Skin Diseases

What is Morgellons disease? Morgellons disease (MD) is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of fibers underneath, embedded in, and erupting from unbroken skin or slow-healing sores. Some people with the condition also experience a sensation of crawling, biting, and stinging on and in their skin. These symptoms can …

Definition Dermatomyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness.  Dermatomyositis’ cardinal symptom is a skin rash that precedes, accompanies, or follows progressive muscle weakness.  The rash looks patchy, with purple or red discolorations, …

Definition Pemphigus Vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder that involves blistering and erosion of the skin and mucous membranes. It occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged or older people. The primary lesion of pemphigus vulgaris is a soft blister filled with clear fluid that appears on healthy or irritated skin. Many cases …

Description of stomatitis The term stomatitis means inflammation of the mouth. It usually refers to all the mucosal linings of the mouth including the cheeks, tongue, and gums. Stomatitis can be painful and result in sores. The two most common sores are canker sores and cold sores. Aphthous stomatitis is …

What are corns and calluses? Corns and calluses are annoying and potentially painful conditions that form thickened areas in the skin in areas of excessive pressure. The medical term for the thickened skin that forms corns and calluses is hyperkeratosis (plural=hyperkeratoses). A callus refers to a more diffuse, flattened area …

Sweet syndrome – Overview Sweet syndrome is a rare condition that involves a painful rash, typically along with a fever. The rash erupts mostly on the skin of the arms, neck, head, and trunk. The cause of Sweet’s syndrome isn’t fully known, but there are several typical scenarios in which …

Definition Hyperhidrosis, which is sweating in excess of that required for normal thermoregulation, is a condition that usually begins in either childhood or adolescence. Although any site on the body can be affected by hyperhidrosis, the sites most commonly affected are the palms, soles, and axillae. See the image below. …

Definition Erythema multiforme (EM) is typically an acute, self-limited but often relapsing, mucocutaneous inflammatory condition. This condition is considered to be an allergic reaction to medicine or an infection. Symptoms are symmetrical, red, raised skin areas that can appear all over the body. They do seem to be more noticeable …