Skin Diseases

What is Pressure Ulcers? Pressure Ulcers – also called bedsores ulcers and decubitus ulcers – are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone. …

What is Dermatitis Herpetiformis? Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a bumpy, itchy skin rash that’s common in people with celiac disease. That’s an autoimmune disorder that keeps your body from digesting gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. DH, also known as Duhring’s disease, causes blisters that look like …

Definition Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis a group of conditions in which neutrophils (a type of white blood cells that protect us from infections) quickly react and infiltrate affected tissue often after some sort of abrasion or injury. PG usually begins as a small bump or …

Definition Melasma is a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. Doctors call this hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks and above the upper lip. The dark patches often appear on both sides of the face in a nearly …

Definition Erysipelas is an infection of the upper layers of the skin (superficial). The most common cause is group A streptococcal bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes. Erysipelas results in a fiery red rash with raised edges that can easily be distinguished from the skin around it. The affected skin may be …

Definition Darier disease (DAR/ Darier disease/ Dyskeratosis Follicularis / Darier–White disease/ Keratosis follicularis) is a rare, often chronic, genetic disorder characterized primarily by non-contagious skin changes. Darier disease or Keratosis Follicularis is an autosomal disorder, meaning that a single gene inherited from one parent causes this disease. Like Hailey-Hailey disease, …

What is sebaceous hyperplasia? Sebaceous hyperplasia is the term used for enlarged sebaceous glands seen on the forehead or cheeks of the middle-aged and older people. Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small yellow bumps up to 3 mm in diameter. Close inspection reveals a central hair follicle surrounded by yellowish lobules. …

What is lichen sclerosus? Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes the skin to become thin, white, and wrinkly. It may occur in men, women, and children at any age. But it is most common in women older than age 50. Skin has several layers. The …