Number 20 on our list of the Top 20 Skin Conditions is Atopic Dermatitis.

A skin problem that causes dry skin, intense itching, and then a red, raised rash, it is one of the many types of eczema. While the exact cause of Atopic Dermatitis is unclear, this condition, similar to many types of rashes, affects your body’s ability to retain moisture, leading your skin to because dry, easily irritated, and itchy. 

Atopic Dermatitis is most common in babies and children. Some children with Atopic Dermatitis outgrow it or have milder cases as they get older, and a person may get Atopic Dermatitis as an adult.

This condition can not be fully treated, however there are things you can do to help manage your Atopic Dermatitis. Using physician approved moisturizers to medication prescribed by a dermatologist can help curb your Atopic Dermatitis outbreaks.

To read more about Atopic Dermatitis and other forms of rashes, please click here.

Tinea (of nails, skin or scalp)

Tinea is a fungal infection of the nails, skin or scalp. There is a variety of fungi living on the human body at any given moment. Most are harmless but a few variations can turn into infections prompting medical attention. Below are the three most common forms of tinea we see at our office:

Tinea Versicolor is a fungus of the skin known to cause skin discoloration in the neck, back and chest of those infected. Non-contagious, Tinea Versicolor occurs in areas prone to excessive sweating and is often said to be worse during the hotter months of Summer. While Tinea Versicolor is easily treated with antifungal medications, pigment changes in the skin may last for a few months once treatment has concluded. (photo)

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Tinea Capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, often referred to as ringworm of the scalp. Characterized by one or more patches of hair loss, inflammation, itching and feeling scaly to the touch, it is caused by the fungi dermatophytes and is easily transmittable. Treated by oral antifungal medications, often combined with medicated shampoos to decrease the spread of the fungus, Tinea Capitis is most common in young children. (photo)

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Onychomycosis is tinea of the nail. Diagnosed more often in toenails as opposed to fingernails. Onychomycosis can be identified by changes in the nail such as brittleness, lack of shine, distortion of shape, yellow or white streaks in the nail, and crumbling of nail edges to name a few. Your dermatologist can diagnose a nail fungus by appearance but will sometimes request a scraping or culture for verification. Contrary to popular belief, over the counter anti-fungal medicines and creams do not often treat onychomycosis successfully. Your dermatologist will recommend a treatment plan which may last up to 3 months while the new nail is growing. (photo)

For more information on a form of tinea or to contact one of our dermatologists, please send us an email here.

Benign Lesions of the Skin

Benign lesions of the skin, such as solar lentigos, hemangiomas, cysts and even some moles, fall at number 18 on our list of Top 20 Skin Conditions. The term benign lesion simply means a non-cancerous marking on the skin.While these lesions can sometimes become cancerous, it is best to keep an eye on them for any changes in their appearance.

The most common benign lesion of the skin is solar lentigos, often referred to as liver spots or age spots. Below is an example of a solar lentigo on a female leg:

Another common benign skin lesion we see here in the office is hemangioma. These common skin growths often appear during infancy and frequently disappear on their own by age 2. Caused by an abnormal build-up of blood vessels in the skin or organs, they can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size and depth.

While these are examples of benign skin lesions, it is important to keep track of any changes or abnormalities in your skin. While you make think a lesion is benign, it is always best to consult your Dermatologist for inspection.

Both of these conditions and many other benign skin lesions can be corrected with laser treatments or other means. If you would like to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Schlesinger, Dr. Warrick or Bill our Physician Assistant, please contact us here.

photo sources: lentigo, hemangioma

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a persistent inflammatory skin disease in which areas of the skin become thickened and red with a silvery scale. Lesions often are found on the elbows, knees and on the abdomen, lower back and legs.

There is good treatment for this condition, so patients need not suffer with it. Under the direction of Dr. Schlesinger, Dermatology and Laser Center of Charleston continues to participate in clinical trials of new and effective medications for psoriasis, click here for more information.

In addition to the treatments Dr. Schlesinger may provide at your visit, we carry various products for the treatment of this condition that can be used in conjunction.

For more information on Psoriasis or to schedule a visit with Dr. Schlesinger, please contact us here.

Parasitic Infections

Parasitic Infections, such as Scabies and Head Lice, are easily spread by coming in contact with an infected individual. While these conditions are easily spread, they are also easily controllable with the proper treatment measures.

Scabies - This parasitic infection affects an individual’s skin and is caused by a very small species of mite.  These mites burrow into a person’s skin to deposit eggs. These burrows resemble thin, pencil-like lines and are a noticeable characteristic of the infection.  An itching rash will occur as the body’s reaction to the mite. See below for a close up image of Scabies:

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Treatment includes topical medications and should be applied to all family members as well as those who have come in close, physical contact with the infected individual. Washing all articles of clothing, bedding, towels, etc. in hot water as well as deep cleaning your house are also highly recommended when treating Scabies.

Head Lice (Louse - singular) - This parasitic infection is characterized by tiny insects (lice) which affix themselves to a person’s hair and scalp.  Easily spread, head lice often infect large groups at a time such as school children or all individuals in one household. Below is a close-up of a male head louse:

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A person with head lice will notice itching on the scalp as well as white specs (egg sacs) attached to the hair. Head lice can be difficult to detect and careful examination should be conducted by combing through the hair, down to the scalp, in very small sections. Treatment for head lice includes medicated lotions and shampoos. The key in treating head lice is making sure the nits (eggs) have successfully been removed. If the problem persists, please consult a physician for further treatments.

To learn more about Scabies, Head Lice or other Parasitic Infections, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schlesinger, please contact our office here.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis, a common skin infection which is caused by bacteria, comes in as Number 15 on our Top 20 Skin Conditions countdown. Shown below, this condition is often characterized by redness, swelling of the infected area, pain or discomfort at the site, or if the area is warm to the touch.

Bacteria can be found on nearly every surface, including your skin. Cellulitis is often caused when the bacteria streptococcus or staphylococcus enter through a break in the skin such as a wound or cut. This is what causes the skin to become infected, showing the characteristics listed above.

Treatment of Cellulitis generally consists of an oral antibiotic accompanied with a series of follow ups with your dermatologist.

To learn more about Cellulitis or schedule a visit with Dr. Schlesinger, please contact us here.

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Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Number 14 on our list of the Top 20 Skin Conditions is the condition Herpes Zoster, more commonly known as Shingles. This condition is characterized by a blister-producing, localized, painful skin rashes as seen in the photo.

Herpes Zoster is the chickenpox virus, varicella-zoster, reactivated. After a person has the chickenpox, the virus itself remains in certain nerves in the body in a dormant state. Although the exact cause of reactivation of this virus is unknown, if reactivated a person generally only has one outbreak which occurs on a single side of the body.

Antiviral medication may be prescribed by your doctor to help in the healing process, that would also work to reduce the side effects such as body pain, fever and chills. Medications should be started immediately once the outbreak is first noticed. Herpes Zoster can last roughly 2 to 3 weeks and rarely reoccurs.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Herpes Zoster, please contact us here.

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Malignant Neoplasm of Skin

In short form a Malignant Neoplasm of the Skin is an area of skin cancer such as Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Melanoma. 

These skin growths can appear in various forms and are named for the skin cell from which they grow. The three main skin neoplam types are listed below:

Basal Cell Carcinoma - The most common skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma occurs about 1 million times a year and usually is found on the sun exposed areas of the body. Studies show that basal cell carcinoma is linked to chronic sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a pearly papule or a red, scaly patch.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma - The second most common skin cancer, occurring about 400,000 times each year. This type of skin cancer usually looks like a crusted, red lesion. It may also present as a fast growing dome shaped nodule. Squamous cell carcinoma has a higher likelihood of spreading into the body, especially when it occurs on the head and neck. As with basal cell carcinoma, avoiding sun and using sunscreen are your best bets at prevention.

Melanoma - The most deadly of skin cancers. This type occurs about 100,000 times per year and is rapidly becoming more prevalent. Melanoma has multiple risk factors, but studies show that intermittent and intense sun exposure to untanned skin, the type typically occurring on the weekend in those who have office jobs during the week. This exposure of relatively unprotected skin seems to trigger damage to the cell’s building blocks in such a way as to increase the risk for melanoma. If detected early, Melanoma patients have a higher survival rate than those detected at later stages.

For more information on Malignant Neoplasms of the Skin (Skin Cancer), please continue reading here. If you have a suspicious mole or lesion you would like to have examined, please contact us here to schedule an appointment.

*Remember your ABC’s when checking your skin for suspicious moles!

Ulcers (Generally of the Leg or Foot)

The type of ulcers seen by dermatologist generally occur on the legs or feet. They are characterized by breaks and cracks in the layers of the skin and can also show signs of inflammation or swelling. 

These ulcers can be caused be poor circulation, skin trauma, infections or diabetes. Diagnosis lies in examining the area and the contributing factors.

Treatment can range from adjusting the possible causing agents (example: the blood sugar level of a diabetic), which once under control can often lead to the ulcer dissipating on its own, wound cleaning accompanied by topical medications, or surgery.  Selecting which level of treatment depends on the factors involved in the ulcer formation.

For more information on this condition or any other inquiries you may have, please contact our office here.

Epidermal Cyst

An epidermal cyst, often referred to as a sebaceous cyst, is a benign cyst located under the skin.  These closed sacks under the skin can form skin trauma, infected hair follicles, or a blocked pore near a body piercing.

They are normally painless but if infected, can become inflamed, red and tender to the touch.

These cysts can be removed surgically in a quick and simple procedure.  Once a cyst is removed, it will not reoccur unless a person possess a predisposition for cyst formation.  A non-surgical option can be found in the form of steroid injections performed at the location of the cyst.

For more information on epidermal cysts or to request an appointment to have an area evaluated, please contact our office here.

photo source