Dermatology

Hyper Pigmentation

Hyper pigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyper pigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race.

Hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis is the condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature. Primary hyperhidrosis must be distinguished from secondary hyperhidrosis, which can start at any point in life. For some, it can seem to come on unexpectedly. The latter form may be due to a disorder of the thyroid or pituitary gland, diabetes mellitus, tumors, gout, menopause, certain drugs or mercury poisoning. Such secondary forms may have more serious consequences than just hyperhidrosis, making medical consultation advisable.

Lipoatrophy

Lipoatrophy is the term describing the localized loss of fat tissue. This may occur as a result of subcutanous injections of insulin in the treatment of diabetes, or from subcutanous injections of Copaxone used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In the latter case, an injection may produce a small dent at the injection site.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is the inflammation of the skin that is probably caused by an autoimmune response against the body’s own skin cells. The build up of skin cells results in thick, dry, scaly patches which are usually red and may be itchy. Psoriasis is an inherited disorder and therefore not contagious. The condition can be exacerbated by injuries and irritations that might stimulate an immune response (such as burns, sunburns, cuts, etc.), as well as certain medications and infections. Psoriasis affects 2 to 2.6 percent of the United States population, or between 5.8 and 7.5 million people according to the NIH.