Dermatology

Acne occurs when the pores repeatedly become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt resulting in red, white or black blemishes of the skin. It can erupt anywhere on the body but most commonly occurs on the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common precancer that forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and /or indoor tanning. For those that have an AK, there is likely development of skin cancer in the future. AKs generally appear as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. They are often raised and may be white, red, tan, pink, flesh-toned or a combination.

Basal cell carcinoma is a kind of skin cancer, that often appears on the face and surrounding tissue. It rarely metastasizes in the body.

A bubble of fluid under the skin, blisters contain a clear, watery liquid called serum to protect the skin beneath.

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected area of the skin. Left untreated, it can spread and cause serious health problems. Good hygiene is important for preventing a would from developing cellulitis.

Contact dermatitis (CD) is a common skin problem that may be caused by an allergic reaction or response to an irritant. The latter is most common. Symptoms are a burning or stinging feeling with redness, swelling or peeling. Common triggers are soaps, detergents, acids, bases, solvents, saliva, urine and stool. Allergic responses are most often genetic. Common allergens are rubber, poison ivy, makeup, medicines, dyes, and foods.

Eczema is a very common condition that causes the skin to become itchy, inflamed, or develop a rash. There are seven types of eczema. Eczema can at any age and range from mild to profound. The condition is idiopathic – exact causes are unknown, but it is not contagious. Research indicates people who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers.

Only about 50 percent of all fungi are harmful. They are organisms that lives in air, in soil, on plants and in water. Some also live in the human body. People with weakened immune systems or those taking antibiotics are more likely to get a fungal infection. Fungi can be difficult to kill. There are topical and oral treatments.

Hives are generally red itchy raised area on the skin. An allergic reaction to a drug or food is often the trigger; however, other causes include stress and infections. Allergic reactions cause the body to release chemicals that cause the skin swell in patches. Hives are very common and usually resolve on their own. Serious cases may require medication or an injection. In rare cases, hives can cause a dangerous swelling in the airways, restricting breathing causing a medical emergency.

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria that causes sores. It is highly contagious through contact. Impetigo starts as a red, itchy sore and heals to a crusty, yellow scab. It can occur anywhere on the body but most often affects skin around the nose and mouth, arms and legs. Impetigo can be contracted at any age, but is most common in children under 6. Impetigo is treated with topical or oral antibiotics.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Often the first indication is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole but it may also appear as a new mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, biologic, and targeted therapies.

Melasma is a common skin problem that causes discolored patches that are darker than a person’s skin. It’s most common in women – about 90 percent, but men can also develop it. It typically occurs on the face and is symmetrical. However, other areas of the body exposed to frequent sun exposure can also develop melasma.

A chronic autoimmune skin disease that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, psoriasis can be confused with other skin diseases (like eczema), so a dermatologist is the best doctor to diagnose it. Treatments range from creams and ointments applied topically, to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs. Some people with psoriasis also have an inflammatory condition which affects their joints, called psoriatic arthritis.

Rosacea manifests like the look of blushing and often includes bumps reminiscent of acne. Primarily it erupts on the face, and less often the neck, ears, chest or head. Over time, broken blood vessels may appear through the skin, thickening and swelling. Treatment is important; untreated, rosacea may worsen and become permanent.

A widespread eruption of skin lesions, a rash is a very broad medical term. Rashes can vary greatly in appearance, and have a myriad of causes and treatments. Common causes include contact dermatitis, bodily infections, and allergic reactions to food or medicine.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, marked by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells. When caught early, most SCCs are curable. One of three primary types of cells in the top layer of the skin, squamous cells are flat cells located near the surface of the skin that shed continuously as new ones form. SCC occurs when DNA damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation or other damaging agents trigger abnormal changes.

Common warts are generally small, grainy skin growths that often occur on fingers or hands. Rough to the touch, common warts also often include tiny black spots, that are actually small, clotted blood vessels. These warts usually harmless and often resolve on their own. They are caused by a virus and are transmitted by touch. It can take a wart as long as two- to-six months to develop after exposure to the virus.