Itching is an unpleasant sensation of the skin that leads to a desire to rub or scratch the skin area so as to get relief. Itch is a major somatic sensation, along with pain, temperature, and touch. Pruritus is the medical term for the itch. Pruritus can be localized to a particular area of the […]
Skin
10 Dos and Don’ts About Acne Care
Acne (pimples) is a common, self-limiting skin condition that affects boys and girls in their teenage and early youth. In some cases, acne persists even up to 35-40 years of age. Acne care is demanding but doable though it requires persistence and prudence in a lot of cases. Most of the acne care is self-managed […]
Shingles or Herpes Zoster – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Shingles or Herpes zoster is a viral disease that occurs with reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (a virus that causes varicella or chickenpox). It is characterized by a painful skin rash which usually shows a dermatomal distribution. Pathophysiology of Herpes Zoster Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a double-stranded DNA virus. It is a herpes virus related […]
Herpes Simplex Infection: Causes, Presentation and Diagnosis
Herpes simplex is an infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). This virus can affect various organs including the external genitalia, anal region, mucosal surfaces, and skin in other parts of the body. It is a contagious disease causing sores, painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection. The term herpes is derived from […]
Tinea Versicolor [Pityriasis Versicolor] – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of the skin which causes hypopigmented [light colored] or hyperpigmented macules [dark colored] spots on chest and back. The infection is caused by Malassezia genus of fungus that is found on everyone’s skin. Versi means several and the term implies discoloration of the skin, with colors ranging from […]
Spider Nevi or Spider Angioma
Spider nevi [singular nevus] are common benign vascular lesion present in healthy people as well as associated with some disorders. Spider nevi are seen in 10-15% of healthy adults and young children that may appear as solitary or multiple lesions. The name spider nevus is because of its physical appearance resembling a spider. It consists […]
Cutaneous Larva Migrans
Cutaneous larva migrans is a skin eruption caused by the larvae of animal hookworms [Not the human hookworms which affect the alimentary system but rarely can cause this condition too]. The term literally means “wandering larvae in the skin”. It is the most common tropically acquired dermatosis. Ancylostoma braziliense is the most frequently found species. Larval migration […]
Dermatomyositis Presentation and Treatment
Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that most frequently affects the skin and muscles, but may also affect the joints, the esophagus, the lungs and, less commonly, the heart. An association between dermatomyositis and cancer has long been recognized in adult patients. Dermatomyositis may spontaneously remit in as many as 20% of affected patients. About […]
Skin Anatomy and Physiology
The skin is an important organ covers the entire external surface of the human body and it serves as a protective barrier that prevents internal tissues. Skin is a dynamic organ that undergoes continuous changes throughout life as outer layers are shed and replaced by inner layers. Skin also varies in thickness among anatomic location, […]
Vitiligo – Clinical Presentation and Treatment
Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder of the skin characterized by depigmented macules and patches. Vitiligo is a progressive disorder in which some or all of the melanocytes in the affected skin are selectively destroyed. This is caused by stoppage of melanin formation by the melanocytes that result in depigmented macule without any other change in […]