Actinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis or senile keratosis, is characterized by thick, scaly or crusty patches or lesions on the skin, usually on areas that receive excessive sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, lips, forearms and the back of the hands. It is considered a precancerous skin condition.
Actinic keratoses develop in range reaching to a quarter of an inch and may even disappear for a time. Their colors include red (most common), light or dark tan, pink or skin colored. Actinic keratoses may itch and may become inflamed and red and may even bleed.
Excessive sweating can be inconvenient and even embarrassing at times, but it can also be a sign of something more serious. It’s important to consult a board certified dermatologist to be certain that the excessive sweating you are experiencing isn’t a symptom of a medical condition. Our team of doctors, physician assistants and surgeons are on hand to address all our patients needs! Once you get confirmation that there is no underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed first, the dermatologists at our Kentucky clinics can provide treatment options to address your problem.
Hyperhidrosis exists in two forms: primary focal and secondary generalized. Primary focal is a genetic condition affecting 2.8% of the U.S. population whereas secondary is causal and its symptoms can be treated.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease that results in the loss of hair on the body. The autoimmune process is characterized by the body’s own immune system attacking hair follicles. The three types of alopecia areata are:
Alopecia areata – skin loses hair in round sections of varying size
Alopecia areata totalis – complete loss of hair on the scalp alone
Alopecia areata universalis – loss of hair everywhere on the body
Cysts are closed, sac-like capsules that can develop anywhere on the body, including the skin or inside the body. Common areas where a cyst might develop include the face, neck, genitals, and internal organs. They’re typically filled with fluid but can also be full of air, tissue, or another type of substance. It is best to think of a cyst as a balloon with the opening at the top on the outside of the skin. Inside of the balloon, the skin is producing skin cells that are trapped inside of the balloon. The balloon grows as it becomes filled with the skin cells and may even rupture, which in turn would cause a painful cyst.
Depending on its type and location, a cyst can cause a range of symptoms. Many people become aware of a cyst when they feel an abnormal lump. This usually occurs when the cyst is right underneath the skin. However, a cyst affecting the internal organs may not cause any noticeable symptoms. It’s common for these cysts to remain unnoticed until they start to interfere with a bodily function or if they’re detected by an imaging scan, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan.
How Does a Cyst Differ from Other Bumps or Growths?
Unlike a cyst, a tumor is generally a solid mass of tissue that develops as a result of abnormal cell growth. Tumors are usually firm to the touch, but if you have a cyst somewhere on your skin, it’s possible to feel it rolling underneath the skin when you apply pressure. Unlike an abscess, a cyst has a distinct membrane, known as a cyst wall. While an abscess is also typically filled with fluid, it isn’t surrounded by a wall.
Are There Different Types of Cysts?
Doctors have identified numerous types of cysts. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common types:
Epidermoid cyst:This type of cyst is noncancerous and appears as a small lump under the skin. They can be skin-colored, yellow, or white, and they’re commonly found on the neck, face, and back.
Ganglion cyst:A ganglion cyst is a small, benign cyst that’s filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. It forms on the tissues surrounding joints and commonly develops on the wrist and hand.
Dermoid cyst:This is a slow-growing type of cyst that’s typically composed of hair follicles, sebum, skin, fat, and other body materials. It usually appears on the face, neck, and ovaries.
Pilonidal cyst:A pilonidal cyst is usually filled with skin debris, hair, and oil. They typically grow in clusters and commonly develop on the lower back, near the buttocks.
Common Cyst Causes
A cyst can develop at any age and affects both men and women. There are a number of different types of cyst causes, but here are some of the most common reasons they develop:
Infections
Damaged hair follicles
Blockages in ducts, which results in fluid buildup
An injury that causes a popped blood vessel
Treatment Options for Cyst Removal
The method for cyst removal depends on the type of cyst you have, its location, cause, and how much discomfort it’s causing you. The majority of cysts are non-cancerous and usually respond well to treatment.
Most types of cysts can be drained by your doctor. During this procedure, your doctor inserts a needle directly into the cyst, allowing the fluid or other material to drain out, causing it to collapse. For one that’s very large, surgical removal may be required. If a cyst is cancerous, it will be surgically removed, along with any surrounding tissue that’s been affected.
If a cyst has developed on a specific internal organ rather than being visible on the skin, your doctor will schedule routine imaging appointments to monitor its growth. If it’s suspected that a cyst could be cancerous, a biopsy will be performed.
When to Consider Cyst Treatment
Cyst removal isn’t necessary unless it’s cancerous. However, if you suspect that you have a cyst, a dermatologist should evaluate it. Since it’s possible for a cyst to be cancerous, early detection is very important. A cyst can also be removed for aesthetic reasons or if it causes pain. If it’s very large and is causing symptoms, the most effective cyst treatment will likely be surgical removal.
You can depend on our highly skilled dermatologists to provide the best in skin care. Contact us today to schedule an examination.
Have more questions about Cysts? Contact us for a consult.
The term “rash” does not refer to a specific condition, but to a variety of skin eruptions that can be caused by various physiological and environmental sources. Rashes affect almost everyone at some time in their life. Depending on the type of rash, its location and the type of treatment, a rash may last a few days or a few months. Here are descriptions of a few of the more common rashes:
Seborrheic dermatitis – This is the most common rash affecting adults. It usually appears on various parts of the head.
Atopic dermatitis – Commonly known as eczema, atopic dermatitis is characterized by inflamed, itchy skin. Atopic dermatitis may appear anywhere on the body, though it is most often found on the face, trunk and limbs.
Contact dermatitis – Refers to a rash caused by physical contact with an allergen such as a chemical or a plant such as poison ivy. Rashes due to contact dermatitis tend to produce greater symptoms of itchiness.
Heat rash – Caused by an interruption in the flow of perspiration.
Psoriasis – Caused by the abnormal accumulation of dead skin cells.
Ringworm – A contagious rash that starts as a red ring on the skin and grows outward.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by the inflammation, swelling or irritation of the skin. Eczema affects as many as 35 million Americans. Eczema is not dangerous, but it can cause significant discomfort if the skin itches. When that happens, the condition may worsen if the eczema is scratched.
Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is the most common form of eczema and is often found in babies and children.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 20 percent of children and one to three percent of adults will develop atopic eczema. Causes include:
An overreaction to environmental triggers by the body’s immune system
Family history of allergies or asthma
A defect in the skin which causes it to not properly regulate moisture and germs
Irritants – Environmental elements such as soaps, detergents and certain fabrics
Stress – Any form of stress, such as work, family or social issues, can trigger eczema
Climate – Dramatic decreases in humidity can trigger eczema and cold, damp conditions can hamper eczema treatments
A mole (also known as nevus, singular, or nevi, plural) is a raised section of discolored skin that is usually harmless and may contain a hair or hairs.
A mole is one of the most common skin conditions and can occur anywhere on the body. Moles are made of a cluster of melanocytes, the cells that cause pigmentation of the skin, hence the darker color. Most moles appear during adolescence; however, some may not be noticed until later in life when events such as hormonal changes may cause the pigment to darken and the mole to become more visible.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the face and sometimes the eyes. It’s common to mistake this inflammatory skin problem as acne, an allergic reaction, or eczema because of the redness and acne-like bumps it causes on the skin.
Having the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori
A skin mite called Demodex
The presence of a protein that normally protects the skin from infection, called cathelicidin
If you already have this skin condition, be aware of these triggers, which can make your symptoms worse:
Spicy foods
Chocolate
Alcohol
Coffee or tea
Skincare products containing perfume
Sunlight
Heat
Stress
These risk factors also make you more likely to develop this skin disease:
Having fair skin
Being between 30–50 years old
Scandinavian or Celtic ancestry
Current or former acne sufferers
Are There Different Rosacea Types?
There are four Rosacea types. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Erythematotelangiectatic:With this type of rosacea, you’ll see tiny broken blood vessels on your skin. You’ll notice flushing and redness in the center of your face, and your skin may feel rough, scaly, and dry. Your skin may also sting, burn, and appear swollen.
Papulopustular:This subtype primarily affects middle-aged women. If you have this type, you’ll have oily skin with acne-like bumps that may be filled with pus. Your skin may be very sensitive and burn or sting. Raised patches of skin called plaques may also appear, along with visibly broken blood vessels.
Phymatous:The phymatous type is very rare. When it does occur, you’ll typically have the symptoms of another subtype first. Your skin may have a bumpy texture, and it may start to thicken around your nose, forehead, chin, cheeks, and ears. Your skin will appear oily with large pores. Visibly broken blood vessels will also develop on your skin.
Ocular:This type affects your eyes, causing them to appear watery and bloodshot. Your eyes may feel gritty, creating a feeling like there’s sand in them. They can sting, itch, burn, and feel very dry. Your eyes will be sensitive to the light, and you may not see as well as you did previously. You’re likely to experience blurry vision, and you might have a cyst on your eyelid, along with visibly broken blood vessels.
What Are Rosacea Treatment Options?
There isn’t a cure for this skin condition, but there are rosacea treatment options that can help you successfully manage your symptoms and ease your discomfort. Your Forefront dermatologist will work with you to design a treatment plan to address the specific type you have, which may include topical medications, oral antibiotics, light therapy, or laser therapy.
Prescription skin creams can reduce redness, inflammation, and acne-like breakouts. Oral antibiotics can ease swelling, reduce redness, and improve acne-like bumps. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most people notice a significant reduction in acne-like breakouts after taking oral antibiotics for one month.
Light therapy, such as photodynamic therapy, may also be a treatment option for some patients. This treatment option can also treat acne-like bumps and redness, but it’s not effective for everyone.
Understanding what triggers your symptoms and following a skincare routine are also important aspects of rosacea treatment. Keeping a journal of the foods that you eat can help you identify potential triggers that make your symptoms worse. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding harsh products that irritate your skin can also prevent flare-ups.
Our Board-Certified Forefront dermatologists will create a customized treatment plan and can help to improve the appearance of your skin and manage your symptoms.
Have more questions about Rosacea? Contact us for a consult.
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and almost always appears on skin that receives excessive sun exposure. The three most common forms of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. At Derm-Specialists, our experienced, collaborative team of board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeons combine the very latest in expert clinical knowledge and technology, with a comprehensive and compassionate approach to care.
Not all skin cancer is fatal and early detection has proven to be a key factor in its treatment. Book an appointment with our knowledgeable team at one of our clinics near Elizabethtown for skin cancer screening or treatments.
What are the symptoms of Skin Cancer?
The symptoms of the three main types of skin cancer are:
Basal cell carcinoma – Usually occurs on sun-exposed areas of the neck and face. Appears as a waxy, whitish bump or a flat lesion that may be brown or flesh-toned.
Squamous cell carcinoma – Also occurs most often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears and hands. Appears as a solid, red bump or a flat lesion that has a scaly or crusty feel.
Melanoma – Can appear anywhere on the body, in normal skin or in a mole that then becomes cancerous. Melanomas usually appear as larger brown spots with even darker spots inside. Moles that change color may be melanomas. Also presents as small red, white, blue or blue-black lesions, with irregular borders. Dark lesions on other parts of the body not exposed to the sun may also be melanomas.
Who is at risk?
Skin cancer can occur in anyone, anywhere, but is more likely to occur in people whose work or lifestyle exposes them to direct sunlight on a regular basis. Though skin cancer occurs less often in people with darker complexions than in those with fair complexions, dark-skinned people are at higher risk for cancer in areas of the body not normally exposed to the sun.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment options for skin cancer depend on its size, type, and location. Small skin cancers appearing on the surface of the skin may need only minor surgery. Other, deeper cancers may require more extensive treatment options, which include:
Cryotherapy (freezing)
Excisional surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery
Curettage and electrodesiccation combined with cryotherapy
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Photodynamic therapy
Biological therapy
To learn more about our skin cancer treatments, visit our skin cancer page.
Common warts are small, rough bumps that can grow anywhere on the skin. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and are contagious. Warts are usually not painful, but visible warts are unsightly and embarrassing to most people.
There are five types of warts:
Flat warts develop primarily on the face and forehead
Genital warts arise in the pubic area and directly on the genitals
Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet
Subungual and periungual warts develop under or around the fingernails and toenails
Genital warts are highly contagious and can be transmitted during oral, vaginal or anal sex. In women, warts can be undetected on the cervix and transmitted to a sexual partner.
