A

ACNE Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Although the root cause of acne is unknown, it is believed to be caused by three factors; the first being male hormones (androgens), which appear to cause oil glands to enlarge. Secondly, oil gland openings become plugged with blackheads. Lastly, acne may be caused by a bacteria living in down in the oil gland.

ACTINIC KERATOSIS Actinic Keratosis is also known as Solar Keratosis, is a scaly or crusty bump on the skin surface and it is considered to be a precancerous condition. It can be treated with a variety of destructive methods and creams.

ALOPECIA (Baldness) Hair loss is also known as Baldness, or Alopecia. A genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, stress, diet, and inflammatory skin diseases may be causal factors for hair loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to both men and women. In some cases, hair transplant can effective remediate hair loss. Additionally, most male patients can also benefit from a breakthrough treatment through a prescription medication known as PROPECIA^®. PROPECIA^® is used to restore scalp hair for men with male pattern hair loss, a hereditary condition that can cause receding hairlines, thinning and/or balding on the top and front of the scalp.

B

BIRTHMARKS Birthmarks are areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are apparent at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks are made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels. Observation by a qualified dermatologist is necessary if changes in shape, size, color, or itch occur.

BOILS are painful and firm lesions usually located in the waist area, groin, buttocks, and armpits. See FOLLICULITIS

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CARBUNCLES are clusters of boils, usually in the back of the neck or thighs. See FOLLICULITIS.

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DIAPER RASH Diaper dermatitis is a usually red, scaling, and sometimes ulcerated rash in the diapered area. Moisturizers and prescription lotions are available for the treatment of this condition.

DRY SKIN Dry skin is a very common condition, and it is characterized by irritated and itchy skin. Dry skin can surface or worsen in cold and dry climates. If left untreated, dry skin could develop into eczema.

E

ECZEMA / DERMATITIS Dry, itchy skin patches on the body are commonly known as Eczema. Also, hand dermatitis is a common form of eczema in the hands. Eczema may be treated with moisturizing lotions or creams, anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams, foams, sprays and ointments. If eczema persists, your physician may prescribe oral or topical corticosteroid medication, antibiotics, sedative antihistamines, or phototherapy.

EXCESSIVE SWEATING (HYPERHIDROSIS) Also known as hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating affects the entire body, but it is more prevalent in the palms, soles, armpits, and groin. Prescription medications are available for the treatment of this condition. Botox^® is an FDA approved treatment for excessive sweating that is not controlled with topical medications.

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FOLLICULITIS , BOILS, AND CARBUNCLES Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicle resulting from and infection, injury, or irritation; Folliculitis is characterized by swelling and tenderness around hair follicles. Boils are painful and firm lesions usually located in the waist area, groin, buttocks, and armpits. Carbuncles are clusters of boils, usually in the back of the neck or thighs.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS OF THE SKIN Skin fungi thrives in the dead, moist areas of the body, such as between the toes, groin, and under the breasts causing mild skin irritation. Some fungi may also cause ringworm, which are ring-shaped, red, and scaly patches with clearing centers. Antifungal prescription medications are available for the treatment of this condition.

H

HYPERHIDROSIS is also known as EXCESSIVE SWEATING.

I

IMPETICO Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin, and it is treated with topical and/or oral antibiotics.

INGROWN HAIRS Ingrown hairs curl and penetrate the skin with the tip, causing swelling and inflammation of skin. Ingrown hairs can be surgically removed, or can also be treated with laser, or prescription medications.

M

MOLES/SPOTS Moles, also known as nevi, are pigmented spots on the skin of brown, tan, pink, purple, or black color. Though they are commonplace and, in most cases, harmless, they may continue to develop into cancer. A skin exam is vital to monitor moles and single out any warning signs, such as general asymmetry, multiple colors, border irregularity, bleeding, itching, and exceeding six millimeters in diameter.

P

PITYRIASIS ROSEA
This refers to a mild skin condition, usually lasting no more than eight weeks, and it is characterized by pink, scaling, and inflamed skin lesions.

POISON IVY / POISON OAK This refers to skin irritation in the form of red, itchy rash consisting of small bumps, blisters or swelling, as a result with Poison Ivy, a native American plant. Treatment for Poison Ivy is available through prescription medications.

PSORIASIS Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes scaling and crusting of the skin, most commonly on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but it can be treated successfully. Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis; the patient’s age, medical history and lifestyle; and the effect the disease has on the patient’s general mental health. Topical medications, phototherapy, and oral or injectable medication (for severe symptoms) are treatment options available for psoriasis.

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ROSACEA A chronic condition that mostly affects facial skin and usually starts with rosy cheeks. It can present with redness, pimples and broken or enlarged blood vessels. In advanced stages it can cause enlargement and bumpiness of the nose (rhinophyma). It can be treated with oral and topical medication and laser surgery.

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SCABIES Scabies is an infestation of mites (tiny insects) characterized by small, red bumps and intense itching. Prescription medication is available for the treatment of this condition.

SCARS. A scar is the body’s natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. Scarring may be significantly improved through laser treatments, injections, surgery, and dermabrasion.

SEBASEOUS CYSTS Sebaceous Cysts are slow-growing bumps under the skin; they may be drained, surgically removed, or monitored closely to assess increase in size or any other changes.

SHINGLES Herpes Zoster, commonly referred to as Shingles, is a viral infection of the nerves, which cause painful rashes of small blisters anywhere on the body on individuals who have previously had chickenpox. Oral prescribed medication can be administered to treat this condition.

SKIN CANCER The abnormal and uncontrolled growth of skin cells is referred to as Skin Cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma, usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck, or hands. Occasionally, these nodules appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths.However, the leading cause of death from skin disease is caused by Melanoma, a more dangerous form of skin cancer. There are many factors that play a key role in the risk assessment of skin cancer such as family history of melanoma, regular sun exposure, being over 40 years old, and fair skin, among others. Skin cancer may vary in shape, texture, color, or size and early detection can prevent it from spreading.

SKIN FUNGI. See FUNGAL INFECTIONS OF THE SKIN.

SKIN PIGMENT DISORDERS Some skin disorders affect the natural pigmentation of the skin causing conditions such as, melasma, pigment loss after skin damage, and vitiligo. Laser resurfacing and prescription and topical formulations are available for the treatment of these conditions.

W

WARTS Warts are skin growth caused by viruses. There is not one particular treatment to remove warts; some are frozen with liquid nitrogen, others are eliminated through electrical stimulation, and yet, in other instances, self-treatment options with salicylic acid products can dissolve the keratin protein that makes up the wart and the dead skin over it.