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. 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 regularly updated. Please check back on a regular basis for updates and the addition of new topics.
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Hand foot and mouth disease
Hand foot and mouth disease is a common contagious viral illness that spreads from person to person.
MoreHansen’s disease
Hansen’s disease also known as Leprosy, is a chronic bacterial infection caused by the organism Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin and the nerves. It may also affect mucous membranes (such as the nose) as well as eyes and testicles.
MoreHeat rash
Heat rash also known as miliaria, is a group of skin conditions that arise from blockage of sweat ducts.
MoreHerpes gestationis
Herpes gestationis also known as Pemphigoid gestationis (PG) is a relatively rare pregnancy dermatosis characterised by blisters.
MoreHerpes Labialis
Herpes labialis, also known as “cold sores”, is a common blistering viral infection of the lip or around the mouth.
MoreHidradenitis suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition affecting apocrine sweat glands that are located mostly under the arms and in the groin and genital area. These glands become blocked and inflamed, and then swollen and painful.
MoreHirsutism
The term hirsutism refers to excessive hair production in both males and females. However, medically it is used to define increased hair growth in women. Hirsutism affects 5-10% of women.
MoreHives
Hives is a skin condition also known as Urticaria. It produces an itchy rash that tends to come and go and can last for a variable period of time. The condition can be acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than 6 weeks). Most cases of urticaria have no known cause.
MoreHori’s Naevus
Also known as ... Acquired Naevus of Ota-like Macules (ABNOM) and Naevus Fusco-caeruleus Zygomaticus. Hori’s naevus presents as benign (harmless) blue-grey to grey-brown patchy and spotty pigmentation on the prominence of the cheeks. The condition usually appears in adulthood. It is most common in middle-aged Asian women.
MoreHormonal acne
Hormonal acne also known as adult acne, is acne that continues past the ages of 18 to 20 or starts in the early 20s in individuals who may not have had a previous problem with acne.
MoreHot Comb Alopecia
Hot comb alopecia also known as 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.
MoreHuman papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus also known as warts, are abnormal growths of the skin and mucosa caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
MoreHutchinson’s melanotic freckle
Hutchinson's melanotic freckle also known as lentigo maligna, is an early form of melanoma. In lentigo maligna the cancer cells are confined to the upper layer of the skin (epidermis).
MoreHydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug that is used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions. The way in which it works is unknown but it is understood to have anti-inflammatory effects.
MoreHyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is the name given to excessive or uncontrollable sweating.
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