COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS

Eczema is the term for a family of skin conditions, all recognizable by the red, itchy inflammations they cause. A common problem in the United States, eczema frequently begins in childhood, and even infancy. Since there is no cure, treatment focuses on reducing the severity of eczema symptoms, as well as reducing the chance of flare-ups by mitigating triggers.

PSORISIS

Like eczema, psoriasis comes in multiple forms, each marked by fast-growing skin cells that cause often-scaly lesions to develop on the body. Psoriasis is frequently found on joints or the scalp and can range from small plaques to pustules on the hands and feet to painfully itchy red bumps all over the body. Management of symptoms and control of possible triggers are the goals of treatment.

Characterized by persistent redness, rosacea is a condition that appears mainly on the face, but can also spread elsewhere. The redness can manifest as obvious blushing or acne-like bumps. Treatment involves identifying triggers and easing any discomfort.

Warts come from a virus that causes bumpy growths to develop on the skin, virtually anywhere on the body. They may go away on their own over time, but due to the fact that they are contagious and may be unsightly or uncomfortable, many people seek to have them removed cryogenically (freezing with liquid nitrogen) or by other means.

Moles in and of themselves are benign, but skin cancer growths can resemble moles—or even develop within a mole. Of particular concern are moles that stand out due to their size, shape, color, or evolution. Patients are encouraged to routinely check their own moles for possible signs of cancer, as well as to schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist.

ALOPECIA/HAIR LOSS

The technical term for hair loss, alopecia may be caused by any number of factors, from stress to medication to genetics. Examining a patient's pattern of loss and determining a cause is the first step in developing a plan. In some cases, a change in diet or simple patience may be all that is necessary. Other cases, such as androgenic alopecia (male- or female-pattern baldness), require a more involved treatment strategy

Fungus can infect the skin, hair, and nails, causing visible discolorations, discomfort, and more. A common complaint is athlete's foot. Dermatologists can help to diagnose and treat a range of fungal infections.

A re-activation of the chicken pox virus, shingles most often occurs later in a person’s life, taking the form of a painful rash marked by redness and blisters. Shingles is not life threatening and must be allowed to run its course, but treatment is available to help manage the pain or shorten its duration.

This waxy growth is completely benign and can be removed in a variety of ways. It may resemble a wart, mole, or skin cancer-related lesion, so—as with any suspicious lesion—it should be identified by a dermatologist.