Compound Nevi

Key points

• Compound Nevi are a sub-class... Read More

Key Points
*Serious skin cancer, which may be superficial or invasive
*Caused by a proliferation of melanocytes, and may be caused by various factors, including sun damage to skin and heredity
*Initially presents as a newly formed mole or freckle or one which has changed in appearance, or grows quickly

Melanoma is a serious cancerous condition, which may be superficial or invasive. The condition initially presents as a newly formed or recently changed mole or freckle. Lesions may change color, shape and size, and may be... Read More

Key Points
*Common skin condition which typically affects the upper arms, though it may appear on cheeks, thighs, forearms and upper back
*Exact cause is unknown, though it is known to be a genetic disorder
*Consists of rough keratotic (horn-like) plugs within hair follicles, which may be red, brown or skin colored

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common skin condition.  It is estimated that  30- 40% of people in the U.S. may have KP.  With such high rates some consider KP a normal skin variant.  It... Read More

 Key Points
*Skin condition which affects areas of skin covered by swimming attire
*Caused by bacterial infection contracted from water which is inadequately disinfected
*Consists of a scattering of small red bumps and pustules, which may be tender or itchy
* Causative organism pseudomonas aeruginosa

Hot tub folliculitis is a skin condition which appears after swimming, typically on areas of skin covered by swimming attire. The condition consists of a scattering of small, red bumps and pustules, which may be accompanied by... Read More

Key Points
*Skin condition which forms interesting circular patterns on the affected areas
*Exact cause is unknown, but it likely represents a reactive condition to another inflammatory focus in the body
*Consists of red, ring-like lesions with elevated borders which may be accompanied by scaling or mild itching

Erythema annulare centrifugum is a skin condition which typically affects the thighs and legs, but can develop on the torso, arms and face. The condition initially consists of a small, elevated spot which is... Read More

Key Points
* Mole found at birth
* Occurs in 1% of infants
* Moles generally larger than acquired Moles
* Three types

A congenital melanocytic nevus, or birthmark, is a type of mole found in infants at birth. It’s usually larger in diameter than those that occur later in life, and may present an excess amount of hair. Some of these moles are removed for cosmetic reasons, and giant nevi are often excised to prevent cancer, as 5 to 15 percent of giant congenital melanocytic nevi may develop into melanoma.... Read More

Key Points
*Most common form of skin cancer
*Consists of bumps or growths which can be pearly or waxy, white, light pink, flesh-colored, or brown, sometimes slightly raised.  Commonly, BCC will scab or bleed intermittently
*Frequently occurs in sun-damaged skin
*Does not usually metastasize.  These are locally destructive cancers

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. It usually presents in areas of the skin exposed to sun, including the face, neck, head, chest and upper back, though it can... Read More