Joseph F. Merola, MD, MMSc

Dermatologist

Dr. Joseph F. Merola is a Dermatologist in Boston, MA with special training and skill in diagnosing and treating children and adults with benign and malignant skin, hair, nail diseases. As a Dermatologist, Joseph F. Merola, MD, MMSc performs medical diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, management of inflammatory skin disorders, and diagnosis of skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases. Dermatology is a branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating dermal infections, diseases, and cosmetic disorders. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Dermatologists include acne, wrinkles, hair loss, moles, warts, canker sores, varicose veins, dermatitis, and skin cancers like melanoma. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Dermatologists include skin biopsies, chemical peels, cosmetic injections, hair removal, dermabrasion, skin grafts, and laser surgery.

A dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails, as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. The dermatologist has had additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles and other tumors of the skin, the management of contact dermatitis and other allergic and nonallergic skin disorders, and in the recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic (including internal malignancy) and infectious diseases. Dermatologists have special training in dermatopathology and in the surgical techniques used in dermatology. They also have expertise in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars and the skin changes associated with aging.

Rheumatologist

Dr. Joseph F. Merola is a Rheumatologist in Boston, MA with special training and skill in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders related to inflammation of the joints, muscles, and ligaments. As a Rheumatologist, Joseph F. Merola, MD, MMSc performs physical examination, imaging, and testing for musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune conditions, commonly called rheumatic diseases. Rheumatology is a medical specialty dedicated to treating diseases and disorders related to conditions that cause joint, muscle, and bone pain, stiffness, and deformity. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, gout, chronic pain in the back, neck, knee, hip, or other joint, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, vasculitis, lupus, scleroderma, myositis, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Rheumatologists include x-ray, MRI, and CT imaging, rheumatoid factor testing, c-reactive protein testing, synovial fluid testing, pain medication prescription, physical therapy referral, dietary recommendations, and referral to other specialists as needed.

An internist who treats diseases of joints, muscle, bones and tendons. This specialist diagnoses and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries and "collagen" diseases.