MLB Weekly Digest September 3rd Edition - NGSC Sports
How To Spot And Treat 18 Common — And Not So Common — Skin Conditions. See The Photos
Summer ushers in a bevy of skin-related issues from bug bites to heat rash. While a mosquito bite is a temporary, albeit itchy annoyance, skin disorders can vary in both symptoms and severity. Is it acne, a rash — or maybe something more serious? Some skin conditions are minor, some are serious but treatable, and others, like skin cancer, can be life-threatening. That's why it's important to take the proper precautions to keep your skin safe by using sunscreen, limiting your time in the sun and wearing sun protective clothing.
Here are 18 common (and a few less common) skin conditions — with photos to help you ID them.
AcneActinic keratosisBasal cell carcinomaBlistersCarbuncleCellulitisChicken poxCold soresContact dermatitisEczemaHivesLatex allergyLupusMeaslesMelanomaPsoriasisRosaceaSquamous cell carcinoma
AcneSuffering from acne? You're not alone. Acne is the most common condition dermatologists treat — 40 to 50 million Americans struggle with acne at any given time.
Photos of acne
People think of acne as a teenage problem, but I see it primarily in adult women," said Dr. Amy McMichael.Boy_Anupong / Getty Images stock
Acne can show up as different types of blemishes on the skin, typically on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Getty Images Acne symptoms and signs Acne can show up almost anywhere on the skin — as blackheads, papules and pustules or pimples, cysts and nodules
Causes of acneAcne starts when dead skin cells don't shed properly and clog your pores.
Acne treatmentsSome acne can be treated with over-the-counter products, while others require professional help, including prescription medication and treatments.
Read more about acne and how to treat it.
Actinic keratosisThese precancerous lesions often appear as rough spots on the skin. Actinic keratosis is common, but if left untreated it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.
Photos of actinic keratosis
"We see [actinic keratoses] more frequently on chronically sun-exposed areas like the face, forearms and the backs of the hands," said Dr. Laura Ferris.Steven Love / Alamy Stock Photo Actinic keratosis symptoms and signs The appearance of actinic keratosis can vary from bumps that look like pimples or acne to rough lesions that are red, pink or gray.
Causes of actinic keratosisWhen cells in the skin called keratinocytes are damaged by UV rays, it can cause actinic keratosis.
Actinic keratosis treatmentsWhile not always necessary, treatments may include removal of the actinic keratosis with liquid nitrogen, chemical peels, scraping or other therapies.
Read more about actinic keratosis and how to treat it.
Basal cell carcinomaBasal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It affects approximately 2.6 million people in the U.S. Each year. Do you know how to spot it?
Photos of basal cell carcinoma
The top cause of basal cell carcinoma is exposure to ultraviolet rays from indoor tanning or from the sun.Jax10289 / Getty Images stock Basal cell carcinoma symptoms and signs Basal cell carcinoma is much more common in people who have light skin. Symptoms tend to be the same color as the skin — or pink. It's important to look for any changes in your skin.
Causes of basal cell carcinomaExposure from ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun or indoor tanning is a primary cause of basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma treatmentsYour dermatologist may be able to remove a basal cell carcinoma tumor when doing a biopsy. Sometimes a Mohs surgery is recommended.
Read more about basal cell carcinoma and how to spot it.
BlistersA common skin condition, most people develop blisters once in a while.
Photos of blisters
"The best Band-Aid for the skin is the skin," said Dr. Jenny Murase. "We usually do not recommend removing the skin of the blister."Getty Images Blisters symptoms and signs Blisters are small, painful sacs of fluid.
Causes of blistersBlisters can be caused by friction, such as by a shoe rubbing against the skin, or by sunburns, heat or skin diseases.
Blisters treatmentsBlisters tend to heal on their own, but a blister can be drained if it's too painful.
Read more about blisters and how to treat them.
CarbuncleSometimes confused with a spider bite, a carbuncle is a group of boils that stem from an infection of the skin and are connected to each other.
Photos of carbuncles
"It's pretty common for people to come in thinking they have a spider bite when they have an abscess or carbuncle," said Dr. Allison Arthur.Andriano_cz / Getty Images stock Carbuncle symptoms and signs Red, tender bumps, or boils, that contain pus are signs of a carbuncle. Carbuncles can eventually rupture, and pus will leak out of them.
Causes of carbunclesA bacterial infection, such as Staphylococcus aureus, is often the cause of a carbuncle.
Carbuncle treatmentsIf a carbuncle is small, you may be able to treat it at home with warm compresses and bandages. Otherwise, your dermatologist can make an incision to drain the pus.
Read more about carbuncles and how to treat them.
CellulitisCellulitis is an infection of the skin in which the skin becomes red and swollen. It typically occurs after you get a cut or wound.
Photos of cellulitis
"Cellulitis sometimes can happen following a cut or wound, and it can happen after surgery as well, around an incision," said Dr. Allison Arthur.Wendy Townrow / Getty Images stock
Cellulitis in the legs usually shows up on just one leg. "If you think you have it in both legs, chances are something else is going on," said Dr. Laura Ferris.Casa nayafana / Shutterstock Cellulitis symptoms and signs When you have cellulitis, an area of your skin — often on one of your legs — becomes red, swollen, warm and possibly painful.
Causes of cellulitisCellulitis can be caused by two different types of bacteria: streptococcus (aka strep) or staphylococcus (aka staph).
Cellulitis treatmentsAntibiotics like penicillin, cephalosporin or erythromycin are normally used to treat cellulitis.
Read more about cellulitis and how to treat it.
Chicken poxAlso called varicella, this highly contagious disease mostly strikes children.
Photos of chicken pox
"The blisters look like dew drops scattered on skin. They are in a lot of different phases. Some are just coming on, others are more fully formed and others are crusted and drying up," said Dr. Jenny Murase.Petko Ninov / Getty Images stock
If it's diagnosed early, you can treat chicken pox with antiviral medications, Dr. Melissa Piliang. And you can alleviate the chicken pox symptoms with calamine lotion, cool baths with baking soda or oatmeal, and acetaminophen.CDC Chicken pox symptoms and signs A fever may precede it, but the unique chicken pox rash appears on the skin with itchy blisters that look like lots of little dew drops.
Causes of chicken poxThe varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chicken pox — as well as shingles. It's unlikely to get chicken pox if you've had the chicken pox vaccine.
Chicken pox treatmentsThe best treatment for chicken pox is prevention through vaccination. An early case of chicken pox may be treated with antiviral drugs. Other remedies can be used to ease symptoms.
Read more about chicken pox and how to treat it.
Cold soresAlso known as fever blisters, cold sores are blisters, or clusters of blisters, that appear on your lips or near your mouth.
Photos of cold sores
Herpes simplex virus causes cold sores — it's a common, highly contagious virus.Ancoay / Getty Images stock Cold sores symptoms and signs Symptoms of cold sores can vary. The sores may start with a tingling, burning or other sensation, then break open and scab over.
Causes of cold soresCold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Outbreaks are triggered by stress, fatigue, illness and other factors.
Cold sores treatmentsRead more about cold sores and how to treat them.
Contact dermatitisAlmost everyone gets contact dermatitis at some point. There are two main types of contact dermatitis — allergic and irritant. Both trigger a rash.
Photos of contact dermatitis
"Makeup, skincare products and shampoo can cause contact dermatitis," said Dr. Laura Ferris, "but they are more insidious and not as dramatic."-aniaostudio- / Getty Images
Subtle redness that develops from contact dermatitis can be harder to detect in people with darker skin tones, said Dr. Laura Ferris.American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides Contact dermatitis symptoms and signs Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis may include itching, rash, dryness and other symptoms. Cracked, itchy, chapped skin with sores may be signs of irritant contact dermatitis.
Causes of contact dermatitisContact dermatitis is caused by something that touches your skin — like poison ivy, nickel, fragrances, latex or other irritants — and triggers a rash.
Contact dermatitis treatmentsThe best treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid whatever it is that triggers your rash. Beyond that, your dermatologist may also recommend antihistamine pills, moisturizers or topical steroids.
Read more about contact dermatitis and how to treat it.
EczemaEczema is a condition that causes red, itchy patches on the skin. It often starts at a young age — often people with eczema get it when they're babies.
Photos of eczema
"Scratching can develop the rash," said Dr. Carolyn Jacob.Gokhanilgaz / Getty Images Eczema symptoms and signs Eczema is almost always itchy, but otherwise symptoms can vary from person to person. Skin infected with eczema can be dry, dark, scaly, swollen or oozing.
Causes of eczemaEczema may be caused by an overactive immune system, but it's not entirely clear what causes the condition.
Eczema treatmentsThere is no cure for eczema, but symptoms can be managed with medications and other therapies.
Read more about eczema and how to treat it
HivesThe onset of hives can be mysterious, and though hives usually go away in less than 24 hours, new ones can repeatedly appear.
Photos of hives
If you don't get good results with antihistamines your doctor might recommend steroids or other medications. Chokja / Getty Images stock Hives symptoms and signs Hives appear on the skin as slightly swollen, raised pink or red patches. You may have one hive, a group of hives that may be separate or connected together.
Causes of hivesIt's difficult to pinpoint the cause of hives, but there are many triggers that can cause hives, from insect bites and allergic reactions to medication, stress and heat.
Hives treatmentsThe go-to treatment for hives is usually antihistamines.
Read more about hives and how to treat them.
Latex allergyPeople with an allergy to latex are allergic to a protein found in the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree.
Photos of latex allergy
Different types of latex allergies cause different symptoms. A contact allergy causes a latex allergy rash when your skin touches latex. Alamy Stock Photo Latex allergy symptoms and signs Different symptoms appear with different types of latex allergies. One type causes a rash on the skin; another can cause anaphylaxis, which can result in a swelling of the airways and difficulty breathing.
Causes of latex allergyWhen your immune system reacts as though latex is a harmful substance, it causes an allergic reaction to latex.
Latex allergy treatmentsSince there's no cure for latex allergies, your best bet is to avoid coming into contact with latex.
Read more about latex allergy and how to treat it.
LupusAn autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation, lupus can affect your skin, as well as your kidneys, heart, joints and lungs.
Photos of lupus
A red butterfly-shaped rash that appears on the nose and cheeks is one common sign of lupus.American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect different parts of your body, including your skin, kidneys, heart, joints and lungs.American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides Lupus symptoms and signs A red butterfly-shaped rash that appears on the nose and cheeks is one common sign of lupus, but symptoms of lupus will vary, depending on the type of lupus you have.
Causes of lupusThere are a number of factors that may play a role in whether you develop rosacea, but experts don't know for certain what causes the skin condition.
Lupus treatmentsThere is no cure for rosacea, but the condition can be managed to help keep symptoms from worsening.
Read more about lupus and how to treat it.
MeaslesAlso known as rubeola, measles is a contagious — and potentially deadly — disease that usually strikes children.
Photos of measles
Measles is hard to diagnose early, because the initial symptoms could be caused by a lot of different conditions. It's usually not diagnosed until the rash appears.Bilanol / Getty Images stock Measles symptoms and signs Beyond the signifying red, spotted rash, measles may also be accompanied by a fever, cough, runny nose and other symptoms.
Causes of measlesA virus that infects the respiratory tract and spreads throughout the body causes measles. It's one of the most contagious diseases.
Measles treatmentsThe best treatment is prevention through a vaccine. Otherwise, high doses of vitamin A, bed rest and medications to reduce pain and fever may help.
Read more about measles and how to treat it.
MelanomaIt's one of the less common skin cancers, but melanoma is the most dangerous because it can easily spread to other parts of your body.
Photos of melanoma
The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) predicts that 196,060 people in the U.S. Will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2020 — and 6,850 people will die from it.Callista Images / Getty Images stock Melanoma symptoms and signs Melanoma tumors tend to be black or brown, but can sometimes be pink, tan or white. Anyone can get melanoma, but people with light skin are at greater risk.
Causes of melanomaUV light exposure from ultraviolet rays from the sun or indoor tanning causes most melanomas.
Melanoma treatmentsTreatments depend on how advanced the melanoma is and where the tumor is located. It may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or other therapies.
Read more about melanoma and how to treat it.
PsoriasisPsoriasis affects more than 8 million people in the U.S. It typically starts in the teen years or early 20s, though it can occur at any age.
Photos of psoriasis
Not every trigger causes flare-ups in every person with psoriasis, so it's important to watch your symptoms and try to determine what could be causing them.Getty Images
"There may be less erythema (redness) in the lesions, so the lesions often look violaceous or hyperpigmented (in darker skin)," said McMichael.American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides Psoriasis symptoms and signs When you have psoriasis, your body makes new skin cells quickly, and the cells typically build up in thick, scaly patches on the skin called plaques.
Causes of psoriasisThere are a number of factors that may contribute to causing psoriasis. The immune system and genetics may play a role. Certain triggers can also cause the onset of psoriasis and psoriasis flare-ups.
Psoriasis treatmentsPsoriasis doesn't have a cure, there are medications and treatments that can help manage the condition.
Read more about psoriasis and how to treat it.
RosaceaThis common inflammatory skin condition causes redness of the face.
Photos of rosacea
"Once you figure out the triggers and get a reasonable regimen, [rosacea] is pretty easy to control," said Dr. McMichael.Getty Images stock Rosacea symptoms and signs In addition to causing facial redness, if rosacea is not treated, it can cause visible blood vessels, breakouts like acne and other symptoms.
Causes of rosaceaThere are a number of factors that may play a role in whether you develop rosacea, but experts don't know for certain what causes the skin condition.
Rosacea treatmentsThere is no cure for rosacea, but the condition can be managed to help keep symptoms from worsening.
Read more about rosacea and how to treat it.
Squamous cell carcinomaAlso known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, this cancer develops when the squamous cells in the top layer of your skin grow out of control.
Photos of squamous cell carcinoma
With early detection, squamous cell carcinomas are highly treatable. But, said Dr. Amy McMichael, "they can grow extremely quickly and be very dangerous."Alamy Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms and signs Though it's linked with exposure to ultraviolet rays, squamous cell carcinoma can crop up in areas that don't get much sun. Watch out for rough, scaly patches, sores that don't heal or anything else that looks suspicious.
Causes of squamous cell carcinomaSquamous cell carcinoma is mainly caused by UV rays from the sun or indoor tanning.
Squamous cell carcinoma treatmentsTreatments for squamous cell carcinoma may include surgery, radiation or other therapies. Catching it early is key.
Read more about squamous cell carcinoma and how to treat it.
How to identify a skin conditionAlthough these photos can help you potentially spot and identify some skin conditions, remember to always reach out to your physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Often, a doctor or dermatologist can diagnose a skin condition by just looking the affected area, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If that doesn't yield a diagnosis, the doctor may order tests which include biopsies, skin patch allergy tests and other diagnostic tools.
What Causes Chicken Skin?
Keratosis pilaris, or "chicken skin," is a common and harmless condition due to excess keratin in the hair follicles. It causes small, rough bumps to appear on the skin's surface.
People may refer to keratosis pilaris as chicken skin, as the small bumps can look similar to the skin of a plucked chicken.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook for keratosis pilaris.
The main symptom of keratosis pilaris is small, rough, dry bumps on the skin, which may give the skin a sandpaper-like texture and look like goosebumps or a rash.
The bumps may:
Keratosis pilaris can appear anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles — it will not appear on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands.
The most common areas for keratosis pilaris to appear are:
Some people may also have bumps on the forearms and lower legs.
Keratosis pilaris occurs due to an abnormal buildup of keratin in hair follicles. Keratin is a protein that supports the typical development of hair, nails, and skin.
The excess keratin blocks the hair follicles and builds up, leading to small bumps forming on the skin.
Researchers are unclear on the underlying cause of keratosis pilaris. It may occur due to certain genetic mutations with filaggrin, an important protein for skin barrier function. The condition also commonly occurs with atopic dermatitis.
Keratosis pilaris is also more apparent in winter, possibly due to less moisture in the air.
To diagnose keratosis pilaris, a doctor will take a medical history and physically examine the skin.
A doctor may use a dermatoscope to examine the skin more closely. A dermatoscope is a handheld device that magnifies the skin to allow examination of the hair follicles and papules in greater detail.
A doctor will not usually need to perform any further tests. If they need to confirm the diagnosis, they may use a punch biopsy, which takes a small sample of skin tissue to examine under a microscope.
Learn whether Medicare covers dermatology.
People may be able to prevent flareups by:
Read about skin myths.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, keratosis pilaris may last years but usually disappear by age 30.
Keratosis pilaris may affect the appearance of the skin, but it is a harmless condition and will not usually hurt or itch.
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, but topical treatments and home remedies may help reduce the appearance of the bumps.
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin's surface. It usually appears on the upper arms or thighs. Keratosis pilaris is a harmless and painless condition.
Treatments may help reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris. Moisturizers and exfoliants may help reduce dryness and clear a buildup of dead skin cells. In many cases, keratosis pilaris will disappear over time.
Monsoon Fever: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
With monsoons around the corner, parents are often worried that their child will get a fever after getting wet in the rain. The first showers are always welcoming after the hot and humid summer, in fact, it's like a breath of fresh air, however, along with these monsoon showers, there are a host of infections which become very active and leads to a lot of complications.
The common causes of fever during monsoon include viral fever and malaria. Dengue typhoid, respiratory infections. Monsoons lead to a large number of areas getting flooded leading to breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other infections like malaria, dengue, leptospirosis caused by rats, and chikungunya. All these infections cause fever with different degrees of complications.
Viral fever is very common and this fever is typically presented with high-grade, fever, headache, body aches, and watering of the eyes. If the fever does not subside within a period of 3 to 4 days then the person must get investigated to find out the root cause of the fever. Viral fevers may be caused by different viruses, including Covid and swine flu, H1, avian flu, bird flu, etc. Fever is also caused by measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox. All of them would come under the category of viral fever and may present with high-grade fever causing dehydration with or without rash. And most of these fevers are self-limiting within a period of 5 to 6 days at the most. If these do not subside, then there's also a chance that there is a secondary bacterial infection.
Respiratory infections cause fever which can be both viral or bacterial. This fever presents with cough, cold, high-grade fever may be associated with vomiting. Fever may subside within 4-5 days unless it progresses to pneumonia, where the course of action may be longer.
Fever may be caused by abdominal infections, like typhoid, or gastroenteritis due to infected food and water. Complications of fever are severe and need to be monitored. Gastroenteritis may cause severe dehydration and convulsions (fits) due to body electrolyte imbalance.
Fever is caused by different parasites like malaria parasite, dengue and chikungunya. The common characteristic of these fevers are high-grade fever associated with or without chills, severe headache, joint pains in chikungunya and internal bleeding in dengue. If the fever is rapidly progressing it needs to be treated immediately.
Excessive overdose of drugs or drug allergy may also cause fever.
High-grade fever may lead to convulsions or fits in children less than 5 years of age causing febrile convulsions. Maintaining nutrition and adequate fluids is important. Investigations should be carried out if fever persists for over 4-5 days, not responding to paracetamol and over-the-counter drugs.
Taking the right treatment is the correct way for different types of fevers forms the cornerstone of treatment and prevents complications.
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DisclaimerViews expressed above are the author's own.
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