Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Porphyria is blood disorder in which cells fail to change chemicals (porphyrins) to the substance (heme) that gives blood its color. Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, also called PCT, is the most common type of porphyria. PCT can be genetic or acquired. The genetic form is determined by a deficiency in the liver chemical uroporphyrinogen or a… Read More
Biopsy Many medical conditions, not only cases of cancer, may be diagnosed by removing a sample of tissue for lab examination. This procedure is called a biopsy, which is preformed by a variety of techniques. After the doctor obtains the skin biopsy specimen, it is sent for examination to another doctor, the dermatopathologist or pathologist, who… Read More
Lentigines Lentigines, or liver spots, are benign lesions that occur on the sun-exposed areas of the body. The backs of hands and face are common areas. The lesions tend to increase in number with age, making them common among the middle age and older population. They can vary in size from 0.2 to 2 cm. These… Read More
Lyme Disease Lyme disease is spread by the bite of the tiny tick, usually no bigger than a pinhead. Because it is so tiny and its bite is generally painless, the tick is hard to detect. Feeding ticks must usually be attached for 24 to 48 hours before transmitting the disease. Unfortunately, if not promptly diagnosed and… Read More
Hair Removal Only the palms, soles and lips lack hair follicles, this means the rest of our skin surface can potentially grow hair. Unwanted hair growth can be a significant problem for some individuals. There are several different approaches to hair removal but to treat unwanted hair growth it is important to understand a little bit about… Read More
Hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race. Age or… Read More
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Hidradenitis is a chronic disease of the apocrine glands (a form of sweat gland found on certain parts of the body). For unknown reasons, people with hidradenitis develop plugging or clogging of their apocrine glands. It causes chronic scarring and pus formation of the underarms (axilla) and groin/inner thigh areas. In women it can also… Read More
Head Lice Standard treatments for head lice are available without prescription. Products such as RID and NIX as usually effective. The products contain permethrin, natural pyrethrins, or organochlorine insecticides. Remaining nits should be combed out after loosening them with an application of “Step 2” lotion or dilute vinegar. Shampooing with Selsun shampoo will further help to clear… Read More
Halo Moles A halo mole is a mole with a white ring, or halo, around it. Halo moles are not uncommon and are usually seen in children or young adults of either sex. For reasons that are unknown, the body selects a particular mole or moles for destruction. This is presumably because the mole is recognized as… Read More
Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Treatment Your skin is dry, not because it lacks grease or oil, but because it fails to retain water. Therefore, to correct dryness, water is added to the skin, followed by a grease or oil-containing substance to hold the water in. Soaking the affected area, in a basin, bath, or shower, for 15-20 minutes using… Read More