Acne is a common disorder that causes whiteheads, blackheads and cysts on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. The cause of acne is often multi-factorial – resulting from a combination of hormones, bacteria, oil gland activity, and plugged hair follicles. Having an occasional acne pimple or cyst is normal for most people and can…

Birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth of superficial blood vessels or pigment cells. Different types of birthmarks include: Port wine stains are red to purple discolorations on the skin caused by swollen blood vessels. They may be removed with laser therapy. Hemangiomas or strawberry marks are flat red marks that appear in the first weeks…

Xerosis, or dry skin is characterized by itchy, cracked, scaly skin. It is usually located on the legs, but can be located on any area of the body. If not properly treated, dry skin may lead to eczema, dermatitis, ulcers or infection. A dermatologist may recommend prescription lotions. To prevent dry skin, use a humidifier,…

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) can begin as early as infancy and is marked by dry, red, itchy skin. It may start on the forehead, cheeks or scalp and spread to the trunk, creases of the elbows, knees and wrists. If scratched, the rash may become raw, crusted and infected. Approximately one third of children with this…

There are numerous causes of hair loss ranging from the autoimmune alopecia areata to scarring hairloss resulting from chronic scalp trauma (follicular degeneration syndrome). In many cases, the most important factor in ensuring rapid and complete recovering is early diagnosis and treatment. Treatments include topical or oral medications or injected steroids.

Everyone has moles (also known as “nevi”), sometimes 40 or more. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin. Moles probably are determined before a person is born. Most appear during the first 20 years of…

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin more common in children than adults. If the lesions are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to surrounding skin. Treatment is usually painless through the application of a blistering agent or liquid nitrogen treatment. A topical cream may also be prescribed.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is classically characterized by thickened, red areas of skin covered with silvery scales. The extent of skin involvement can range from discrete, localized areas to generalized body involvement. The joints, nails, and mucous membranes may also be affected with the disease. Some cases of psoriasis are so mild…

Ringworm is a very common infection caused by a skin fungus, especially in warm, humid climates. It can occur on any part of the skin or scalp. A dermatologist may easily recognize ringworm by its ring-shaped rash. To confirm the presence of the ringworm fungus, they will probably look at a skin scraping under a…

Rosacea is a common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Often referred to as “adult acne,” rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It also may…