Dermatology – 101 – Conditions-01-20

Dermatology is a key part of General Practice. Here is a list of 101 common dermatological conditions in approximate order of incidence. Click on the link for more details.

1. Acne

Description: Inflammatory skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and cysts, primarily on the face, back, and chest.
Associations: Hormonal changes, genetics, stress, and certain medications.
Management: Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics; oral isotretinoin for severe cases; hormonal therapy in some cases.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne

2. Atopic Dermatitis

Description: Chronic, itchy rash that is often scaly and reddened.
Associations: Family history of allergies or asthma, environmental factors.
DDx: Granular parakeratosis can look very similar Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/granular-parakeratosis
Management: Moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, avoiding triggers, antihistamines for itch relief.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dermatitis

3. Contact Dermatitis

Description: Red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it.
Associations: Exposure to irritants or allergens (like nickel, fragrances, plants).
Management: Avoidance of the irritant or allergen, topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines for severe cases.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-dermatitis

4. Psoriasis

Description: Autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches on the skin.
Associations: Genetic predisposition, triggers include stress, infection, medications.
Management: Topical treatments (steroids, vitamin D analogues), phototherapy, systemic medications for severe cases.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/psoriasis

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Description: Skin condition causing scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff.
Associations: It’s more common in oily skin, stress, cold, dry weather.
Management: Antifungal creams or shampoos, topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-dermatitis

6. Rosacea

Description: Chronic skin condition causing flushing, redness, pimples, and visible blood vessels, usually on the face.
Associations: Fair skin, family history, age between 30 and 50.
Management: Avoiding triggers, topical and oral antibiotics, laser therapy, managing lifestyle factors.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/rosacea

Rosacea

7. Urticaria

Description: Sudden outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques on the skin.
Associations: Allergic reactions, infections, stress, exposure to cold or heat.
Management: Oral antihistamines, avoiding known triggers, corticosteroids for severe cases.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/urticaria-an-overview

Urticaria1

8. Tinea

Description: Fungal infection of the skin, scalp, or nails presenting as a red, itchy, scaly ring-shaped rash.
Associations: Warm, moist environments; close contact with infected individuals or animals.
Management: Antifungal creams, shampoos, or oral medications, keeping the affected area clean and dry.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-corporis

Tinea1

Tinea2

9. Herpes Simplex

Description: Viral infection causing blisters and sores, usually on the mouth or genitals.
Associations: HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses, stress, sunlight, fever, weakened immune system.
Management: Antiviral medications (topical or oral), pain relief measures, avoiding triggering factors.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/cme/viral-infections/herpes-simplex

10. Varicella-Zoster

Description: Chickenpox causes itchy, blister-like rash; shingles causes painful rash, often with blisters.
Associations: Initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox); shingles occurs from reactivation of the virus.
Management: Vaccination for prevention; antiviral drugs, pain management, and itch relief for active cases.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/herpes-zoster

Zoster2

11. Impetigo

Description: Highly contagious bacterial skin infection, causing red sores that can rupture, ooze fluid, and form a yellow-brown crust.
Associations: Common in children, direct contact with infected person, or with items they’ve touched.
Management: Topical or oral antibiotics, keeping the skin clean, avoiding scratching.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/impetigo

12. Scabies

Description: Skin infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, causing intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.
Associations: Close physical contact, crowded conditions, compromised immune system.
Management: Prescription scabicidal lotions or creams, washing clothes and bedding in hot water.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/scabies

13. Cellulitis

Description: Bacterial skin infection causing red, swollen, and painful skin, often with fever.
Associations: Breaks in the skin, chronic skin conditions, weakened immune system.
Management: Oral or intravenous antibiotics, rest, elevation of the affected area.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cellulitis

14. Basal Cell Carcinoma

Description: Type of skin cancer featuring lesions or nodules on sun-exposed areas.
Associations: Long-term sun exposure, fair skin.
Management: Surgical removal, cryotherapy, topical treatments for early stages, radiation therapy.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/basal-cell-carcinoma

15. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Description: Type of skin cancer causing firm, red nodules or flat sores with a scaly crust.
Associations: UV exposure, fair skin, history of sunburns.
Management: Surgical removal, radiation therapy, cryotherapy.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/cme/lesions/squamous-cell-carcinoma

16. Melanoma

Description: The most serious type of skin cancer, often resembling moles or developing from them.
Associations: Intense UV exposure, fair skin, genetics, having many moles.
Management: Surgical removal, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/melanoma
Lentigo Maligna (Hutchinsons Melanotic Freckle)
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lentigo-maligna-and-lentigo-maligna-melanoma
Lentigo maligna has a 3-10% chance of malignant transformation flagged by rapid change – thickness, pigment…

17. Actinic Keratosis

Description: Rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin, potentially precancerous.
Associations: Long-term sun exposure, older age, fair skin.
Management: Cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/actinic-keratosis

18. Alopecia

Description: Loss of hair from the scalp or body, which can be temporary or permanent.
Associations: Genetics, autoimmune conditions, certain medications, stress.
Management: Topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, corticosteroids, hair transplant surgery.
Exclamation mark hairs -> alopecia areata
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hair-loss

19. Warts

Description: Small, grainy skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Associations: HPV infection, cuts or damage to the skin.
Management: Cryotherapy, salicylic acid treatments, laser treatment, surgical removal.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/viral-wart

20. Corns and Calluses

Description: Thickened skin areas formed due to repeated pressure or friction.
Associations: Ill-fitting shoes, repetitive actions.
Management: Protective pads, changing footwear, paring down thickened skin, orthotics.
Dermnet: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/corn-callus