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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Male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the term used to describe a common form of baldness in men that is usually inherited.
MoreMalignant atrophic papulosis
Malignant atrophic papulosis also known as Degos disease, is a rare progressive condition affecting blood vessels. This causes disease in the skin, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system
MoreMastocytosis
Mastocytosis is a condition where mast cells accumulate in the skin or sometimes in internal organs.
MoreMedication-induced cutaneous pigmentation
Medication-induced cutaneous (skin) pigmentation (MIP) is due to various topical, oral and intravenous medications. Common agents include minocycline, amiodarone, antimalarials, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, bleomycin and cytotoxic agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and heavy metals (e.g. silver, gold and mercury).
MoreMelanocytic naevi
Melanocytic naevi also known as moles are normal overgrowths of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Almost all of us have moles. They are not normally present at birth but appear in childhood and early teenage years. By the age of fifteen years, Australian children have an average of more than 50 moles. Moles have a very small risk of developing into melanoma.
MoreMelanoma
Melanoma is a cancer that arises in pigment cells of the skin (melanocytes). If not detected early, it has the capacity to spread through blood vessels and lymph channels to other parts of the body.
MoreMelasma
Also known as ... Chloasma, Pigmentation of Pregnancy Melasma appears as patchy shades of brown pigmentation on sun exposed areas of the face. Melasma is more commonly seen in females and those with darker skin types and usually gets worse in summer.
MoreMerkel cell carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is a very uncommon type of aggressive skin cancer. It presents most commonly in elderly fair-skinned individuals, particularly in sun-exposed areas on the head, neck and limbs.
MoreMiescher’s cheilitis
Miescher’s cheilitis also known as granulomatous cheilitis, is a rare condition characterised by persistent, diffuse, soft-to-firm swelling of one or both lips.
MoreMikulicz ulcers
Mikulicz ulcers also known as Aphthous ulcers, are a common problem with a higher prevalence in high socio-economic areas.
MoreMiliaria
Miliaria is a group of skin conditions that arise from blockage of sweat ducts. There are three types of miliaria classified by the level of blockage of the sweat duct.
MoreMohs surgery
Mohs surgery is an advanced technique that ensures complete removal of skin cancers with minimal loss of surrounding tissue. It was originally developed in the USA by Dr Frederick Mohs in the early 1940s. It involves removal and comprehensive analysis and mapping of excised tumour tissue under the microscope, in order to determine the exact nature and extent of the tumour.
MoreMoles
Moles are normal overgrowths of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Almost all of us have moles. They are not normally present at birth but appear in childhood and early teenage years. By the age of fifteen years, Australian children have an average of more than 50 moles. Moles have a very small risk of developing into melanoma.
MoreMolluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection which occurs worldwide but is more common in warm climates. This condition frequently affects children.
MoreMoon-boot foot syndrome
Moon-boot foot syndrome also known as juvenile plantar dermatosis, is a skin condition where there is cracking and peeling of the weight-bearing areas of the soles.
MoreMorphoea
Morphoea 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.
MoreMucoceles
Also known as: Mucocele of the Lip or Mucous Cyst. Mucoceles are small cysts inside the mouth, which commonly occur in the inner surface of the lower lip but can also occur in other areas of the mouth.
MoreMucocutaneous lymph node syndrome
Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome also known as Kawasaki’s disease, is a rare form of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). It can affect many parts of the body. The diagnosis is made when someone has a high fever and the typical changes in the skin, eyes, mouth and lymph nodes. It is a serious condition as it may affect the heart.
MoreMucous cyst
Mucous cyst also known as adigital myxoid cyst, is an entirely benign, non-cancerous swelling that usually occurs at the base of the nail on the fingers or toes. Digital myxoid cysts are not “catching” and they are not a sign of infection. They do not develop into skin cancer.
MoreMucous membrane pemphigoid
Mucous membrane pemphigoid, previously known as cicatricial pemphigoid, is a very rare subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease which predominantly affects the mucous membranes such as the inner linings of the mouth, eyes and genitalia.
MoreMuzzle rash
Muzzle rash also known as perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory rash that occurs around the mouth area. Other affected areas include around the nose, chin and eyes.
MoreMycosis Fungoides
Mycosis fungoides is a rare skin condition caused by the presence of abnormal white blood cells within the skin. Most cases of mycosis fungoides are not life-threatening and can be treated but not cured.
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