Dermatology Group, P.A. - Charlotte, NC - Physicians and Surgeons - MD - Dermatology

Common Skin Conditions

ACNE FACTS [Sources: AAD; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)]
• Acne forms when too much sebum, an oily substance produced by the oil glands, and shed skin cells plug the pores and stimulate growth of bacteria on the skin. When sebum and bacteria spill onto the skin, they cause redness, swelling and pus - pimples - which can lead to deeper lumps (nodules and cysts). Blackheads and whiteheads result from plugged pores.
• Usually, acne begins at puberty, although adults even into their 40s can get it.
• Acne is slightly more prevalent and usually more severe in males.

STATISTICS (Source: AAD; NIAMS)
• Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 17 million Americans.
• Nearly 80 percent of people aged 11 to 30 have acne, most often on their face, chest and back.
• Acne scars develop to some degree in 95 percent of people with acne.
• Acne is among teenagers' biggest worries. A 1994 American Medical Association survey of 1,000 teens found 89 percent of girls and 78 percent of boys worry about their complexion.

CAUSES of ACNE (Sources: AAD; NIAMS)
Foods, such as chocolate or greasy foods, do not cause acne, but certain foods seem to make some people's acne worse. The following can bring on acne or worsen it:
• Hereditary factors.
• An increase in male hormones found in both males and females.
• Menstruation.
• Emotional stress.
• Oil and grease from cosmetics.
• Medicines such as corticosteroids (cortisone), barbiturates and the antibacterial isoniazid.

ACNE CARE AND TREATMENT
• To prevent scars, do not squeeze pimples; seek treatment early for severe acne.
• Gently wash affected areas twice a day with mild soap and warm water.
• Shampoo your hair often, daily if it is oily.
• Avoid astringents, which strip your skin of natural moisture.
• Use oil-free cosmetics and sunscreens.
• See your dermatologist for the newest acne treatments.

PSORIASIS (Source: AAD "Psoriasis" pamphlet)
• Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease in which red, thickened areas with silvery scales appear on the skin - most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower part of the back - and nails.
• In the United States, two of every 100 people have psoriasis (4 to 5 million people).
• Psoriasis results from inflammation of the skin and overly rapid skin cell division.
• There is no cure for psoriasis, but treatment can clear or greatly improve most cases. Treatment
• Skin treatments include steroid (cortisone) creams, lotions and ointments or injections; coal tar; prescription forms of vitamins A (retinoids)and D; and anthralin cream for tough-to-treat psoriasis. Prescription shampoos are available for scalp treatment.
• Light therapy may accompany other treatments and must be monitored by a doctor to be safe and effective. Sunlight and ultraviolet light slow the growth of skin cells but can cause wrinkles, eye damage and skin cancer (see Skin Cancer card). Severe cases may need PUVA therapy - the drug psoralen plus a carefully measured amount of ultraviolet A (UVA) light.
• Oral medicines (retinoids or the anticancer drug methotrexate) may be needed in severe cases.

RASHES (Sources: AAD)
Rashes (often called dermatitis) have many causes, including allergic reactions, friction, prolonged exposure to heat and moisture, or contact with irritants, such as harsh chemicals.
Allergic Contact Rashes
• Common causes of allergic contact rashes include nickel, rubber, dyes and poison ivy.
• Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are the most common causes of allergic reactions in the United States, affecting 10 to 50 million Americans every year. Within 12 to 48 hours after exposure, those who are sensitive develop a line or streak of rash.
Eczema
• Eczema describes all kinds of red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, thickened and itching skin conditions, including rashes. Eczema may subside and then flare again.
• The most common type of eczema is atopic eczema. It affects 3 percent of the U.S. population and tends to run in family members who have allergies. It is most common from infancy through young adulthood. In infants, the rash mainly occurs on the face and scalp. Later in life, the skin eruptions usually occur on the elbows; backs of the knees, ankles and wrists; face; neck and upper chest.

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Dermatology Group, P.A.
10502 Park Road, Suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28210
Near Mercy Hospital South
(704)541-0888
Medical Questions, Refills/Billing, and Insurance call (704)541-1264