Archive for June 2023

Dry skin (also known as xerosis or asteatosis) is a common problem that often worsens or progresses with age. Your skin needs moisture to function correctly, and your naturally secreted oils protect against rash, irritation, and overall itchiness. Most people are unaware that daily routines, such as bathing and towel drying, can actually remove moisture from your skin,…

A common and benign condition, tinea is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails. Of note, the infection is contagious and may be spread either from person-to-person or to multiple sites on a single individual. However, the fungus can also be found in various places such as soil, damp floors/showers, sheets, brushes, hats,…

A common but harmless rash, tinea versicolor is caused by a yeast that is a part of your normal skin flora. Usually this organism grows sparsely and does not lead to problems; however, in some individuals, it grows in excess and causes a rash with discoloration.  Symptoms typically appear as small, scaling patches on the…

Also known as “traumatic or Bateman’s pupura,” solar purpura is a common skin condition among the elderly and older adults. Patients classically present with multiple areas of discoloration, primarily over the forearms and dorsal hands. The skin is so fragile and easily damaged that individuals often fail to even remember the incident that caused the damage. Further,…

The second most common type of skin cancer overall, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) affects millions of Americans, causing an estimated 15,000 deaths each year. Although it most commonly affects fair skin types, SCC can develop in people of all colors, backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities. Sun and UV exposure are by far the most important risk factors, as…

A form of localized itching, scalp dysesthesia is an abnormality of the small cutaneous nerves over the head or upper neck. Patients may experience additional sensory symptoms such as tingling, burning, tenderness or pain, but itching is usually the most prominent and often only complaint. There are little-to-no skin changes (other than scratch marks), as symptoms are due to…

An over-the-counter topical medication, benzoyl peroxide is most commonly used for the treatment of acne and similar skin conditions. It can be found in numerous products and formulas, including various soaps, lotions, gels, and liquids. Benzoyl peroxide can be thought of as a “friendlier cousin of bleach.” As such, it is extremely effective at both…

Scabies is an infectious skin condition that is caused by a tiny mite that is barely visible by the naked eye. The mite burrows itself into the skin and spends nearly its entire life in or on the human skin. Although more common in warm climates, scabies can occur anywhere and within all social and economic…

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a common skin condition that occurs as the result of ingrown hairs. Better known as razor bumps, these spots develop when strands of hair curl back on themselves and grow into the skin. They often look or feel like pimples and can affect anyone with curly hair or poor shaving habits. The key…

A form of localized itching, notalgia paresthetica is an abnormality of the small cutaneous nerves over the middle-to-upper back. Patients may experience additional sensory symptoms such as tingling, burning, tenderness or pain, but itching is usually the most prominent and often only complaint. There are little-to-no skin changes (other than scratch marks), as the symptoms are due to nerves…

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus that appears as small, harmless skin growths or bumps. They resemble pimples at first but later enlarge to have a waxy, pinkish look and a small central pit. Molluscum contagiosum is contagious and is easily spread from person to person by direct skin contact. It is a benign…