|
DERMATOFIBROMAS
Deramtofibromas
are benign, relatively common skin nodules that
may occur on any body surface, but appear most
frequently on the lower legs. They form a firm,
fibrous growth that feels like a small button
or pea fixed to the skin surface. The cause is
unknown, although trauma, such as insect bites,
has been thought to induce some lesions.
Treatment
No
treatment is necessary unless the lesions enlarge
rapidly, become painful, or undergo repeated trauma,
such as shaving the top off while shaving one’s
legs. The lesions can be easily removed by minor
surgical excision in a dermatologist's office.
When considering removal, one should balance the
present appearance of the dermatofibroma with
the probable scar that will remain after the excision.
GRANULOMA
ANNULARE
Granuloma
annulare is a benign, non-contagious skin condition
most commonly seen in children and young adults.
It usually presents as skin colored, red-to-purple,
dome shaped papules, often arranged in a complete
or half circle. The most common location is on
the backs of the hands, tops of the feet, ankles,
wrists, elbows, arms, and legs. Because of the
circular appearance, occasionally a fungus infection
(ringworm) is mistakenly suspected. Usually the
bumps do not itch or hurt. When
the appearance is not typical, a skin biopsy may
be needed to establish the diagnosis. The biopsy
shows a localized deterioration of the supporting
collagen fibers in the dermis (the middle layer
of skin).
Treatment
The
cause of granuloma annular is not known, but we
do know that the lesions usually resolve within
two years. There are several treatments which
may hasten the resolution in cases where appearance
is a concern. In summary, granuloma annulare is
an interesting skin condition, but it is neither
serious nor contagious.
LIPOMAS
Lipomas
are common, benign tumors, composed of mature
fat cells, which grow under the skin and typically
appear as round or oval lumps. These growths are
generally harmless, and it is doubtful whether
they ever undergo malignant changes. While they
may occur anywhere on the body, they typically
show up on the neck, trunk, abdomen, forearms,
buttocks, and thighs.
How
can you tell a lipoma from a potentially serious
problem?
You
can't. If you have a mysterious lump or new growth,
it warrants professional examination. Some growths
may be diagnosed visually, but for some, your
dermatologist may need a biopsy to be certain.
Skin cancers are among the most easily cured cancers
if they are diagnosed and treated early.
Treatment
Treatment
is usually not required unless there is a notable
change in the lump. In such cases, a biopsy may
be recommended. Generally, removal is only recommended
if the lipoma causes pain, pressure, irritation,
or if it is growing. Some people also choose to
have a lipoma removed for cosmetic reasons. Liposuction
and surgical excision are both effective means
of removing lipomas.
PITYRIASIS
ROSEA
Pityriasis
rosea is a common, harmless skin disease. Pityriasis
rosea
often begins with the appearance of a scaly, large,
pink, "herald" or "mother"
patch on the chest or back. This is followed by
more pink, oval patches on the body, arms, and
legs within a week or two that may assume the
outline of an evergreen tree with drooping branches.
The
cause is unknown, but we do know that:
- A
single scaling spot often appears 1-20 days
before the general rash. The rash covers mainly
the trunk, but may spread to the thighs, upper
arms, and neck. Pityriasis rosea usually avoids
the face; sometimes a few spots spread to the
cheeks.
- Pityriasis
rosea is not contagious.
- Pityriasis
rosea clears up in about three to six weeks,
sometimes a little longer. When clear, the skin
returns to its normal appearance. There will
be no scars.
- About
half of those afflicted with pityriasis
rosea
also experience severe itching. Some experience
tiredness and aching before the rashes fade.
- Pityriasis
rosea is not related to food, medicines, or
nervous upsets.
- Pityriasis
rosea always disappears by itself.
- While
pityriasis rosea may occur at any age, it is
most common between the ages of 10 and 35 years.
- Second
attacks of pityriasis rosea are rare.
Treatment
Nature
always cures this disorder, albeit sometimes slowly.
Treatment doesn’t speed the cure. The rash of
pityriasis rosea is irritated by soap, so bathe
or shower with plain water. This rash makes the
skin dry. Therefore, it helps to put a thin coating
of bath oil on your freshly dried skin after a
shower or bath.
If
the rash itches, treatment with a cortisone cream
usually brings prompt relief. The cortisone treatments
do not cure pityriasis rosea; it will only make
you more comfortable while getting over the rash.
In the rare instances where itching is severe,
ultraviolet light treatments are often helpful.
|
