Impetigo Impetigo is a common, contagious, superficial skin infection that is produced by bacteria. The two most common bacteria that cause impetigo are streptococcus and staphylococcus. This infection is more common in children than in adults. If not appropriately treated more serious complications may arise. The most common form of impetigo is called bullous (blistering) impetigo… 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
Hailey-Hailey Disease Hailey-Hailey disease, also known as familial benign chronic pemphigus, was first discovered by the Hailey brothers in 1939. Hailey-Hailey disease is a genetic disorder inherited among family members with a 50% chance of inheritance from an affected parent. It is most common in the late teenage years, twenties and thirties. The lesions are most commonly… Read More
Grenz Rays Grenz rays have been used by dermatologists since the 1920’s. At one time, it was an important treatment tool, but with all the recent medical advances it is rarely used today. It is used to calm down inflammation of the skin and will not cause damage as seen with prolonged use of cortisone creams. It… 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
Angiomas There are many different types of angiomas. An angioma is a benign growth that consists of small blood vessels. These tumors can be located anywhere on the body. Some of the different types include spider angiomas, cherry angiomas, and angiokeratomas. The cause of most types of angiomas is not known. Cherry angiomas and are due… 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