Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What is idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) ? These are discrete porcelain-white spots measuring about 5mm in diameter. The lesions are localized on sun-exposed areas, more often on the forearms and shins. These spots are stable and do not tend to grow. Hairs located on the lesions are unaffected.…
Fungal Infections Of The Skin (includes “foot rot”) Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What is “Pityriasis (Tinea) Versicolor” It is made up of fine scaly white patches on the skin. It may appear on your face, neck, shoulders, arms, trunk or legs. These spots are active yeasts infecting your skin. The medical name…
What are freckles? Freckles are pale brown spots less than 5 mm in diameter with poorly defined margins. They are first noticed during childhood and are common in fair-skinned individuals. Usually occurring on the face, they darken on sun exposure. They are caused by an increased amount of melanin in the pigment cells. The number …
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What are Folliculitis and Furuncle (Boil) ? Folliculitis is a superficial inflammation of hair follicle (hair pore) caused by bacteria. When the infection affected on hair follicle, it is called a furuncle. When the infection affects several hair follicles and the adjacent tissue, it is called a carbuncle…
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What are eczema and dermatitis? Eczema and dermatitis are now generally used to describe the same skin condition and can be used interchangeably. Eczema is one of the commonest reasons for dry, sensitive skin, taking its name from the Greek word ECZEMA, meaning to boil over. This is…
Drug reactions (drug allergy) Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland A Drug allergy is an unwanted side effect of drugs or medication that are ingested (or injected) into our body. Drug reactions are divided into intolerance and allergies. Drug allergy reactions can affect the skin as well as internal organs of the body. It…
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland Nail Disorders can happen in a several skin conditions, either alone or accompanied by rashes. Common affections of the nails include : Nail infection (bacteria, fungi, yeast and virus) Paronychia: an infection of the nail fold Nail disorder due to skin disease (psoriasis…) Trauma to the nail Infection…
What is Candidiasis ? This is a kind of yeast infection affecting the diaper area. It is usually the result of irritation and maceration from urine and moisture under the diapers: It is almost always present after 3 days The heat and moisture allow the yeast to overgrow. How does it present ? Redness, swelling,…
Venous leg ulcer What are venous leg ulcers? Venous leg ulcers are the commonest cause of chronic, non-healing ulcers of the leg. They occur in adults of both sexes and can take a long time to heal. There are many other causes of chronic leg ulcers and proper evaluation by a medical doctor is needed…
What is Contact Allergy ? Contact allergy is an allergic skin reaction from coming into contact with a substance that is usually harmless. What are the common manifestations of contact allergy ? The commonest manifestation is an itchy rash that develops over a few days, after skin contact with a substance. The affected area first…
