Dermatology

Acne

Acne is the condition of plugged pores, both blackheads and whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules that occur on the face, neck, upper torso and upper arms. Acne is not restricted to any age group. Untreated acne can leave lifelong scars. It's a myth that acne is caused by dirt or the food you eat. The foods you eat can, however, appear to make acne worse. It's best to use oil-free sunscreens and cosmetics and to wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser. Treatments include oral and topical antibiotics as well as topicals that exfoliate the skin, unblock pores, and reduce bacteria.

Eczema

Eczema is the most common inflammatory skin disease. Eczema is characterized by vesicles, blisters, redness, scales, fissuring, excoriations, and/or thickened skin. Eczema can occur on any area of the body. Treatments include oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, and moisturizers.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

This is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Illness, trauma, and stress may trigger a zoster attack. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling or extreme sensitivity in one area of the skin (usually limited to one side of the body), and then a red rash that turns into groups of blisters. The pain is often severe. If diagnosed early, anti-viral drugs may be prescribed and shorten the episode.

Psoriasis

Named from the Greek word for "itch," this skin disease has no known cause. The skin becomes inflamed, producing red and thickened areas with _scales. This occurs_ most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, nails, lower back, groin and genitals. . Treatment varies according to the patient’s health, age, lifestyle, and the severity of the psoriasis. Moisturizing creams and lotions loosen scales and help control itching. Topical and/or systemic medications may be used in combination with natural sunlight or ultraviolet light. There is no cure for psoriasis, but symptoms can be controlled.

Rosacea

Often characterized as a tendency to flush or blush easily, rosacea typically progresses to persistent redness in the center of the face, and may gradually involve the ears, chest, and back. Small blood vessels and tiny pimples may appear on and around the reddened area. The best prevention may be to avoid things that trigger the redness and flushing. Examples include hot drinks, spicy foods, caffeine and alcoholic beverages. Oral antibiotics and topical medications can stop the progression of rosacea, but the improvement generally is not noticeable for 3-6 months.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers. Sun avoidance is the best defense against skin cancer and early detection is the key to a cure.

There are three types of skin cancer:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Malignant Melanoma

Basil Cell Carcinoma does not spread quickly and rarely metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body). Untreated, the cancer will begin to bleed, crust over, then repeat the cycle.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is typically found on the rim of the ear, the face, the lips and the mouth. This cancer will develop into large masses, and unlike Basil Cell Carcinoma, it can metastasize.

Malignant Melanoma, although the most deadly of all skin cancers, is almost always curable when detected in the early stages. Melanoma tends to spread, which makes early treatment essential. It is important to know the location and appearance of the moles on our bodies, so any change will be noticed. There are four signs that suggest malignancy in pigmented lesions, often referred to as the ABCD’s of Malignant Melanoma.

• Asymmetry - one half does not match the other half.
• Border Irregularity - the edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
  
• Color - the pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance.
• Diameter - the width is greater than six millimeters or larger than a pencil eraser.

The most important step you can take, is to have a changing mole or non-healing lesion examined by a dermatologist, so that any early Melanoma or skin cancer can be removed while still in the curable stage.

Warts

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Warts are passed from person to person, sometimes indirectly, however, the risk is small. Wart viruses occur more easily if the skin has been damaged in some way. Warts can disappear without treatment, however, warts that are bothersome, painful, or rapidly multiplying should be treated. Cryotherapy is generally the preferred treatment.