Medical Dermatology

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. It manifests as comedones, papules and cysts. Treatments may include prescription topical products and antibiotics.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common skin lesions caused by years of sun exposure. They are considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer. These lesions can easily be treated.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. BCC rarely spreads to other areas of the body but can invade and destroy surrounding tissue, causing permanent disfigurement.

Contact dermatitis is a generic term applied to inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy-causing substance.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is principally characterized by dry skin and itchiness. The consequent scratching leads to increased inflammation of the area and further dryness and to further itchiness and scratching: the itch-scratch cycle.

The most common cause of hair loss is a medical condition called hereditary hair loss. About 80 million men and women in the United States have this type of hair loss. Most causes can be stopped or treated, most frequently by a dermatologist.

Malignant Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. This cancer can metastasize (spread) rapidly. With early detection and proper treatment, melanoma has a high cure rate.

Moles are common. Almost every adult has a few moles. It is normal for new moles to appear during childhood and adolescence.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disease caused by a virus. It is contagious and can spread from person to person or by touching infected clothing, toys or other items.

Nail diseases are distinct from diseases of the skin with their own signs and symptoms that may relate to other medical conditions. Nail conditions that show signs of infection or inflammation require medical assistance of a dermatologist.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting, non-contagious skin disease. Psoriasis is often characterized by red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales. Visit psoriasis.org for more information.

Rosacea is a common skin disorder involving the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling or skin eruptions similar to acne.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that can be easily treated. Causing a red, scaly, itchy rash, this condition most commonly develops on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and middle of the chest. Other areas, such as the navel, buttocks, underarms, breasts and groin, may be involved.

A seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin growth. They are hereditary and usually do not occur until after age 30 and may continue to occur during the lifetime.

The most common cancer, skin cancers account for more than two million diagnoses each year in the United States alone. Most Americans are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma.

Skin infections may be caused by bacterial, viral and fungal infections and are generally easily treated.

Skin tags are very common, soft, skin-colored or tan or brown growths. They are usually asymptomatic but can become tender following trauma. Removal with surgical scissors or freezing with liquid nitrogen.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. With early detection and proper treatment, SCC is curable. Left untreated, aggressive SCCs have a greater risk for spreading to lymph nodes and other internal organs.

Tinea versicolor is one of the most common skin diseases in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast that normally grows on skin and is not contagious.

Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentation disorder characterized by totally white patches, which enlarge and can affect the entire skin. Visit nvfi.org for more information.

Warts are benign (not cancerous) growths caused by a virus that has infected the top layer of skin. Warts are contagious and can be spread by contact with the wart or with something that the wart has touched.