What Is Varicella / Chickenpox? Skin Blisters, Spread & Treatment Options
What Is Varicella / Chickenpox? Skin Blisters, Spread & Treatment Options Chickenpox, or varicella, is the illness caused by a person’s first infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It typically produces an intensely itchy generalized rash in successive crops, so flat spots, raised bumps, clear blisters and crusted lesions can be visible at the same time. […]
What Is Urticaria Pigmentosa? Skin Spots, Triggers & Treatment Options
What Is Urticaria Pigmentosa? Skin Spots, Triggers & Treatment Options Urticaria pigmentosa, now commonly classified as maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (MPCM), is a form of cutaneous mastocytosis in which excess mast cells collect in the skin and form persistent tan, brown, red-brown or reddish spots and small bumps. These lesions are not simply leftover pigment from […]
What Are Skin Ulcers? Skin Breakdown, Causes & Treatment Options
What Are Skin Ulcers? Skin Breakdown, Causes & Treatment Options A skin ulcer is an open wound in which the entire epidermis has been lost and tissue damage extends into at least part of the dermis. Unlike a superficial erosion, an ulcer can reach deeper tissue and may heal with scarring, depending on its depth, […]
What Are Trophic Ulcers? Skin Ulcers, Causes & Treatment Options
What Are Trophic Ulcers? Skin Ulcers, Causes & Treatment Options Trophic ulcers are chronic neuropathic wounds that most often develop when loss of protective sensation allows repetitive pressure, friction or minor trauma to damage skin without being noticed. They are especially important on weight-bearing areas of the foot, where callus and concentrated pressure can continue […]
What Is Tinea Cruris / Jock Itch? Groin Fungal Rash, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Tinea Cruris / Jock Itch? Groin Fungal Rash, Causes & Treatment Options Tinea cruris, commonly called jock itch, is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the groin folds, pubic region and adjacent inner thighs. It usually causes an itchy, scaly rash with an active advancing border, and it should not be used as a […]
What Is Tinea Capitis? Scalp Fungal Infection, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Tinea Capitis? Scalp Fungal Infection, Causes & Treatment Options Tinea capitis, or scalp ringworm, is a contagious dermatophyte fungal infection involving both scalp skin and hair shafts. It commonly causes scaling, broken hairs and patchy hair loss, especially in children, and it can range from mild non-inflammatory disease to a painful inflammatory kerion. […]
What Is Tinea Barbae? Beard Fungal Infection, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Tinea Barbae? Beard Fungal Infection, Causes & Treatment Options Tinea barbae, sometimes called beard ringworm, is a dermatophyte fungal infection of beard-bearing skin, terminal hairs and hair follicles. It can range from a relatively mild scaly patch to deep inflammatory nodules, pustules and kerion-like swelling that loosen hairs and may damage follicles. The […]
What Is Telangiectasia? Visible Skin Blood Vessels, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Telangiectasia? Visible Skin Blood Vessels, Causes & Treatment Options Telangiectasia refers to persistently widened superficial blood vessels that become visible through the skin as fine red lines, branches, spots or vascular networks. The common phrase “broken capillaries” is imprecise because these vessels are usually dilated rather than literally ruptured. Many isolated telangiectases are […]
What Is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? Skin Rash, Symptoms & Treatment Options
What Is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? Skin Rash, Symptoms & Treatment Options Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which abnormal immune activity can inflame the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart, lungs, nervous system and other tissues. Symptoms often fluctuate between periods of increased activity, called flares, and periods of low disease activity […]
What Is Sycosis Barbae? Beard-Area Folliculitis, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Sycosis Barbae? Beard-Area Folliculitis, Causes & Treatment Options Sycosis barbae is a deep, persistent form of beard-area folliculitis in which infection and inflammation extend beyond superficial follicular pustules. It is most often associated with Staphylococcus aureus and can progress to tender nodules, drainage, sinus tracts, scarring and permanent loss of beard hair. Because […]