A chronic condition causing red, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Symptoms

Itching: Often severe, especially at night.

Red or Brownish Patches: Commonly on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, elbows, and knees.

Thickened, Cracked, or Scaly Skin: Due to chronic scratching.

Oozing or Crusting: In cases of intense inflammation or infection.

Swelling: Around the affected areas.

Dry Skin: Can lead to flaky or rough patches.

Risk Factors

Family History: A family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever increases the risk.

Allergies: Allergens like pollen, pet dander, or certain foods may trigger eczema.

Environmental Factors: Cold, dry weather or excessive heat and humidity.

Irritants: Harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances, and certain fabrics (e.g., wool).

Stress: Emotional stress can exacerbate symptoms.

Skin Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections may worsen eczema.

Age: Most common in children but can persist or develop in adults.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Observation of affected skin areas.

Patch Testing: Identifies potential allergens causing irritation.

Skin Biopsy (Rare): Used to rule out other skin conditions if the diagnosis is unclear.

Blood Tests: May check for elevated IgE levels, indicating an allergic response.

Treatment Options

Topical Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and itching during flare-ups.

Calcineurin Inhibitors (e.g., Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus): For moderate to severe eczema to suppress immune responses.

Antihistamines: Help control nighttime itching and improve sleep.

Antibiotics or Antiviral Medications: Treat secondary infections caused by scratching.

Oral Corticosteroids: Short-term use for severe cases.

Immunosuppressants (e.g., Cyclosporine): For severe eczema unresponsive to other treatments.

Phototherapy: Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce symptoms.

Biologics (e.g., Dupilumab): Target specific immune pathways for severe eczema.

Behavioral Therapy: Techniques to manage stress and reduce habits like scratching.

An autoimmune disease that leads to rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in scaly, red patches.

Symptoms

Plaques of Red Skin with Silvery Scales: Common on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Itching or Burning Sensation: Can vary in intensity.

Dry, Cracked Skin: May bleed or be painful.

Thickened or Pitted Nails: May also detach from the nail bed (nail psoriasis).

Joint Pain or Stiffness: Associated with psoriatic arthritis in some individuals.

Risk Factors

Genetics: Family history of psoriasis increases the risk.

Immune System Dysfunction: Autoimmune response causing excessive skin cell production.

Infections: Such as strep throat or skin infections.

Stress: Can exacerbate symptoms.

Injury to the Skin: Cuts, scrapes, or sunburns may cause flare-ups (Koebner phenomenon).

Weather Conditions: Cold, dry weather can worsen symptoms.

Smoking and Alcohol: Associated with more severe forms of psoriasis.

Medications: Certain drugs like beta-blockers, lithium, or antimalarial medications.

Obesity: Increased likelihood of skin folds being affected.

Other Health Conditions: Such as diabetes, heart disease, or metabolic syndrome.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Observation of skin, scalp, and nails for typical psoriatic lesions.

Skin Biopsy (if necessary): A small skin sample is taken to differentiate psoriasis from other skin conditions.

Treatment Options

Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and slow cell turnover.

Vitamin D Analogues (e.g., Calcipotriol): Help normalize skin cell growth.

Coal Tar: Reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation.

Salicylic Acid: Promotes shedding of scales.

Topical Retinoids: Helps with plaque reduction.

UVB Light Therapy: Slows skin cell turnover.

PUVA Therapy: Combines UVA light with a photosensitizing drug (psoralen).

Methotrexate: Slows down skin cell production.

Cyclosporine: Suppresses immune system activity.

Retinoids (e.g., Acitretin): Normalize skin cell growth.

Biologic Drugs: Target specific parts of the immune system (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept, secukinumab).

Chronic skin condition causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps on the face.

Symptoms

Facial Redness: Persistent flushing, especially on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.

Visible Blood Vessels: Small, broken blood vessels on the surface of the skin (telangiectasia).

Bumps and Pimples: Acne-like pustules that may be tender.

Thickened Skin: In severe cases, especially around the nose (rhinophyma).

Eye Irritation (Ocular Rosacea): Watery, bloodshot, or gritty sensation in the eyes.

Burning or Stinging Sensation: Especially during flare-ups.

Risk Factors

Genetics: Family history of rosacea.

Age: Most common in adults between 30–50 years old.

Skin Type: Fair-skinned individuals with a tendency to blush easily are more prone.

Gender: Women are more frequently affected, but men often experience more severe symptoms.

Environmental Factors: Sun exposure, extreme temperatures, wind.

Dietary Factors: Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine.

Stress or Emotions: Emotional stress can cause flare-ups.

Medications: Certain vasodilators or corticosteroids.

Exercise: Vigorous activity may exacerbate symptoms.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Visual assessment of facial redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels.

Treatment Options

Brimonidine Gel or Oxymetazoline Cream: Reduces redness by constricting blood vessels.

Metronidazole Cream or Gel: Helps reduce inflammation and bumps.

Azelaic Acid: Decreases redness and swelling.

Ivermectin Cream: Targets inflammation and mites associated with rosacea.

Antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline): Low-dose oral antibiotics for moderate to severe cases.

Isotretinoin: In severe cases unresponsive to other treatments (used cautiously).

Laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: Reduces visible blood vessels and redness.

Electrosurgery or Dermabrasion: For thickened skin or rhinophyma.

Eyedrops or Oral Antibiotics: To address eye symptoms.

Lid Hygiene: Warm compresses and gentle cleaning of the eyelid margins.

Includes melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, often caused by UV exposure.

Symptoms

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Waxy, pearly bump or flat, flesh-colored lesion.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Scaly, red patches or open sores.

Melanoma:

Asymmetry: Irregular shape.

Border: Uneven or blurred edges.

Color: Multiple colors or unusual pigmentation (black, red, white, blue).

Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

Evolution: Changes in size, shape, or color.

Risk Factors

UV Exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.

Skin Type: Fair skin, light-colored eyes, and blonde or red hair.

Family History: Family members with a history of skin cancer.

Moles: Numerous moles or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).

Weakened Immune System: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or medications that suppress the immune system.

Age: Increased risk with age, though melanoma can occur in younger individuals.

Exposure to Toxins: Contact with certain chemicals, like arsenic.

Previous Skin Cancer: Higher risk of recurrence if you've had skin cancer before.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Dermatologist evaluates skin lesions for suspicious features.

Dermatoscopy: Use of a dermatoscope to examine skin lesions more closely.

Shave Biopsy: Removes the top layers of skin.

Punch Biopsy: Removes a small, deeper sample.

Excisional Biopsy: Removes the entire lesion.

Imaging Tests: For suspected metastasis in melanoma, CT, MRI, or PET scans may be ordered.

Treatment Options

Topical Medications: Imiquimod or fluorouracil for precancerous lesions or superficial cancers.

Cryotherapy: Freezing off small, non-invasive skin cancers with liquid nitrogen.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Uses light-sensitive drugs and a light source to destroy cancer cells.

Excisional Surgery: Removes the cancerous lesion with surrounding tissue.

Mohs Surgery: Sequential removal of thin layers of skin while preserving healthy tissue (common for facial cancers).

Radiation Therapy: Used for patients who cannot undergo surgery or for cancers in hard-to-treat areas.

Immunotherapy: Drugs like pembrolizumab or nivolumab boost the immune system to target cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy: Medications like BRAF inhibitors for cancers with specific genetic mutations.

Chemotherapy: Used less frequently but may be necessary for advanced cases.

An autoimmune disorder causing hair loss on the scalp or body.

Symptoms

Hair Loss: Sudden, patchy bald spots, typically on the scalp.

Changes in Nails: Brittleness, ridges, or white spots on nails.

Itching or Burning: Mild irritation in affected areas before hair loss begins.

Risk Factors

Genetics: Family history of alopecia areata or other autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as vitiligo, thyroid diseases, or type 1 diabetes increase risk.

Stress: Emotional or physical stress may trigger or exacerbate the condition.

Age and Gender: Can occur at any age but is more common in young adults.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Dermatologist examines the pattern of hair loss and checks for signs like nail abnormalities.

Pull Test: Gentle tugging on hair strands to assess hair fragility and hair loss severity.

Scalp Biopsy: Microscopic examination of a small skin sample from the affected area to confirm autoimmune activity.

Blood Tests: To rule out associated autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction or lupus.

Treatment Options

Corticosteroids: Applied directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation.

Minoxidil (Rogaine): Stimulates hair regrowth.

Corticosteroid Injections: Directly administered into the bald patches to suppress the immune response.

Immunosuppressants: Methotrexate or cyclosporine to suppress the immune attack on hair follicles.

JAK Inhibitors: Drugs like tofacitinib or baricitinib may promote hair regrowth.

Phototherapy (PUVA): Combines a photosensitizing drug with UVA light to stimulate hair growth.

A condition where patches of skin lose their pigment due to destruction of melanocytes.

Symptoms

Loss of skin color in patches (depigmented areas)

Patches may start small and grow over time

Commonly appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and arms

Premature graying or whitening of hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard

Loss of pigment inside the mouth or nose.

Risk Factors

Autoimmune Disorders: Increased risk if you have autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, or lupus.

Genetics: Family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune diseases.

Environmental Triggers: Sunburn, stress, or exposure to industrial chemicals may trigger or worsen the condition.

Age and Ethnicity: Can occur at any age but is more noticeable in individuals with darker skin tones.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Dermatologist examines the affected areas and assesses the spread of depigmentation.

Wood’s Lamp Test: Uses ultraviolet light to highlight areas of pigment loss.

Skin Biopsy: Small sample of affected skin may be taken to rule out other skin conditions.

Blood Tests: Checks for autoimmune conditions or thyroid abnormalities that may be associated with vitiligo.

Treatment Options

Corticosteroids: Reduces inflammation and may restore pigmentation.

Calcineurin Inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus): Helps suppress the immune response in affected areas.

Narrowband UVB Therapy: Promotes repigmentation and slows progression of vitiligo.

PUVA Therapy Combines a photosensitizing drug with UVA light to restore skin color.

Immunosuppressive Drugs: Used in cases of rapid progression to suppress the immune response.

Skin Grafting: Transplanting healthy skin to depigmented areas.

Blister Grafting: Uses blistered skin from unaffected areas to repopulate depigmented regions.

Depigmentation Therapy: For extensive vitiligo, depigmentation of unaffected areas may be an option to create a uniform appearance.