Dermatology at Butler Health System

Acne is a common condition that causes blocked pores, pimples, cysts and other lesions on the skin of the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Acne is not life-threatening, but can lead to physical disfigurement and emotional distress. Ask your doctor about treatment options to help improve the appearance of the skin and prevent future breakouts from occurring.

Actinic Keratosis (AK) also known as solar keratosis is a crusty or scaly growth caused by damage from exposure to the sun or artificial sources of ultraviolet light (tanning beds). AK is considered a pre-cancer because left untreated it can develop into skin cancer. They typically appear on sun exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, shoulders, neck and the back of the hands for forearms. They are often rough in texture, elevated and red in appearance however some can be tan, white, pink or flesh toned. They can itch, become inflamed and even bleed. If you feel you may have this condition it’s important to be seen by a dermatologist for further evaluation.

Symptoms that may be associated with allergic contact dermatitis include dry, scaly skin, hives, oozing blisters, skin redness, skin that burns, itching, swelling and/or sun sensitivity. Often cases go away on their own once the substance is no longer in contact with the skin. Avoid scratching, keep your skin clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, discontinue any product you believe might be causing the problem and try over the counter treatments such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. If the reaction is close to your eyes or mouth, covers a large area of your body or does not improve with home care, consult the physician who can prescribe additional treatments.

Age spots are dark areas on your skin that vary in size and typically appear on the face, hands, shoulders, arms and legs - areas most exposed to the sun. Age spots are very common in adults over age 50, and more common in people with light skin. They can look like cancer, but don’t need treatment, however some can be removed or lightened with skin brightening treatments. Have your doctor look at spots that are dark or have changed in appearance. These can be signs of a serious form of skin cancer.

Cysts are enclosed pockets of tissue filled with fluid, pus or other materials. They are noncancerous and can appear anywhere on the skin. Cysts are slow-growing, smooth to the touch and feel like peas under the skin surface. Cysts develop as a result of the sebaceous glands (oil glands) being clogged, or infected. They typically are not painful unless they rupture or become infected. If bothersome, cysts can be drained, treated with an injection of cortisone to shrink it, or may be removed surgically.

Dry skin is a common condition that can develop as a result of certain skin diseases like psoriasis or environmental factors such as cold weather, hot showers, harsh soaps and sun exposure. Patients with this condition often experience skin that feels rough, tight and may be itchy or red. For most, this is only a temporary problem and can be managed through simple home and lifestyle measures including using moisturizers and special creams or avoiding hot showers and baths. For more severe cases, prescription creams and ointments may be recommended to calm skin.

Eczema is a group of inflamed skin conditions that result in chronic itchy rashes. About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer From some form of eczema, including 10-20 percent of all Infants. Symptoms vary from person to person but often include dry, red, itchy patches on the skin which break out in rashes when scratched.

Objects and conditions that trigger itchy eczema outbreaks may include rough or coarse materials touching the skin, excessive heat or sweating, soaps, detergents, disinfectants, Fruit and meat juices, dust mites, animal saliva and danders, upper respiratory infections and stress.

Treatment involves the restriction of scratching, use of moisturizing lotions or creams, cold compresses and nonprescription anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams and ointments. If this proves insufficient, physicians may prescribe corticosteroid medication, antibiotics to combat infection, or sedative antihistamines. Phototherapy is a common procedure that uses light to reduce rashes For severe cases, drugs such as cyclosporine A may be recommended.

Folliculitis is and inflammation of the hair follicles. You can have folliculitis on any part of your body that has hair, but it is most common on the arms, back, buttocks and legs. In men it is common in the beard area. This condition can be caused by bacteria, yeast or another type of fungus. Shaving or close fitting clothing can rub the skin and irritate the follicles, and sweat, oils or makeup can cause folliculitis. If you believe you have this condition, see the physician for an evaluation.

Hives are welts that can appear suddenly on any part of the skin. They often itch and vary in size from very small to very large. Hives often go away in 24 hours or less but can last for days or even weeks (acute hives). Typically hives are the result of the body’s reaction to certain allergens or for unknown reasons. The most common causes are foods, medications, or infections. Hives lasting longer than 6 weeks are more difficult to identify the cause and require further evaluation by the physician.

While most moles and other skin growths are not of medical concern, it is important to screen for cancer and other skin conditions that can develop in some cases. Full-body skin exams help to detect any new moles and growths, as well as to monitor existing growths; are recommended on a yearly basis in order to screen for skin cancer and detect any abnormalities in their earliest stages. To classify a mole, your doctor will evaluate its color, size, border end any asymmetries that may indicate a potential for cancer. If any suspicious lesions are found during this exam, additional testing will likely be performed.

Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cuts or cracks in your skin. It can be painful and change the color or thickness of the nail. Left untreated, this infection can spread to other toenails, fingernails or the skin. Please see the physician for an evaluation and treatment.

Poison Ivy or Oak produce a sticky oil called Urushiol that causes an itchy, blistering rash when it comes in contact with the skin. Typically the rash forms within 24-72 hours and can last as long as three weeks. Keep the area clean and control the itch with over the counter calamine lotion or hydrocortisone creams. Be cautious! Dogs or cats may carry the oil on their fur, and the oil remains active, even on dead plants. Do not burn the plants. It can release chemicals that can bother your eyes, nose and lungs. See your doctor if you have a severe reaction in addition to the rash like nausea, fever, shortness of breath, or if the rash covers a large area of the body, is on the face or close to your eyes.

Psoriasis is a group of chronic skin disorders that cause Itching and/or burning, scaling and crusting of the skin. Over seven million men and women In the U.S. of all ages have some form of psoriasis, which may be mild, moderate or severe. The most commonly affected areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals.

Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be treated successfully, sometimes for months or years at a time and occasionally even permanently Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of psoriasis. The patient's age, medical history and lifestyle may also have a significant impact on the methods utilized, The most common treatments are topical medications, phototherapy, photochemotherapy (PUVA), and oral or injectable medication (For severe symptoms).

A rash is a change in the skin's color or texture. Simple rashes are called dermatitis, which means the skin is inflamed or swollen. Contact dermatitis is caused by touching an Irritating substance such as clothing materials and dyes, latex, cosmetics, soaps or certain plants like poison ivy. Seborrheic Dermatitis forms red patches and scaling, usually on the face and head, where it is more commonly known as dandruff or cradle cap, Other common rashes include eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, shingles, chicken pox, measles, scarlet fever, Insect bites and those caused by medical conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

A dermatologist is usually able to identify the rash by looking at it and asking about accompanying symptoms. Mild rashes can often be treated with simple home care practices such as avoiding soaps and bathing in warm water. Others may require moisturizing creams, prescription medications or more extensive treatment.

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes may also be affected. Symptoms range from red pimples. lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. Many people find that the emotional effects of rosacea - such as low self-confidence and avoidance of social situations - are more difficult to handle than the physical ones. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. It is not yet known what causes Rosacea and the disease is not curable, although it can be treated with topical and oral medications, laser therapy, or laser surgery.

Singles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash that can occur anywhere on your body. If often appears as a single strip of blisters that wraps around the left or right side of your torso. Shingles is caused by the same virus, varicella-zoster that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox the virus lives inactive in the nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain and become reactivated years later as shingles. While shingles isn't life-threatening, it can be very painful. Early treatment can help shorten the infection and lessen the chance of complications. Evaluation by the physician is recommended.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and involves abnormal growths of skin cells that can form anywhere on the body, but most frequently appear on skin that is exposed to the sun. There are more than a million new cases of skin cancer in the US each year. Although most cases of skin cancer can be successfully treated, ii Is sllll important to keep skin safe and healthy and try to prevent this disease.

There are three major types of skin cancer that affect associated layers or the skin, These major types are:

• Squamous cell carcinoma affects the squamous cells, which are just below the outer surface of the skin and serve as lhe inner lining
• Basal cell carcinoma affects the basal cells, which lay under the squamous cells and produce new skin cells.
• Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and affects the melanocytes, which produce melanin.

Learn more here.

A skin tag is a benign small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin. They are most common in women and in the elderly. Typically found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts or in the groin area, skin tags are not dangerous and don’t usually cause pain. Skin tags can however become irritated by anything that rubs on them such as clothing and jewelry and can easily be removed by the physician.

Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. Different warts respond to different treatments; some go away on their own Salicylic acid products (in the form of drops, gels, pads and bandages) can help self-treatment of many warts by dissolving the keratin protein that makes up the wart end the dead skin above it. Others can be removed via liquid nitrogen freezing or electrical stimulation. Surgery may be recommended for painful or large warts that do not respond to these treatments.

If you notice a discoloration or strange blemish on your skin, it is in your best interest to have it examined. If possible, be prepared to tell your doctor when the blemish first appeared and if it has undergone any changes. Check with your family to find out if there is a history of skin cancer, as this could increase your chances of developing it. If you do notice something strange in the skin, do not panic. When caught early, skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat. Perform regular body checks, and be ready to consult a dermatologist for irregularities.

Certain types of birth control, antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medications can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Side effects can manifest in a variety of ways, including sunburn, hives, lesions, and blisters. Through extended sun exposure with these medication, a patient could develop skin cancer of cataracts. Ask your doctor about your medications effect on skin. You can stave off the side-effects by wearing UV protective clothing, sunscreen, and staying in the shade.

Shingles is a type of infection that results in a painful, itchy rash on the skin. It is the same strain of virus that causes chickenpox. A patient who had chicken pox before may have remnants of the virus in their body even years later, and will be more prone to developing shingles. Treating the virus is as simple as taking antiviral medication and using pain relievers. Even a cold compress can help suppress symptoms. Shingles will usually dissipate within 2 to 3 weeks with treatment, and it is unlikely it will occur again. If you are aged 50 or older, you can ask your doctor about a USDA approved vaccine to prevent shingles.

Though common and easily treated, sunburns cause serious damage to your skin even after they disappear. Sunburn occurs when your protective pigment is overwhelmed by UV radiation. People living in areas with water or snow are at increased risk of sunburn as the light is reflected off the ground and permeates the area. To protect yourself, avoid extensive time outside between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, light fitting long-sleeved shirts, and sunscreen all go a long way in protecting you from UV radiation. If you develop a sunburn, treat it with moisturizing cream, aspirin, and cool water.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy lesions with silvery scales. It usually occurs on the scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees. The condition is the result of an overproduction of skin cells that accumulate in the affected area faster than the body can dispose of them. If someone in your family has psoriasis, there is a high chance you will develop it at some point as well. It can be triggered by a sunburn, or taking certain types of medications. There is no cure for the disease, but the symptoms are not severe, and it will usually go away after short period. Treatment may include exposure to sunlight, applying creams rich in Vitamin A, or receiving a coal tar extract.

You can catch skin cancer early by performing regular self-exams of your body for strange marks on the skin. Be sure to check every area of your body in a well-lit room, remembering to examine hard to see areas like the back and scalp. The warning signs for skin cancer include a perpetual sore throat, the development of new moles, a scar with a waxy texture, rashes that don’t heal, brown or black streaks under nails, and any mysterious sores or lesions. Contact a dermatologist after discovering one of these symptoms for a cancer screening.

Eczema is a disease that commonly effects children, and causes scaly, red, oozing skin with excessive itching. The condition usually clears up over time and rarely occurs in adults. If you had it as a child, there is a strong chance your children will develop it at some point. There is no way to cure eczema, aside from waiting it out, but in the meantime you can soothe the symptoms with a cortisone cream, a prescribed antibiotic, and antihistamines to reduce itching at night.

Almost everyone experiences acne at some point in their life. The condition usually starts occurring around puberty, as surging hormones trigger an excess production of sebum. This substance helps lubricate the skin, but when produced in excess it can clog hair follicles. The cavity of this clog can become infested with bacteria and result in a pimple. Acne can be managed by gently washing the face with lukewarm water and soap. Severe acne may be treated with antibiotics or a medicine called isotretinoin. Do not take acne concerns lightly, while not physically debilitating, those afflicted with severe cases can experience emotional distress and depression.