Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland Eyelid Contact Dermatitis Cosmetics and cleansers are usually used on the eyelids or eyelashes. These can cause an irritant or allergic reaction in patients sensitive to such cosmetics and cleansers. Patients will complain of itching, burning and redness. Signs of contact dermatitis include blistering, redness and scaliness. If…
DetailsDr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland Congenital moles These are moles that are present at birth. Such moles vary in sizes. They are usually present on the trunk. These congenital moles may develop into cancers (melanoma). Therefore, they should be removed whenever possible. The larger the congenital mole, the higher the risk of cancer…
DetailsDr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What are skin cancers ? There are many types of skin cancers. The three common skin cancers are :- 1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) This presents as a firm irregular fleshy growth usually on sun exposed skin. The growth can increase rapidly in size giving rise to a…
DetailsShingles Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland What causes shingles ? Shingles comes from the latin word cingulum meaning girdle. People who have had chickenpox before can develop herpes zoster, or shingles. The same virus that causes chicken pox, causes shingles. The chickenpox virus remains in a dormant state in certain nerve cells of…
DetailsWhat is scabies? Scabies is a very itchy skin problem, that: commonly affects the hands, wrists and fingers. It can affect the elbows, armpits, nipples and buttocks. In males, the genitals are often affected. The itch is worse at night. How do you get scabies? This condition is caused by the scabies mite (Sarcoptes Scabiei…
DetailsDr 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…
DetailsPsoriasis 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%…
DetailsWhat 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…
DetailsWhat 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…
DetailsDr 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…
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