Skin concerns are more than cosmetic. They can affect your comfort, confidence, and in some cases, your overall health. While many patients assume they need a dermatologist for every skin issue, the truth is that minor skin procedures in primary care offer effective, accessible solutions. At RGV Direct Care, these services are integrated into everyday care, making treatment easier, faster, and more affordable.
Primary care physicians are often the first to notice changes in the skin that require attention. By identifying and treating these concerns early, unnecessary referrals can be avoided, and patients benefit from faster care that fits into their existing healthcare routine. Many skin issues, like warts, keratoses, and skin tags, are straightforward to treat in the clinic setting without sacrificing safety or effectiveness.
This also builds trust. When your doctor can address both your internal health and visible skin concerns, you receive more holistic care that connects the dots. Our mission at our clinic is to offer compassionate, comprehensive care that supports your well-being from the inside out. For patients across the Rio Grande Valley, this means better outcomes and less waiting. Your skin health matters, and you deserve timely solutions that respect your time and needs.
A Wholistic Approach: Skin Health at RGV Direct Care
At RGV Direct Care, minor skin procedures are not treated as isolated services. They are part of a whole-person approach to wellness. Whether it’s a suspicious lesion, a bothersome skin tag, or recurring keratoses, treatment begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. This ensures we understand not just what’s visible, but also what may be contributing to the issue beneath the surface.
Dr. Escobedo performs these procedures in-office, eliminating the need for outside referrals. For patients across Weslaco, Harlingen, and McAllen, that means fewer delays, lower costs, and more personalized care. These services are especially helpful for those seeking integrative health options that avoid excessive medication or cosmetic upselling.
Common Procedures Performed in Primary Care
Practical Solutions, Right in the Exam Room
Minor skin procedures handled in primary care include:
- Skin tag removal
Skin tags may not be dangerous, but they can cause discomfort or irritation, especially in high-friction areas. Removal is quick and typically done with scissors, cryotherapy, or cauterization. - Seborrheic keratosis removal
These waxy, stuck-on-looking growths are benign but can be itchy or unsightly. Treatment may include cryotherapy or Hyfrecator electrosurgery. - Actinic keratosis treatment
Precancerous lesions from sun exposure are common in South Texas. Early treatment with cryotherapy or Hyfrecator tools helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. - Wart removal (including genital warts)
Whether it’s a plantar wart or a more sensitive area, liquid nitrogen treatment in primary care is highly effective and avoids the inconvenience of waiting months for a specialist.
Each procedure is evaluated based on your needs and medical history. The goal is to deliver appropriate care without unnecessary steps.
Why See a Primary Care Doctor for Skin Concerns?
Accessible Care With Continuity and Context
You do not need to wait six months for a dermatology appointment. In fact, minor skin procedures in primary care often provide faster results and better long-term management.
Primary care physicians understand your entire health profile. They know your medications, chronic conditions, and goals. That means your skin treatment is not handled in isolation. Whether you’re immunocompromised, managing diabetes, or prone to scarring, your care plan reflects those factors.
Another benefit is ongoing follow-up. You will not be left wondering what to do if something doesn’t heal properly. At RGV Direct Care, continuity of care is built into every visit.
Is It Safe to Get Skin Procedures at a Primary Clinic?
Safe, Sterile, and Evidence-Based
Safety is a top concern. Minor procedures in a primary care setting follow the same standards of cleanliness and documentation as any other medical office.
At RGV Direct Care, sterile tools, topical anesthetics, and proven treatment protocols ensure that each procedure is done with care. Dr. Escobedo is board-certified and trained in dermatologic procedures within the scope of family medicine. These include electrosurgical techniques and cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen.
When a skin concern falls outside the scope of primary care, such as suspected melanoma, patients are referred quickly to the appropriate specialist. But for most routine skin procedures, there is no need to delay care by seeking referrals.
The Role of Cryotherapy in Primary Care Skin Treatments
Cold Therapy With Big Benefits
Cryotherapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for skin issues in primary care. This method uses extreme cold, usually from liquid nitrogen, to destroy abnormal or unwanted skin cells.
At RGV Direct Care, cryotherapy is used for:
- Warts (including plantar and genital warts)
- Actinic keratoses
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Some benign skin lesions
The treatment takes just minutes and typically requires little to no recovery time. Side effects are minimal, and patients can return to their normal activities right away.
Aesthetic vs Medical: What’s the Difference?
Medical Skin Procedures, Not Cosmetic Dermatology
It is important to understand the difference between cosmetic dermatology and the procedures offered at a primary care clinic. At RGV Direct Care, we do not perform aesthetic enhancements. Our focus is on addressing medically relevant skin concerns. These include concerns that cause pain, discomfort, or clinical risk.
This might include lesions that bleed, itch, or are irritated by clothing. It also includes growths that may be pre-cancerous or affect your daily life. Our mission is to offer the best of modern primary care while honoring your trust in a safe, ethical, and faith-friendly environment.
Personalized Guidance for Every Patient
Your Skin Tells a Story. We Listen.
Skin health can reflect deeper issues, from immune dysfunction to hormonal imbalances. That is why treatment does not stop with removal. At RGV Direct Care, Dr. Escobedo considers how diet, stress, and systemic health might be influencing recurring skin conditions.
Sometimes, what looks like a simple rash or spot might require labs or even a nutrition conversation. Whether it is food sensitivities or underlying inflammation, our approach combines short-term relief with long-term wellness.
Conclusion: The Value of Minor Skin Procedures in Primary Care
When it comes to minor skin procedures in primary care, RGV Direct Care delivers skilled care rooted in a wholistic philosophy. Patients in Weslaco, Harlingen, McAllen, and throughout the Rio Grande Valley can receive safe, effective treatment for common skin concerns without delays or unnecessary cost.
Whether you are dealing with skin tags, keratoses, or warts, the right care is closer than you think. Trust your primary care physician to handle your skin needs as part of your complete health plan. Visit RGV Direct Care in Weslaco, TX.
FAQs About Minor Skin Procedures in Primary Care
What are minor skin procedures in primary care?
These include treatments like skin tag removal, wart treatment, and cryotherapy for keratoses. All are done in-office by a trained physician without needing a referral.
Can my primary care doctor remove seborrheic keratosis?
Yes. Dr. Escobedo treats seborrheic keratoses with Hyfrecator electrosurgery or cryotherapy, depending on your case.
Is it safe to treat genital warts in a primary care setting?
Yes. When performed by a trained physician, liquid nitrogen treatment for genital warts is both safe and effective.
How do I know if a lesion needs to be removed?
Lesions that bleed, itch persistently, or change shape may need evaluation. Dr. Escobedo can assess and recommend the next steps.
Will I have a scar after skin tag removal?
Most removals heal with little to no visible scarring. You will receive full aftercare instructions to support healing.
Do I need to stop medications before a skin procedure?
Usually not, but let your doctor know about blood thinners or supplements beforehand.
How long does it take to heal from cryotherapy?
Healing usually takes 7 to 14 days. You will be given care instructions to support this process.
Is insurance accepted for these procedures?
Yes. RGV Direct Care accepts most major insurance plans. Coverage depends on the medical necessity of the procedure.