Most Common Skin Conditions Under General Dermatology
Dermatologists receive extensive training to treat disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. Our physicians can help to diagnose and treat conditions related to the skin, hair and nails which includes a wide range of conditions. Some of the most common skin conditions include skin cancer, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, warts, rashes, and changing moles. Below is some information regarding the most common skin conditions. If you are diagnosed with another condition, we can provide education material for your review.
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Most people who have acne are teenagers or young adults, however acne can occur at any age. Many women in their 30s and older suffer with acne as well. It is caused by occlusion of the pores along with inflammation, bacteria, and oil production. Acne can be painful and lead to discoloration and scarring. Early treatment can help prevent scarring and improve self esteem. There are multiple topical and oral prescriptions available to treat acne and we can help you achieve clearer skin!
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin disorder that causes a background of redness, flushing, visible blood vessels of the nose and cheeks and sometimes can progress to acne-like lesions. On occasion, skin thickens and has a bumpy texture. Eyes may become red and irritated, and sometimes eyelids can be swollen. Patients with rosacea tend to have more sensitive skin. Treatment can reduce the redness, bumps and inflammation. We offer recommendations on lifestyle changes, proper skin care regimens, as well as prescription topical and oral medications along with laser options for treatment of rosacea.
Moles
Moles are colored lesions that appear on the skin during childhood and adolescence. They can be skin colored or a variation of brown. Some moles will darken, and others will lighten. In older adults, new moles and changes to existing moles can be a sign of an abnormal mole or melanoma. Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.
show moreMoles are colored lesions that appear on the skin during childhood and adolescence. They can be skin colored or a variation of brown. Some moles will darken, and others will lighten. In older adults, new moles and changes to existing moles can be a sign of an abnormal mole or melanoma. Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.
A change to a mole or a new mole may be the first sign of melanoma or abnormal mole. You can find melanoma early by checking your own skin. If you see a mole or other spot that’s growing, itching, bleeding, or changing in any way, please make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists. If our Dermatology team is suspicious about one of your moles a simple biopsy on the same day of your appointment can be performed.
Actinic Keratosis (AKs)
Actinic Keratosis (AKs) are non healing scaly pink precancerous areas on the skin that form when the skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from years of sun exposure or indoor tanning. Most actinic keratoses occur in individuals above 40 years old, but may occasionally be seen in younger adults. Most people who develop one actinic keratosis will develop more over time and that is why it is so important to establish with a Dermatology provider who can see you on a regular basis for evaluation and treatment of these when they arise.
show moreActinic Keratosis (AKs) are non healing scaly pink precancerous areas on the skin that form when the skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from years of sun exposure or indoor tanning. Most actinic keratoses occur in individuals above 40 years old, but may occasionally be seen in younger adults. Most people who develop one actinic keratosis will develop more over time and that is why it is so important to establish with a Dermatology provider who can see you on a regular basis for evaluation and treatment of these when they arise. If left untreated, actinic keratosis may turn into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. By seeing a dermatologist for checkups, the AKs can be treated before they become skin cancer. Treatments include cryotherapy and prescription cream options. If skin cancer does develop, it can be caught early and appropriate treatment recommendations will be made by our highly trained team.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic Keratosis is a very common benign (not dangerous ) skin growth in people over 40 years old. They have a wart-like appearance and can be skin colored to dark brown. Most people who have Seborrheic keratosis have multiple and they can be found anywhere on the skin, except the palms and soles. Most often, you’ll see them on the chest, back, head, or neck. Treatment of these is typically considered cosmetic for non inflamed lesions but some insurances may cover a few when inflamed or very irritated. Treatment includes cryotherapy as a first line option.
Warts
Warts are common benign (not dangerous) skin growths that grow when the HPV virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin. Someone is more likely to get one of these viruses if there is a cut or damage of the skin in some way. Children are more susceptible to warts but they can occur in any age individual. Wart viruses are contagious and can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart. Warts are most often skin-colored and rough, but can be brown, flat, and smooth. We offer treatment for kids and adults that are effective, safe and painless.
Eczema
Eczema also known as Atopic Dermatitis is a common condition in children but can occur in adults or those of any age. Itchy, dry and scaly patches appear on the skin. These patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face most often in children. In adults the trunk or extremities are more likely involved. No matter where it appears, eczema is often very itchy. Because atopic dermatitis can be long lasting, it is important to learn how to take care of your skin. Treatment and good skin care regimen offered by our dermatology team can alleviate much of the discomfort. We also offer Allergy Patch Testing (TRUE TEST) to help determine if you are allergic to any of the most common topical allergen triggers which may worsen eczema.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common condition that presents with thick, scaly pink plaques. Plaques can appear anywhere on the skin, but you’re most likely to find them on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. Plaques tend to vary in size and may appear on the skin as a single patch or join together to cover a large area of skin. No matter the size, plaques tend to be slightly itchy up to very itchy. Most forms of psoriasis are chronic and thus it is very important to seek treatment early on.
show morePsoriasis is a common condition that presents with thick, scaly pink plaques. Plaques can appear anywhere on the skin, but you’re most likely to find them on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. Plaques tend to vary in size and may appear on the skin as a single patch or join together to cover a large area of skin. No matter the size, plaques tend to be slightly itchy up to very itchy. Most forms of psoriasis are chronic and thus it is very important to seek treatment early on. We can help you make lifestyle changes to improve your psoriasis. We also offer therapy ranging from prescription creams to oral and injectable medications that help achieve clearer skin. Having a board certified dermatologist on your team will help give you control over psoriasis and can also help you to feel better, improve your overall health, and prevent the psoriasis from worsening. Seeing a board-certified dermatologist has another benefit. Psoriasis can increase your risk of developing certain diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Your dermatologist can watch for early signs of disease. If you do develop another disease, early treatment helps to prevent the disease from worsening.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff is a very common skin disease that causes scaly flaking up to pink orange scaly patches on the scalp and sometimes facial skin. Cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis found in infants. Seborrheic dermatitis is also a chronic condition in adults that may wax and wane. Flare-ups are common when the weather turns cold and dry and stress also can trigger a flare-up. Proper treatment can reduce flare-ups and bring relief to itchy, inflamed and scaly skin.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when something that our skin touches causes a rash. Some rashes happen immediately and others take time to appear. In allergic skin reaction, only certain people develop allergies to the offending agent and it takes time to develop . Examples include allergy to Poison ivy, Nickel, Makeup, Jewelry, and Latex gloves. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and develops in any individual when the offending agent comes in contact with the skin for a long period of time.
show moreContact dermatitis occurs when something that our skin touches causes a rash. Some rashes happen immediately and others take time to appear. In allergic skin reaction, only certain people develop allergies to the offending agent and it takes time to develop . Examples include allergy to Poison ivy, Nickel, Makeup, Jewelry, and Latex gloves. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and develops in any individual when the offending agent comes in contact with the skin for a long period of time. Examples include, exposure to harsh cleaning products, diaper rash, dry, cracked hands due to lots of contact with soap and water, irritated skin around the mouth due to lip licking. People who often develop irritant contact dermatitis at work include: Beauticians, nurses, bartenders, and others who spend lots of time with wet hands. It often starts with dry, cracked hands. In time, the skin on their hands may begin to sting and burn. The skin becomes very tender. Sometimes, the skin itches and bleeds. When a rash does not clear within a few weeks, you should see a dermatologist. When contact dermatitis develops, treatment is important. It can prevent the contact dermatitis from worsening and help your skin heal.
Dry Skin (xerosis)
Dry Skin (xerosis) is common and can occur at any age and for many reasons. Using a moisturizer often helps repair dry skin. Sometimes people need a dermatologist’s help to get relief from dry skin. Extremely dry skin can be a warning sign of a skin problem called xerotic dermatitis. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. It can cause an itchy rash or patches of dry irritated skin. The earlier dermatitis is diagnosed and treated the better. Without treatment, dermatitis often gets worse. Our team of physicians and medical assistants can help with lifestyle modifications that can greatly help your dry skin issues!
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating. Sweating cools the body, which prevents us from overheating but people who have hyperhidrosis, however, sweat when the body does not need cooling. Many people who have hyperhidrosis sweat excessively from their palms, feet, underarms, or head. While the rest of the body remains dry, one or two areas may drip with sweat. This excessive sweating can interfere with everyday activities and be embarrassing. We offer several treatment options ranging from prescription pills, wipes and Botox treatment.
Melasma
Melasma is a common skin problem that causes brown to gray patches on the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. Women are more likely to get melasma than men. It is common during pregnancy and may be seen in women starting in their 30s. Certain hormones seem to trigger melasma in some women. In our clinic we have an array of sun protective methods, creams, peels and lasers that can help to lighten these areas of skin and help you achieve a more even skin tone!
Additional Services
Our additional services for evaluation and treatment include but are not limited to these other more common skin conditions:
- Acne scars
- Alopecia areata
- Birthmarks evaluation
- Brown spots
- Cold sores / herpes simplex
- Chemical peels
- Diaper rash
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Fillers
- Fungal skin infection
- Hair loss
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Hives lasting less than 6 weeks
- Impetigo
- Isotretinoin administration for acne
- Keloids
- Keratosis pilaris
- Lichen planus
- Skin Lupus
- Mole removal
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Nail fungus
- Neurodermatitis
- Nummular dermatitis
- Pemphigus
- Pityriasis rosea
- Red marks
- Scabies
- Scar evaluation
- Shingles
- Skin cancer
- Stasis dermatitis
- Tinea versicolor
- Vitiligo
- Wrinkle treatment