Acne is a common skin condition that manifests as pimples, most commonly found on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Acne can cause emotional distress and severe cases can leave scars.
Acne develops when pores in the skin get clogged and can no longer drain sebum (an oil made by the sebaceous glands that protect and moisturize the skin).The sebum build-up causes the hair follicles around it to expand.
Comedones are enlarged hair follicles caused by sebum. The comedones generate white pimples called whiteheads if the sebum lingers beneath the skin.
Comedones form darker lumps called blackheads when sebum reaches the skin’s surface. When sebum is exposed to air, it darkens, resulting in this black discoloration. Both whiteheads and blackheads can linger for a long period in the skin.
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a type of bacteria that usually lives on the surface of the skin, can enter closed pores and infect the sebum. The skin becomes bloated, red and painful as a result of this.
Sebaceous glands infected with bacteria may burst, spilling sebum and germs into the surrounding skin and causing more irritation. Larger nodules and cysts may occur in the deeper layers of the skin in severe cases.
Acne is classified according to its severity:
Acne can strike anyone at any age. Acne is highly frequent in teenagers due to the increased activity of sebaceous glands caused by rising hormone levels (androgens) linked with puberty. Adult acne is also fairly frequent, particularly among women.
Acne is more likely to affect people who have acne-prone parents.
Acne lesions can appear and disappear. The following factors can aggravate acne:
Acne can be adequately treated in almost all cases. Acne treatment aims to heal existing lesions, prevent new lesions from emerging and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Acne treatments will be prescribed by your doctor based on the following factors:
For some persons with mild acne, non-prescription acne treatments may be sufficient. However, for effective therapy, most people with moderate acne and all persons with severe acne will need to utilize prescription acne drugs.
Whatever treatment plan you and your doctor choose, it’s critical to allow ample time to work. It’s possible that you’ll have to wait for 6-8 weeks for results. While the older acne lesions heal, the drug works overtime to prevent new lesions from appearing. The most crucial step in controlling acne is to stick to your medication.
Following the clearing of your acne, your doctor may advise you to continue using topical retinoids to keep it under control. Maintaining good skin care and using “non-comedogenic” skin care products is always a smart idea (do not promote acne)
Follow these basic tips for continuous acne skin care and acne prevention:
Allergic contact dermatitis is a highly itchy rash that occurs when a person comes into contact with a chemical if they are allergic.
Most people are unaffected by these compounds ("allergens"), but those who are sensitive to them experience immunological reactions. A small amount of the allergen can trigger an allergic reaction.
In order for a person to develop contact dermatitis, the skin must be exposed to an allergen on a regular basis. The majority of people are exposed to an allergen for years before acquiring a rash. However, once a person's skin has become sensitized to a substance, that person's skin is usually sensitive to that material for the rest of their life.
The following allergens are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis:
The skin may become red, swollen and blistered after being exposed to an allergen, or it may become dry and rough. Because the rash appears where the allergen comes into contact with the skin, it aids in determining the source of the allergy. A rash on the neck or wrist, for example, could indicate an allergy to the metal (nickel) in a necklace or wristwatch. Chemicals present in the leather or rubber of shoes may cause rashes on both feet. The rash may spread beyond the point of contact in extreme cases and occur elsewhere on the body.
Contact dermatitis can cause a rash as quickly as few hours after coming into contact with the allergen. Even after the allergen has been eliminated from the skin, healing can take days to weeks.
Your doctor may do a patch test if the reason for the allergic reaction is unknown. This is an allergy test for allergic contact dermatitis diagnosis. For several days, the suspected allergen can be administered to a tiny patch of sensitive skin (such as the inner arm). The area is then monitored for changes.
The best treatment for allergic contact dermatitis is to avoid the allergen (the substance that causes the allergy) in the first place.
Your doctor may use or more of the following treatments for symptom relief:
Your doctor will suggest a treatment plan that is most appropriate for you.
Athlete’s Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungus that affects the skin and feet. A wide range of fungi can cause it.
The skin may be red and irritated and it may be cracked or flaking. Tinea pedis can affect any part of the foot, although it is most commonly found in the region between the toes, where the skin retains moisture.
Tinea pedis is caused by contacting diseased skin scales or fungi in wet environments (for example, showers, locker rooms, swimming pools). Tinea pedis is a recurrent infection that can be chronic. Topical antifungal drugs (applied to the skin's surface) and oral antifungal medications are two options for treatment.
Tinea pedis can be prevented or controlled with proper cleanliness measures:
Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin illness that causes dry, itchy and irritated skin.
Eczema is a term that is sometimes used to refer to atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is prevalent, affecting 10-15% of the population. The acute itching and irritation that occurs during flare-ups can be very annoying. Scratching, as a result, can lead to raw skin and skin diseases.
Fortunately, the majority of atopic dermatitis cases respond favorably to therapy.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by severe itching and red, dry and sometimes scaly skin.
A flare occurs when the symptoms of atopic dermatitis worsen. A variety of events might cause an atopic dermatitis flare-up.
Atopic dermatitis manifests itself in a variety of ways, depending on the individual. Most persons with atopic dermatitis have an acute flare that lasts a few weeks and causes their skin to become red, inflamed and broken.
The skin may appear normal or slightly dry between flares. If the rash persists for an extended period of time (chronic), the skin may begin to thicken and darken. Treatment takes longer to work on these thicker skin patches.
The appearance of atopic dermatitis varies depending on the individual's age.
Atopic dermatitis affects a large percentage of children under the age of one year. Dry, scaly and red skin is common. Infants' cheeks are frequently the first to be impacted. Because the wetness retained by diapers prevents the skin from drying, the diaper area is typically spared.
Atopic dermatitis can become increasingly localized as children reach the age of two to three years old, affecting areas such as the front of the knees, outside elbows and tops of the wrists. Older children are also capable of a more powerful scratch, resulting in red and inflamed areas.
Atopic dermatitis tends to migrate to the area of the joint that flexes as children get older, such as the insides of the elbows and knees. Eyelids, earlobes, neck and scalp can all be affected by atopic dermatitis.
Dyshidrotic or vesicular dermatitis, which causes itching blisters on the fingers and feet in school-aged children, can occur (pompholyx).
Adults with atopic dermatitis often have a rash that is restricted to certain locations, such as the hands, feet, eyelids, backs of knees and insides of elbows. However, skin on other parts of the body may feel dry and itchy.
Atopic dermatitis that begins in childhood normally improves by the time the child is five years old and disappears by the time the child reaches adolescence. Many people, however, suffer with atopic dermatitis and must treat it for the rest of their lives.
Atopic dermatitis is caused by a variety of factors. Although the specific etiology of atopic dermatitis is uncertain, the disease appears to run in families. Atopic dermatitis patients are more likely to develop allergies or asthma symptoms. A hyperactive immune system may be the link between these illnesses.
T-cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infections, appear to be more active in persons with atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis patients' skin is more vulnerable to losing water quickly due to changes beneath the epidermis, resulting in dry, cracked skin.
Although persons with atopic dermatitis have a hyperactive immune system, it is not always successful at combating infections. People with atopic dermatitis, for example, are more prone to skin infections like impetigo.
The following are some of the most regularly reported atopic dermatitis triggers:
Treatment for atopic dermatitis aims to cure the skin, prevent new flare-ups and minimize the desire to scratch, which can aggravate and prolong symptoms. Patients with atopic dermatitis should try to avoid recognized triggers and use a moisturizer on a regular basis.
There are a variety of therapy alternatives. A treatment plan will be suggested depending on a number of factors, including:
Treatment for atopic dermatitis might take months and it's common to have to repeat it. Your doctor will discuss appropriate therapeutic options with you.
Because not everyone with atopic dermatitis has the same triggers, those who suffer from the condition must keep track of their individual sensitivity. Finding triggers can be difficult (for example, there may be a delay between consuming a certain item and experiencing a flare-up), so keeping a notebook of symptoms and suspected reasons is a good idea.
Bacterial skin infections can occur frequently, and their severity can range from moderate (but irritating) to life-threatening. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Streptococcus pyogenes cause most bacterial infections (the same bacteria responsible for strep throat).
A bacterial infection can manifest itself in a variety of ways, depending on its location, type, and even the age of the person who is infected. Your internist or family physician can treat most of them.
Erysipelas infects the top two layers of the skin, giving it the nickname "St. Anthony's Fire" due to the severe, burning feeling it causes. Extreme redness, swelling, and a strongly defined border between normal and diseased skin tissue are all symptoms.
Streptococcus bacteria create erysipelas, which have a similar appearance to cellulitis and occurs in the lower layers of the skin. Erysipelas can be caused by minor disorders like athlete's foot or dermatitis, or it can develop after germs spread to the nasal passages as a result of a nose or throat infection.
A carbuncle is a closely packed cluster of numerous furuncles. It can be up to 4 inches across horizontally and have one or more openings through which pus can leak onto the skin. The illness is sometimes accompanied by a temperature, as well as general weakness and weariness.
Carbuncles are most commonly found on the back, thighs, or back of the neck. The infection is usually deeper and more severe than furuncle-caused infections. Staph bacterium is the most prevalent cause of carbuncles. 7
Carbuncle infections are more likely to cause scarring, and they can take longer to develop and cure than furuncle infections. As a result, carbuncles frequently necessitate medical intervention. They're contagious, and they can spread to other sections of the body and people.
Erythrasma is a skin infection caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum. Skin lesions with well-defined pink areas covered in fine scales and wrinkles appear first, then turn red, brown, and scaly.
Erythrasma appears in regions where skin meets skin, such as the armpits, groin, and between the toes. It's easily confused with fungal illnesses like athlete's foot and jock itch because of its location and appearance.
Most people with erythrasma are asymptomatic, however moderate itching or burning may occur, particularly if the infection is in the groin area. Erythrasma is a skin condition that occurs in hot, humid areas or because of poor hygiene, excessive perspiration, obesity, diabetes, advanced age, or a weakened immune system.
Bacterial folliculitis is a frequent infection of the hair follicles that is usually caused by a fungus, ingrown hair, or obstructions from moisturizers or other skin treatments. Shaving or plucking hairs can also make you more vulnerable. 4
Tiny red lumps or pus-filled white-headed pimples are signs of bacterial folliculitis. People with acne are more likely to get this infection than individuals who have clear skin.
While most cases of bacterial folliculitis resolve without therapy, more severe types may require antibiotics. Folliculitis, if left untreated, can result in irreversible hair loss.
The pus-filled lumps and itchy red rash of hot tub folliculitis emerge anywhere from a few hours to several days following exposure to the bacteria.
Because it is contracted by contaminated whirlpools, hot tubs (particularly wooden ones), water slides, physiotherapy pools, or even loofah sponges, it is frequently referred to as "Pseudomonas folliculitis" or "Jacuzzi folliculitis."
Folliculitis from a hot tub usually appears on the chest or under the swimsuit, where water and bacteria have been trapped for a long time. The bacteria that cause it is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can persist in chlorinated water, making it more difficult to kill.
Because their skin is thinner and they stay in the water longer than adults, youngsters are more susceptible to hot tub folliculitis. Hot tub folliculitis is also more likely in persons who have acne or dermatitis, both of which allow bacteria to penetrate the skin.
A furuncle, often called a boil, is a painful infection that develops around a hair follicle. It starts as a red lump that may be painful and quickly enlarges, filling with pus. A furuncle can turn into an abscess if left untreated.
A furuncle is an infection of the complete pilosebaceous unit, unlike folliculitis, which also requires infection of a hair follicle. The shaft, follicle, sebaceous gland, and arrector pili muscle make up pilosebaceous units, which are found throughout the body (save for the palms, soles of the feet, and lower lip) (a bundle of small muscle fibers attached to a hair follicle).
Furuncles can be found on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs, among other places. Warm compresses can help drain a pus-filled furuncle, but it may need to be lanced in the doctor's office in severe cases.
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the epidermal skin's top layer. It is more common in children than adults.
Impetigo is characterized by a honey-colored crust caused by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria.
This bacterial infection causes ulcers around the nose and mouth, but it can spread to other regions of the body by skin-to-skin contact, clothing, and towels. Topical antibiotics are frequently used to treat impetigo.
Methicillin-resistant MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a dangerous bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics. 9 It frequently results in a minor, inflammatory sore on the skin, which can escalate to dangerous infections. MRSA can travel through the bloodstream and infect other organs, such as the lungs or urinary tract, in certain circumstances.
MRSA infection symptoms include redness, swelling, discomfort, pus, and fever, depending on which area of the body is affected. MRSA infections can resemble other bacterial skin infections, and they might even be mistaken for a spider bite.
To effectively diagnose MRSA, laboratory testing is frequently required. Systemic MRSA can easily spread from person to person if left untreated, and it can even be contracted in the hospital after surgery.
A dermatologist or even a rheumatologist may be needed for more complicated infections. In the most severe situations, a bacterial infection can travel to the circulation and result in sepsis, which can be fatal.
Cryotherapy is a therapy where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze skin lesions. The liquid nitrogen is often sprayed via a "cryo gun," which sprays a thin chilly mist onto the skin, leaving a white, frosty appearance on the surface. Cryotherapy may also be performed with a cotton swab or with other methods.
Liquid nitrogen's incredibly low temperature destroys the skin cells on the top layer. Cryotherapy can be slightly uncomfortable, especially when used on the face, but topical anesthetic is rarely, if ever, required.
A blister may develop beneath the treated area, assisting in removing the lesion from the skin.
Warts, seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis and other benign lesions are routinely treated using cryotherapy.
Cysts are a common dermatological concern which can range in severity. A cyst is a pocket of tissue which sits just below the skin. Cysts can contain fluid, air or debris such as dead skin cells. They may develop virtually anywhere on the body.
Patients may face several different types of cysts which have differing causes.
Epidermoid cysts are typically found on the face, head, neck, back or genitals. They are caused by excess keratin found just below the skin. Epidermoid cysts are typically small and may grow slowly.
Cystic acne is a severe type of acne which presents as a bump below the skin’s surface. Cystic acne is typically caused by hormone changes or fluctuations, excess oil, dead skin cells trapped in pores or bacteria.
Ganglion cysts appear on tendons or joints, typically on the hands, wrists, feet or ankles. These cysts are filled with a gel-like fluid.
Pilar cysts are typically found on the scalp. These cysts are caused by protein buildup in the hair follicles.
Sebaceous cysts are most often found on the face, neck or torso. They are noncancerous growths which usually contain fluid.
Treatment for cysts is not always necessary, and many will subside without intervention. However, some cysts may grow over time, persist for long periods or become painful. This is particularly true for cysts which are in sensitive areas. Some patients may also pursue cyst removal for cosmetic reasons, especially when the cyst is located in a prominent area such as the face.
Cyst removal will vary depending on the type of cyst that is being removed. Prior to your cyst removal procedure, your provider will review the symptoms you are experiencing and visually evaluate the type of cyst, its size and location. This will inform the best possible removal method.
The first method of removing cysts is to drain fluids using a needle. No anesthesia or numbing is typically required to drain a cyst of this sort. In uncommon cases, drained cysts may refill with fluid. As needed, you may then schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider for further treatment.
In other cases, medications such as corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and remove the cyst. Your provider will likely inject this medication on or near the cyst.
Cysts that cannot be drained may be surgically removed. First, your provider will numb the area using a topical cream or a small injection. The cyst may then be removed through a small incision made with a surgical tool such as a scalpel. Your provider will give you instructions to care for the incision as it heals.
Regardless of the type of cyst that you have, it is best not to attempt to remove it yourself. This can cause a risk of complications such as infection. Seek treatment from a professional instead.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes itchy red areas on the skin, dry and scaly skin, thicker skin and in some cases, open, oozing and crusty lesions.
The following regions of the body are frequently affected by eczema symptoms:
Eczema symptoms may come and go, but even when the skin appears clear, inflammation hidden beneath the surface could be waiting to flare up.
Doctors believe eczema is linked to genetics or immune sensitivities. Around 70% of those with eczema say they have a family history of the disease.
Eczema occurs when the body is exposed to allergens or irritants. To rid the skin of the irritants, the body’s immune cells emit histamines, cytokines and other substances. The result is itchy, inflamed skin.
Though itchy, scratching too much might cause infection if the skin’s surface is broken. Yellowish, crusty skin (typically on top of the eczema), red, swollen pimples and pus-filled blisters are all signs of infection.
Some persons with eczema may have a protein called filaggrin deficiency in their skin. This protein acts as an anti-allergen, anti-irritant and anti-infective barrier. When filaggrin is missing, the skin’s barrier function is compromised. Some persons with eczema have high blood levels of Immunoglobulin E or IgE, which are immune system antibodies that trigger allergy symptoms.
Eczema is a common skin ailment that affects 31.6 million Americans.
To avoid skin problems and improve quality of life, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The following treatments may be recommended by your doctor:
Those with eczema experience symptoms that impact their daily activities and quality of life. These symptoms, including loss of sleep, can be emotionally draining for both the sufferer and the family. Although there’s no cure, there are treatments available that can help manage eczema.
Microorganisms that regularly live on people’s skin and do not cause any concerns. They can grow out of control and cause fungal diseases of the skin, hair and nails in some cases. A fungus overgrowth on the skin causes Fungal Skin Infections.
Skin infections caused by fungi are relatively prevalent. They are more common in children and teenagers, but they can afflict anyone of any age.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of fungal skin infection:
Some fungal illnesses have been given unique names describing the region or type of fungi involved:
Ringworm is a term used to describe a fungus infection on the body that can occasionally resemble a ring or a half ring. Because a worm does not cause the rash, this is a confusing moniker.
The term “tinea corporis” refers to ringworm that appears on the body. It’s known as “jock itch” or “tinea cruris” when it appears in the genital area.
The term “tinea capitis” refers to a fungal infection that occurs on the scalp. Hair loss is a possibility with tinea capitis.
Athlete’s Foot is a fungal illness that affects the toes and is quite common. Warmth and moisture are retained by feet that remain in shoes all day, promoting the growth of fungus.
A fungal infection of the toenail or fingernail is known as onychomycosis. Infections that involve the nail bed or base of the nail are often more difficult to treat and tend to recur without sufficient treatment.
Fungal nail infection may require the removal of part or all of the nail and/or the use of oral antifungal medications.
Tinea versicolor is a common and harmless fungal infection caused by Pityriasis versicolor. It appears on the back, chest, neck and upper arms as light-colored patches of discolored skin.
Tinea nigra is a fungal infection caused by a specific type of fungi (exophiala phaeoannellomyces) found in the soil of tropical regions. The infection generally occurs in individuals prone to excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). It appears as slowly expanding brown or black patches on the skin of the palms and/or soles.
Your physician may diagnose a fungal infection primarily based on the appearance of the skin. In some cases, the skin may be scraped to obtain cells for examination under a microscope. Also, a Wood’s lamp may be used to identify fungi that appear fluorescent under its blue light.
Most cases of ringworm (jock itch and athlete’s foot) and tinea versicolor can be treated effectively with antifungal medications applied to the skin (topical medications).
Tinea capitis often requires the use of an oral antifungal agent, such as griseofulvin, because the fungi can reside deep in the hair follicles and can’t be reached by topical medications.
Similarly, nail infections where the fungi have penetrated the nail bed may require an oral antifungal, though some specially formulated topical antifungals might be tried first.
Tinea nigra generally responds well to topical antifungal agents and peeling agents such as salicylic acid or topical retinoids.
The paper-thin patches of fungal overgrowth found with tinea versicolor can be treated effectively with topical antifungal solutions.
Fungal infections on the skin are contagious. They can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, unwashed clothing and shower or pool surfaces. You can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. Infections are more likely when you have frequent wetness (such as sweating) and minor injuries to your skin, scalp or nails.
To help prevent fungal infections:
Although it is customary to shed some hair each day, excessive hair loss can lead to a thinning hairline and areas of baldness on both men and women.
Hair loss treatments can either increase hair growth or conceal hair loss. Hair growth may recover without treatment for some kinds of hair loss.
It’s helpful to know how hair grows naturally to understand how hair loss occurs.
A hair follicle is responsible for the production of each hair shaft. Hair is produced by cells in the hair follicle for roughly 2-3 years. Each hair grows roughly 1 centimeter (1/2 inch) per month during this development phase known as “anagen.” After this growth phase, the hair follicle enters a resting phase called telogen, during which the hair remains in place but stops growing. This “resting phase” lasts 3-4 months, after which the hair starts to fall out. The hair follicle produces a new shaft of hair once the hair falls off.
At any given time, 90 percent of the hairs on the head are in the “growth phase” (and 10 percent are in the resting phase). People typically shed hairs each day as the hair follicles reach the end of the resting phase and prepare to produce new strands. A typical scalp sheds 50 to 100 hairs per day.
The most common cause of hair loss among men is called male-pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia. Men who have this type of hair loss have often inherited the trait. Men who start losing their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive baldness. With male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hairline and baldness on the top of the head (vertex).
Women may develop female-pattern baldness. With this form of hair loss, the hair can become thin over the entire scalp. Female-pattern baldness is much more common than is generally recognized.
Other less common causes of hair loss include:
Hair loss treatments are recommended based on several variables, including the type of hair loss, the degree of hair loss, your gender and your personal preferences.
Several hair loss medications can help slow or prevent the development of common baldness (androgenic alopecia). The effectiveness of these medications depends on the cause of hair loss, the extent of the hair loss and the individual’s response. Generally, hair loss medications are less effective for more extensive cases of hair loss. These hair loss medications require 3-6 months of regular use to determine if they are helping.
Minoxidil (Rogaine®) is a non-prescription topical medication applied to the scalp to grow hair and to prevent further hair loss. It may also be used for the treatment of alopecia areata. Rogaine® is usually recommended for use twice daily and can be used by both men and women.
New hair resulting from minoxidil use may be thinner and shorter than previous hair. But there may be sufficient hair growth in some to hide bald spots and have the new hair blend with existing hair. It is important to note that hair growth stops after you discontinue the use of minoxidil. Side effects can include irritation of the scalp.
Finasteride (Propecia®) is a prescription medication taken daily by mouth. It is available for use by men only. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss and some may show some new hair growth. It may take several months for new hair growth to appear. Any hair growth obtained while taking finasteride will stop after the medication is no longer used.
Finasteride works by stopping the conversion of male hormones into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles in men who are susceptible to its effects.
Other hair loss medications that may be attempted in specific clinical cases include:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the component of your blood that contains a high concentration of platelets. Platelets are the cells that are recruited to wounds that contain many beneficial growth factors and cytokines that promote healing, regeneration, and collagen formation. PRP can also help with hair growth.
PRP is most effective for androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata. It is possible that it may also help with other types of hair loss. A doctor will first determine the reason for hair loss before considering treatment.
PRP therapy must be consistent for the continued support of hair follicles and growth. For most patients that may include maintenance treatments 2-4 times a year.
