Skin Conditions & Diseases
Medical conditions affecting the skin area or system
Acne vulgaris
Mild To ModerateA common inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous units that causes pimples, blackheads, and cysts.
- Pimples
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)
ModerateA chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed patches.
- Intense itching
- Red rash
- Dry scaly skin
Psoriasis
Moderate To SevereAn immune‑mediated disease that accelerates skin cell turnover, producing thick, silvery plaques.
- Red plaques
- Silvery scales
- Itching
Rosacea
Mild To ModerateA chronic facial dermatosis causing persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes pimples.
- Facial flushing
- Visible telangiectasia
- Papules/pustules
Contact dermatitis
Mild To ModerateSkin inflammation caused by direct contact with irritants or allergens.
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
Seborrheic dermatitis
MildA common condition that produces flaky, greasy scales on oily skin areas such as the scalp and face.
- Yellowish scales
- Red patches
- Itching
Vitiligo
VariableAn acquired depigmentation disorder where melanocytes are destroyed, leading to white patches.
- Well‑defined white patches
- Loss of pigment on skin
- Possible hair whitening
Melanoma
SevereThe most serious form of skin cancer arising from malignant transformation of melanocytes.
- Asymmetrical mole
- Irregular border
- Color variation
Basal cell carcinoma
ModerateThe most common skin cancer, usually appearing as a pearly papule on sun‑exposed skin.
- Shiny nodule
- Ulceration
- Bleeding
Squamous cell carcinoma
Moderate To SevereA skin cancer that originates from keratinocytes, often on chronically sun‑damaged skin.
- Red scaly plaque
- Ulceration
- Rapid growth
Skin tag (Acrochordon)
MildA benign pedunculated growth of skin, commonly found in friction areas.
- Soft flesh‑colored papule
- Pedunculated stalk
- Usually painless
Viral warts
MildBenign epidermal proliferations caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Rough papules
- Hyperkeratotic surface
- Pain or tenderness
Herpes simplex (cold sores)
MildA viral infection causing grouped vesicles on the lips or perioral skin.
- Tingling sensation
- Grouped vesicles
- Ulceration
Herpes zoster (shingles)
Moderate To SevereReactivation of varicella‑zoster virus producing a painful, dermatomal rash.
- Burning pain
- Grouped vesicles
- Dermatomal distribution
Impetigo
MildA highly contagious superficial bacterial skin infection, common in children.
- Honey‑colored crusts
- Erythematous papules
- Itching
Cellulitis
Moderate To SevereA deep bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, causing painful swelling.
- Redness
- Warmth
- Swelling
Folliculitis
MildInflammation of hair follicles, often due to bacterial infection or irritation.
- Red papules
- Pustules
- Itching or tenderness
Urticaria (hives)
Mild To ModerateTransient, pruritic wheals caused by mast cell degranulation.
- Raised wheals
- Itching
- Burning
Lichen planus
ModerateAn inflammatory condition presenting with violaceous, flat‑topped papules, often on wrists and ankles.
- Purple papules
- Itching
- Wickham striae (white lines)
Keratosis pilaris
MildA benign condition of keratin plugging hair follicles, causing rough bumps on the arms and thighs.
- Small rough papules
- Skin dryness
- Redness
Nevus (mole)
MildA benign proliferation of melanocytes presenting as pigmented skin lesions.
- Uniform color
- Well‑defined border
- Flat or raised
Tinea corporis (ringworm)
MildA superficial fungal infection of the body skin causing annular, scaly lesions.
- Ring‑shaped rash
- Central clearing
- Raised border
Scabies
ModerateInfestation by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, leading to intense nocturnal itching.
- Burrows
- Intense itching
- Papules
Pediculosis (lice infestation)
MildParasitic infestation of the scalp or body hair by lice, causing itching and irritation.
- Itching
- Visible nits
- Red papules
Pityriasis rosea
MildA self‑limited rash that begins with a herald patch followed by a Christmas‑tree pattern on the trunk.
- Herald patch
- Multiple oval lesions
- Mild itching
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus
ModerateAn autoimmune skin manifestation of lupus, presenting with photosensitive lesions.
- Red papules
- Butterfly rash
- Scaling
Dermatitis herpetiformis
ModerateA chronic, intensely pruritic blistering disease associated with gluten sensitivity.
- Grouped vesicles
- Intense itching
- Burning
Bullous pemphigoid
SevereAn autoimmune blistering disorder most common in the elderly, causing tense bullae.
- Tense blisters
- Itching
- Erythema
Actinic keratosis
ModerateA premalignant lesion caused by chronic sun exposure, presenting as rough, scaly patches.
- Fleshy or scaly papule
- Redness
- Tenderness
Sebaceous hyperplasia
MildBenign enlargement of sebaceous glands, appearing as small yellowish papules on the face.
- Yellowish papules
- Central umbilication
- Soft texture
Molluscum contagiosum
MildA viral skin infection causing dome‑shaped, umbilicated papules, common in children.
- Smooth papules
- Umbilicated center
- Itching (occasionally)
Erythema multiforme
Moderate To SevereAn acute, immune‑mediated reaction characterized by target lesions, often triggered by infections or drugs.
- Target lesions
- Mucosal involvement (EM major)
- Fever
When to Seek Medical Help
For skin conditions, consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Sudden onset of severe symptoms
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
- Signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness)
- Unexplained changes or new symptoms
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.