Posts by M G

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…

Keratosis pilaris is a common dry skin condition that looks like goose bumps. The bumps can appear skin-colored or red, and are most commonly found on the arms or legs. Less commonly, keratosis pilaris can appear on the face, chest, or buttocks.  This skin condition is caused by a build-up of keratin, a protein that makes…

Intertrigo is a rash that usually affects the folds of the skin, where the skin rubs together or where it is often moist. This rubbing can cause a breakdown in the top layers of the skin, causing inflammation and a rash. You can help prevent intertrigo by: Intertrigo treatment can vary. What has been recommended for your…

Characterized by brown discolored patches, melasma is a common cause of facial dyspigmentation. These patches are usually asymptomatic, involving the cheeks, forehead, nose, and/or perioral areas. Melasma tends to favor individuals with darker skin types and occurs almost exclusively in the adult female population. Causes While the exact cause remains unclear, melasma appears to be driven by…

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are benign, common skin growths that typically appear in adults older the age of 30 years. They are inherited genetically and typically increase in number on the skin with time. Seborrheic keratoses can appear dark and concerning but are harmless and will not progress into any type of skin cancer. These lesions begin…

“Eczema” or atopic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that results in itchy, red, swollen and cracked skin. Scratching causes these symptoms to worsen which increases the potential for skin infections. Eczema is not contagious.  Causes The exact cause is unknown but eczema is believed to involve genetics, immune system dysfunction, environmental exposures, and difficulties with permeability of…

A dermatofibroma is a benign, round growth commonly found on the legs and arms. What causes them is not always known but dermatofibromas are thought to be the result of trauma to the skin (i.e. scratch, bug bite) as they are made of scar tissue. Dermatofibromas feel like hard lumps in the skin but are harmless and…

The most common type of cancer in the world, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is diagnosed ~3 million times in the United States each year. And although it most commonly affects fair skin types, BCC can develop in people of all colors, backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities. Sun and UV exposure are by far the most important risk factors,…

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are dry, scaly patches on the skin that are a result of sun exposure and are considered precancerous. They form on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the scalp, face, forearms, and back of the hands. AKs feel like sandpaper to the touch and can occasionally itch or become tender. Actinic keratoses range in…