Skin disease pictures and symptoms is a free dermatology atlas which also teaches you about different skin, hair and nail conditions.
ABSCESS
Symptoms of a skin abscess include a warm, tender and fluctuant (compressible) swelling.
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ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS
Symptoms of acanthosis nigricans include dark brown, velvety discoloration in body folds like on the armpits, neck and groin. The affected skin can also become thickened.
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ACNE VULGARIS
Symptoms of acne vulgaris include comedones (white heads), open comedones (black heads), papules (pimples), pustules (pus filled swellings), nodules (larger nodules) and cysts (fluid filled swellings).
These swellings usually develop on areas with a high concentration of sebaceous (oil) glands like the face, back, chest and shoulders. Patients who develop occupational acne can also develop lesions on other parts of their bodies like the hands.
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ACNE VULGARIS SCARS
Symptoms of acne scars include:
1. Ice Pick Scars which are deep holes with narrow openings on the skin. They have a V-shaped cross-section.
2. Boxcar Acne Scars which are round or oval or polygonal depressions with boxlike walls in the skin. They have a U-shaped cross-section.
3. Rolling Scars which are usually wide and shallow. They give the skin an uneven, wavy texture.
4. Hypertrophic Scars which are elevated above the skin and they are the same size as the original acne lesion.
5. Keloid Scars which are elevated above the skin and they extend outside the margins of the original acne lesion.
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ACNEIFORM ERUPTIONS
Symptoms of acneiform eruptions include monomorphic (uniform) lesions which can be papules, papulopustules, nodules or cysts. These lesions can develop on parts of the body not normally affected by acne vulgaris like the upper and lower limbs.
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ALOPECIA AREATA
Symptoms of alopecia areata include a localized patch without hair that has normal skin on a hair bearing area of the body.
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ALOPECIA CHEMICAL
Symptoms of chemical alopecia include hair breaking off and causing bald spots on the scalp after the application of chemicals like permanent hair colors, hair bleach, permanent waves (perms) and relaxers. Other symptoms include frizzy hair which can also be dull and dry and a itchy, sore scalp.
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ALOPECIA TRACTION
Symptoms of traction alopecia include gradual and painless localized hair loss with bald patches which are usually along the hair line. There may also be associated headaches and pain on the scalp due to the tight hairstyles but not due to the traction alopecia.
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AMYLOIDOSIS
These cutaneous (skin) symptoms of amyloidosis can be divided into
1. Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis Symptoms which include:
a. Lichen amyloidosis is the most common type of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. It affects men more than women and especially those of Chinese descent. Patients presents with a very itchy, hyperkeratotic (scaly) papules (raised areas) which are reddish brown in color. These affected areas may coalesce to form large plaques on the pretibial regions (shins), thighs and feet.
b. Macular amyloidosis affects more women than men and especially those of Asian descent. Patients present with brownish grey spots which may join to form larger patches on their upper back and chest. These lesions may be associated with either severe or mild pruritis (itch).
c. Nodular localized cutaneous amyloidosis (LCA) is the rarest type of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Patients present with firm nodules which range in color from pink to brown. These lesions can be single or multiple and develop on the face, scalp, limbs, feet, soles, trunk and genitalia.
Nodular LCA lesions which are usually just a few centimeters in size or smaller are initially asymptomatic. This means that do not cause any symptoms and they can persist in this state for many years. Eventually patients present due to cosmetic reasons.
2. Systemic Cutaneous Amyloidosis Symptoms include:
a. Petechia (small purplish spots on the skin), purpura (purple colored spots and patches) and ecchymoses (larger reddish-purplish patches) are the most common cutaneous symptoms of primary systemic amyloidosis.
These develop on the skin and mucous membranes due to intracutaneous bleeding or the bleeding that occurs within the skin when the amyloid weakens the blood vessels. They commonly develop on the eyelids, axillae (armpits), umbilicus and around the groin and anal region.
b. Smooth, waxy, yellowish papules (small swellings), nodules (larger swellings) and plaques develop due to dermal infiltration by the amyloid. They commonly develop around the eyelids, in the mouth and on the limbs.
c. The nails may also become brittle, white and develop bands. There may also be onycholysis.
d. Patches of hair loss may also develop or the hair may thin uniformly.
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ANGIOEDEMA
Symptoms of angioedema include swellings on the lips and other parts of the face as well as on the hands, feet and genitals. These swellings usually develops suddenly (except in inherited angioedema)
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APHTHOUS ULCERS
Symptoms of aphthous ulcers include recurrent, painful wounds in different parts of the mouth.
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BLISTER BEETLE DERMATITIS OR NAIROBI FLY DERMATITIS
Symptoms of blister beetle dermatitis or Nairobi Fly Dermatitis include vesicles and bullae (blisters) on the skin with associated redness and edema (swelling).
CONFETTI HYPOPIGMENTATION
Symptoms of Confetti Hypopigmentation include multiple macules (discolored flat areas) which are around 1-3 mm in diameter. These hypopigmented areas are usually on the arms and legs.
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CONFLUENT AND RETICULATED PAPILLOMATOSIS
Symptoms of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, which is also known as Gougerot-Carteaud syndrome or CARP include small, hyperkeratotic papules (scaly swellings which are around 1-2 mm in diameter). These swellings enlarge gradually until they join together to form confluent patches and plaques which may have a velvety appearance. The borders of the affected areas have a reticulated pattern.
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CUTANEOUS T CELL LYMPHOMA
Symptoms of the classic mycosis fungoides cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTLC) include patches, plaques and tumors. Patches of a nonspecific dermatitis that is often treated for years as eczema without significant improvement are often the first symptom. As the disease progresses, plaques and tumors develop.
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DERMATITIS ALLERGIC CONTACT
Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include redness, itching and scaling. The rash usually develops on the areas of skin exposed to the sensitizing substance though it can also develop on areas that were not in direct contact with the allergen.
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DERMATITIS IRRITANT CONTACT
Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis include erythema (redness), burning and stinging sensations on the areas which come in contact with the irritating substance.
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DERMATITIS LIP LICKERS
Symptoms of lip licker’s dermatitis include dark patches which develop around the mouth as a result of licking the lips.
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DERMATITIS OCCUPATIONAL OR HAND ECZEMA
Symptoms of hand eczema, which is also known as occupational dermatitis, include erythematous (red), hyperkeratotic (scaly) areas with fissures and mild edema (swelling) on the hands.
The hands also develop an itchy or burning sensation when they come in contact with potential irritants like water or detergents.
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DERMATITIS PERIORAL
Symptoms of perioral dermatitis include small, erythematous (red) papules (small bumps) which develop around the mouth. This rash spares the vermillion border around the mouth.
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DERMATITIS SEBORRHEIC
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include erythematous (red or pink), greasy patches with fine scaling (‘dandruff’). These patches may also have thick, adherent yellowish brown crusts on top of them.
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EPHELIDES OR FRECKLES
Symptoms of freckles or ephelides include small (usually less than 3 mm), flat discolored areas which develop on sun exposed areas like the cheeks and forehead. These circular spots are usually tan or light brown in color.
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HERPES GENITAL
Symptoms of genital herpes, which is usually caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), include blisters (fluid filled swellings) which develop in the private areas. They usually break open and turn into painful erosions (small wounds). The wounds/sores develop scabs and heal over the course of a few weeks.
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HERPES GLADIATORUM
Symptoms of herpes gladiatorum, which is also known as mat herpes, include painful clusters of blisters which may be associated with fever. This infection which is common in athletes is caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) affects the chest, back, arms and legs.
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HERPES LABIALIS
Symptoms of herpes labialis, which is usually caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), include small, painful blisters which develop on the lips and mouth. These blisters which are filled with clear fluid, break open and evolve into ulcers.
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HERPES ZOSTER
Symptoms of herpes zoster include blisters (fluid filled swellings) which develop on one side of the body over the skin that is supplied by the nerve that has been affected by the virus. These blisters dry up and form scabs. There is also associated pain which typically precedes the rash by around 2 days and it can range from mild to severe.
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ICHTHYOSIS
Symptoms of ichthyosis include dry skin with a fish-like scale.
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IMPETIGO BULLOUS
Symptoms of bullous impetigo include blisters which tend to rupture and the fluid oozes out. The lesions then develop golden honey colored crusts which can be itchy.
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IMPETIGO NON-BULLOUS
Symptoms of non-bullous impetigo include small pustules (pus filled swellings) that become red patches with golden honey colored crusts. These patches ooze fluid and gradually increase in size.
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INGROWN TOENAILS
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include a swollen, warm, erythematous (red) and painful toe.
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INSECT BITES BED BUGS
Symptoms of bed bug bites include red, itchy papules (small swellings) which tend to be in a line with 3 to 5 bites. Bedbugs usually bite on the face, neck, hands and arms.
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INSECT BITES CHIGGERS
Symptoms of chiggers bites begin 1-3 hours after a bite which was noticed when the chigger begins to inject digestive enzymes into the skin. These symptoms include intense itching which may persist for several days. The area may also become red and raised.
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INSECT BITES MOSQUITOS
Symptoms of mosquito bites include a stinging pain as it pierces the skin. This is followed by the development of itchy, red papules (small swellings) which can be skin colored in people with dark skin. Wheals may also develop as the immune system reacts to proteins in the mosquito’s saliva.
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KERATOSIS PILARIS
Symptoms of keratosis pilaris include numerous, small (1-2 mm), rough papules (swellings) on the skin which give it the appearance of goose bumps or chicken skin and the texture of sandpaper.
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LENTIGO SOLAR
Symptoms of Solar Lentigo include pigmented flat areas of around 5 mm. These lesions slowly increase in number and size and they may coalesce to form pigmented patches of around 20mm. These black or brown or tan areas are well circumscribed and surrounded by normal skin.
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LICHEN SIMPLEX CHRONICUS
Symptoms of Lichen Simplex Chronicus include, which is also called neurodermatitis, include a localized area which is itchy, dry, scaly, hyperpigmented (darker than the surrounding skin) and lichenified (thickened).
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LINEAR IMMUNOGLOBULIN A (IgA) DERMATOSIS (LAD)
Symptoms of Linear Immunogloblin A dermatosis include:
1. Some patients may develop pruritis or itching before the blisters develop.
2. Tense vesicles and bullae which are roundish and clear though they may also be hemorrhagic. These vesicles and bullae, which may be discrete, can develop on normal or erythematous (red) skin.
3. Sting of beads sign in which vesicles are arranged at the edge of annular (round) lesions or in ring around an old bullae.
4. Cluster of jewels sign in which vesicles are arranged clustered together in a herpetiform pattern.
5. Erosions, ulcers, crusts, and excoriations (scratch marks) are also present.
6. Reddish plaques, annular papules and other lesions which resemble the target lesions of erythema multiforme can also develop in some patients.
In children these lesions are mainly in the anogenital region and lower abdomen.
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MILIARIA CRYSTALLINA
Symptoms of miliaria crystallina include small, clear vesicles (blisters) which occur in crops. They break easily since they are very fragile.
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MOLES ATYPICAL
Symptoms of atypical moles,which are also known as dysplastic nevus,include indistinct edges, uneven coloration with a mixtures of colors which can range from brown to pink. They are often flat and their surface can be smooth, scaly or pebbly. They are usually more than 5 mm or ¼ inch wide.
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MOLES COMMON
Symptoms of common moles include swellings which are round or oval in shape. These dome shaped swellings have a smooth surface, a distinct edge and even coloration. They are usually less than 5 mm or ¼ inch wide.
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MORGELLONS DISEASE
Symptoms of Morgellons Disease include:
1. Sensations of insects crawling all over the skin and of being stung by insects under the skin.
2. Disfiguring sores which are similar in appearance to insect bites that have been aggravated by persistent picking and scratching. These sores appear suddenly, heal very slowly and can be very itchy. When they heal they leave hyperpigmented (darker than the surrounding skin) scars. The forearms, legs, chest, back and face are the sites that are most commonly affected.
3. The presence of black thread-like substances or fibers on the skin and sores which are usually made of cellulose and therefore thought to be cotton fibers from bandages.
4. Rashes which can be very itchy.
5. Muscle and joint aches
6. Excessive fatigue
7. Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
8. Difficulty remembering things or short term memory loss
9. Difficulty sleeping
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ONYCHOMYCOSIS
Symptoms of onychomycosis or fungal nail infection include changes in the color and the shape of their nail which can become yellowish and thickened.
These changes are initially painless but as the disease progresses, the nails may become painful and cause difficulties walking and performing their occupation.
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PALMOPLANTAR ECCRINE HYDRADENITIS
Symptoms of idiopathic recurrent palmoplantar eccrine hidradenitis include painful, reddish to violet colored swellings on the soles and palms.
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PAPULAR PRURITIC ERUPTION (PPE)
Symptoms of Papular Pruritic Eruption (PPE) include:
1. Rash with multiple, small (less than 1cm), itchy, red or skin colored papules (pimples). In dark skinned persons, these papules may be hyperpigmented.
2. These papules may be superficially eroded due to the pruritis. Sterile pustules and excoriations may also be present.
3. The generalized papular rash is symmetrical and affects the extremities, trunk, neck, and face. It spares the palms, soles, and mucous membranes of the mouth, nostrils, eyes, and genitalia.
4. Psychological effects can develop due to the disfiguring nature of the rash and the stigmatization that may be associated with it.
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PEARLY PENILE PAPULES
Symptoms of pearly penile papules (PPP) include small (1-3 mm diameter), shiny, smooth swellings which usually develop around the corona or sulcus of the glans penis (head of the penis). In some situations ectopic PPP may develop on the shaft of the penis.
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PELLAGRA
Symptoms of Pellagra Dermatitis include:
1. Pellagra dermatitis (pellagroderma) usually begins with erythematous (red) skin with blisters that burst to reveal raw areas or erosions. These red areas later become brownish in color and the scaling appears on areas exposed to sunlight. This dermatitis has a clear demarcation between the affected and the unaffected areas.
2. In the second stage of pellagroderma, the skin becomes dry, rough, hard, and cracks somewhat resembling goose skin. It is also scaly and hyperpigmented.
3. As the disease progresses, the skin becomes drier, harder, scalier and more cracked. It may also be covered with a blackish crusts from the bleeding cracks.
These pellagroderma lesions are symmetrical (affect both sides of the body) such as the face, neck (Casal’s necklace on dermatome C3 and C4), forearms and hands (pellagrous glove) as well as the legs and feet (pellagrous boot). There may be an associated painful, burning sensation.
The lips, tongue, and gums can also begin peeling as the mucous membranes become inflammed and the patient develops pain in the mouth. The vagina and urethra can also be affected.
Patients who develop recurrent pellagra develop blisters in the same site (pemphigus pellagrosus).
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PEMPHIGUS FOLIACEOUS
Symptoms of pemphigus foliaceous include superficial blisters which are very hard to find since they easily rupture and transition into erosions. Other symptoms include scaly and crusted erosions on an erythematous (red), inflamed base.
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PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS
Symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris include flaccid blisters which can develop on normal skin or on erythematous (red) skin
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PITYRIASIS ROSEA
Symptoms of pityriasis rosea include a single, oval lesion which usually measures between 2-10 cm and is known as the herald patch. It is usually located on the trunk and it is followed by smaller, symmetrical daughter lesions which measure around 5-10 mm.
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PLANTAR XEROSIS
Symptoms of plantar xerosis include skin on the feet which is dry, rough, flaky and peeling.
POIKILODERMA
Symptoms of poikiloderma include mottled hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration), hypopigmentation (light discoloration) and atrophy (thinning skin) with telangiectases (dilated capillaries).
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POST INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION
Symptoms of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) include macules (dark spots) and patches which are darker than the surrounding skin. These spots vary in color as Caucasians tend to develop pink or red marks while persons with darker skin develop purplish, brown and black discolorations.
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POST INFLAMMATORY HYPOPIGMENTATION
Symptoms of post inflammatory hypopigmentation include macules (dark spots) and patches which are lighter than the surrounding skin and that develop after skin conditions with inflammation like chickenpox and eczema.
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PSEUDOFOLLICULITIS BARBAE
Symptoms of pseudofolliculitis barbae include papules (small bumps) which are usually skin-colored or red and which may have a hair shaft in their center. They develop after shaving and they are usually painful.
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PSORIASIS PALMOPLANTAR
Symptoms of palmoplantar psoriasis include erythematous (red), scaly plaques which commonly develop on the central palm and weight bearing areas of the soles. There may also be generalized thickening and scaling of the palms and soles with painful fissures (cracks).
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PSORIASIS PENIS
Symptoms of penis psoriasis include dry, red lesions which usually develop on the glans penis and the corona. There may also be some scaling especially on the shaft and in circumcised men.
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PSORIASIS PLAQUE
Symptoms of plaque psoriasis include inflamed red-pink patches of skin which are covered by silvery-white scales. The lesions are roundish with well-defined borders.
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PSORIASIS SCALP
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis include reddish patches on the scalp with a silvery white scale. There may be itching which can be severe enough to disrupt sleep. There may also be temporary hair loss. Scalp psoriasis can also extend to affect the face and the skin behind the ears.
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PYOGENIC GRANULOMA
Symptoms of pyogenic granuloma include a swelling which arises suddenly, bleeds easily and grows quickly.
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ROSACEA ERYTHEMATOTELANGIECTATIC
Symptoms of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea include telangiectasia (dilated small blood vessels) and flushing of the nose and cheeks.
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ROSACEA PAPULOPUSTULAR
Symptoms of papulopustular rosacea, which is also known as classical rosacea, include erythematous papules (small red swellings) which are associated with tiny pustules (pus filled swellings).
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SCAR HYPERTROPHIC
Symptoms of hypertrophic scars include flesh-colored, red or pink swellings which develop over site where the skin had been injured but do not extend beyond the margins of the injury.
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SCAR KELOID
Symptoms of keloid scars include flesh-colored, red or pink swellings which develop over site where the skin had been injured and extend beyond the margins of the injury.
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SUN POISONING
Sun poisoning is a term which is used to refer to 1. Severe sunburns 2. Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) and 3. Solar urticaria.
Symptoms of sunburns include redness of the skin and discomfort or pain. Blisters and swelling are present in severe sunburns.
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SYPHILIS SECONDARY
Symptoms of secondary syphilis include moth eaten hair loss.
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TINEA CRURIS
Symptoms of tinea cruris include pruritic (itchy) and erythematous (red) lesions which have a clearly defined border. These lesions are usually on the inguinal folds, perineal area, penis, scrotum, anal area and upper thighs.
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TINEA INCOGNITO
Symptoms of tinea incognito include the alteration of tinea corporis lesions which are usually round with central clearing and a raised border. The lesions become larger and less scaly and they may also develop pustules (small pus filled swellings).
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TINEA VERSICOLOR
Symptoms of tinea versicolor include several round to oval macules and patches that can coalesce to involve large areas like the entire back since many persons are not aware of them.
These patches which do not tan, are usually hypopigmented or whitish in persons with dark skin and salmon or pink colored in persons with light skin.
Regardless of their color, these areas have a very fine scale which may not be apparent unless the patch is scratched.
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URTICARIA
Symptoms of urticaria can develop within minutes to hours of coming in contact with the causative allergen. These symptoms include intensely pruritic (itchy), elevated, well-circumscribed papules and plaques (swellings) with localized edema (swelling).
This localized edema results in lesions which are palpable lesion. The lesions of urticaria are erythematous (red) though they can be flesh colored in dark skinned people. Urticarial lesions are also non-scaly and they blanch completely when pressure is applied to them.
Though they are usually separated by normal skin, urticarial lesions can coalesce and cover large areas of the body. They are also migratory since they can move from one part of the body to another and involve the skin on any part of the body. These lesion can take on many forms such as linear, circular, or arcuate (serpiginous).
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VIRAL EXANTHEMS
Symptoms of viral exanthems include a rash caused by a viral infection which is associated with systemic symptoms like fever, malaise, headache, loss of appetite, irritability and muscular aches.
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VITILIGO
Symptoms of vitiligo include patches of skin which have lost their normal skin color and become lighter than the surrounding areas. Despite the color changes, these white spots on the skin are usually not itchy or scaly.
Sun exposed areas such as the face, hands and feet are usually the first ones to begin losing their normal color.
Other commonly affected areas include the mouth, armpits and genital organs. Vitiligo may also develop at the sites of trauma such as cuts or burns. This is called the Koebner phenomenon.
Other vitiligo symptoms that may develop include premature graying of the scalp hair, eyebrows and beard. The areas affected by vitiligo may also be noted to have increased sweating.
Though it is physically limited to the skin, vitiligo also causes effects which are more than just skin deep. These psychological effects which include emotional stress, social anxiety, low self esteem and depression, are more likely to develop in adolescents with vitiliginous patches on their faces, hands and genital organs.
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WARTS ANOGENITAL
Symptoms of anogenital warts include flesh colored swellings on the skin over the anus and genital organs. Those swellings that develop on moist areas like the vulva are soft while those that develop on dry areas like the penis are firm.
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WARTS PERIUNGAL
Symptoms of periungal warts include small, smooth and translucent swellings which grow within several weeks or months into rough and hyperkeratotic (scaly) papules (swellings) around fingernails and toenails.
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WARTS PLANTAR
Symptoms of plantar warts include rough, flesh colored, hyperkeratotic (scaly) papules which may be single or multiple.
These swellings are usually painless but they may become painful if they are on areas that receive much pressure when walking or standing such as over the heads of the metatarsals and on the heels.
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WARTS SCALP
Symptoms of scalp warts include flesh colored swellings on scalp.
XANTHELASMA
Symptoms of xanthelasma include a painless, soft, yellowish swelling on the eyelid.
