Acrochordons, or skin tags, are small benign tumors that form in skin creases such as neck, armpits, and groin.  They range in size from as small as 2mm to 5mm, but larger ones have been observed. Acrochordons are completely benign, but can cause discomfort as they may irritate by clothing or jewelry.  A board certified dermatologist can treat skin tags that are unsightly or cause discomfort by excision or electrical cauterization.

Skin Tags	Skin Tags

Eczema is a term used to describe a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic, relapsing and usually itchy rashes.  Dry skin is due to a lack of water or oil, but most dermatologic treatments are aimed at replacing water in the skin. In some cases of very dry skin it can cause inflammation of the skin and require a board certified dermatologist. About 15 million people in the United States suffer from some form of eczema, including 10 to 20 percent of all infants. There is no known cause for the condition, but it appears to involve an overactive immune system in the presence of certain materials and often occurs in people susceptible to allergies. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, red, itchy or thickened patches on the skin which, when scratched, tend to break out in rashes. Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks may include rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive heat or sweating, soaps, detergents, disinfectants, fruit and meat juices, dust mites, animal saliva and dander, upper respiratory infections and stress. Avoidance of those triggers is the simplest way to minimize flare-ups.  A board certified dermatologist can provide advice to avoid irritating factors and prescribe medications such as steroids, immune modifying creams, and antihistamines to alleviate symptoms.

Lentigo, otherwise known as liver or age spot, are flat brown patches on the skin that have darkened in color (“pigmented”) after exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. They are commonly seen in people over the age of 40 on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the hands, shoulders, forearms, and face. Age spots may look unattractive, but age spots are painless and harmless, although their dark color can delay the diagnosis of some skin cancers.

Age spot treated with Palomar LuxG™

Moles, otherwise known as nevi (singular “nevus”), and other birthmarks are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in size and color from tan and brown to red or pink. Though most moles and birthmarks are harmless, certain risk factors and types of moles have an increased potential of developing into skin cancers these include multiple sunburns, family history of skin cancer, fair skinned, congenital moles, individuals with 100 or more moles, and dysplastic (or atypical) moles. Dysplastic moles occur in about one in every ten individuals and because of this high occurrence rate; a board certified dermatologist should check moles regularly. Dysplastic moles have a higher potential to transform into melanoma than ordinary moles. Recognizing dysplastic moles is important in identifying early warning signs of melanoma, one of the most serious types of skin cancer, because of it’s ability to spread to other parts of the body. Determination of dysplastic moles can be easily remembered by the following mnemonic: the ABCDEs of dysplastic moles.

• Asymmetry: when one half of the mole does not mirror the other half
• Border: the edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular
• Color: the color of the mole is not the same throughout
• Diameter: diameter is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• Evolving: changing or bleeding lesions

Moles exhibiting any of the above mentioned warning signs or skin in an area that is difficult to observe, such as the scalp should be examined by a board certified dermatologist immediately.
Depending on their depth, location and color, as well as the patient’s skin type, age and additional factors, treatment for dysplastic or benign moles includes biopsy or excision.

Psoriasis appears as raised patches of red skin and crusty areas, which are covered with silvery-white scales. The severity of the disease can vary amongst individuals and lesions are commonly seen on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. Psoriasis is not contagious and is caused by an abnormality in an individual’s immune cells thereby causing an inflammation response in the skin. Activation of Psoriasis can be caused by trauma (a cut, scratch or sunburn), certain infections or by particular medicine. Flare-ups can occur secondary to dry skin or lack of sunlight. A variety of forms exist for Psoriasis, they differ in severity, duration, location, shape and pattern of scales. Often times lesions are symmetrical and can even effect the nails causing tiny pits to form. Due to the vast array of forms, a board certified dermatologist will often obtain a skin biopsy for confirmation. A board certified dermatologist can offer advice and a variety of treatments to control the disease. Treatments include: topical medications, light therapy, UVB, PUVA and oral retinoids and immunomodulators.

*patient with psoriasis

Rosacea is a chronic and progressive skin disease seen more commonly in adults that causes redness and dilated blood vessels primarily in the central portion of the face. Other areas affected are the neck and chest. Symptoms range from flushing, persistent redness, pimples without blackheads, and small visible blood vessels to eye irritation, burning/stinging, and dry in appearance. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea is typically seen in fair-skinned individuals after the age of 30. There is no cure or known cause for rosacea, but symptoms can be controlled with topical creams, oral antibiotics and V beam laser treatments.

Poikiloderma of Civatte	Rosacea/Facial Telangiectasia

*Photos Courtesy of Dr Stephen W. Eubanks

Acne - Acrochordons - Eczema - Lentigo - Moles - Psoriasis - Rosacea - Seborrhea - Seborrheic keratoses - Sun Damage - Skin Cancers - Warts