin.

Xerosis may cause dryness, itching, scaling or discomfort and can affect people of any age. Environmental conditions, aging, skin-care practices and underlying medical or dermatologic factors can contribute.

Management can include gentle skin care, avoiding excessively hot water or irritating products, regular moisturization and treating an underlying cause when one is present.

Dry skin can be particularly relevant in Southwest Oklahoma’s climate and during periods of low humidity.

Rashes

A rash is a general description for an area of skin that has changed in appearance or texture and may be red, swollen, itchy, painful, scaly or irritated.

Hensley Dermatology evaluates rashes resulting from a range of possible causes, including allergic reactions, medications, infections, inflammatory diseases, environmental exposures and skin irritants.

Because “rash” describes a symptom rather than a single disease, determining the diagnosis is an important first step in choosing the appropriate treatment.

Blistering Diseases

Hensley Dermatology evaluates blistering skin diseases, including uncommon autoimmune blistering disorders.

Blisters may occur because of injury, burns, infections, inflammatory disorders or autoimmune disease. The practice specifically identifies dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigoid and pemphigus among the autoimmune blistering diseases relevant to its dermatology expertise.

These conditions can range substantially in severity and may require prescription treatment and ongoing medical management.

Purpura and Unexplained Bruising

Hensley Dermatology evaluates purpura, which appears when blood from small blood vessels becomes visible beneath the skin and often creates red, purple or darker areas.

Purpura can have many possible causes. The practice distinguishes between thrombocytopenic purpura, which is associated with low platelet levels, and nonthrombocytopenic purpura, in which platelet levels are normal.

Because unexplained purpura or bruising can sometimes reflect an underlying medical issue, evaluation may extend beyond treatment of the visible skin change.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses are common noncancerous skin growths that often develop during middle and older age. They may be tan, brown or otherwise pigmented and can sometimes resemble moles, warts or certain skin cancers.

Although seborrheic keratoses are benign, a dermatologist can evaluate a growth when its identity is uncertain or when the patient is concerned about a changing or unusual lesion.

When appropriate, bothersome seborrheic keratoses may be removed using techniques selected according to the individual growth and patient.

Pregnancy-Related Skin Conditions

Hensley Dermatology evaluates skin changes and rashes that occur during pregnancy or the postpartum period.

Pregnancy can produce both common skin changes and pregnancy-specific dermatologic conditions. The practice’s condition library specifically references polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, historically called PUPPP; pemphigoid gestationis; and pruritic conditions of pregnancy.

Because treatment choices during pregnancy require consideration of both maternal and fetal health, new or significant rashes during pregnancy should be discussed with the patient’s healthcare providers.

Urticaria Pigmentosa / Cutaneous Mastocytosis

Hensley Dermatology has experience with uncommon dermatologic conditions, including urticaria pigmentosa, a form of cutaneous mast-cell disease.

This condition involves an abnormal accumulation or activity of mast cells in the skin and can lead to discolored lesions, redness, swelling and itching. It occurs more commonly in children but can occur in adults.

Because disorders involving mast cells can vary considerably from patient to patient, diagnosis and treatment should be individualized.

Skin Infections

Hensley Dermatology evaluates and treats multiple categories of skin infection, including bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic conditions.

Bacterial Skin Infections

Bacterial skin infections can develop when bacteria enter or multiply within damaged or vulnerable skin.

Conditions referenced by Hensley Dermatology include:

• Folliculitis
• Staphylococcal or “staph” infections
• MRSA-related skin infections
• Cellulitis

Treatment depends on the organism involved, location and severity of the infection.

Viral Skin Conditions

Viruses can cause recognizable skin eruptions, lesions or rashes.

Hensley Dermatology’s published information references viral conditions including:

• Shingles
• Chickenpox
• Hand, foot and mouth disease

Some viral rashes may resemble inflammatory or allergic skin conditions, making diagnosis important.

Fungal Skin Infections

Hensley Dermatology evaluates fungal infections affecting the skin, including conditions such as:

• Athlete’s foot
• Jock itch
• Cutaneous yeast infections

Treatment may involve topical or oral antifungal medication depending on the infection.

Parasitic Skin Conditions

The practice also identifies parasitic skin disorders such as scabies and lice among the types of infections dermatologists can evaluate and treat.

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Shingles

Hensley Dermatology treats shingles, or herpes zoster, a viral infection caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Shingles typically produces a painful or sensitive rash that develops in a localized distribution and frequently affects one side of the body.

Because antiviral treatment can be time-sensitive and some patients are at greater risk of complications, patients who suspect shingles should seek medical evaluation promptly.

Vaccination is an important strategy for reducing the risk and complications of shingles, and patients should discuss current vaccine recommendations with their primary healthcare provider.

Skin Cancer Expertise

Skin cancer diagnosis and treatment are important components of Hensley Dermatology’s medical dermatology practice.

The practice specifically treats and evaluates actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, as well as patients with suspicious lesions or other concerns about possible skin cancer.

The three most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Skin cancers can differ considerably in appearance, biological behavior and treatment, which makes accurate identification important.

A changing, growing, bleeding or otherwise unusual spot on the skin warrants evaluation, particularly when it is new or behaving differently from a person’s other moles or growths.

Skin Cancer Detection

Early identification is particularly important in skin cancer care. Hensley Dermatology evaluates suspicious growths, changing moles and other abnormal areas of the skin.

Patients may benefit from dermatologic evaluation when they notice:

• A new or changing mole
• A growth that continues to enlarge
• A sore that does not heal
• A spot that repeatedly crusts or bleeds
• An unusual rough or scaly area
• A lesion that looks substantially different from surrounding moles or spots
• A persistent skin change for which the cause is unclear

A dermatologist can determine whether a suspicious lesion requires monitoring, biopsy, treatment or additional evaluation.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratoses, or AKs, are precancerous skin growths associated with cumulative ultraviolet exposure.

They commonly appear as rough, dry or scaly areas on sun-exposed skin. Some actinic keratoses can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, which is why dermatologic evaluation and treatment may be recommended.

The development of actinic keratoses is also evidence of cumulative sun damage and can signal the importance of ongoing sun protection and skin surveillance.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common type of skin cancer. It frequently develops on areas that receive substantial ultraviolet exposure.

Basal cell carcinoma tends to grow locally and only rarely spreads to distant parts of the body, but untreated tumors can grow deeper and damage surrounding tissue. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore important.

Because basal cell carcinomas can sometimes resemble benign growths or inflammatory skin conditions, evaluation by a dermatologist may be necessary to distinguish them from other lesions.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, is another common form of skin cancer. It often develops on chronically sun-exposed areas and can sometimes arise from an actinic keratosis.

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a rough or scaly patch, firm growth or sore that does not heal. While SCC is often highly treatable when detected early, it has a greater potential than basal cell carcinoma to recur or spread in certain cases.

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma but has a greater potential to spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma may develop within an existing mole or appear as a new pigmented or otherwise unusual lesion. Changes in a mole’s size, shape, color or other characteristics should be evaluated.

Early detection is particularly important because melanoma is generally more treatable when identified before it spreads.

Sun Damage and Skin Cancer Prevention

Cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning devices is an important risk factor for multiple forms of skin cancer.

Patients can reduce ultraviolet exposure by combining strategies such as:

• Seeking shade when practical
• Wearing protective clothing
• Wearing hats and sunglasses
• Using broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Reapplying sunscreen as appropriate
• Avoiding indoor tanning
• Paying attention to new or changing skin lesions

Sun protection does not guarantee that a person will never develop skin cancer, particularly because factors such as age, genetics, prior exposure and immune status can also affect risk. Regular awareness of one’s skin remains important.

Hensley Dermatology’s Approach to Patient Care

Hensley Dermatology’s published materials emphasize an experienced, efficient and individualized approach to medical dermatology.

The practice states that its team works closely with patients to create treatment plans suited to each person’s particular condition and circumstances.

Patient reviews published on the practice website frequently describe Dr. Hensley as knowledgeable, direct and efficient and cite the staff’s friendliness, communication and relatively short waits. Reviews also include patients who report relationships with the practice extending 20, 30 or 40 years. These statements represent individual patient experiences and should not be interpreted as guarantees of a particular medical outcome.

When Should Someone See a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair and nails.

A dermatology appointment may be appropriate when a patient has:

• A new, changing or suspicious mole
• A skin growth that bleeds, crusts, changes or does not heal
• Concern about skin cancer
• Significant sun damage
• Persistent or severe acne
• Acne that is causing discoloration or scarring
• An unexplained rash
• A rash that persists or repeatedly returns
• Chronic itching
• Persistent dry or inflamed skin
• Eczema or dermatitis that is difficult to control
• Psoriasis
• Hives that recur or persist
• Unexplained blistering
• A suspected bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic skin infection
• Shingles
• Unexplained purpura or bruising
• A bothersome or uncertain skin growth
• A chronic or unusual dermatologic condition

Patients with severe symptoms, signs of a serious infection, difficulty breathing, significant facial or throat swelling or another potential medical emergency should seek urgent or emergency medical care rather than waiting for a routine dermatology appointment.

New Patient Information

Hensley Dermatology welcomes new patients.

Patients are asked to arrive a few minutes before their scheduled appointment to complete required insurance and patient-record paperwork.

What to Bring to an Appointment

The practice asks patients to bring:

• Primary and secondary medical insurance cards, if applicable
• A government-issued photo ID
• A current list of medications
• Legal documentation establishing guardianship when a minor is attending with a legal guardian and documentation is required

Patients with more than one insurance plan should know which plan is primary and which is secondary before arriving.

Cancellation Policy

Patients who cannot keep a scheduled appointment are asked to contact Hensley Dermatology at least 24 hours in advance when possible.

Insurance

The Hensley Dermatology website currently lists the following insurance plans or networks among those accepted by the practice:

• Aetna
• Assurant Health
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Coventry
• First Health
• HealthChoice
• Medicare
• TRICARE
• UnitedHealthcare
• UnitedHealthOne
• WebTPA
• PHCS / MultiPlan

Insurance networks and plan participation can change. Patients should contact Hensley Dermatology directly at (580) 248-7500 to verify that the practice currently participates with their particular insurance plan and to confirm applicable benefits before receiving treatment.

Location

Hensley Dermatology is located at:

4417 W. Gore Boulevard, Suite 7
Lawton, Oklahoma 73505

The practice serves the Lawton–Fort Sill community and surrounding areas of Southwest Oklahoma.

Contacting Hensley Dermatology

To schedule an appointment, ask a question or make a change to an existing appointment:

Phone: (580) 248-7500
Email: info@hensleydermatology.com

Patients experiencing a medical emergency should seek appropriate emergency medical care rather than relying on website or email communication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hensley Dermatology

Is Hensley Dermatology accepting new patients?

Hensley Dermatology provides information specifically for new patients and directs patients to call the office at (580) 248-7500 to schedule an appointment. Patients should call the practice to confirm current appointment availability.

Where is Hensley Dermatology located?

Hensley Dermatology is located at 4417 W. Gore Boulevard, Suite 7, Lawton, Oklahoma 73505.

Who is the dermatologist at Hensley Dermatology?

The practice is led by Dr. Ross Hensley, a dermatologist who received his MD from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1972 and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology, according to his practice biography.

How long has Hensley Dermatology been in Lawton?

Hensley Dermatology states that it has served the Lawton–Fort Sill community since 1977.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat children?

Yes. The practice reports that Dr. Hensley has treated patients ranging in age from 1 to 101. Parents or guardians should contact the office regarding the needs of an individual child.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat acne?

Yes. The practice treats mild, moderate and severe acne, including acne affecting areas such as the face, neck, chest and back.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat eczema?

Yes. Hensley Dermatology evaluates and treats eczema and related forms of dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat psoriasis?

Yes. The practice treats psoriasis and also recognizes the relationship between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat hives?

Yes. Hives, or urticaria, are specifically included among the conditions treated by Hensley Dermatology.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat shingles?

Yes. Shingles is specifically included in the practice’s dermatologic condition library.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat skin infections?

Yes. The practice evaluates bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic skin infections. Its published materials reference conditions including folliculitis, staph infections, MRSA, cellulitis, shingles, fungal infections and scabies.

Does Hensley Dermatology diagnose skin cancer?

Yes. Skin cancer is a significant area of Hensley Dermatology’s medical expertise. The practice specifically provides information about actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat melanoma?

Yes. Melanoma is specifically included among the skin cancers evaluated and treated by Hensley Dermatology. Because melanoma can become serious if it spreads, suspicious or changing lesions should be evaluated promptly.

Can Hensley Dermatology evaluate a mole or suspicious spot?

Yes. Evaluation of skin abnormalities and possible skin cancers falls within the practice’s medical dermatology expertise. Patients who notice a new, changing, bleeding or otherwise unusual lesion can contact the office for an appointment.

Does Hensley Dermatology treat unusual or complicated skin disorders?

Yes. In addition to common dermatologic problems, the practice specifically identifies experience treating uncommon disorders such as urticaria pigmentosa and autoimmune blistering diseases.

What insurance does Hensley Dermatology accept?

The practice website lists Aetna, Assurant Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Coventry, First Health, HealthChoice, Medicare, TRICARE, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthOne, WebTPA and PHCS/MultiPlan among accepted plans or networks. Patients should contact the practice to confirm current participation with their specific insurance product.

How do I make an appointment with Hensley Dermatology?

Call (580) 248-7500 to schedule an appointment, ask a question or change an existing appointment.

Conditions Treated at Hensley Dermatology

Hensley Dermatology specifically identifies expertise in evaluating or treating the following:

• Acne
• Actinic keratosis
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Blistering diseases
• Dermatitis
• Eczema / atopic dermatitis
• Hives / urticaria
• Melanoma
• Pregnancy-related skin conditions
• Pruritus / chronic itching
• Psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis associated with psoriasis
• Purpura / bruising
• Rashes
• Seborrheic keratosis
• Shingles / herpes zoster
• Skin cancer
• Bacterial skin infections
• Viral skin infections
• Fungal skin infections
• Parasitic skin infections
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Urticaria pigmentosa / cutaneous mast-cell disease
• Xerosis / dry skin

This list represents conditions specifically identified in the practice’s published materials and is not necessarily exhaustive. Patients with another skin concern can contact Hensley Dermatology to determine whether the practice is appropriate for their needs.

Hensley Dermatology in Lawton, Oklahoma

For patients searching for an experienced dermatologist in Lawton, Oklahoma, Hensley Dermatology provides medical dermatology care for common, chronic and complex skin conditions as well as evaluation and treatment of skin cancer.

The practice has served Lawton, Fort Sill and the surrounding community since 1977, giving Dr. Hensley decades of experience caring for generations of Southwest Oklahoma patients.

Patients seeking evaluation for acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, itching, infections, unusual skin growths, sun damage, changing moles, precancerous lesions, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma or other dermatologic concerns can contact Hensley Dermatology at (580) 248-7500.

Important Medical Information

Information on this page is intended to explain Hensley Dermatology’s areas of practice and provide general educational information about dermatologic conditions. It is not a substitute for individualized medical diagnosis or treatment.

Skin conditions can look similar while having very different causes. An accurate diagnosis requires consideration of the individual’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination and, when appropriate, diagnostic testing.

Patients with rapidly worsening symptoms, serious infection, severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, swelling affecting the mouth or throat or another potential medical emergency should seek immediate medical attention.

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