Skin Cancer
ABCDE of Skin Cancer Prevention:
A: Asymmetry: one half of the mole does not match the other
B: Border: irregular shaped borders
C: Color: irregular color or speckled appearance.
D: Diameter: moles should be less than 6mm in diameter.
E: Evolving: Moles should not change. If a mole starts to change in shape or color, especially rapidly, further evaluation should be done.
1. Actinic Keratoses (Pre-cancer lesions)
• Common rough, scaly, areas of sun damaged skin that if left untreated can turn into squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer.
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer that appears on sun exposed areas. Basal cell carcinomas can appear anywhere on the body and usually appear as a pearly, red or flesh colored, papules.
3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinomas are a type of skin cancer that can occur anywhere on the body. Squamous cell carcinomas require prompt treatment and commonly arise from actinic keratoses.
4. Melanoma
• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can occur to individuals of all ages on all areas of the body. Melanoma can have a genetic component to it and appears as a brown-pigmented lesion containing melanocytes.
Acne
Acne a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages. Acne can appear as pus-filled erythematous bumps to blackheads. Acne can be located anywhere on the body and dramatically affect self-confidence.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a rash that occurs from some sort of irritant. For example: any rash that appears from poison ivy, jewelry, changes in detergents, ect. Dermatitis can happen to anyone and is extremely manageable with proper evaluation and treatment.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common chronic skin disorder that primarily affect the face. Rosacea can present as redness, flushing, pustules, rhinophyma, or telangiectasia. It is important to eliminate exacerbating factors of rosacea such as the following:
- hot beverages
- alcohol
- spicy foods
- exposures to extreme temperatures
- sun exposure
- stress
- anxiety
Eczema
Eczema, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that can appear as dry, crusted, itchy patches. The goal of treatment is to prevent exacerbations and to decrease irritating symptoms such as pruritus and dermatitis which is typically seen with this skin condition.
Psoriasis
Many types of psoriasis exist, with the most common form being plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory disorder that presents as silver scaly patches on the skin.
Psoriasis has been linked to multiple systemic comorbidities such as the following:
- Psoriatic arthritis: an irreversible form of arthritis associated with cutaneous psoriasis.
- Obesity
- Bone disease
- Psychiatric disorders
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Autoimmune diseases etc.
Psoriasis has many systemic effects and needs to be managed by an appropriate medical professional to prevent future exacerbations and systemic effects.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic Keratosis is a common non-cancerous skin growth that can appear on all parts of the body. Seborrheic keratosis are more common as we age. Seborrheic keratosis typically appear as brown, tan, or white raised, stuck-on, waxy lesions. Although unsightly, these lesions are benign. Seborrheic keratosis can easily be removed.
Warts
Warts are small fleshy bumps on the skin that occur from a viral infection. Warts are contagious via skin to skin contact. Warts typically appear on the hands or feet. Warts can be stubborn, but can be removed with proper treatments in office.
Fungal Infections
Onychomycosis, otherwise known as nail fungus can affect nails on the fingers or toes. Onychomycosis typically presents as discoloration, nail splitting, or detached of the nail from the nail bed.
Tinea versicolor: is a common fungal infection of the skin that presents as small areas of discoloration on the skin. Tinea versicolor typically affects the trunk and arms and can present lighter or darker compared to the surrounding skin color.
Tinea corporis, otherwise known as ringworm, Is a easily treatable fungal infection that presents as a erythematous annular (circle) patch on the skin.
Skin tags: Are common, benign. flesh colored growths that typically appear in areas of friction (under arms, neck, ect).
Hair Disorders
Alopecia: Many types of alopecia exists, medical evaluation and treatment recommendations are needed to proper distinguish between them. Alopecia is an absence of hair from certain parts of the body.
Seborrheic dermatitis: are itchy red patches on the scalp or beard with excess dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can be a common annoyance for many and is easily treatable when diagnosed by a medical professional.
