Skin Diseases: 1. Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

SKIN DISEASES
1. Acne (Acne vulgaris)

Acne, the most common skin disorder in the U.S., can
be a source of anxiety for every teen. Plus, the
incidence of acne is growing in adults, too.
Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles and oil

(sebaceous) glands of the skin, often triggered by
hormonal changes. The term acne refers to not only
pimples on the face, but blackheads, cysts, and
nodules as well. Some people get acne on other parts
of their body too, such as the back and chest.
Acne treatment by a dermatologist is important

because acne left unchecked can often lead to
permanent scars and dark facial spots. For more
moderate or severe acne, these options may be used:
 Adapalene topical (Differin) cream is now available over-the-counter without a

prescription.
 In severe acne cases, oral isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, other brands and generics)
may be used, but comes with serious pregnancy warnings. This drug should not be
used by female patients who are or may become pregnant. There is an extremely high
risk that severe birth defects will result if pregnancy occurs while taking this drug.
 Tretinoin topical (Retin-A, Avita, Altreno, other brands and generics) is also available in
creams, gels and lotions. Discuss the use of this drug with your doctor: tretinoin should
not be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk
to the fetus.
 In October 2018, sarecycline (Seysara) tablets were FDA-approved for the treatment of
non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris.
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type

of skin cancer in the U.S. BCC grows in the upper basal
cells of your skin but rarely spreads and is curable. You
may be prone to BCCs if you spend lots of time in the
sun or use a tanning bed frequently.
Growths commonly occur on the head, ears, nose, and

neck. They can look shiny, red and scaly, or like an
open sore.
Treatment for BCC may involve:
 surgery
 skin medicines for smaller areas
 radiation for larger ones.
Medications include creams like:
 imiquimod (Aldara)
 fluorouracil (Carac)
Sonidegib (Odomzo) and vismodegib (Erivedge) are oral formualtions that may be used for

locally advanced BCC that has recurred following surgery or radiation therapy, or for patients
who cannot have surgery or radiation therapy.
To prevent BCC, avoid long periods of sun exposure, use sunscreen, protective clothing, and visit
your dermatologist annually for a full body skin checks. Learn to perform skin self-checks, too.
Those with a strong personal or family history of skins cancer may need to visit more frequently.
If you notice something unusual, don't wait to see your doctor.
3. Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
It's an unfortunate fact, but your feet are prone to fungal

infections. Athlete’s foot can lead to extreme itching,
redness, and cracked skin on the feet and in between the
toes. A type of fungi called dermatophytes are
commonly found in warm, moist areas like pool decks,
shower stalls, and locker rooms.
Luckily, over-the-counter, topical antifungal treatments

are readily available, such as:
 Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole)
 Lamisil AT (terbinafine)
 Micatin (miconazole)
It can take weeks for the infection to clear; check with your doctor if symptoms do not improve
as you may need a prescription strength product.
You can help prevent athlete’s foot by keeping your feet clean and dry, changing wet socks and
shoes, and wearing sandals in public pool or shower areas.
If fungus creeps under your toe nails, which can appear as a white, yellow or brown color with
crumbly texture to your nail, be sure to see a podiatrist as more intensive treatment may be
needed.
4. Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic swelling of the face, with redness,

prominent blood vessels, and pimples.
Rosacea is most common in women over 30, but men

can be affected too. Problems with the immune
system, vein problems and/or environmental issues
can cause the condition.
Depending upon the symptoms, there are several

effective treatments.
 Antibiotics, such as metronidazole cream or

oral doxycycline can be used.
 Azelaic acid gel (Finacea), a naturally-occurring
saturated dicarboxylic acid, can be used for the inflammed pimples.
 For more severe cases, your doctor might suggest the acne drug isotretinoin.
 Beta blockers (to reduce flushing), the smallest dose of estrogen possible, or laser or
surgical treatments may also reduce redness.
 In January 2017, the FDA approved Rhofade (oxymetazoline) cream, a topical
vasoconstrictor agent applied to the face once a day to shrink vessels and lessen the
facial redness of rosacea in adults. Other prescription items
include Soolantra (ivermectin) and Mirvaso (brimonidine).
5. Contact Dermatitis
Most of us have had contact dermatitis - when we

touch something that evolves into a skin reaction.
 Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema, and

may come from plants (poison ivy, sumac, oak),
jewelry, latex gloves, and irritants like bleach or
soaps.
 To prevent contact dermatitis, avoid the
object when possible.
 To control symptoms, antihistamines, oral
or topical steroids, and colloidal oatmeal
baths are often helpful.
If your doctor suspects you have contact dermatitis,

and the cause is unknown, they may suggest patch
testing. In patch testing, allergic substances are
applied to your skin. In a few days, your doctor will
check for a reaction.

Skin Diseases: 1. Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Skin Diseases: 1. Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Skin Diseases: 1. Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SKIN DISEASES

1. Acne (Acne vulgaris)

Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles and oil

Acne treatment by a dermatologist is important

 Adapalene topical (Differin) cream is now available over-the-counter without a

2. Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type

Growths commonly occur on the head, ears, nose, and

Sonidegib (Odomzo) and vismodegib (Erivedge) are oral formualtions that may be used for

3. Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

It's an unfortunate fact, but your feet are prone to fungal

Luckily, over-the-counter, topical antifungal treatments

Rosacea is a chronic swelling of the face, with redness,

Rosacea is most common in women over 30, but men

Depending upon the symptoms, there are several

 Antibiotics, such as metronidazole cream or

Most of us have had contact dermatitis - when we

 Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema, and

If your doctor suspects you have contact dermatitis,

You might also like