Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland Rosacea A common disorder affecting facial skin. Initially carries both a vascular and an inflammatory component – Inflammatory: Papules, pustules – Vascular: Erythema, telangiectasia, flushing Distribution Symmetrical localization on the face; may be asymmetrical Nose, cheeks, forehead, chin May involve a variety of ocular lesions Etiology Unknown Age…
Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by rapid growth of the outer skin layer, resulting in thick, silvery flakes of scale on raised pinkish red skin with well-defined margins . Itching is often experienced in hot humid climates. Psoriasis on the elbows How common is it? It is estimated to affect 1-2%…
What is post-infammatory hyperpigmentation? It is a discolouration that is left on the skin after an underlying skin disease has healed. The underlying skin disease may be trauma, skin infection, eczema (dermatitis) or a drug reaction. In dark-skinned persons, the colour tends to be more intense and persists for a longer period. The pigmentation tends…
Phototherapy is the use of light in the treatment of a disease. It was noted in ancient times that psoriasis often improves with exposure to the sun. The sun’s ray consists mainly of visible light, ultraviolet “A” and ultraviolet “B” (UVA and UVB). In the treatment of psoriasis, two main types of phototherapy are used,…
What is an Occupational Skin Disease ? An occupational skin disease (OSD) is any skin disorder which is caused by a person’s work. A person’s existing skin disorder may also be made much worse by work activities, and such cases are also considered as OSDs. The commonest type of OSD is dermatitis, an inflammation of…
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland Who gets nickel allergy? Nickel sensitivity is common affecting around 5% of the population, especially in women. Anyone can become allergic to nickel, but most cases begin during teenage when girls in particular start to wear cheap metal jewellery. Ear piercing often starts up a nickel allergy which…
Molluscum Contagiosum (Arm) What is Molluscum Contagiosum ? This is a skin infection caused by a pox virus. It is a common infection in children. It is transmitted by skin contact with an infected person. What are the signs of Molluscum Contagiosum ? The infection presents as small discrete, round, pearly-white growths on the skin,…
What is melasma? Chloasma consists of brown spots/patches on both sides of the face, especially on the cheeks, upper lips, nose and chin. The distribution is usually symmetrical. Chloasma is mainly seen in women of child-bearing age. The colour in Chloasma darkens during sunlight exposure. Chloasma tends to occur during pregnancy and with the use…
Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland How is laser used to treat skin disorders? Laser is a very pure and intense light source. When the laser light shines onto the skin, a certain target in the skin absorbs the laser light. Different targets in the skin will absorb laser light of different characteristics. After…
Impetigo What is lmpetigo ? This is an acute superficial infection of the skin caused by bacteria. This infection is common in pre-school children and young adults. What are the signs of Impetigo ? The infection appears as skin blisters which later break down to become superficial sores with golden-yellow “stuck on” crusts on the…
