Dermatology / Advanced Skin Health

Rosacea is a common, long-term skin condition that primarily affects the face, though it can occur in any skin type. While more common in fair-skinned individuals, rosacea can appear in people of all skin tones. It can develop at any age, starting from childhood, but typically begins in young adults.

Though rosacea is more frequent in women, it can be more severe when it affects men. The condition often fluctuates between mild and severe, with common symptoms including persistent redness, dilated blood vessels, small bumps, and acne-like pus-filled spots. It mainly affects the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose, though in rare cases, it can also appear on the neck and chest. Some individuals may experience eye-related symptoms, such as irritation and redness.

Rosacea is categorized into four subtypes, which can overlap, and your doctor can advise on the specific type affecting you.

Melasma, also known as “chloasma” or “pregnancy mask,” is a common skin condition in adults, characterized by brown or greyish patches of pigmentation, usually on the face. The term comes from the Greek word “melas” meaning black, and “cholas,” meaning greenish. It is more prevalent in women, especially during pregnancy, affecting up to 50% of pregnant women. However, men can also be affected.

Melasma is more common in people with darker skin tones or those who tan easily, though it can occur in anyone. The condition tends to worsen in the summer due to sun exposure and often improves in the winter months. Importantly, melasma is not an infection, allergy, or cancerous condition, nor will it develop into skin cancer. It is completely non-contagious.

Atopic eczema is a common skin condition that can develop at any age, though it most often begins in childhood. It is estimated that up to 1 in 5 children will experience eczema at some point.

The term ‘atopic’ refers to a group of conditions, including asthma, eczema, and hay fever, all of which are linked by an overactive allergic response in the body’s immune system. The word ‘eczema’ is derived from the Greek term meaning “to boil,” and describes the characteristic symptoms of red, dry, itchy skin. In more severe cases, the skin may blister, weep, crust, scale, or thicken.

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss, and alopecia areata is a common type of non-scarring hair loss that can occur at any age. Non-scarring hair loss means that the hair roots are not permanently damaged, allowing the potential for hair to regrow.

Alopecia areata typically presents as small, round, coin-sized patches of baldness on the scalp, but it can also affect other areas such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. In some cases, larger areas may be involved, and in severe instances, it can lead to complete scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or total body hair loss (alopecia universalis). It can affect individuals of all genders, including both children and adults, and in some cases, changes in the nails may also be observed.

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL), also called androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men. It can begin at any age and typically follows a pattern of receding hairlines and thinning at the crown, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness in some men.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in women. The severity of FPHL can vary, with some women experiencing gradual thinning, primarily at the crown and top of the scalp, while others may experience more noticeable hair loss over time.

Psoriasis is a common, long-term skin condition that tends to flare up and subside throughout life, caused by an overactive immune system. It is not contagious, so it cannot be spread from person to person. While psoriasis does not typically scar the skin, it can sometimes cause temporary changes in skin color.

Although it is a chronic condition, there are many effective treatments available to help manage and control it. Psoriasis affects approximately 1 in 50 people and can develop at any age from puberty onward, though it is rare in young children.

Lichen planus is an uncommon inflammatory condition that can affect various areas of the body, including the skin, mucous membranes (such as the mouth, gums, vulva, vagina, and penis), hair, and nails. It can occur in anyone and often presents differently from person to person.

The condition typically appears after the age of 20, with most cases occurring between the ages of 40 and 70. Oral lichen planus is slightly more common than other forms, and the condition is quite rare in children.

Erysipelas and cellulitis are common skin infections. Erysipelas is a superficial infection, primarily affecting the upper layers of the skin, while cellulitis involves the deeper layers of tissue. Due to the overlap in symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. Both infections can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area.

Fungal nail infections, also known as dermatophytic onychomycosis or tinea unguium, are typically caused by the same fungi responsible for athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), a common skin infection affecting the feet, particularly between the toes. In athlete’s foot, the fungus resides in the keratin of the skin’s outer layer. When it spreads to the keratin in the nails, it leads to a fungal nail infection, resulting in symptoms such as discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails.

Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating beyond what is considered normal. It can be localized, affecting specific areas like the hands or feet, or it may involve the entire body.

Sweating is regulated by the brain, which sends signals through sympathetic nerves to the small sweat glands in the skin. These nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system. Sweating serves as a natural response to increases in body temperature and emotional states such as anxiety.

A common treatment for reducing sweating is called an antiperspirant, which differs from a deodorant that primarily addresses body odor. Many products combine both antiperspirant and deodorant functions for comprehensive protection.