A variety of conditions can affect your skin. Some require the attention of a doctor, while others you can address safely at home.
Many temporary skin problems can be prevented by washing frequently with soap and water, not sharing personal items, avoiding harsh chemicals and sleeping seven to eight hours each night. You can also prevent certain permanent skin disorders by controlling triggers and seeking treatment.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. It is most common in the sun-exposed areas of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but can occur anywhere on the skin. It is also more common in people of darker skin.
Melanomas can look different from the normal moles most people have. They are often larger and more irregular in shape than typical moles. They may be darker than the surrounding skin and have a variety of colors, including shades of black, brown, tan or red. Some melanomas are symmetrical (the same on both sides), but others are not. Some melanomas have an uneven border, and the edges may be ragged, notched or scalloped — these are warning signs.
A melanoma that is asymmetrical or that changes in appearance over time, especially one that bleeds, becomes itchy or irritated, should be checked by a doctor. It is also important to get regular screenings by a dermatologist.
During your appointment, the doctor will examine all of the spots on your skin using a handheld magnifying device. They will consider the ABCDE criteria, which stands for asymmetry, irregular borders, change in color and diameter and whether the spot is evolving. They may also do a CT scan, which makes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly.
Eczema is an itchy skin condition that causes rashes and patches of dry, flaky skin. The condition can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. It can also interfere with your sleep.
It can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in babies and young children. It can be triggered by many different things, including detergents, soaps, wool and synthetic fibers, dry skin, stress and allergies. It usually flares up periodically. Symptoms of eczema may look red on white skin, or brown, purple, or grey on black skin. They can be very itchy, but they are not contagious.
There are seven types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common, and tends to be long-lasting. It can also be triggered by allergens, like perfumes or some foods. It can also be accompanied by other diseases, such as asthma or hay fever.
Some treatment options include avoiding substances that trigger eczema, moisturizing the skin regularly, and using oral medications. You can also find relief with a steroid cream or ointment. If you have a severe case, your doctor may prescribe other medication, such as systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. These can be given as injections or pills. They can reduce inflammation and itchiness, but they should only be used for short periods of time.
Psoriasis causes your skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to a build-up of scales. This condition affects people of all races and ages, but is most common in those aged 15 to 35. It is a chronic (long-lasting) illness, but new treatments have significantly reduced the symptoms and severity of this disorder. There is no cure, but using creams and ointments, making dietary changes and taking medications can help ease your symptoms.
The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which appears as raised, scaly patches of skin. These patches usually show up on the knees, elbows and scalp. They appear red with silvery-white scales on lighter skin and may be purple, dark brown or gray on darker skin tones. This type of psoriasis can also be itchy.
No one knows what triggers psoriasis, but it seems to be caused by an overactive immune system. Normally, your body replaces old skin cells every 10-30 days, but with psoriasis, this process is accelerated, and the extra skin forms thick, itchy patches.
Some things can make your psoriasis worse, including certain infections, such as strep throat; medications like lithium or beta-blockers; injuries to the skin; sunburn; and stressful events. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help. Keeping your weight in check, wearing sunscreen when you go outdoors, and not scratching the rash can also help. Having a good support system, practicing stress reduction techniques and eating healthy can also reduce your symptoms.
Acne is a condition that happens when tiny holes in the skin, called pores, become blocked with oil (sebum), bacteria, and dead skin cells. This leads to the formation of pimples, also called zits or blemishes. Acne is very common, especially during adolescence when hormones change, but it can occur at any age. It often affects the face and neck, but can appear on other parts of the body, such as the shoulders and back.
There are many types of acne. It can be mild and cause a few occasional pimples, moderate and cause inflammatory papules, or severe and cause cysts. The most important step in treating acne is to keep your skin clean. This includes using a gentle soap, such as Dove or Neutrogena. Avoid scrubbing your skin, as this can make the problem worse. Avoid wearing sports equipment that irritates your skin, such as helmets and baseball caps.
Over-the-counter topical medications can help treat mild acne, such as products containing benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger antimicrobial cream or an oral antibiotic to treat moderate to severe acne. A dermatologist can also inject diluted corticosteroids into inflamed cysts to prevent scarring and speed healing. Some people think that chocolate, nuts, and greasy foods cause acne, but this is not true. There is a link between a diet high in dairy products and acne in some teens, but this is controversial.
Contact dermatitis develops when your skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen. It is a painful, itchy, red, scaly rash that can result in blistering and oozing. Symptoms may be mild or severe and affect the whole body or only certain areas, like your hands, feet, mouth, eyes or groin. Typically, it takes a few days for the rash to appear after you touch the substance that triggers your reaction. Itching is the most common symptom, followed by pain and burning. Sometimes, the rash appears as hives, which are discolored and itchy skin welts. Swelling (angioedema) may also occur and it is a life-threatening emergency if your throat swells up, blocking your airways.
There are two types of contact dermatitis: Irritant and allergic. Irritant contact dermatitis happens when something irritates your skin, damaging the outer layer. It is usually caused by a detergent, soap, fragrance, perfume, jewelry or metal and some plants, such as poison ivy. It can also be caused by adhesives, such as those used for false eyelashes or toupees, and some drugs, including antibiotics, steroids, antacids and blood thinners.
The treatment depends on avoiding the substances that cause your reaction. Washing your hands often and using fragrance-free soaps, shampoos and lotions can help reduce irritation. Keeping your skin moistened with barrier creams can also prevent flares. Dermatologists can provide topical steroids, which will relieve itching, and oral or injectable steroid medications if necessary.
Skin problems can range from a few small bumps or itchy patches to widespread rashes. These symptoms can be caused by health conditions and lifestyle factors.
Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against harmful germs. Skin disorders vary in severity and cause, but many are temporary.
Acne is a common skin problem that occurs when hair follicles clog with sebum, an oily substance produced by glands attached to the hair follicles. When sebum mixes with dead skin cells, it causes the follicles to become inflamed and produce more sebum. This overproduction of sebum leads to a buildup of infected material that creates a pimple.
Acne affects people of all ages and genders, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. It can cause scars, so it’s important to treat it as early as possible.
Most acne is caused by bacteria. It may also be a result of hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty or pregnancy, certain types of birth control pills, or fluctuating hormones during menstruation. It can also be a result of poor hygiene practices, or a diet high in sugary foods, chocolate, and nuts.
You can usually get rid of mild acne with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid. These are peeling agents that help unplug clogged pores, and they can be combined with antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause inflammation. If OTC products don’t help, your healthcare provider may suggest a prescription medicine that you apply to the skin or take by mouth, such as antibiotics, isotretinoin, or retinoids.
You can reduce the number of pimples you have by washing your face with a mild, non-drying soap or gel twice a day and using a gentle moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing your face, which can cause the walls of your pores to break and make your acne worse. Also, don’t pick at or squeeze a pimple; this can cause the infection to spread and lead to more redness, swelling, and scars. It’s best to let a doctor or dermatologist remove large, deep pimples that don’t go away with over-the-counter treatments. These include cysts and nodules. These are swollen, infected lumps that are larger than pimples and can be painful. They can also be a sign of staph infections such as cellulitis or rosacea.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes patches of thick, red, dry and scaly skin. These are called plaques and they form on areas of skin that normally rub together, such as the elbows, knees and scalp. They can also appear on the palms of hands and soles of feet and on the genital area. They are usually very itchy and painful. The scales on these areas of skin are silvery or white, but they can be different colours on different types of skin. The affected skin can bleed and crack. People with psoriasis are at increased risk of developing other diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. They are also at greater risk of depression and anxiety. In addition, psoriasis can affect the nails and joints.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it appears to be an immune system problem that makes cells grow too quickly. These skin cells then form a thick patch that is dry and flaky, similar to dandruff. In some people, this patch forms on the top of the skin, while in others it forms on the inside of the folds and creases of the skin, such as those around the armpits, groin, neck and under the breasts. This type of psoriasis is known as inverse psoriasis.
Another common type of psoriasis, known as guttate psoriasis, causes small red spots on the skin. This type of psoriasis often follows a sore throat, such as strep throat, and it can happen in children. Pustular psoriasis is more severe and causes pus-filled bumps on the skin. This type of psoriasis can be dangerous, especially when it affects the palms and soles.
Many things can trigger a flare-up of psoriasis, including infections (such as strep throat or tonsillitis), certain medications (including lithium and some beta-blockers) and severe stress. Some foods can help to ease the symptoms, such as fatty fish, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. However, avoiding foods that can increase inflammation in the body is a good idea for people with psoriasis. This can help reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups.
Hives are itchy red welts or bumps on the skin that can sting and can cause swelling (angioedema). Hives can be caused by many different things, such as an allergic reaction, infections, foods, insect stings, sunlight, medications, and hereditary deficiency of certain enzymes. If hives are accompanied by breathing difficulties, a rapid heartbeat, and cold, clammy skin, you may be having a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis and need immediate medical attention.
People of all ages can get hives. They usually go away on their own, but if they don’t or they last more than six weeks or happen frequently, see your doctor. The doctor will take a history, do a physical exam and may recommend a blood test or other tests to find the cause of the hives. If a food is suspected, the doctor may do a skin-prick test or blood test to identify the trigger, then ask you to eat a small amount of that food under supervision to see if you develop hives.
If a food, medication or infection isn’t found, the doctor will probably prescribe antihistamines to treat the symptoms and help prevent future outbreaks. These are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and can be very helpful, especially if they’re taken right away after a rash appears. If a person has chronic hives, the doctor may also prescribe other medicines, such as Xolair (injections) that helps control the immune system to prevent attacks.
For children with hives, cool compresses and gentle soaps with no added fragrance or dyes can help. It’s important to keep them well-hydrated, too. Educate your child about their hives and the possible causes, so they can avoid potential triggers. If the rash gets worse, or a person has breathing difficulties, a fast heartbeat and swelling of the lips, throat or tongue, they should be seen in a hospital emergency room right away. Epinephrine, an injectable medicine that can open airways and raise blood pressure, is often used to treat anaphylaxis. This can be carried in a pocket or purse, such as an EpiPen (r) or AUVI-Q(r). This drug is very effective in treating anaphylaxis and should be treated immediately.
The skin provides a barrier against infections, but germs like bacteria, fungi, and viruses can penetrate it and cause skin infection. Some of these are minor, while others may be life-threatening. Often, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat a skin infection. People who play sports that involve skin-to-skin contact are more at risk for developing or spreading skin infections, and should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a skin infection include redness, pain, warmth, swelling, and pus-filled bumps (pus-pockets). These infections can occur on any part of the body. They are usually caused by different types of germs, including bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
Fungi, such as ringworm and impetigo, are caused by a fungus that can enter the skin through tiny cuts. Bacterial skin infections, such as cellulitis or abscesses, are caused by a bacterial infection in the skin or deep tissue that causes inflammation, pain, and redness. Cellulitis occurs when a break in the skin allows bacteria to enter, and if it’s not treated, can spread to the lymph nodes or bloodstream.
Parasitic skin infections, such as scabies or pediculosis, are caused by mites burrowing beneath the surface of the skin and laying eggs. These infections can result in a itchy, crusty, or scaling rash with lines on the skin’s surface, or a winding or snake-like appearance.
To diagnose a skin infection, a health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. They will then swab the area of the skin for a lab test to identify the type of infection. This is called a skin culture, and can be done by swabbing the infected area or scraping the skin, or by taking a small sample of skin (biopsy). Most infections are treated with an oral or IV antibiotic, but some require hospitalization depending on the severity of your condition and your overall health. Untreated infections can become life-threatening, resulting in a severe infection of the bloodstream or organs. Seek medical attention from an ID Care infectious disease specialist as soon as possible.
Skin disorders vary in severity and symptoms. Some may be temporary, while others can be permanent and life-threatening.
Some skin diseases include acne, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Others are rare, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, rosacea and vitiligo. Learn about the treatments for these conditions. Some can be prevented. Others cannot, such as autoimmune diseases.
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with an overabundance of normal skin cells, dead skin cells and oil (sebum). These plugs form in the pores. When the bacteria that normally live in the pore come into contact with this mixture, the follicle becomes inflamed and irritated. Pimples or zits then develop. They usually appear on the face and neck, but can occur anywhere on the body.
Acne can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but effective treatments are available to help you get clearer skin. Acne scarring is also preventable with early treatment. Some people with mild acne do not bother to seek medical attention because they believe their condition will go away on its own. However, acne left untreated can lead to permanent scarring. The best way to treat mild acne is with over-the-counter medicines.
If your acne does not improve with OTC products, you may need to see a doctor for prescription or other treatments. Your doctor will examine your skin and may recommend a topical medicine or gel, pills or a combination of these. They may also advise you to avoid certain foods and drinks or to change your hair-styling techniques.
Some over-the-counter medications may cause side effects such as dry skin. If this happens, tell your doctor and ask for a different medication. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice and keep your follow-up appointments.
Do not pick or squeeze pimples. This can cause infection and scarring. It can also spread the bacteria to other areas of the skin, causing more inflammation and swelling. You should also avoid using greasy makeup or putting hairspray near your forehead and eyebrows, as this can make your acne worse. If you have severe acne, your doctor may give you a special cream or gel to apply directly to the skin, or a stronger oral antibiotic. They may also advise you to have a procedure called subcision, in which a small amount of tissue is removed from under the scar, allowing blood to pool underneath and push up the scar to match its level with the surrounding skin.
Psoriasis causes your skin cells to grow much faster than normal, so they build up on the surface of your skin, forming thick, flaky patches. These usually appear on your knees, elbows and scalp, but they can be anywhere on your body. The patches are often red with white or gray scales, but they can be different colors on different people (especially those with darker skin). They may itch and burn. These plaques can crack and bleed. Sometimes they’re covered with pus. This type of psoriasis is called pustular psoriasis, and it’s very dangerous. If the pus oozes out, it can cause severe itching, headaches and fever.
Most people with psoriasis get better when they follow their treatment plan, even when they have flare-ups. The good news is that your psoriasis can go into remission, or stop showing signs, for weeks, months or years at a time.
You may need to try more than one type of treatment to find the best combination for you. This is especially true if your psoriasis is moderate to severe. Your doctor will also prescribe oral or injected medications that alter your immune system. These prevent your immune system from activating inflammatory pathways and can slow down the production of skin cells. Examples of these medications include methotrexate and cyclosporine.
Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation if your psoriasis gets worse or doesn’t respond to regular treatments. The specialist will be able to make a diagnosis by looking at your skin and talking with you.
Your healthcare provider may recommend phototherapy to treat your psoriasis. This is a treatment in which your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light — either natural sunlight or artificial light that’s safe for the skin. You might be given a tablet that makes your skin sensitive to light before you receive the treatment. This kind of therapy is usually done at a hospital or some specialist centres, and you’ll need to go for treatments two or three times a week for 6 weeks.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a red, flaky and itchy rash that affects areas of the skin where there are many oil glands, including the face, scalp and chest. It also appears in areas where the skin folds, such as the armpits, groin and the creases around the ears. It is more common in men than women. Symptoms appear and disappear over time, but flare-ups can be triggered by stress, fatigue or illness. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be a reaction to a type of yeast called Malassezia, which normally lives on the skin in small numbers and usually doesn’t cause problems. It is believed that people with seborrheic dermatitis have more of this yeast growing on their skin or are more sensitive to it.
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can look similar to other health conditions, so it’s important to see your doctor if you think you have the condition. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Your doctor may also do a skin biopsy, which involves cutting or scraping off a small sample of the affected skin. This is rarely needed, but if your doctor is unsure about the diagnosis, he or she might want to do this.
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is usually simple. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal shampoo or body wash containing medicines such as ketoconazole, fluconazole or selenium sulfide. These are available as prescription or over-the-counter products. Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid cream to reduce inflammation. You can also try self-care treatments, such as using a 5% tea tree oil shampoo or applying aloe vera gel to the skin. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before you add any alternative therapies to your routine.
Avoiding triggers can help prevent flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis. Keep a log of your symptoms and note when they happen so that you can figure out what causes them. This can help your doctor decide how often to treat you. You can also try reducing your stress levels, which may improve your symptoms.
Skin cancer is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). BCC starts in the basal cells in the top layer of the skin, and it usually appears as a red firm bump or a patch that bleeds easily. It is most often found on areas of the body that are exposed to sunlight, such as the rims of the ears and the face.
BCCs may grow slowly, but if not treated they can grow deep into the skin and damage bone and tissue. They can also spread to other parts of the body, if not treated promptly. If not removed in time, a BCC can also become an ulcer that never heals.
SCC is a more aggressive form of skin cancer than BCC. It is formed by keratinizing cells and grows faster than BCC. It can also spread more quickly and aggressively than BCC to other areas of the body, if not diagnosed and treated early. It tends to grow more rapidly on areas that have been exposed to the sun, and it often forms a scaly or crusty patch that bleeds easily. It can also appear as a red, firm, nodular lesion with a pearly appearance and telangiectatic vessels.
Some people have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. This includes people who have a history of skin cancer, or a family member who has had it. It can also occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant.
Most non-melanoma skin cancers develop on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to sunlight, especially the face, ears, neck, hands and shoulders. You should check your skin regularly for new spots or growths and report any changes to a doctor immediately. If your doctor suspects that a spot or growth might be cancerous, they will likely perform a biopsy. During this procedure, your doctor will shave off a small piece of the suspicious area, and send it to a laboratory for testing. They can also use Mohs surgery, a specialized technique in which the tumor is shaved away one thin layer at a time and then examined under a microscope.
A variety of medical skin conditions can cause scaly or irritated patches and red itchy areas. Some — such as eczema, psoriasis and impetigo — can also trigger an infection.
Other skin changes can be triggered by pregnancy, stress or hormones. See a dermatologist if your symptoms are severe or don’t go away.
Acne is a skin disease that occurs when hair follicles (small tube-shaped holes near the surface of the skin from which tiny hairs grow) become clogged with sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Sebum is made by glands (called sebaceous glands) that are attached to the hair follicles. The oil usually flows up through the follicle to the skin’s surface, where it keeps the skin and hair moisturized. But if the pores get clogged, the follicles can produce too much oil or the keratinocytes (a type of skin cell that lines the follicle) can stick together inside the pore instead of shedding normally.
When this happens, the pore becomes inflamed and pus-filled. Some acne lesions appear as small red bumps on the skin called papules; others, like pus-filled pimples, are white or yellow and may be painful. In severe cases, the inflammation can cause cysts or nodules.
Almost everyone gets acne at some time in their life. Most people will notice fewer and less severe spots as they get older, but some will continue to have acne into their adult years. In addition to medicines, other treatments include avoiding irritants like oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, and hairstyling products. Using face lotions that are labeled water-based or noncomedogenic can help reduce acne. Some acne medicines make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so use a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you take them.
Eczema is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy, scaly, and oozing skin. It can flare up on any part of your body and it often changes in severity over time. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may be triggered by environmental factors like cold weather or harsh soaps and detergents. Allergies can also play a role in some cases. Using moisturizers regularly can help prevent and manage symptoms, but you’ll still need to avoid triggers.
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which affects people of all ages. It is very itchy and can be painful, especially in children. It can lead to skin infections, and a serious version of the disease, called eczema herpeticum, is linked to herpes simplex viruses (the same ones that cause cold sores).
Other types of eczema include dyshidrotic eczema, which causes itching in the palms and soles of the feet, nummular eczema, which resembles coin-sized patches of scaly skin on the arms or legs, and stasis dermatitis, which occurs in the lower legs and is associated with poor circulation. Eczema can also be triggered by stress and anxiety, which makes the skin itchy, or by mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression.
Your doctor can recommend treatments that can control your eczema symptoms. You can use prescription ointments or steroid creams, and take oral medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids to control itching. You can also make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding allergens and using gentle soaps and moisturizers for dry skin.
Psoriasis is a condition that causes thick, red patches of skin (plaques) covered with silvery-white scales. The patches can be small or cover a large area of the body. They may look like a burn, an injury or a rash. Some people also get itchy, painful joints. The cause is not known, but it is believed that the immune system mistakenly sends out messages that speed up the growth of skin cells. This leads to too many cells building up too quickly on the surface of the skin, forming the plaques.
The disease tends to run in families, but many people who have it don’t have a family history of the condition. It can be triggered by infection, certain medications, stress or sunburn. It is a chronic condition, but treatment reduces symptoms.
Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and examine you. They might also take a small sample of the affected skin, called a biopsy. They will numb the area with a needle before taking the sample, and then they’ll send it to the lab to be examined under a microscope. This helps diagnose the type of psoriasis you have and rules out other disorders.
The most common type of psoriasis is plaque-type. The other types are guttate psoriasis, localized pustular psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis is less common and causes bright areas of red, shiny skin in skin creases such as armpits or under the breasts. It can be a more intense violet color on darker skin tones and it’s sometimes triggered by bad sunburn, infections or stopping some kinds of psoriasis treatments.
If you’ve noticed a reddish rash on your cheeks, nose, forehead or chin, it might be rosacea. This skin condition can be a pain to live with, but many people don’t realize that it is a treatable disorder. Rosacea causes blotchy, red skin that isn’t a sunburn, as well as acne-like bumps. Symptoms may come and go, and they can affect the eyes, too. Rosacea is more common in women, but anyone can develop it. It’s more likely in people with fair skin and blue eyes, but it also occurs in dark-skinned people.
There are four main types of rosacea: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous and ocular. In erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, you have flushing, enlarged blood vessels and red skin. In papulopustular rosacea, you have pus-filled blemishes that look like pimples or cysts. In phymatous rosacea, you have swollen red, thick skin, often on the nose and chin. Ocular rosacea is the most serious and the most difficult to treat.
A doctor can diagnose rosacea by asking about your symptoms and giving you a physical exam. Prescription creams, washes and lotions can help reduce the redness by constricting blood vessels. They can contain a variety of ingredients, including the antibiotics metronidazole and azelaic acid, as well as the anti-inflammatory medications oxymetazoline and brimonidine, and a topical medication against the microscopic mites called demodex. You may also need to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Keeping a diary of when your symptoms flare can help you identify your triggers.