A – Z of Skin
Information for Skin, Hair and Nail Conditions
WHAT IS THE A-Z OF SKIN?
The A to Z of Skin information has been developed to help you understand more about common skin conditions and problems, and how these may be treated.
Both common and medical names have been included to help your search, as well as the names of medications and treatments. There are also a number of cosmetic topics which explain the latest treatments for cosmetic concerns related to the skin. Many College dermatologists have contributed to the information on this site.
The process has been overseen by a committee of dermatologists to ensure that the final versions are both accurate and user friendly. Particular thanks go to Dr Pam Brown, Dr Peter Berger, Dr Davin Lim, Dr Michelle Rodrigues, Dr Yin Vun, Conjoint Associate Prof Orli Wargon and Dr Eleni Yiasemides (Chair). The A to Z information is currently under development. Please check back on a regular basis for updates and the addition of new topics.
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Café-au-lait macules
Café-au-lait macules (CALMs) are benign well-circumscribed, flat, uniformly light to dark brown spots with a characteristic ‘coffee-with-milk’ colour.
MoreCalcific Uraemic Arteriolopathy
Also known as Calciphylaxis. Calciphylaxis is a rare and serious disorder, usually seen in individuals on treatment for severe kidney disease – typically on dialysis for end stage renal failure (ESRF).
MoreCalciphylaxis
Calciphylaxis is a rare and serious disorder, usually seen in individuals on treatment for severe kidney disease.
MoreCampbell de Morgan spots
Campbell de Morgan spots also known as cherry angiomas, are the most common blood vessel overgrowths of the skin and typically present in the third or fourth decades of life.
MoreCanker sores
Canker sores also known as Aphthous ulcers, are a common problem with a higher prevalence in high socio-economic areas.
MoreCapillaritis
Capillaritis also known as pigmented purpuric dermatosis, is an uncommon condition that affects all races and ages. It usually manifests as small or large patches of cayenne pepper coloured spots and pigmentation.
MoreCapillary malformation
Capillary malformation also known as a port-wine stain, is a pink to red flat patch on the skin which has well-defined edges. It is a true birthmark present in 3 to 5 per 1000 newborn babies. It is permanent and its area will increase in proportion to general body growth.
MoreCellulite
Cellulite is a very common condition. It is seen in almost all adult women in various degrees and can therefore be considered a normal variation of the appearance of the skin.
MoreCentral centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a chronic and progressive type of scarring alopecia that results in permanent hair loss. CCCA most commonly starts in the centre of the scalp and, without treatment, expands over time causing an irreversible area of baldness. It is most commonly seen in middle-aged African women.
MoreCheek rejuvenation
The cheek is a critical area of the face when one considers the effects of aging and damage to the skin. One of the clear signs of youth is a curved, full, convex cheek as one is used to seeing on babies in their first few years of life.
MoreCheilitis granulomatosa
Cheilitis granulomatosa also known as granulomatous cheilitis, is a rare condition characterised by persistent, diffuse, soft-to-firm swelling of one or both lips.
MoreChemical peel
A chemical peel is the application of a chemical solution to the skin which is designed to correct a variety of problems including sun damage, mild scarring, removal of fine wrinkles and improvement in irregular pigmentation.
MoreCherry angiomas
Cherry angiomas are the most common blood vessel overgrowths of the skin and typically present in the third or fourth decades of life. Cherry angiomas tend to increase in both size and number with advancing age. They occur in all races and sexes.
MoreChilblains
Chilblains are itchy, red swollen tender areas of skin that develop on the exposed skin of fingers, toes or rims of ears after exposure to cold at temperatures above O° Celsius
MoreChildhood bullous pemphigoid
Childhood bullous pemphigoid is an extremely rare form of the bullous pemphigoid which is an autoimmune blistering disease. It occurs in children under 18 years of age. Given its rarity, the exact incidence of the condition is unknown.
MoreChloasma
Chloasma also known as Melasma appears as patchy shades of brown pigmentation on sun exposed areas of the face.
MoreCholestasis of pregnancy or cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy
Cholestasis of pregnancy or cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy also known as Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, is a rare liver condition which causes an itchy skin. There is no rash but the skin may show scratch marks (excoriations) or become yellow (jaundiced).
MoreChondrodermatitis nodularis helicis
Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CDNH) simply means inflamed cartilage and skin forming a tender lump on the ear. The tender scaly lump develops most often on the most protuberant part of the ear where pressure is applied. It can develop from sleeping on a firm pillow or from wearing ill-fitting head phones or ear muffs that press on the involved area. The condition can also be precipitated by minor trauma.
MoreChronic actinic dermatitis (CAD)
CAD is a rare chronic inflammatory skin condition triggered by abnormal sensitivity to sunlight.
MoreChronic Bullous Dermatosis of Childhood
Chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood also known as Linear IgA Disease is a rare skin blistering condition. It affects young children (usually before 5 years of age) or adults (usually after 40 years of age). This condition affects the skin and mucosal (inside the mouth and/or genitalia) surfaces of the body.
MoreChronic palmoplantar pustular psoriasis
Chronic palmoplantar pustular psoriasis also known as palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), is a chronic pustular condition affecting the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet. It may occur with psoriasis or without any other skin disease.
MoreCompensatory hyperhidrosis
Compensatory hyperhidrosis is a common, post-surgical complication of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS surgery).
MoreCongenital melanocytic naevi
Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are skin lesions consisting of nests of melanocytes (cells that produce pigment). They are present at birth or shortly after birth. They occur in approximately 1 in 100 live births.
MoreContact allergy
Dermatitis is a very common itchy red skin rash with a variety of types and causes (some types are also called eczema). It is common for a person with dermatitis to have more than one type, either at the same time, or at different times in their lives. Contact dermatitis arises from a chemical in contact with the skin which may cause either irritant or allergic dermatitis.
MoreCosmeceuticals
Cosmeceuticals are products that have both cosmetic and therapeutic (medical or drug-like) effects, and are intended to have a beneficial effect on skin health and beauty.
MoreCosmetic injections
Neurotoxins are a group of substances that are used in dermatology to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). They are also used to reduce wrinkles, most commonly those around the eyes and on the forehead
MoreCradle Cap
Cradle cap also known as Seborrhoeic dermatitis in infants, is inflammation of the skin that usually occurs on areas of the body such as the head and trunk where there are a greater number of oil glands.
MoreCreeping eruption
Creeping eruption also known as cutaneous larva migrans, is an itchy localised skin infestation caused by the penetration and migration of animal hookworm larvae through the skin.
MoreCutaneous amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is a group of conditions characterised by the deposition of amyloid protein in organ systems. About 18 different types of amyloid protein have been identified.
MoreCutaneous B-cell lymphoma
Tumours of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system are called “lymphomas”. B-cell lymphomas are caused by an excess of B-cell lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
MoreCutaneous larva migrans
Cutaneous larva migrans is an itchy localised skin infestation caused by the penetration and migration of animal hookworm larvae through the skin.
MoreCutaneous lupus erythematosus
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a form of lupus that predominantly affects the skin. The most common forms are subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)
MoreCutaneous small vessel vasculitis
Cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (CSVV) is a condition caused by inflammation of the skin’s blood vessels. It classically presents as areas of red or purple discoloration. This is due to bleeding under the skin and does not disappear when pressure is applied (purpura).
MoreCutaneous tuberculosis
Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is a skin infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, which mainly causes lung infection, but can involve other organ systems.
MoreCyclosporin
Cyclosporin is a drug used in dermatology to reduce inflammation. It is effective in controlling common conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
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