Discover in-depth details regarding common dermatological conditions that can be effectively treated with the help of our innovative range of treatment options. From acne, rosacea, eczema, to inflammatory skin conditions, psoriasis, seborrhoea, warts and other disorders, the following list covers a range of topics that provide you a deeper understanding of the condition you may have. If you are at all concerned with one or more of the dermatological conditions listed below, schedule a consultation with us and together we can formulate a bespoke and tailored treatment plan for you.
CUTANEOUS INFECTIONS
Cutaneous fungal infections are non-invasive infections of the skin, hair and nails causing pathologic changes in the host. The fungi can be yeast-like, causing infections such as Candidiasis, or mould-like, causing Tinea infections. It is common and generally mild. However, in extreme cases or otherwise immune suppressed patients, fungi can cause severe disease.
ATHLETE’S FOOT
Also known as Tinea Pedis, it is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin. Typically affecting the skin over the toe webs and foot soles, the infection tends to become scaly and peels, causing itchy skin with occasional appearance of small blisters. It may also concurrently affect the toenails.
HERPES ZOSTER
Herpes zoster (commonly known as shingles), is a localised, blistering and painful rash caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is characterised by Dermatomal distribution – blisters confined to the cutaneous distribution of one or two adjacent sensory nerves.
Typically unilateral, with a sharp cut-off at the anterior and posterior midlines, patients previously affected by varicella (chicken pox) may subsequently develop zoster.
Commonly affecting adults, particularly older people, Zoster can sometimes also occur in children. It usually affects people with a weak immune system, especially cancer patients. It also occurs in individuals under high-stress or patients undergoing treatments suppressing the immune system.
Common symptoms:
- Pain or tingling sensation
- Extreme sensitivity in the affected area of the skin
- Blister formation on a red base lasting for up to 2-3 weeks
Ingestion of antiviral drugs helps reduce risk of post-herpetic neuralgia. Shingles is less contagious than chicken pox, however patients with blisters can spread it via contact with a susceptible person.
MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
A common viral skin infection affecting children, Molluscum Contagiosum causes localised clusters of pearly spherical papules called mollusca. Typically presents as single or multiple painless, spherical, pearly white papules that classically has a central dimple. Crops of Molluscum may appear intermittently for several months and sizes may vary from tiny 1mm papules to larger nodules over 1cm in diameter.
Usually painless, it tends to disappear on its own and rarely leaves any visible scars when left untreated. The length of time varies for each person, but the bumps can remain on the skin from two months to four years.
Typically spread by direct contact with an infected patient, auto-inoculation into another site by scratching or shaving, or by touching an object contaminated with the virus, such as a towel or piece of clothing.
Diagnosis is clinical and treatment options include expectant management, ablative treatment with prick and expression, liquid nitrogen or topical treatment.
RINGWORM
A common term for superficial fungal infection of the skin, Ringworm appears as a scaly, red, round patch with a tendency to form rings. It is known as Tinea Corporis when it affects the body and Tinea Cruris when it affects the groin. Ringworm also affects the scalp (mainly in children) and is called Tinea Capitis.
VIRAL WART
A very common growth of the skin caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). A wart is also called a verruca. It can grow on any part of the body, including the face, the forearms or the finger and toes. Warts usually create a rough surface on which tiny, dark dots appear. Pressure areas such as the palms or the soles appear flat. Warts on the sole (called plantar warts) grow inward from the pressure of standing and walking and are often extremely painful.
Warts are particularly common in:
- Growing children, but it tends to occur at all ages.
- Individuals suffering from eczema, due to a defective skin barrier.
- Individuals with a suppressed immune system due to medications such as Azathioprine or Ciclosporin, or with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In these patients, warts may never disappear — despite treatment.
WHITE SPOTS
A common superficial fungal infection of the skin known as Tinea Versicolor, it usually appears as an itchy scaly rash that can variably be white, pink or brown. It has a predilection for the back, neck, chest and upper limbs. Excessive sweating usually aggravates it.
