Medical Dermatology
Conditions
Acne
Acne is a skin condition characterized by plugged pores, red pimples, nodules and cysts which can result in scarring.
Acne Scarring
Many types of scars exist such as fine, deep ice pick scars, broader based skin depressions, or angular scars. Acne scarring can vary from a few superficial scars to many deep disfiguring scars.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a scaly or crusty growth or lesion most often found on a bald scalp, face, ears, lips, hands or any other sun exposed area of the body. AKs develop slowly and range in size from a 1/8 of an inch to a 1/4 of an inch. Most AKs become red, but some will be light or dark tan, pink or the color of your skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting one million Americans each year: BCC is actually the most common of all cancers. Anyone with a history of sun exposure can develop BCC. Basal Cell Carcinoma arises in basal cells, which are at the base of the epidermis.
Birthmarks (Red)
Present in up to 10% of newborns, may become apparent in the first days and weeks of life, expands in the first year, and regress by year 2 -5 of age. The most serious lesions exist on the face, and affect function if they occur around the eyes, mouth, nose and throat.
Click here to find out more about Red/Vascular birthmarks.
Eczema
A very common condition affecting all ages and characterized by sensitive skin which becomes easily inflamed, red, scaly and itchy. The word ‘atopic’ means there is a genetic tendency for excess inflammation in the skin resulting in Eczema and a positive sensitivity in the lungs (asthma) and nose causing hay fever. Eczema may be present on the face in infants, on creases and folds in young children, and in localized areas such as hand dermatitis or in more generalized areas on adults.
Hair & Nail Conditions
Hair loss is either diffuse or patterned, and is associated with scalp disease or scarring. Most commonly, hair loss is a normal aging process of male patterned hair loss, or the result of hormonal influences, as post menopausal hair loss in women. Stress reactions such as post surgery, trauma and emotional stress can play a part in hair loss as well. Coin sized areas of hair loss can represent Alopecia Areata, which is thought to be an autoimmune condition. Excessive hair can occur on the face or body in men and women. Typically excessive hair is associated with genetic or hormonal influences.
Melanoma
Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the cells that product skin color. When you are exposed to the sun, the melanin in your skin increases and causes your skin to darken. Melanoma is melanocytes that have been transformed into cancer cells and grow abnormally. These cancer cells can spread to vital internal organs and grow, making it more difficult to treat and much less likely to cure. Melanoma may appear without warning, which is why it is important to know the color, size and location of the moles on your body, and to recognize changes in your moles.
Moles
Moles are found anywhere on the skin and occur in various sizes and shapes. They are usually brown, but can also be skin colored. The brown pigment in moles is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin. At first, a mole can be flat and tan like a freckle, however over time, moles usually enlarge and may develop hairs.
Port Wine Stain
Red or burgundy patch on the skin which slowly darkens and thickens in the first several decades of life which may develop localized thickenings (blebs) which can bleed, or become infected. Unlike Hemangiomas, Port-Wine Stains grow proportionately as the child grows. PWS do not go away by themselves, and will thicken, darken and lead to deformity without treatmentClick here to find out more about Port Wine Stain birthmarks.
Psoriasis
Thick, red, scaly, well demarcated plaques on the skin, usually symmetric over extensor surfaces (elbows, knees) or other areas such as scalp, nails, palms and soles. In mild cases, Psoriasis may involve small areas, while moderate to severe cases may involve much of the body surfaces. Psoriasis may also be associated with joint problems and psoriatic arthritis.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin disease that causes redness, papules, and red vessels and which is often referred to as ‘adult acne’. Rosacea may initially present as the tendency to flush or blush easily, and can evolve into a constant redness across the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratoses are non-cancerous growths of the outer skin layer. SKs occur singly or in a cluster and are usually brown in color, SKs can vary from tan to black. SKs have a waxy, almost pasted-on look. Almost every adult will eventually develop at least of few of these growths as they are more common with aging.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
SCC is the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma, and afflicts more than 200,000 Americans each year. This cancer may occur on all areas of the body, but most commonly on the sun exposed skin. Rarely SCC can spread or metastasize to other areas and organs and can become fatal. Lesions on the lip and advanced large lesions are at the highest risk to spread.
Warts
Warts are non-cancerous skin-colored growths caused by a virus in the top layer of the skin. Warts may appear as rough, surfaced, thickened lesions or on occasion are flat and smooth. Warts can be present singly or in a cluster (Mosaic warts) such as around finger nails or soles of feet.