Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What is vitiligo ? Vitiligo is a skin disorder which presents as white spots and patches on the skin. This is due to a progressive loss of the pigment, melanin, which gives us our skin colour. The loss of pigment occurs when pigment cells (melanocytes) are destroyed and…
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland Viral Wart (verrucae vulgaris or common wart) What causes warts ? Warts are harmless skin growths caused by a virus. They can grow on any part of the body, like on the face, along the forearms or on the finger. Warts have a rough surface on which tiny,…
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What is Urticaria (Hives) ? Urticaria or hives as it is commonly called, is an itchy rash consisting of localized swellings of the skin that usually last for a few hours before fading away. When urticaria develops around loose tissues of the eyes or lips, the affected area…
Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland How is it acquired ? It is usually spread from pets or other children. Black children for unknown reasons are the most likely to be infected. What are the features of Tinea Capitis ? There is patchy loss of hair and pain. The affected area may be red…
What are solar lentigines? Solar lentigines are brown spots 1 cm or greater in diameter, occurring usually on the face and back of the hands. Solar lentigines are evidence of excessive sunlight exposure. They are found in individuals over 40 years of age, especially if they have a long history of working outdoors. How are…
Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland The skin often reflects internal processes. Some skin lesions are linked to cancers and may serve as “signposts” indicating the presence of a less visible internal cancer. Awareness of such skin changes may thus result in earlier diagnosis and treatment of cancers. These skin lesions associated with cancers…
Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What are the common skin problems occurring in the elderly? Appearance and Texture Changes The skin is constantly renewing itself. New cells are formed on the lower layer of skin which slowly move upward. By the time they reach the surface of the skin, these cells are dead…
Alopecia Areata What is alopecia areata? Alopecia areata is a common skin disorder seen in children and young adults. It is characterized by hair loss in localized round areas on the scalp, the beard area and occasionally on the eyebrows . A positive family history for alopecia areata is found in 10% to 20% of…
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland Atopic Dermatitis 1. What is Atopic Dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis or eczema is an itchy, dry, inflammation of the skin. It is the commonest type of skin disease in children. It is not an infectious disease. The child with atopic dermatitis has sensitive skin which is irritated easily. 2.…
