A dermatologist is a medical professional who has taken additional training in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of more than 3,000 diseases related to the skin, hair and nails. Some dermatologists perform cosmetic dermatology procedures including Botox, Rosacea and Acne and laser skin resurfacing and dermal fillers. In treating patients a dermatologist can educate them on psoriasis, eczema, nail infections, Aesthetic Medicine warts, fungal infections, acne, wrinkles, rosacea, sun damage, dermatitis, skin biopsies and skin cancers.
There are a wide range of skin conditions that may be temporary or permanent, mild or severe. If you have a skin condition, your primary care provider will likely refer you to a dermatologist.
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Common Skin Conditions
• Actinic keratosis: Thick and scaly or crusty patches of skin occur on areas of the body that get more sun exposure
• Acne: These pimples, blackheads, whiteheads or cysts/nodules are generally found on the face, shoulders, chest, neck and upper back
•Atopic dermatitis:Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that commonly starts before the age of five. It is associated with scaly rashes that can be almost anywhere on the skin, and it is associated with significant itch.
• Basal cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer, it leads to raised pink or red areas with visible blood vessel that may easily bleed or ooze
• Blisters: Clear and fluid-filled sacs may appear alone or in groups anywhere on the body. They are a common running injury.
• Cold sores: If you’re infected with the HSV-1 virus, you may get red and painful blisters that appear on the lips or chin
• Dermatitis: Caused by an allergen, this red, itchy and scaly rash may appear anywhere, often turning into blisters
• Eczema: A chronic skin condition that causes redness, itchiness, and scaly white or yellow patches
• Hives: After exposure to an allergen, the skin breaks out in itchy, red and raised welts that can be painful
• Melanoma: The most serious form of skin cancer, an asymmetrical mole with irregularly shaped edges and multiple colours can appear anywhere on the body
• Melasma: A skin condition that’s common in pregnancy, melasma causes dark patches to appear on the face
• Psoriasis: This chronic skin condition causes scaly and silvery skin patches on the knees, scalp, elbows and lower back
• Rosacea: Triggered by certain foods, alcohol, stress, sunlight or an intestinal bacteria, rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes raised red bumps, facial flushing, skin sensitivity and dryness
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This skin cancer often occurs in areas exposed to the sun, causing red and scaly patches of skin that grow into red bumps
• Vitiligo: Autoimmune destruction of the cells that give skin its colour causes loss of pigment in the skin
• Warts: A contagious virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts, which may appear in groups or alone
If you have symptoms of a skin condition,see your physicianfor treatment or a referral to a dermatologist. Treatment varies depending on the type of skin disorder you have.
About The American Board of Dermatology;The American Board of Dermatology is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest, most influential, and representative dermatology group in the United States. Find resources on membership, AAD meetings, education, practice management, publications, clinical care, and more.
Cosmetic Surgery Foundation (CSF) serves as the research and education arm of AACS and is committed to the advancement of the science of cosmetic surgery and the enhancement of patient safety and trust.
Talk toyour family physician if you'd like more information on skin conditions.
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Here are some common conditions a local dermatologist can treat:
Acne causes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads or cysts/nodules to appear on the face, shoulders, chest, neck and upper back.
Dermatitis is caused by an allergen, leading to a red, itchy and scaly rash that may appear anywhere, often turning into blisters.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It causes an asymmetrical mole with irregularly shaped edges and multiple colours to appear on the body.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes scaly and silvery skin patches on the knees, scalp, elbows and lower back.
Psoriatic arthritis isa type of inflammatory arthritis that affects both the joints and the skin.
Warts are caused by a contagious virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), and may appear in groups or alone.
Adherence:
Adhering to your medications, prescribed exercises or lifestyle changes (such as losing weight, smoking cessation, reduced alcohol consumption, etc.) is essential to improving health outcomes successfully. There are also some skin conditions that are caused or worsened by obesity, so if you're overweight talk to your family doctor. Compliance to any prescribed treatment is the number one thing you can do to ensure positive changes and optimal treatment outcomes.
Nature of Condition: Granuloma annulare is a skin condition characterized by chronic inflammation deep within the skin, leading to the formation of growths known as granulomas. These growths tend to appear in a semicircular or circular shape, forming rings on the skin.
Appearance: The growths are typically pink or red in color, though they can sometimes be purple or shades of brown. They are mostly ring-shaped or semicircular and often do not cause burning or itching. However, if they form over joints like the elbow or fingers, they might limit joint movement.
Distribution: Granuloma annulare can develop on various body surfaces. Fortunately, it rarely affects the face or neck. Common areas where it's seen include the arms, hands, and fingers.
Useful Resources
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Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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