What Is Lupus Erythematosus? Skin Rash, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Lupus Erythematosus? Skin Rash, Causes & Treatment Options Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease spectrum that can affect the skin alone or occur as part of systemic lupus involving multiple organs. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus, or CLE, describes lupus-specific skin disease, while systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, can involve skin together with joints, kidneys, […]
What Is Lipoma? Soft Skin Lump, Causes & Removal Options
What Is Lipoma? Soft Skin Lump, Causes & Removal Options A lipoma is a common benign tumour of mature fat cells that usually appears as a soft, slowly growing and slightly mobile lump beneath the skin. Most ordinary lipomas sit in the subcutaneous layer, feel compressible or rubbery and are painless. Most confirmed lipomas need […]
What Is Linear IgA Dermatosis? Blistering Skin Disease, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Linear IgA Dermatosis? Blistering Skin Disease, Causes & Treatment Options Linear IgA dermatosis is a rare autoimmune blistering disease in which IgA antibodies target the skin’s basement membrane zone and produce tense subepidermal blisters. The disease can affect ordinary skin as well as the mouth, eyes, nasal surfaces and genital mucosa. Adults and […]
What Is Lichen Simplex Chronicus? Thick Itchy Skin, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Lichen Simplex Chronicus? Thick Itchy Skin, Causes & Treatment Options Lichen simplex chronicus is a chronic itchy skin condition in which repeated scratching or rubbing transforms the affected skin into a thick, rough and leathery plaque. This thickening is called lichenification and usually develops in one or several localized areas that a person […]
What Is Lichen Sclerosus? White Skin Patches, Symptoms & Treatment Options
What Is Lichen Sclerosus? White Skin Patches, Symptoms & Treatment Options Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most often affects genital and perianal skin, causing white fragile patches, itching, fissuring and progressive scarring when inflammation remains uncontrolled. Vulvar skin, the foreskin and glans, and perianal skin are the main anogenital sites. Lichen […]
What Is Lichen Planus? Itchy Skin Rash, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Lichen Planus? Itchy Skin Rash, Causes & Treatment Options Lichen planus is a non-contagious immune-mediated inflammatory disease that can affect the skin, mouth, genitals, scalp and nails. Classic cutaneous disease produces small, firm, shiny and often itchy flat-topped papules, while mucosal, follicular and nail disease can look very different. Cutaneous lichen planus often […]
What Is Lichen Nitidus? Tiny Skin Bumps, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Lichen Nitidus? Tiny Skin Bumps, Causes & Treatment Options Lichen nitidus is a benign inflammatory skin condition that produces very small, usually 1–2 mm, shiny and flat-topped papules. It occurs most often in children and young adults and commonly affects the forearms, hands, trunk, abdomen, buttocks and genital skin. Most lichen nitidus causes […]
What Is Lentigo Maligna? Precancerous Skin Patch, Risks & Treatment Options
What Is Lentigo Maligna? Precancerous Skin Patch, Risks & Treatment Options Lentigo maligna is melanoma in situ, or Stage 0 melanoma, that usually develops slowly on chronically sun-damaged skin of the face, scalp or neck. It often begins as a flat irregular pigmented patch that gradually enlarges and becomes more asymmetric, unevenly bordered or varied […]
What Is Lentigo / Sunspots? Brown Skin Spots, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Lentigo / Sunspots? Brown Skin Spots, Causes & Treatment Options Solar lentigines are benign, persistent brown spots that develop mainly on chronically ultraviolet-exposed skin. They most often appear on the face, backs of the hands, forearms, shoulders, upper chest and upper back, becoming more common as lifetime UV exposure accumulates, although younger people […]
What Is Latex Allergy? Skin Rash, Triggers & Treatment Options
What Is Latex Allergy? Skin Rash, Triggers & Treatment Options Latex allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in natural rubber latex that can produce immediate skin, respiratory or systemic symptoms after exposure. Sensitization can develop after repeated contact, and later exposure may trigger itching, hives, swelling, wheezing or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. A glove-related […]