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I
Ichthyosis:
Ichthyosis is the name of a rare genetic skin disease (there are actually several different types of ichthyosis) which causes the formation of dry,
fish-like scales on the skin's surface. Since it's an inherited disease, it isn't
contagious--you can't "catch" it. Ichthyosis causes the skin to build up and scale,
causing it to be extremely dry, amongst other problems. The condition often
begins in early childhood and is usually lifelong.
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis:
It consists of discrete porcelain-white, patches of about 5 mm diameter, in sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially on the forearms and shins. The patches do not increase much in size. The hairs over the lesion are normal in color.
Usually no treatment is necessary.
There are many differences between IGH and vitiligo. Vitiligo is usually symmetrical. The lesions in vitiligo are chalky-white and tend to have a scalloped edge. The white patches of vitiligo tend to enlarge. The hair over the lesions are also white.
Submitted by: Laura L. Mays, PA-C
Impetigo:
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection caused by primarily Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. There are two forms, bullous impetigo and non-bullous impetigo, and it is highly contagious and spreads by person-to-person contact.
Impetigo is the most common bacterial skin infection in the world and is most commonly seen in children. It develops more easily in skin that has been injured or irritated by conditions such as trauma, insect bites, or eczema.
Non-bullous impetigo usually appears as small vesicles or pustules that rupture and develop golden/yellow crusts over inflamed skin. Bullous impetigo develops as vesicles and blisters containing clear fluid, on normal skin. Treatment includes cleansing the area with antiseptic soap to remove the crusts and topical and/or oral antibiotics. Good hygiene is necessary to prevent spreading of impetigo. All linens and clothes should be washed and good hand washing initiated. The lesions usually begin to heal within three days of treatment.
Submitted by: Nitra H. Cole, MSN, ARNP, NP-C
Infestations:
Parasitic attack or subsistence on the skin and its appendages,
as by insects, mites or ticks.
Also see: Insect bites and stings
Intertrigo:
Intertrigo is the word used to describe a rash in body folds. Affected skin is reddened and uncomfortable. Intertrigo is particularly common in those who are overweight.
Body folds (flexures) are prone to inflammatory rashes because of:
- High skin temperature
- Moisture from insensible water loss and sweating cannot evaporate
- Friction from movement of adjacent skin
Bacteria and yeasts which are normally resident on the skin multiply in such environments and may result in further damage to the skin.
Specific infections:
- Thrush, caused by yeasts such as Candida albicans, is characterised by rapid development, with itchy moist peeling white skin with small peripheral pustules.
- Erythrasma, caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, results in persistent brown patches.
- Tinea pedis (athletes foot), caused by dermatophyte fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum, causes peeling, cracks, and blisters between the toes.
- Folliculitis, caused by various bacteria especially Staphylococcus aureus, is often provoked by shaving. Painful red spots and pustules are centered on hair follicles
Less common causes of intertrigo include:
- Blistering skin disorders such as bullous pemphigoid.
- Rare inherited conditions such as Hailey-Hailey disease.
- Miscellaneous other conditions, including granular parakeratosis.
Treatment: Treatment depends on the underlying cause, if identified, and on which micro-organisms are present in the rash. Combinations are common.
- Sweating may be reduced with a gentle antiperspirant.
- Bacteria may be treated with topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid cream, mupirocin ointment, or oral antibiotics such as flucloxacillin and erythromycin.
- Yeasts and fungi may be treated with topical antifungals such as clotrimazole and terbinafine cream or oral agents such as itraconazole or terbinafine.
- Inflammatory skin diseases are often treated with low potency topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone. More potent steroids are usually avoided in the flexures because they may cause skin thinning resulting in stretch marks (striae) and even ulcers. Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream may also prove effective.
Submitted by: Laura L. Mays, PA-C
Isotretinoin:
A powerful medication usually prescribed for cystic acne. This medication can be used for severe cases of rosacea, but only for selected candidates, as isotretinoin can cause serious side effects and birth defects.
Itching:
See: Pruritus