Acne is the term for the blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. While it affects mostly teenagers, and almost all teenagers have some form of acne, adults of any age can have it. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement (scarring) and emotional distress.

Eczema is the name of a group of skin conditions involving red rashes that become irritated, moist, oozing or bumpy when scratched. Atopic dermatitis, also called infantile eczema, is a common form that affects about 10 percent of children. Symptoms almost always appear before the age of 5 and include dry, itchy, red, bumpy skin on the face or scalp that may crust over and spread to other areas of the body. The condition often improves and worsens cyclically over time, with flare-ups commonly occurring at puberty, but most patients outgrow the condition by the end of adolescence.

Atopic dermatitis is inherited and cannot be prevented, but it is treatable. Since rashes are caused by exposure to allergens in the environment (as opposed to contact dermatitis, which worsens when the skin physically touches an irritant), known triggers such as heat, wool, hot water, certain foods or skin products, soaps and detergents should be avoided or removed from the home. A child or teen who has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis may be given steroid creams, antihistamines to relieve itching, and/or antibiotics to treat any infections caused by scratching. Trying not to scratch the area is also important and can reduce the likelihood of developing skin scales or lichenification (thickening).

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that involves a rapid production of skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin and form scales, patches and other unwanted symptoms. Over seven million people in the US are affected by psoriasis, including men, women, and children of all ages.

This condition develops as a result of an autoimmune disorder, in which skin cells replace themselves every three to four days, rather than every 30 days, creating a buildup of cells and causing symptoms to develop on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. While there is no cure currently available for this chronic condition, there are several treatment options available to effectively relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.

Soderma Dermatology offers comprehensive therapy for psoriasis to include a variety of topical therapies as well as ultraviolet light treatment and newer biologic medications.

Seborrhea is a chronic skin condition of unknown origin which causes scaling, oiliness and redness of the skin, most commonly on the scalp (in which case it is often referred to as dandruff), face, ears, navel and genitals. Although symptoms imply that skin is dry, seborrhea actually involves excess oil production in the glands. For this reason, self-treatment methods such as moisturizing often prove ineffective and may even worsen the condition. Professionally recommended treatments such as cortisone creams and lotions and reduction of yeast on the skin surface, in combination with frequent gentle washing and avoidance of harsh or perfumed soaps, can alleviate symptoms.

There are three major groups of skin diseases caused by allergy: eczema, allergic contact dermatitis and hives. Eczema occurs most commonly in children and involves red, thickened, swollen patches of skin on the cheeks, scalp, neck and trunk that itch and can be painful. Allergic contact dermatitis describes the onset of a rash, swelling, blistering or other effect after the skin touches an irritating substance such as clothing materials and dyes, latex, cosmetics, soaps, perfumes or certain plants like poison ivy. Sometimes the reaction is triggered by exposure to ultraviolet light (called photoallergy), for example putting on sunscreen and stepping outside. Hives, also called urticaria, are itchy rashes with bumps resembling insect bites. They can occur in small patches or all over the body, and last anywhere from a few minutes to several months.

Vitiligo is a common skin condition in which patches of the skin lose pigmentation and appear white. These patches develop when melanin is not produced properly, and tend to spread over time as the condition progresses. Some patients may also experience premature whitening of the hair and a loss of color inside the mouth. Although not harmful, patients with vitiligo are often bothered by their appearance and may seek treatment to correct their skin tone. Treatment for vitiligo depends on the severity of the condition, and may include oral or topical medications, UVB therapy, depigmentation or skin grafts. While there is no cure for this condition, treatment is often effective in improving the appearance of the skin.