Allergic Reactions: Red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, swollen skin-any of these symptoms can signify an allergic skin condition. These skin problems are often caused by an immune system reaction. Allergic skin conditions can take several forms and are due to various causes. Consult your Dermatologist for treatment.

Boils & Cysts: Boils are caused by an infection of the hair follicles with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Most people with boils are otherwise healthy and have good personal hygiene. They do however carry Staphylococcus aureus on the surface of their skins (Staphylococcus carrier state). Why this occurs is usually not known, but it is estimated that 10 - 20% of the population are Staphylococcus carriers.
A cyst is a harmless, sac-like growth in the deeper layers of the skin. The cyst sac is filled with a soft, whitish material that sometimes oozes out onto the skin's surface.

Dry Skin: Dry Skin (Xerosis) results from the loss of lipids (oils) in the skin and can occur with over bathing, advancing age, low humidity, and a result of drying from antibacterial and deodorant soaps. Some people have a genetic tendency towards dry skin.

Eczema: Eczema affects about one in every five people at some time in their lives. It results from a variety of different causes and has various patterns. The terms "dermatitis" and "eczema" are often used interchangeably. Dermatitis can be "acute" or "chronic" or both. Acute eczema refers to a rapidly evolving red rash, which may be blistered and swollen. Chronic dermatitis refers to a longstanding irritable area. It is often darker than the surrounding skin, thickened and much scratched. It is typically triggeredby an irrating soap, hot water, a fragrance and even stress.

Fungal Infections: These superficial infections are extraodinarily common and are more commonly known as jock itch, ringworm, or athlete's foot. They are caused by dermatophytes which are fungal organisms that live off the dead top layer of the skin (stratum corneun, nails and hair). These are usually treated with topical creams unless they are extensive or involve the hair or nails then requiring oral antifungals for a few months.

Growths/Bumps: Various types of growths and bumps occur on the skin. They can be diagnosed & treated by visiting your Dermatologist.

Hair Loss: Hair loss is caused by a variety of reasons consistent with clinical disease, or physical or psychological stress. Consult your Dermatologist if you notice thinning of your hair.

Keloids: Occasionally scars enlarge spontaneously to form firm, smooth, hard growths called Keloids. They may be uncomfortable or itchy, and may be much larger than the original wound. As wounds heal, scar tissue forms, which at first is often red and somewhat prominent. Over several months, a scar usually becomes flat and pale. If there is a lot of tension on a healing wound, the healing area is thicker than usual. This is known as a hypertrophic scar.

Moles: Moles are common harmless skin lesions. Moles (correctly called melanocytic or pigmented nevi) may be flat or protruding. They vary in color from pink, flesh tones to dark brown or black. The number of moles a person has depends on genetic factors and on sun exposure. Moles begin to grow in infancy but new ones can appear at any age, sometimes in crops. Moles may darken following sun exposure or during pregnancy. During adulthood they often lose their pigmentation, and may disappear in old age. If there are any changes in a mole's appearance or it starts to grow, or bleed, you should consult a dermatologist.

Nail Disease: Fungal infection of the nails is known as "onychomycosis". It is increasingly common with increased age. It rarely affects children. A dermatologist should be consulted. Treatment can include topical antifungals, or most commonly oral antifungal medication.

Pediatric Dermatology: Children with conditions involving the skin, nail, and hair. Consult your dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, which typically consists of red plaques covered by silvery-white scales. These red scaly plaques are usually found on the elbows, knees, lower back,scalp. It does not cause scarring. When psoriasis involves the underarms, genital area and beneath the breasts it tends to be less scaly and have a glazed appearance. Psoriasis infrequently affects the face and it can involve the nails & bones. Approximately 2% of adults have psoriasis. Its exact cause is unknown but the result is skin, which grows about seven times more quickly and thickly than usual. It is thought to be due, at least in part, to an abnormal immune reaction against some component of the skin. Genetic factors play a part; only some families develop the condition, and about half those affected know of someone else in the family with it. The rash often seems to start after some sort of trigger factor. This may be emotional stress, skin injury (cuts and scratches for example), a streptococcal sore throat, hormones (it often first occurs at puberty), or rarely, certain medications. These factors should be avoided whenever possible by people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is not an allergy, nor is it infectious to others.

Rashes: Rashes are very common conditions and can have many causes. Most rashes are not dangerous. Life-threatening skin rashes are rare. Consult your dermatologist for any rash that is itchy, painful, burning or persistent.

Rosacea: Rosacea is characterized by episodic reddening or flushing of the face. This occurs when the person experiences increases in skin temperature in response to heat stimuli. Thus, the sun and heat can trigger the flushing response. Other triggers include hot liquids, spicy foods, and alcohol. Rosacea typically affects the cheeks, nose and forehead , rarely it involves the trunk and upper limbs.

Skin Cancer: Skin cancers mainly include Basal cell carcinomas (80%), Squamous cell carcinomas (16%) and melanomas (4%).

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It is rarely a threat to life. Basal cell carcinoma typically affects people of fair complexion with a history of prolonged sun exposure, or repeated episodes of sunburn. The tendency to develop Basal cell carcinoma may be inherited. They usually grow slowly over months or years.

Squamous cell carcinoma is another common type of skin cancer. It is not usually a threat to life as secondary spread is uncommon. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) typically affects people of fair complexion. Lesions develop in areas which have been exposed to the sun over a long period. Commonly they grow slowly over months or years. They may be tender. Some SCCs appear as sores, which fail to heal. A common site is the bottom lip - if a sore has not gone in 3 weeks, get it checked. SCCs are often crusty and may bleed easily. Pre-cancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses can precede SCC. These are red scaly patches or plaques found on the scalp, forehead, face, arms & legs.

Melanoma is a serious skin cancer, which is curable if detected early. Melanoma grows from pigment cells (melanocytes) in the outer layer of the skin and mucous membranes (epidermis). Although melanoma usually starts as a skin lesion, occasionally it occurs in other parts of the body such as the eye, mouth or vagina. Melanoma tends to spread out within the epidermis before moving into the deeper layer of the skin (the dermis). It can occur in adults of any age.

Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a condition in which pigment cells are destroyed; resulting in irregularly shaped white patches on the skin. Any part of the body may be affected. Common sites involved include areas around the eyes, mouth,hands, and genitals.

Warts: Warts are growths of the skin caused by infection with Human Papilloma Virus. More than 70 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) subtypes are known. Those on the sole of the foot are generally known as "verrucas", or plantar warts. Warts are very common in childhood and are spread by direct contact or autoinocculation. This means if a wart is scratched, the viral particles may be spread to another area of skin. It may take as long as twelve months for the wart to appear. In children, 50% of warts disappear on their own within 6 months, and 90% are gone in 2 years. They tend to be more persistent in adults, lasting about 5-7 years.