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.
PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY
ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy skin condition very commonly seen in children but affects people of all ages. Atopic dermatitis usually affects people having an ‘atopic tendency’. People having this tendency may develop any or all three closely linked conditions; Atopic dermatitis, Asthma and hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis). A family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever is particularly useful in diagnosis of Atopic dermatitis in infants.
Atopic dermatitis arises because of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. This includes defects in skin barrier function making the skin more susceptible to irritation by soap and other contact irritants, the weather, temperature and non-specific triggers. There is quite a variation in the appearance of Atopic dermatitis between individuals. Over time, most people have acute flares with inflamed, red, sometimes blistered and weepy patches. In between flares, the skin may appear normal or suffer from chronic eczema with dry, thickened and itchy areas.
At present, there is no permanent cure for Atopic eczema but the skin condition can be improved and controlled with appropriate skin care and the use of medications. Atopic eczema may also improve, as children get older, but may still occur sometimes during adulthood.
CONGENITAL BIRTHMARKS
There are varying types of birthmarks, but they typically fall into one of two categories, and can be classified as a pigmented or vascular birthmark. Pigmented birthmarks occur when there’s an overabundance of pigment cells in one area. Pigment cells are what give your skin its natural color.
One of the most common forms is the congenital nevi (mole). This is formed by a proliferation of benign melanocytes present at birth or developing shortly after birth, and is also known as a brown birthmark. It is caused by localised genetic abnormalities resulting in the proliferation of melanocytes, which are the cells in the skin responsible for normal skin colour.
The proliferation usually occurs between the 5th and 24th weeks of gestation. If proliferation appears early in development, giant and medium-sized congenital melanocytic naevi are formed. Smaller congenital melanocytic naevi are formed later during development after the melanoblasts (immature melanocytes) migrate from the neural crest to the skin.
In some cases, there is also overgrowth of hair-forming cells and epidermis, forming an organoid naevus.
EPIDERMAL NEVUS
An epidermal nevus is an abnormal, noncancerous (benign) patch of skin caused by an overgrowth of cells in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis). Epidermal nevi are typically seen at birth or develop during early childhood. Affected individuals show signs of one or more nevi that vary in size. Lesions are present at birth or develop during childhood (mostly in the first year of life). The abnormality arises from a defect in the ectoderm (the outer layer of the embryo that gives rise to epidermis and neural tissue).
Epidermal naevi are distributed along the lines of Blashko. These lines are the tracks taken by groups of genetically identical cells in the developing embryo. Skin cells that have the active abnormal gene spread out to form the epidermal naevus, whereas the remaining skin cells form the other areas of apparently normal skin.
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 have 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.
SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS
Most commonly seen in babies (Usually clears up by 2 months of age), Seborrhoeic dermatitis also affects adults with a more chronic/relapsing form of eczema/dermatitis that mainly occurs in the sebaceous, gland-rich regions of the scalp, face, and trunk. Dandruff is a non-inflammatory, milder version of Seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Causes of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis:
- Proliferation of various species of the skin commensal Malassezia, in its yeast (non-pathogenic form).
- In infants, the condition is related to developing oil glands.
- In adults, the condition occurs due to inflammatory reaction to overgrowth of Malassezia yeasts.
Infantile Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes cradle cap (diffuse, greasy scaling on scalp), and the rash may also affect armpit and groin folds. Typically there are salmon-pink patches that may flake or peel, and these are not particularly itchy, so babies often seem undisturbed by the rash, even when generalised.
