Our skin is an incredible structure. The body’s largest organ, our skin protects our internal organs from pathogens and physical injury, helps regulate body temperature, and holds in fluids, keeping us hydrated and healthy as we move through life. As resilient as our skin is, all of us will likely experience at least one skin condition at some point in our lives, whether it’s acne, hives, eczema, or another issue. Allergies and irritants, genes, immune system issues, certain diseases, and viruses can all cause skin problems, which can range from mildly irritating to debilitating. Read on to learn more about some of the most common skin conditions.
What it is: A common tormenter of teens everywhere, acne is characterized by small bumps (papules), pus-filled blisters (pustules), nodules, cysts, or a combination of these, which are often red and sometimes painful. What causes it: Excess oil production and hormonal changes (especially during puberty), as well as bacteria and clogged hair follicles are the main causes of acne. Certain medications, diet, and stress are additional possible causes. How it’s treated: Acne treatments can include topical medications, over-thecounter (OTC) treatments, and prescription medications.
What it is: Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions (e.g. contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis) that cause skin inflammation, redness, and (often) itching; eczema is not contagious. What causes it: The cause is unknown, but may be due to an overreactive response by the immune system to allergens or irritants. How it’s treated: OTC products (e.g. hydrocortisone cream, antihistamines), light therapy, and topical immunomodulators— prescription medications that work by inhibiting an immune response to irritants—are possible treatments.
What it is: A contagious condition that causes fever, weakness, and (in most people) a painful, blistering rash–most often on the trunk of the body; some people also experience itching, burning, or shooting nerve pain. What causes it: Reactivation of the chickenpox virus, often when the immune system is weak or becomes weakened. How it’s treated: There is no cure for shingles, but treatment with antiviral drugs (e.g. acyclovir, valacyclovir) may hasten healing; pain may be treated with anticonvulsants (e.g. gabapentin), tricyclic antidepressants, codeine, local corticosteroid injections, and others.
What it is: Cancer that forms when mutations occur in the DNA of skin cells. Basal cell carcinoma makes up the majority of skin cancer cases,1 while melanoma (the most dangerous skin cancer) is less common.2 What causes it: Cumulative sun exposure, exposure to toxic substances, a weakened immune system; risk factors including having fair skin, living at a high altitude, a family history of skin cancer, and others. How it’s treated: Dermatologists may surgically remove the tumor/growth or use cryosurgery (freezing off of the cancer), radiation, laser surgery, topical medications, and others.
What it is: A chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the skin.
What causes it: An overreactive immune system response that causes the body to produce more skin cells than normal; the body can’t slough off the new skin cells fast enough, causing them to “pile up” and create thick, flaky patches. How it’s treated: Topical treatments, including salicylic acid ointment, steroid creams, and coal-tar ointments, as well as light therapy, prescription medications (e.g. methotrexate, cyclosporine), and natural treatments such as aloe vera, dead sea salt, and dietary changes.
What they are: Raised red bumps that are itchy and sometimes sting or burn. What causes them: Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to a food or substance in the environment, but they can also be caused by stress, weather changes, exercise, illness or infection. Hives can occur as an allergic reaction or be chronic (persistent). How they’re treated: Identifying and removing the trigger is often the primary goal of treatment. Taking antihistamines, applying cool compresses, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and keeping cool can help relieve symptoms.
What they are: Raised bumps on the skin that vary in appearance from skincolored papules to scaly-looking patches. What causes them: Human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are more than 100 strains. While most HPV strains are harmless, some cause genital warts and can lead to cervical cancer. See your doctor right away if you have signs of genital warts or think you may have been exposed. How they’re treated: Salicylic acid, tape occlusion, cryotherapy, laser surgery, surgical scraping (curettage), and other methods.
The dermatology team at Crystal Run Healthcare offers a full range of dermatological services, from wart removal to treatment of more complex conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
Our esteemed providers are leaders in dermatological health, delivering quality care to patients of all ages. We look forward to becoming your trusted healthcare provider.
Crystal Run Healthcare is committed to delivering quality care to patients in the New York area. Our facilities offer first-class preventative medicine, diagnostics, and treatment to patients of all ages and stages of life. Our methods are evidence-based. Our treatment is patient-centered. Our doctors are here to help. Visit www.crystalrunhealthcare.com for more information.
Crystal Run Healthcare offers dermatology services at the following locations: MIDDLETOWN - 95 CRYSTAL RUN RD. 95 Crystal Run Road Middletown, NY 10941 P: 845.703.6999
NEWBURGH 1200 Route 300 Newburgh, NY 12550 P: 845.725.0100 UC: 845.725.0111
WEST NYACK 2 Centerock Road West Nyack, NY 10994 P: 845.348.1100 UC: 845.348.1100
MONROE 855 Route 17M Monroe, NY 10950 P: 845.615.6999 UC: 845.783.6333
ROCK HILL 61 Emerald Place Rock Hill, NY 12775 P: 845.794.6999 UC: 845.796.5444
NEW YORK, NY - 155 EAST 76TH ST. 155 East 76th Street New York, NY 10021 P: 212.249.0622
GOSHEN – 7 HATFIELD LN. 7 Hatfield Lane Goshen, NY 10924 P: 845.615.6999
1. http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma 2. http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma