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A-Z OF SKIN

Search our A to Z of Skin to find out more about common skin conditions and problems, their symptoms, causes and how they are diagnosed and treated. You can search by both common and medical names, or by medicine or treatment name.

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. Our thanks go to the many College dermatologists have contributed to the information on this site.

The information provided in the A-Z of Skin is a general guide only and does not replace individual medical advice. Please speak to your doctor for advice about your situation. The ACD is not liable for any consequences arising from relying on this information.

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  • Café-au-lait Macules

    Also known as ... Cafe-au-lait Spots, Brown Birthmarks Café-au-lait macules (CALMs) are benign well-circumscribed, flat, uniformly light to dark brown spots with a characteristic ‘coffee-with-milk’ colour. CALMs are very common and are seen in 10–20% of the normal population. In rare cases, they may be a sign of an underlying genetic condition.

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  • Calcific 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).

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  • Calciphylaxis

    Calciphylaxis is a rare and serious disorder, usually seen in individuals on treatment for severe kidney disease.

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  • Campbell 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.

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  • Canker sores

    Canker sores also known as Aphthous ulcers, are a common problem with a higher prevalence in high socio-economic areas.

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  • Capillaritis

    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.

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  • Capillary 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.

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  • Cellulite

    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. There are many myths and misunderstandings about the causes and treatment of cellulite. The condition remains difficult to treat with few studies demonstrating impressive, long-standing results despite the “commercial hype” of advertised products.

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  • Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

    Also known as ... Hot Comb Alopecia, Follicular Degeneration Syndrome, Pseudopelade of the Central Scalp, Pseudopelade in African Americans 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 area of baldness. It is most commonly seen in middle-aged African women.

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  • Cheilitis 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.

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  • Cherry Angiomas

    Also known as ... Campbell de Morgan Spots, Cherry Haemangiomas 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.

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  • Chilblains

    Also known as ... Pernio or Perniosis 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.

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  • Childhood 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.

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  • Chloasma

    Chloasma also known as Melasma appears as patchy shades of brown pigmentation on sun exposed areas of the face.

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  • Cholestasis 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).

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  • Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis

    Also known as ... Alopecia Mucinosa Follicular mucinosis is a rare disorder affecting hair-bearing skin, most commonly on the scalp, head and neck. The name of the condition comes from the accumulation of mucin (jelly-like, semi-liquid material) in the walls of hair follicles.

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  • Chromoblastomycosis

    Also known as … Chromomycosis, Cladosporiosis, Verrucous Dermatitis, Fonseca’s Disease, Pedroso’s Disease. Chromoblastomycosis is a long-term or chronic fungal infection of the skin and tissue underneath the superficial layer of the skin (called the subcutaneous tissue). It is more common in rural, tropical and subtropical areas of the world; it tends to present more severely in those with a suppressed or compromised immune system.

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  • Chromomycosis

    Also known as … Chromoblastomycosis, Cladosporiosis, Verrucous Dermatitis, Fonseca’s Disease, Pedroso’s Disease. Chromoblastomycosis is a long-term or chronic fungal infection of the skin and tissue underneath the superficial layer of the skin (called the subcutaneous tissue). It is more common in rural, tropical and subtropical areas of the world; it tends to present more severely in those with a suppressed or compromised immune system

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  • Chronic Actinic Dermatitis (CAD)

    Also known as…Photosensitivity Dermatitis and Actinic Reticuloid (PD/AR) Syndrome; persistent light reaction CAD is a rare chronic inflammatory skin condition triggered by abnormal sensitivity to sunlight.

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  • Chronic 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.

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  • Chronic 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.

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  • Cladosporiosis

    Also known as … Chromoblastomycosis, Chromomycosis, Verrucous Dermatitis, Fonseca’s Disease, Pedroso’s Disease. Chromoblastomycosis is a long-term or chronic fungal infection of the skin and tissue underneath the superficial layer of the skin (called the subcutaneous tissue). It is more common in rural, tropical and subtropical areas of the world; it tends to present more severely in those with a suppressed or compromised immune system.

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  • Comedonal Naevus

    Also known as … Naevus Comedonicus, Follicular Keratotic Naevus and Pilosebaceous Naevoid Disorder. Naevus comedonicus is a rare type of epidermal nevus. A benign overgrowth derived from a hair follicle unit.

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  • Compensatory Hyperhidrosis

    Also known as ... Rebound Sweating, Post Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) Sweating, Paradoxical Sweating, Reflex Sweating What is Compensatory Hyperhidrosis? Compensatory Hyperhidrosis is a common, post-surgical complication of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS surgery). The condition occurs mainly on the trunk and can affect large areas of the body.

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  • Congenital 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. CMN are classified according to their predicted adult size:

    • Small –  reach less than 1.5cm
    • Medium – reach between 1.5cm and 19.9cm
    • Large (giant) – reach at least 20cm  (40cm)

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  • Contact Allergy

    Also known as ... Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) or Contact Dermatitis 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.

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  • Contact Dermatitis

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  • Cosmetic 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

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  • Cradle 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.

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  • Creeping 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.

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  • Cutaneous 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.

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  • Cutaneous Larva Migrans

    Also known as ... Creeping Eruption, Sand-worm Eruption or Plumber’s Itch What is Cutaneous Larva Migrans? Cutaneous larva migrans is an itchy localised skin infestation caused by the penetration and migration of animal hookworm larvae through the skin.

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  • Cutaneous 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). There is a very small chance that these cutaneous forms of lupus may develop into Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) with internal organ involvement.

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  • Cutaneous Small Vessel Vasculitis

    Also known as ... Cutaneous Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis, Cutaneous Leukocytoclastic Angiitis, Hypersensitivity Angiitis and Cutaneous Necrotizing Venulitis What is cutaneous 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).

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  • Cutaneous Tuberculosis

    Cutaneous Tuberculosis (CTB) is a skin infection caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, which mainly causes lung infection, but can involve other organ systems.

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