Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is characterized by granulomas (a mass of red, irritated tissue) that may affect any organ system. The disease most commonly involves granuloma formation in the lungs. Other commonly involved organ systems include the lymph nodes, skin, eyes, liver, heart, nervous, musculoskeletal, renal (kidney), and endocrine systems. Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis are variable because… Read More
Rosacea Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is a skin disorder leading to redness and pimples on the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin. The inflamed pimples and redness of rosacea can look a great deal like acne, but blackheads are almost never present. It is a fairly common disorder with about one in every twenty Americans is afflicted… Read More
Melanoma Melanoma is tumor of the skin that is cancerous (malignant). It grows from the melanocytes, the cells that color and tan the skin. Melanoma is also called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma. The incidence of melanoma is increasing worldwide at a rate of about 5% per year. It is a more serious problem than the… Read More
Morphea Scleroderma comes in two main forms: systemic and localized. Scleroderma is a disease of unknown origin that affects the microvasculature and loose connective tissues of the body and is characterized by fibrosis and obliteration of vessels in the skin, lungs, gut, kidneys and heart. Morphea is a localized form of scleroderma and affects primarily just… Read More
Mohs Surgery Mohs micrographic surgery, more commonly referred to as Mohs surgery, is a surgical technique that uses histologically prepared frozen tissue sections, which are interpreted by the surgeon who actually performed the surgery, to evaluate the surgical margins of excisions performed to remove skin cancers. The surgeon is trained both in dermatological surgery and in interpreting… Read More
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
Measles Measles, also known as rubeola, is a worldwide disease that occurs primarily in children. Measles is usually a self-limiting disease manifesting with a prodrome period and a characteristic rash. The peak incidence of measles usually occurs in March or April and is a disease of winter and spring in temperate climates. Since the administration of… Read More
Kaposi’s sarcoma Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm of the skin which can also involve any organ. There are several subtypes of KS and have been found to be associated with a virus known as Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). While everyone with KS also has HHV-8, not everyone with HHV-8 has or develops KS. Classic KS –… 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