Skin Conditions

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is non infectious skin condition characterised by scaly, flaky skin lesions. These lesions have a defined edge which can be pink - red and inflamed, the inner lesion can be pink to white with thicken hardened skin. It is moderately itchy and has the potential to affect the nail and joints causing inflamed sausage like fingers but can also affect larger joints as well. The most common location of psoriasis is on the hands, feet, outer elbows, knees, groin and head.

Eczema/Dermatitis

Eczema also known as Dermatitis, is a non infectious skin condition characterised by very itchy, pink to red inflamed lesions on the skin. It can involve swelling, welts and itchy vestibules (bubbles of fluid) under the skin. Depending if the eczema is chronic or acute the skin can be pink and raw, yellow due to infection or dry and flaky. The most common locations of eczema is on the hands, neck and face, in the folds of the elbows or back of knees, but can present in other locations as well. There are multiple forms of eczema which have different triggers and presentations.

Tinea

Tinea is a fungal infection affecting the skin which is very contagious, also known as Joch itch or athlete's foot depending on its location. It is characterised by round to oval lesions with a brighter red edge and paler centre when on the body, however can also have a whitish appearance. It can become inflamed, painful, and weepy with an odour. Conditions are worse with humidity with a mild to moderate itch.

Rosacea

Rosacea affects the face, mainly the forehead, nose, cheeks and can spread to the central chest. Roseaca is characterised by a hot, burning stinging sensation which can make the face very flushed and pink. Roascea can present as small pimples or swelling of the skin as well as broken blood capillaries. This condition is not itchy.

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles get blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms range from un-inflamed blackheads to pus-filled pimples or large, red and tender bumps. Acne breakouts are commonly found on the face, back, chest and shoulder.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin conditions which effects the pigmentation of the skin, leaving white patches on the body. Other than appearance if doesn’t cause any discomfort or irritation. Vitiligo usually first appears on the hands, face, genitals and areas close to body openings. It can cause premature whitening or greying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows and facial hair.

Scabies

Scabies is an extremely itchy contagious skin condition which forms red pimple like rash. The itch is usually worse at night. A fine white scaly line a few mm to a cm long maybe present within the rash. Common site of infection is in the web space between the fingers or toes, around the buttock, elbow, genitals and breasts.

Topical Steroid Withdrawl

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a severe skin condition characterized by intense pain and itching that can be debilitating. This condition develops from the prolonged or improper use of moderate to high-strength topical corticosteroid creams, which are commonly prescribed for treating eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

While these corticosteroid creams can provide quick relief, they actually force the infection deeper into the body and thin the skin barrier. When use is discontinued, the rash often returns more severely because the underlying cause remains untreated. Additionally, the body's natural production of cortisol (an inflammatory hormone) becomes impaired, leading to a dependency on topical steroids.

TSW symptoms include:

• Intensely painful, burning, red, and inflamed skin

• Recurring cycles of:

- Oozing and pus-filled bumps- Skin flaking and shedding
- Deep, painful cracks that may bleed
- Restricted joint and finger movement due to skin damage

These symptoms can be both physically painful and emotionally exhausting for those affected.