Dermatology Library

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Scabies:

Scabies is caused by a tiny mite that has infested humans for at least 2,500 years. It is often hard to detect, and causes a fiercely, itchy skin condition. Dermatologists estimate that more than 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide every year. The condition can strike anyone of any race or age, regardless of personal hygiene. The good news is that with better detection methods and treatments, scabies does not need to cause more than temporary distress.

Scars:

Scars result when the skin repairs wounds caused by accident, disease, or surgery. They are a natural part of the healing process. The more the skin is damaged and the longer it takes to heal, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar. Typically, a scar may appear redder and thicker at first, then gradually fade. Many actively healing scars that seem unsightly at three months may heal nicely if given more time.The way a scar forms is affected by an individual's age and the location on the body or face. Younger skin makes strong repairs and tends to result in larger, thicker scars than does older skin. Skin over a jawbone is tighter than skin on the cheek and will make a scar easier to see. If a scar is indented or raised, irregular shadows will be seen, giving the skin an uneven appearance. A scar that crosses natural expression lines or is wider than a wrinkle, will be more apparent because it will not follow a natural pattern nor look like a naturally occurring line. Any one, or a combination of these factors may result in a scar that, although healthy, may be improved by dermatologic surgical treatment.

Scleroderma:

Also called systemic sclerosis, it is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases.The word “scleroderma” comes from two Greek words: “sclero” meaning hard, and “derma” meaning skin. Hardening of the skin is one of the most visible manifestations of the disease. The disease has been called “progressive systemic sclerosis,” but the use of that term has been discouraged since it has been found that scleroderma is not necessarily progressive. The disease may take several forms. There is also much variability among patients. Scleroderma is a disease whose symptoms may be visible, as is the case when the skin is affected, or the symptoms may be invisible, as when internal organs are affected. Scleroderma is not contagious, it is not infectious, it is not cancerous or malignant. As a chronic disease, however, scleroderma can be serious. The symptoms of scleroderma vary greatly from individual to individual, and the effects of scleroderma can range from very mild to life-threatening. The seriousness will depend on what parts of the body are affected and the extent to which they are affected. A mild case can become more serious if not properly treated. Prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment by qualified physicians may minimize the symptoms of scleroderma and lessen the chance for irreversible damage.

For more information, visit:

Scleroderma Foundation at: www.scleroderma.org
Scleroderma Research Foundation: www.srfcure.org

Sclerotherapy:

The injection of aqueous solutions into abnormally dilated or cosmetically unacceptable veins. These solutions irritate and damage the endothelial lining of the treated vein, causing it to thrombose, fibrose, stenose, and be absorbed by surrounding tissue. The term varicose vein is used to designate enlarged tortuous veins that are often associated with abnormal valvular function. The term telangiectasia is used to designate smaller, visible blood vessels that are permanently dilated.

Also see: Veins

Sebaceous glands:

Glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum - these glands are the sites of acne lesions. Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and are found mostly on the face, neck, back and chest.

Sebum:

The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands.

Seborrheic Dermatitis:

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that can be easily treated. This condition is a red, scaly, itchy rash most commonly seen on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, skin behind the ears, and middle of the chest. Other areas, such as the navel (belly button), buttocks, skin folds under the arms, axillary regions, breasts, and groin, may also be involved.

Seborrheic Keratoses:

Although Seborrheic Keratoses are often confused with warts, they are quite different. Seborrheic keratoses are non- cancerous growths of the outer layer of skin. There may be just one growth, or many which occur in clusters. They are usually brown, but can vary in color from light tan to black. They vary in size from a fraction of an inch in diameter to larger than a half-dollar. A main feature of seborrheic keratoses is their waxy, "pasted- on" or "stuck-on" look. They sometimes look like a dab of warm brown candle wax that has dropped onto the skin.

Self Exam:

How to Perform a Self Exam from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

Sjögren's Syndrome:

An autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture producing glands. Sjögren's is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders, striking as many as 4,000,000 Americans. Nine out of ten patients are women. The average age of onset is late 40s although Sjögren's occurs in all age groups in both women and men. About 50% of the time Sjögren's syndrome occurs alone, and 50% of the time it occurs in the presence of another connective tissue disease. The four most common diagnoses that co-exist with Sjögren's syndrome are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus, Systemic Sclerosis (scleroderma) and Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis. Sometimes researchers refer to the first type as "Primary Sjögren's" and the second as "Secondary Sjögren's." All instances of Sjögren's syndrome are systemic, affecting the entire body.

Skin:

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Its size (about 20 square feet in an average sized adult) and external location make it susceptible to a wide variety of diseases, disorders, discolorations, and growths, as well as to damage from the environment and the aging process. The severity and appearance of skin problems vary considerably. Most can be removed or improved with a minimum of pain and risk in a dermatologist's office.

Smallpox:

Smallpox (or variola) is a highly infectious, often fatal, viral infection that last occurred naturally in 1977 in Somalia. In 1980, the World Health Organization declared the disease eradicated. All smallpox specimens and laboratory material have been destroyed except for authorized stocks of virus maintained at two World Health Organization laboratories, one at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and one in Russia.

Soft Tissue Augmentation:

For centuries physicians have attempted to augment skin by injecting a variety of agents into the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Bovine collagen implants have become increasingly popular for use in dermal augmentation of the skin since their introduction in the 1980’s. After implantation, all current products undergo degradation by the body’s own mechanisms. For this reason periodic maintenance injections are necessary to sustain correction. The following conditions are amenable to treatment with bovine collagen injections:

  • Painful corns or calluses
  • Depressed scars
  • Postsurgical (e.g., after rhinoplasty or skin grafting)
  • Trauma induced
  • Resulting from acne or other disease
  • Wrinkles, creases, and lines caused by facial expression, aging, and other
  • Dermal atrophy from disease or from injection of corticosteroids
  • Angular cheilitis
  • Situations in which enhancement of facial contour is desirable (e.g., patient desires thicker lips)

SPF:

SPF stands for sun protection factor rating system. You should use an SPF 15 sunscreen every day, since that number would block most of the sun's rays. (If you'll be out in the sun for more than an hour, though, use an SPF 30.) If you'll be sweating a lot, you may want to use an SPF 30 on your face no matter what, because the sweat will thin it down to an SPF 15 fast!

Also see: Sun Protection

Spider and varicose veins:

See: Veins

Squamous cell carcinoma:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common cancer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor that arises in the outer layer of the skin (the epithelium). More than 250,000 new SCCs are diagnosed every year in the U.S. Middle-aged and elderly persons, especially those with fair complexions and frequent sun exposure, are most likely to be affected. If treated in a timely manner, it is uncommon for skin squamous cell carcinoma to spread to other areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinomas often arise from small sandpaper-like growths called solar or actinic keratoses.

Stomatitis:

See: Mouth Care

Stretch marks:

See: Melasma

Sturge-Weber Syndrome:

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) are syndromes with vascular birthmarks as their common manifestation. Separately, they are conditions that – besides skin – may also involve the eye and brain (in SWS), and soft tissue, muscle and bone (in KTS). The psychological impact of living with one of these syndromes is just now being investigated. The true prevalence of these syndromes is unknown. 1 in 200 individuals are born with a Port Wine Stain (PWS) in the United States. The incidence of SWS is thought to be 8-15% in live births with an associated facial Port Wine Stain.

Also see: Birthmarks

Sun Protection:

Sun protection at any age is important to prevent short- term and long-term damaging effects of sunlight. Sunscreens are an important part of a sun protection regime and should be used in conjunction with other sun safety steps for optimal sun protection. Overexposure to sunlight can result in painful, red, sunburned skin. A bad burn can cause serious consequences like skin cancer later in life. Long-term overexposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots, dilated blood vessels, changes in the texture of the skin that make skin look older, and skin cancers. Using sun protection will help prevent skin damage, wrinkles, and reduce the risk of cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you avoid deliberate sunbathing, wear a wide- brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. If you must be in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 even on cloudy days.

Superficial spreading melanoma:

One of the four clinical types of malignant melanoma, presents as a raised, irregular, colored area that starts in a mole-like shape but spreads across the skin.

See: Melanoma

Systemic therapy:

Treatment that consists of taking medication internally, such as in pill form or by injection or infusion.