Dr. Nneamaka Ukatu, MD
Dr. Nneamaka Ukatu is a board-eligible dermatologist at UCF Health Lake Nona with clinical expertise in skin of color dermatology, surgical dermatology, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and hair and scalp disorders. She brings a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to dermatologic care in Orlando, FL — combining advanced procedural skill with a deep commitment to serving diverse patient populations.
As a physician at UCF Health, Dr. Ukatu is dedicated to delivering exceptional dermatology care to Central Florida. She has specialized training in managing complex skin conditions in patients with darker skin tones, a population that has historically been underserved in dermatology. Her clinical focus includes skin cancer surgery, hair loss diagnosis and treatment, cosmetic laser procedures, and in-office surgical excisions.
Specialized Dermatology Services
Dermatology for Skin of Color in Orlando
Dr. Ukatu is one of the few dermatologists in Central Florida with dedicated training in skin of color dermatology. Many skin conditions — including eczema, hyperpigmentation, and hair disorders — present differently in darker skin tones and require a specialist who understands these nuances. Dr. Ukatu provides culturally competent, evidence-based care tailored to patients of African, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other diverse backgrounds.
- Hyperpigmentation & melasma management
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis) in darker skin tones
- Keloid and hypertrophic scar evaluation
- Acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Skin cancer screening for skin of color
Hair Loss Treatment & Alopecia Care
Dr. Ukatu offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for hair loss in Orlando. Whether you’re experiencing gradual thinning, patchy hair loss, or scalp inflammation, Dr. Ukatu creates individualized treatment plans targeting the root cause. She has particular expertise in hair disorders common to patients with textured hair and skin of color.
- Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)
- Alopecia areata
- Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)
- Traction alopecia
- Telogen effluvium
- Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis
In-Office Surgical Dermatology
Dr. Ukatu performs a wide range of dermatologic surgical procedures in the clinic at UCF Health Lake Nona. From skin cancer excision to cyst removal, patients benefit from surgical-level expertise in a convenient outpatient setting. See the full procedures list below.
- Skin cancer excision (basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma Stage I)
- Benign lesion removal (cysts, nevi, lipomas)
- Dysplastic nevus management
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Electrodesiccation & curettage (ED&C)
Cosmetic Laser Treatments
Dr. Ukatu provides in-office cosmetic laser treatments at UCF Health Lake Nona. Laser therapy can address a range of aesthetic and medical skin concerns including pigmentation irregularities, vascular lesions, and skin texture. Treatment plans are tailored to your skin type, particularly for patients with darker skin tones who require specialized laser settings to minimize risk of hyperpigmentation.
- Laser treatment for hyperpigmentation
- Skin resurfacing
- Vascular lesion treatment
- Safe laser protocols for skin of color
Hidradenitis Suppurativa & Atopic Dermatitis
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and atopic dermatitis (eczema) are complex, chronic inflammatory conditions that can significantly impact quality of life. Dr. Ukatu specializes in evidence-based management of both conditions, with particular attention to patients with skin of color in whom these diseases are often more severe or diagnosed later.
- HS staging, wound care, and biologic therapy coordination
- Eczema management including dupilumab and topical regimens
- Flare management and long-term disease control
- Patient education and lifestyle guidance
Surgical Dermatology Procedures
Dr. Ukatu performs the following outpatient surgical procedures at UCF Health Lake Nona. Click any procedure to learn more.
Dr. Ukatu removes benign skin lesions including inclusion cysts and pilar (trichilemmal) cysts up to 2 cm in size. These common cysts form under the skin and can become tender or infected if left untreated.
- Inclusion (epidermal) cysts
- Pilar cysts (up to 2 cm)
- Same-day in-office procedure
Dr. Ukatu performs surgical excision of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — the two most common forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. Early detection and excision offers excellent cure rates.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Clear margin confirmation
For patients diagnosed with Stage I melanoma, Dr. Ukatu performs surgical excision with appropriate margins. Stage I melanoma is highly curable when treated promptly by a qualified dermatologic surgeon.
- Wide local excision with clear margins
- Coordination with pathology and oncology when needed
- Follow-up surveillance planning
A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used to determine whether melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Dr. Ukatu performs this procedure for melanomas with an invasion depth of less than 8 mm (Breslow thickness).
- Indicated for melanomas <8 mm invasion depth
- Assists in accurate cancer staging
- Guides treatment planning
Dysplastic (atypical) nevi are unusual moles that carry an elevated risk of becoming melanoma. Dr. Ukatu manages both moderate and severe dysplastic nevi.
- Moderate dysplastic nevi: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis — may be monitored or excised.
- Severe dysplastic nevi: Surgical excision recommended to reduce melanoma risk.
Dr. Ukatu performs surgical excisions on the extremities (arms, legs, hands, feet) and trunk (chest, back, abdomen) for a variety of lesions.
- Benign and malignant lesions of the arms, legs, and torso
- Precise closure techniques to minimize scarring
Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C) is a minimally invasive technique used to treat certain superficial skin cancers and benign lesions. The lesion is scraped away with a curette and the area is treated with an electric current to destroy remaining abnormal cells.
- Commonly used for superficial BCC and actinic keratoses
- Quick, in-office procedure with minimal downtime
- Effective for appropriately selected lesions
What Patients Say
Real experiences from patients seen at UCF Health Lake Nona.
“Dr. Ukatu took time to listen and explain everything clearly. As someone with darker skin, I was worried about finding a dermatologist who truly understood my skin’s needs — she exceeded my expectations.”
“I came in for a cyst removal and the whole experience was seamless. Dr. Ukatu was professional, thorough, and made me feel at ease throughout the procedure. I will absolutely be back.”
“Finally found a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss for textured hair. Dr. Ukatu identified my condition quickly and we started a treatment plan the same day. Highly recommend.”
Have you seen Dr. Ukatu?
Your experience helps other patients find the right care. Reviews take under a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Dr. Ukatu is currently accepting new dermatology patients at UCF Health Lake Nona, located at 9975 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827. You can schedule online or call (407) 266-3627.
Dr. Ukatu performs in-office dermatologic surgery including excision of benign cysts (inclusion and pilar, up to 2 cm), non-melanoma skin cancer removal (squamous and basal cell), Stage I melanoma excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy (for invasion depth <8 mm), moderate and severe dysplastic nevus excision, excisions of the extremities and trunk, and electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C). Note: She does not perform facial excisions.
Yes. Skin of color dermatology is one of Dr. Ukatu’s primary clinical interests. She has specialized training in managing conditions like atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, hair disorders, and hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin tones — conditions that present distinctly and are often misdiagnosed without specialist expertise.
Yes. Dr. Ukatu evaluates and treats a full spectrum of hair and scalp disorders, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, CCCA, and traction alopecia. New patients can complete the Hair Loss Intake Form prior to their appointment to help streamline their visit.
Yes. Dr. Ukatu offers in-clinic cosmetic laser treatments, including procedures for hyperpigmentation, skin texture, and vascular concerns. Treatments are customized for all skin types, with special expertise in safe protocols for patients with darker skin tones. Call (407) 266-3627 to discuss options.
Dr. Ukatu sees patients at UCF Health Lake Nona:
📍 9975 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827
📞 (407) 266-3627
Get Directions →
Education & Background
Undergraduate
SUNY Binghamton University — B.A. in Studio Art, Concentration in Graphic Design · Binghamton, NY
Medical School
New York Medical College — Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) · Westchester, NY
Internship
Northwell Staten Island University Hospital — Intern of the Year · Staten Island, NY
Residency
Medical University of South Carolina — Dermatology Residency · Charleston, SC
A native of New York City, Dr. Ukatu is excited to explore the Orlando area and become an active member of the Central Florida community. Outside of her clinical practice, she enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and reading.
Ready to See Dr. Ukatu?
Accepting new patients at UCF Health Lake Nona · Orlando, FL 32827