Skin Conditions

Folliculitis refers to infections in the pockets around hairs (follicles) that lead to tiny red bumps or whiteheads that may be painful or itchy. Folliculitis is often caused by shaving, sweating, or friction from clothing or bandages, but can also be picked up in dirty surroundings — for instance, in hot tubs that haven’t been cleaned. Mild cases usually clear up on their own. But if the condition persists or recurs, or the bumps turn into deep boils that are large and painful, it may require treatment such as antibiotics or antifungal medication to prevent scarring, hair loss, or thickened skin.

Genital warts (condylomata acuminata) are a sexually transmitted infection caused by a certain strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). (It’s the same family of viruses that cause most cervical cancers, but a different strain.) These soft warts are often pink or flesh-toned. Warts may go away on their own, or a doctor may need to remove them. Certain types of HPV vaccines given to prevent cervical cancer also protect against warts.

It’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs every day. Those hairs usually grow back, but some diseases and conditions can keep them from doing so, which might lead to hair thinning and even patches of baldness. Hair loss is a symptom of some 30 disorders including thyroid problems, lupus, anemia, and diabetes. Other causes include stress, pregnancy, poor nutrition, major hormonal shifts like menopause, chemotherapy, and some prescription medications (including blood thinners, some drugs for depression, and birth control pills). Treatment for hair loss varies depending on the cause. A dermatologist can help determine the root cause of hair loss and prescribe the lifestyle changes or medications necessary to help hair grow back, if possible. (See also alopecia, alopecia areata, female pattern baldness, male pattern baldness, and traction alopecia.)

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes both oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth or on other areas of the face) and the sexually transmitted infection genital herpes (which can also occur on the buttocks or around the anus). Herpes can also break out in the eyes or other areas. It spreads by contact — you can get the virus from direct contact like sex or kissing, or by sharing utensils, cups, and even towels. Herpes sores themselves may tingle as they form; they then blister and become itchy and achy before healing. Outbreaks can be triggered by illness, stress, or sun exposure.

Hives (urticaria) are red, itchy bumps on the skin often caused by an allergic reaction, stress, or infection. They usually fade on their own, and an over-the-counter antihistamine can help with the itching in the meantime. For severe or chronic cases of hives, a doctor may prescribe stronger medication.

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating on the palms, underarms, feet, and face because of overactive nerves or sweat glands. For milder cases, prescription antiperspirants may do the trick. But bringing more severe cases under control may require oral medications, Botox injections to paralyze nerves near the sweat glands, a treatment called iontophoresisin which electrical currents work on the nerves, or even surgery. 

Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself by releasing a clear, salty fluid from glands inside your skin. Areas of the body with a lot of sweat glands such as the groin and the underarms sweat the most. Body odor is caused when sweat mixes with bacteria naturally living on your skin.

Intertrigo is a red or reddish-brown rash in areas where skin rubs together or traps wetness. It’s caused by yeast, fungus, or bacteria and is often found between toes, in the groin area, underneath belly folds or breasts, in the armpits, in the crease of the neck, or between the buttocks. Keeping the area dry and uncovered can help, but your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic or antifungal creams.

Lichen planus is a condition that can affect the mouth or other areas of the skin such as the inner wrists, legs, torso, or genitals. In the mouth, lichen planus often appears as grayish-white spots or ulcers on the sides of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, or the gums. On the skin, it is often itchy, shiny, scaly, and reddish-purple. The cause is unknown, but the experts’ best guess is that is related to an immune system reaction or allergy. It usually gets better within 18 months with treatment like antihistamines or prescription creams, but it may come and go for years. It isn’t dangerous but shouldn’t be ignored, since mouth ulcers may develop into oral cancer if left untreated for many years.

Male pattern baldness is hair loss in men that usually starts as a receding hairline and thinning on the top of the head. It’s caused by hormone shifts and genetic disposition. If hair falls out very rapidly or in patches, or is accompanied by pain or skin scaling, it could be due to an illness or skin condition. For normal male pattern baldness, the topical medication Rogaine has been found to stimulate hair growth and slow hair loss. Oral prescription medications like Propecia work by blocking a hormone associated with hair loss. (See also alopecia, alopecia areata, female pattern baldness, hair loss, and traction alopecia.)

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. More than 8,500 people in the United States die of melanoma annually, but, if caught and treated early, it’s almost always curable. A majority of melanomas are black or brown, but they can be other colors, such as white, pink, or skin-toned. Any mole that is crusting, bleeding, or itching; is asymmetrical; has uneven borders; has uneven or very dark colors; is larger than six millimeters; or is changing in size or appearance should be checked by a dermatologist. (It’s easy to remember these warning signs as ABCDE: Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, and Evolution.) And always look out for “ugly ducklings” — moles or spots that simply look different than your other ones. (See also basal cell carcinoma, skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma.)