SkinProblems
Question: What is Psoriasis?
Answer: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease marked by periodic flare-ups of
sharply defined red patches covered by a silvery, flaky surface. The primary
activity leading to psoriasis occurs in the epidermis, the top five layers of
the skin.
Question: What is Scleroderma?
Answer: The name scleroderma is appropriately derived from the Greek word skleros,
which means hard, and derma, which means skin. The disease is
categorized as a rheumatologic disorder because it affects the connective
tissues in the body. Scleroderma is a rare disease marked by the following:
- Damage to the cells lining the walls of small arteries.
- An abnormal build-up of tough scar-like fibrous tissue in the skin.
Patients with scleroderma may develop either
a localized or a systemic (widespread) form of the disease.
Question: What are "skin tags" and why
do they form? How does one get rid of them?
Answer: "Skin tag" is a term used to
describe a noncancerous, flesh-colored, raised skin tumor that can occur on
different parts of the body. Most commonly, they are found on the eyelids and
neck and in the armpit. Skin tags are not harmful but they can be unsightly and
if they get twisted or caught on clothing, they can cause pain and redness. If
a skin tag does cause discomfort, a trained medical practitioner can remove it
using a scalpel or scissors. Skin tags can also be removed by freezing using
liquid nitrogen.
If you or someone you know has
what you believe is a skin tag, visit your doctor for evaluation. Skin tags can
be confused with other skin lesions that have more serious consequences, such
as skin cancers.
Cases of skin cancer are
increasing at an alarming rate around the world. Basal cell carcinoma is the
most common form of skin cancer. These types of cancers typically look like a
pearly nodule surrounded by small blood vessels, but their appearance can vary
widely. Most basal cell skin cancers occur on areas of the body that are
exposed to the sun.
Skin tags may also occasionally
look like squamous cell carcinoma (another kind of skin cancer) or actinic
keratosis (a precancerous lesion). The bottom line is that if you have a skin
lesion, it should be checked out by a trained medical practitioner.
Question: What is the best treatment for keloids?
Answer: Keloids, which are raised scars that
form when a skin injury heals, sometimes shrink on their own. Many, however,
become large, irritating, or unsightly. They tend to have a nodular or ridged
surface, and they may itch or hurt as they grow. The color can match the
surrounding skin or become pinkish or reddish. Keloids tend to occur frequently
in young women and people of African descent.
If a keloid doesn't shrink on
its own, covering it with clothing or sun block may help prevent discoloration
caused by sunlight. If you want to get rid of a keloid, there are five
treatment options: freezing (cryotherapy); external pressure; corticosteroid
injections; radiation; and surgery. All of these methods are equally good for
treating keloids. A combination of these methods also may be used. The best
treatment choice depends on the size and location of the keloid, and any other
medical conditions you may have. There is always a chance, however, that the
keloid will grow back after treatment.
There is no surefire way to
prevent keloids. Still, avoiding activities that cause skin injuries, like ear
or body piercing and shaving body hair, may reduce the chance of keloid
formation.
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