Methotrexate Methotrexate (MTX) is one of most potent drugs used to control severe psoriasis and other skin diseases. It has been used for skin disease since the early 1960s. It was used initially to treat cancers. By chance, it was discovered to be effective in clearing psoriasis. For skin diseases it is used in much smaller… Read More
Intertrigo Itching around the anus can be very uncomfortable, often interfering with daily activities, and making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. The basic aim of treatment is to keep the anal area clean, dry, and to avoid injury to the skin from excessive wiping or abrasion. Items in the diet that produce gas,… Read More
Itching, Anal Area No matter what the cause, certain rules apply. Wear cotton (dermal) gloves during the night to prevent from scratching. Antihistamine pills may be given for itch that disturbs sleep (both prescription and over the counter). When showering or bathing avoid the use of perfumed soap. Especially avoid rubbing the bar on the anal area or… Read More
Intralesional Injection An intralesional injection involves the direct placement of a medication into a problem skin area through a very fine needle. Most often, a dilute solution of triamcinalone (Kenalog) is used. Acne cysts, psoriasis and chronic forms of eczema are treated this way. If too much medication is used, a white spot or dent develops, but… Read More
Granuloma Annulare Granuloma annulare (GA) is a common condition of unknown cause. It appears most often over knuckles and other joints or in places that are subject to frequent, mild injury such as the back of the hands or top of the feet. It is seen most often in older children and young adults. The “rash” of… Read More
Grover’s Disease Grover’s disease (transient acantholytic dermatosis) is a condition that appears suddenly as itchy red spots on the trunk, most often in older men. Minor cases of Grover’s disease may be rather common. Sometimes the features of Grover’s are found in people who do not itch or have a conspicuous rash. Most of the people with… Read More
Geographic Tongue The surface of the tongue is normally covered by small bumps called papillae. Geographic tongue occurs when parts of the tongue are missing the papillae for unknown reasons. Geographic tongue is a common, benign condition that affects 1-3% of the general population and is seen in both males and females. Although this condition is most… Read More
Acne Acne is a common skin condition that afflicts most people, to a varying degree, during the teen years. However, the disease is by no means restricted to this age group; adults in their 20’s or 30’s may have acne. Don’t think that because acne is common, treatment is unnecessary. Waiting to “outgrow” acne can be… Read More
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by your body’s reaction to something that directly contacts the skin. Many different substances can cause allergic contact dermatitis, which are called ‘allergens’. Usually these substances cause no trouble for most people, and may not even be noticed the first time the person is exposed. But once the skin becomes… Read More
Biopsy Many medical conditions, not only cases of cancer, may be diagnosed by removing a sample of tissue for lab examination. This procedure is called a biopsy, which is preformed by a variety of techniques. After the doctor obtains the skin biopsy specimen, it is sent for examination to another doctor, the dermatopathologist or pathologist, who… Read More