Conditions Treated
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Symptoms: Itchy, dry, red, and inflamed skin; common in children.
Causes: Genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, environmental triggers.
Treatment: Moisturizers, corticosteroids, antihistamines, immunosuppressants.
Psoriasis
Symptoms: Thick, red plaques with silvery scales, often on elbows, knees, and scalp.
Causes: Autoimmune condition with genetic links; triggers include stress, infections.
Treatment: Topical agents, phototherapy, biologics, systemic medications.
Contact Dermatitis
Symptoms: Red, itchy rash caused by contact with irritants or allergens.
Causes: Irritants (soaps, chemicals) or allergens (poison ivy, nickel).
Treatment: Avoidance of triggers, topical steroids, antihistamines.
Rosacea
Symptoms: Facial redness, visible blood vessels, sometimes acne-like bumps.
Causes: Unknown; triggers include heat, alcohol, spicy foods, stress.
Treatment: Topical/metronidazole, oral antibiotics, laser therapy.
Hives (Urticaria)
Symptoms: Raised, itchy welts that come and go.
Causes: Allergic reactions, infections, medications, or idiopathic.
Treatment: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, avoiding known triggers.
Bacterial Infections
Impetigo: Contagious; caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Appears as red sores, often with honey-colored crusts.
Cellulitis: A deeper infection that causes red, swollen, and painful skin; may be accompanied by fever.
Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles; often caused by Staph aureus.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):
Causes cold sores or genital herpes. Painful blisters are common.
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV): Causes chickenpox and shingles.
Molluscum Contagiosum: Small, firm, umbilicated papules; spread through skin contact or contaminated objects.
Warts (Human Papillomavirus): Rough, raised skin growths, often on hands or feet.
Fungal Infections
Tinea (Ringworm): Red, scaly, ring-shaped rashes. Includes tinea corporis (body), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), and tinea capitis (scalp).
Candidiasis: Caused by Candida yeast, commonly affects moist areas like armpits, groin, and under breasts.
Parasitic Infections
Scabies: Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites; leads to intense itching and a pimple-like rash, especially at night.
Lice (Pediculosis): Head, body, or pubic lice infestations; cause itching and red bumps.
Hyperpigmentation (Too Much Pigment)
Melasma
Brown or gray-brown patches, often on the face.
Common in pregnant women or those on hormonal treatments (like birth control).
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Dark spots left after an injury, acne, or inflammation.
Common in darker skin types.
Hyperpigmentation (Too Much Pigment)
Lentigines (Liver Spots or Age Spots)
Caused by sun exposure.
Usually seen in older adults.
Freckles (Ephelides)
Small, brown spots that become darker with sun exposure.
Genetically influenced.
Hypopigmentation (Loss of Pigment)
Vitiligo
Autoimmune condition causing white patches on the skin.
No cure, but treatments may include light therapy or skin camouflage.
Albinism
Genetic condition causing complete or partial absence of melanin.
Affects skin, hair, and eyes; often includes vision problems.
Hypopigmentation (Loss of Pigment)
Pityriasis Alba
Common in children; dry, scaly white patches on the face.
Usually self-resolving.
Tinea Versicolor
Fungal infection that causes lighter or darker patches.
More noticeable in tanned or darker skin.
Types of Acne
Comedonal acne: Includes blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones).
Inflammatory acne: Includes papules (small red bumps) and pustules (pus-filled lesions).
Nodulocystic acne: Severe form with deep, painful nodules or cysts that may scar.
Causes:
Excess sebum (oil) production
Hair follicle clogging by dead skin
Bacterial growth (Cutibacterium acnes)
Hormonal changes (e.g., puberty, menstrual cycles, PCOS)
Certain medications or cosmetics
Diet and stress (to a lesser extent)
Skin Cancer
The most frequently occurring types of skin cancer include basal cell, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Because skin cancer forms on the outer layer of the epidermis, it is detectable in its early stages. The primary cause of skin cancer is too much exposure to the sun. Reducing one’s sun exposure by avoiding sun-bathing and tanning salons, wearing sun screen and appropriate protective clothing, and being careful not to get sun-burned will dramatically decrease your risks of getting skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, but least harmful form of skin cancer. This form of cancer will damage the surrounding tissue, but is rarely fatal.
Varicose and Spider Veins
Varicose veins are blue bulging veins that typically appear in the thighs and calves, normally developing after childbirth or with age.
Common symptoms are aching, pain, burning, itching, and swelling caused by poorly functioning vein valves. The blood leaks back, enlarging the vein.
Spider veins are caused by similar conditions, but appear smaller and closer to the skin surface. They are typically red, blue, or purple. There are many non-invasive treatment options.
Sagging Skin
As we age, our skin gradually loses elasticity. Over time, the skin’s underlying structure degrades, robbing our faces of their youthful fullness, contour, and resilience. Skin also renews itself more slowly as we age.
Other factors include genetics, weight changes, and sun damage. The combination of these factors leads to a sagging appearance of the skin. Fortunately, many treatments are available to improve your appearance and reduce sagging skin.