Click here to learn about various dermatological conditions, medications, and procedures.

Dermatological Conditions and Treatment

Skin Cancer
Moles
Acne
Warts
Birth Marks
Rosacea
Psoriasis
Eczema
Seborrheic Keratoses
Other Conditions

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year.  Sun avoidance is the best defense against skin cancer.

Over exposure to sunlight (including tanning) is the main cause of skin cancer especially when it results in sunburn and blistering. Other less important factors include: repeated medical and industrial x-ray exposure, scarring from diseases or burns, occupational exposure to such compounds as coal tar and arsenic, and family history. Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at particularly high risk for skin cancer.

Moles

Everyone has moles, sometimes 40 or more. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearance. At one time, a mole in a certain spot on the cheek of a woman was considered fashionable. Some were even painted on. These were called “beauty marks.” However, not all moles are beautiful. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, they may contain dark hairs, or they may be dangerous.

Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin.

Acne

Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s – even into their 40s – can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring.

Warts

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat and smooth. The appearance of a wart depends on where it is growing.

How many kinds of warts are there?
There are several different kinds of warts including:

• Common warts
• Foot (Plantar) warts
• Flat warts

Birth Marks

Venous Malformations (Port Wine Stains) are always present at birth and can range from pale pink to dark purple in color. In the past these lesions were erroneously called “capillary hemangiomas.” Port Wine Stains occur in .3% of births and occur equally among males and females.

The cause has been recently associated with a deficiency or absence in the nerve supply to the blood vessels of the affected area. These nerves control the diameter of the blood vessels. If the nerves are absent or defective, the vessels will continue to dilate and blood will pool or collect in the affected area. The result will be a visible birth mark.

Rosacea

Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a chronic (long-term) skin disease that causes redness and swelling, primarily on the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back. Sometimes, rosacea affects the eyes.

Those afflicted with rosacea may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily. The condition can occur over a long period of time and often progresses to a persistent redness, pimples and visible blood vessels in the center of the face that can eventually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic, noncontagious skin disorder that appears in many different forms and can affect any part of the body, including the nails and scalp. Psoriasis is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the percentage of body surface involved and the impact on the patient’s quality of life (QOL). Psoriasis may be one of several types: plaque psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, guttate psoriasis or inverse psoriasis. A dermatologist can help you to determine what type of psoriasis you may have.

Hand Eczema

A hand rash, also called hand dermatitis or hand eczema, may be caused by many things.

Hand rashes are extremely common. Many people start with dry, chapped hands that later become patchy, red, scaly, and inflamed. Numerous items can irritate skin. These include overexposure to water (frequent handwashing), too much dry air, soaps, detergents, solvents, cleaning agents, chemicals, rubber gloves, and even ingredients in skin and personal care products. Once the skin becomes red and dry, even so-called “harmless” things like water and baby products can irritate the rash, making it worse. Our doctors will try to find out what substance in your everyday routine could be causing or contributing to the problem. Often your skin will get better by changing products or avoiding an ingredient completely.

Eczema

Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or “atopic eczema”). Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood. Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses are noncancerous (benign) skin growths that some people develop as they age. They often appear on the back or chest but are also common on the scalp, face, arms, and legs. Seborrheic keratoses grow slowly, in groups or singly.  The appearance of seborrheic keratoses can vary widely. They may be light tan to brown or black. They usually look like they’ve been stuck onto the skin.  Seborrheic keratoses may be mistaken for warts, moles, skin tags or skin cancer. These benign lesions are easily treated with either liquid nitrogen (freezing), shave or currettage (scraping) removal, and results are excellent with virtually no scarring.

Other Conditions

Click here to learn about various dermatological conditions, medications, and procedures.

 

Click here to visit the American Academy of Dermatology, where you can learn about various dermatological conditions, medications, and procedures.