15.

Actinic keratosis

Overview

An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on your skin that
develops from years of exposure to the sun. It's most commonly found on your face,
lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp or neck.

Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis enlarges slowly and usually causes
no signs or symptoms other than a patch or small spot on your skin. These patches take
years to develop, usually first appearing in people over 40.

Causes

An actinic keratosis is caused by frequent or intense exposure to UV rays from the sun
or tanning beds.

Treatment

Treatment options for actinic keratosis (AK) include destructive therapies (eg, surgery,
cryotherapy, dermabrasion, photodynamic therapy [PDT]), topical medications (eg,
topical fluorouracil, imiquimod, ingenol mebutate, diclofenac), and field ablation
treatments (eg, chemical peels, laser resurfacing). In general, lesion-directed
treatments, such as cryotherapy and surgical procedures, are the primary approach for
isolated lesions [3]. Field-directed therapies, such as topical fluorouracil, imiquimod, and
PDT, are particularly useful for treating areas with multiple AKs.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/actinic-keratosis/symptoms-causes/syc-
20354969
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-actinic-keratosis

14. Rosacea

Overview

Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible
blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. These
signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while.
Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems or natural ruddiness.

Rosacea can affect anyone. But it's most common in middle-aged women who have
light skin. There's no cure for rosacea, but treatment can control and reduce the signs
and symptoms.

Causes

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it could be due to a combination of hereditary

and environmental factors. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene.

A number of factors can trigger flare-ups, including:

 Hot drinks and spicy foods

 Red wine and other alcoholic beverages

 Temperature extremes

 Sunlight or wind
  Emotions

 Exercise

 Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications

 Various cosmetic products

Treatment

There is no cure for rosacea. However, there are various treatments which can relieve
the signs and symptoms.

A combination of medications and lifestyle changes generally give the best results.

The doctor may prescribe camouflage creams that mask blemishes on the skin.

Medications

Treatment may involve a combination of prescribed topical medications (applied to the

skin) and oral drugs (swallowing pills, tablets, or capsules). These include:

 Topical medications: These help reduce inflammation and redness and are
applied to the skin either once or twice a day. They are commonly used in
combination with some oral medications. Antibiotics (metronidazole), tretinoin,
benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid are examples of commonly prescribed topical
medications.

 Oral antibiotics: These may be prescribed for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Oral antibiotics tend to give faster results than topical ones. Examples include
tetracycline, minocycline, and erythromycin.

 Isotretinoin (Accutane): This oral medication is sometimes used for severe

cases of inflammatory rosacea if other treatments have not worked. Isotretinoin is
 a powerful drug that inhibits the production of oil by the sebaceous glands. As
side effects may be severe, the patient needs to be monitored closely.

 Blephamide: A specific type of steroid eye drop which is sometimes prescribed

for patients with ocular rosacea (eye symptoms). Eye drops are applied daily for
3 days to 1 week, followed by a break or tapered use.

 Tetracyclines: These are sometimes prescribed for patients with symptoms of

ocular rosacea. Doxycycline helps improve dryness, itching, blurred vision and
photosensitivity (sensitivity to light).

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rosacea/symptoms-causes/syc-
20353815

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160281.php#types

15. Eczema

Overview

Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and
rough. Blisters may sometimes occur.

Causes
The specific cause of eczema remains unknown, but it is believed to develop
due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Eczema is not contagious.

Children are more likely to develop eczema if a parent has had the condition
or another atopic disease.

If both parents have an atopic disease, the risk is even greater.

Environmental factors are also known to bring out the symptoms of eczema,
such as:

 Irritants: These include soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants,

juices from fresh fruits, meats, or vegetables.
 Allergens: Dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, and dandruff can lead to
eczema.
 Microbes: These include bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus,
viruses, and certain fungi.
 Hot and cold temperatures: Very hot or cold weather, high and low
humidity, and perspiration from exercise can bring out eczema.
 Foods: Dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, and wheat
can cause eczema flare-ups.
 Stress: This is not a direct cause of eczema but can make symptoms
worse.
 Hormones: Women can experience increased eczema symptoms at
times when their hormone levels are changing, for example during
pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.

Treatment
There is no cure for eczema. Treatment for the condition aims to heal the
affected skin and prevent flare-ups of symptoms. Doctors will suggest a plan
of treatment based on an individual's age, symptoms, and current state of
health.

For some people, eczema goes away over time. For others, it remains a
lifelong condition.

Home care

There are numerous things that people with eczema can do to support skin
health and alleviate symptoms, such as:

 taking lukewarm baths

 applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to "lock in" moisture
 moisturizing every day
 wearing cotton and soft fabrics, and avoiding rough, scratchy fibers and
tight-fitting clothing
 using a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser when washing
 air drying or gently patting skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing the
skin dry after bathing
 where possible, avoiding rapid changes of temperature and activities
that make you sweat
 learning and avoiding individual eczema triggers
 using a humidifier in dry or cold weather
 keeping fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking the skin

Medication
There are several medications that doctors can prescribe to treat the
symptoms of eczema, including:

 Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments: These are a type of

anti-inflammatory medication and should relieve the main symptoms of
eczema, such as skin inflammation and itchiness. They are applied
directly to the skin. If you want to buy topical corticosteroid creams and
ointments, then there is an excellent selection online with thousands of
customer reviews.
 Systemic corticosteroids: If topical treatments are not effective,
systemic corticosteroids can be prescribed. These are either injected or
taken by mouth, and they are only used for short periods of time.
 Antibiotics: These are prescribed if eczema occurs alongside a
bacterial skin infection.
 Antiviral and antifungal medications: These can treat fungal and viral
infections that occur.
 Antihistamines: These reduce the risk of nighttime scratching as they
can cause drowsiness.
 Topical calcineurin inhibitors: This is a type of drug that suppresses
the activities of the immune system. It decreases inflammation and
helps prevent flare-ups.
 Barrier repair moisturizers: These reduce water loss and work to
repair the skin.
 Phototherapy: This involves exposure to ultraviolet A or B waves,
alone or combined. The skin will be monitored carefully. This method is
normally used to treat moderate dermatitis.

Even though the condition itself is not yet curable, there should be a particular
treatment plan to suit each person with different symptoms. Even after an
area of skin has healed, it is important to keep looking after it, as it may easily
become irritated again.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14417.php#types