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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Acquired Ichthyosis
Also known as … Late onset ichthyosis Acquired ichthyosis is a non-hereditary skin condition characterised by dry and rough skin with scaling. It is often described as “fish scale skin” and usually appears for the first time in early adult life. Acquired ichthyosis may be associated with internal diseases or with the use of certain medications. There is no known gender or racial predilection in developing this condition.
MoreLaser resurfacing – fractional
Fractional laser resurfacing was first described in 2001 by Dr Rox Anderson, a prominent laser dermatologist from Boston. In Australia, the first generation of fractional lasers was introduced in 2007. Numerous further developments and refinements have occurred since.
MoreLaser resurfacing-fully ablative
Laser and procedural dermatologists rely on fully ablative lasers, including CO2 (carbon dioxide) and erbium lasers to treat a variety of skin conditions.
MoreLaser tattoo removal
A tattoo is made up of granules of pigment that are much smaller than a human cell. White blood cells known as macrophages typically ingest and remove cellular debris, and foreign matter as part of the body’s normal immune defense mechanism.
MoreLaser treatment for pigmentation
In lesions such as solar lentigines (sun induced age spots), lentigo simplex and ephelides (freckles) the pigment (melanin) is in the top layers of the skin.
MoreLate Onset Acne
Late onset 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.
MoreLeg ulcers
Leg ulcers are extremely common and occur more frequently in elderly people. In countries with developed health systems, 1-3% of the total health budget is spent on treating leg ulcers.
MoreLeg Veins
Abnormal veins accumulate too much blood and eventually bulge out as ‘varicose’ veins. Excess blood is forced back into capillaries which enlarge to form ‘spider veins’. So spider veins may be indicative of underlying ‘feeding’ varicose veins.
MoreLentigo maligna
Lentigo maligna is an early form of melanoma. In lentigo maligna the cancer cells are confined to the upper layer of the skin (epidermis). When the cancer cells spread deeper into the skin (to dermis) it is called lentigo maligna melanoma.
MoreLeprosy
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. Long standing leprosy may cause limb deformities as well.
MoreLewandowsky-Lutz Dysplasia
Also known as … Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis, Treeman syndrome, Lewandowsky-Lutz syndrome. Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare inherited skin condition that predisposes a person to infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
MoreLewandowsky-Lutz Syndrome
Also known as … Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis, Treeman syndrome, Lewandowsky-Lutz dysplasia. Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare inherited skin condition that predisposes a person to infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
MoreLice
Pediculosis is the medical term for an infection or infestation with lice which are blood feeding parasites.
MoreLichen Keloidalis Nuchae
Lichen Keloidalis Nuchae also known as Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects hair follicles on the back of the neck. AKN is most commonly seen in men of African-Caribbean background but it is also seen in those of Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean backgrounds. In rare cases, it may also be see in Caucasians. Whilst this condition mostly affects men, women may be affected in some cases (the ratio of affected men to women is 20:1). The term AKN is misleading because the condition does not form true keloid scars and is not associated with acne.
MoreLichen nitidus
Lichen nitidus (LIE-kun ni-TIE-dus) is a rare skin condition that usually appears as tiny, skin-colored, glistening bumps on the surface of your skin.
MoreLichen planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory scalp disorder characterised by scarring alopecia (permanent hair loss) with several different patterns. The condition is considered to be a form of lichen planus which affects the hair follicles.
MoreLichen planus
Lichen planus is a non-infectious, inflammatory skin condition, which generally occurs in middle-aged adults. It affects up to 1-2% of the population.
MoreLichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a skin disease that mostly affects the genital region in children and adults of both sexes. Sometimes lichen sclerosus involves the skin around the anus in young girls and women. Lichen sclerosus is more common in women than men. Occasionally, lichen sclerosus occurs on other parts of the body.
MoreLichen simplex chronicus
Lichen simplex chronicus is characterised by thickening of the skin due to chronic rubbing or scratching. Exaggerated skin markings termed “lichenification” are common.
MoreLinear IgA Disease
Also known as ... Chronic Bullous Dermatosis of Childhood, Linear Immunoglobulin A Dermatosis What is Linear IgA Disease? 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.
MoreLinear Immunoglobulin A Dermatosis
Linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis 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.
MoreLip rejuvenation
We are all born with different shaped and sized lips.Some people never develop adequate fullness of the lip and others develop loss of the soft tissue volume of the lip as they age.
MoreLipodermatosclerosis
Lipodermatosclerosis is a type of panniculitis (inflammation of the fat under the skin) and usually affects the lower legs. It more commonly affects middle-aged people.
MoreLipodystrophy
Lipodystrophy is a rare group of diseases characterised by the selective loss of fat in certain parts of the body. There are several types of lipodystrophy: congenital generalised lipodystrophy (CGL), familial partial lipodystrophy, acquired generalised lipodystrophy (AGL), acquired partial lipodystrophy (APL), localised lipodystrophy, and HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
MoreLivedo reticularis
Livedo reticularis is a term referring to the appearance of a “net-like”, red-blue pattern on the skin.
MoreLobular capillary haemangioma
Lobular capillary haemangioma also known as pyogenic granuloma is a common benign (not malignant) growth of blood vessels on the skin. It appears as a single fast growing red nodule that commonly bleeds. Whilst benign, pyogenic granulomas can be distressing due to their appearance and fast growth.
MoreLocalised scleroderma
Morphoea also known as localised scleroderma, is a disorder of the skin collagen. It can occur at any age but most commonly occurs in young adults and children. Females are affected twice as often as males (ratio 2:1). Morphoea is characterised by thickening of the skin. It does not usually have any internal involvement.
MoreLower face rejuvenation
Non surgical facial rejuvenation requires overall assessment so that the whole face is treated in proportion. As long as your treating practitioner is aware of this, the lower face is very suitable for rejuvenation with injectable substances such as muscle relaxing injections and dermal or tissue fillers.
MoreLymphomatoid papulosis
Lymphomatoid papulosis is a rare chronic skin condition which can occur at any age or in any race (prevalence rate 1 to 2 cases per 1,000,000). It has a gradual onset and typically has no symptoms but can cause itch in the skin of some people
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