Skin Conditions

The dermatologists at Columbia Skin Clinic see patients with a wide variety of skin diseases and conditions. As the region’s most experienced dermatology practice, our board-certified physicians treat everything from mild acne to aggressive skin cancer. We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Here is a glossary of skin conditions and skin infections that our dermatologists commonly treat.

Acne is a condition that manifests as localized bumps and skin inflammation commonly referred to as pimples. Extremely common, especially in teenagers, acne is partially caused by overactive oil glands in the skin.

Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancerous skin growth caused by exposure to the sun or indoor tanning. It is one of the most common skin diseases with nearly 40 million people in the U.S. developing actinic keratosis each year.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. This condition is characterized by red and itchy skin and is typically long-lasting or chronic, with periodic flare-ups. While it is most common in children, it can occur at any age.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and most common cancer overall in the United States, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. This skin disease is characterized by an uncontrolled growth or lesion that arises in the skin’s basal cells, which line the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).

Contact dermatitis is an itchy, red rash caused by direct contact with certain substances or an allergic reaction. Substances such as cosmetics, soaps, fragrances and plants can cause these reactions.

Dry skin is a common skin problem, and patients with extremely dry skin may need to seek the help of a dermatologist. Left untreated, dry skin can lead to dermatitis or inflammation of the skin.

Eczema is a non-contagious group of skin conditions that are characterized by itchy, inflamed, red patches on the skin. Eczema patches can occur anywhere on the skin. Eczema patches tend to flare up, then disappear, then come back again.

While some hair loss is a normal part of aging, significant hair loss can also occur due to medications, illness, shock and hormonal changes. In general, most hair loss is caused by hereditary factors, referred to as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness.

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that results in excessive sweating. While it is normal for everyone to sweat, hyperhidrosis causes sweating when the body does not need cooling.

Ichthyosis is a group of skin conditions that causes extremely dry, thick and scaly skin. This disease often causes the skin to appear scaly.

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that causes tiny, rough bumps on the skin. These bumps are caused by plugs of dead skin cells, most commonly found on the upper arms and thighs.

Usually considered to be the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma can spread from the skin to other parts of the body and must be treated quickly.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is often found on areas of the body exposed to UV rays from the sun or indoor tanning beds. This skin condition can be slow or fast-growing. Therefore, it is best treated quickly as similar to melanoma it has the potential to spread in the body.

Scars are the natural result of the skin and tissue trying to repair a wound. A scar can form from almost any kind of cut, scratch, burn, disease, skin condition or surgery. Only very minor incidents will not cause scarring.

Rosacea is a skin condition causing redness and often pink bumps or pustules on the face. It can appear differently depending on the person. It is often mistaken for an allergic reaction or acne. Rosacea can have bad flare-ups, which then subside in some patients.

Psoriasis is a disease of dysregulation of the immune system. It occurs when the cells of the skin reproduce too rapidly, often piling up and creating scaly lesions. Depending on the severity of the psoriasis, the patches can range from a few minor spots of scaling to major outbreaks covering large areas of the body.

Warts are skin growths caused when a virus infects the top layer of skin. Because they are caused by an infection, they can grow and multiply on the skin. Sometimes they will resolve on their own but this may take years.

Consult the American Academy of Dermatology for a comprehensive list of skin diseases.

How to treat skin conditions

From fungal infections to athlete’s foot, our dermatologists have seen it all. Skin conditions can occur anywhere on the body and can vary from person to person. While most skin issues are not life-threatening, they can be painful or embarrassing. Columbia Skin Clinic performs comprehensive screenings to diagnose your condition and provides a treatment plan to meet your skin care needs.