Background

Condition Lookup

Number of Conditions: 22

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Drug-Related Skin Reactions

Symptoms:
blisters and erosions on skin and mucous membranes; target-like lesions; fever and malaise

Root Cause:
Severe hypersensitivity reaction, often drug-induced, involving keratinocyte apoptosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical findings; biopsy to confirm.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending drug; supportive care in severe cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids or IVIG – for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; 1–6 cases per million annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Certain medications, HIV infection, genetic predisposition (e.g., HLA-B*1502 in Asians).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High morbidity; mortality ranges from 5–10%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis; Organ failure; Scarring and chronic pain

Epidermolysis Bullosa

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Blistering Skin Diseases

Symptoms:
fragile skin that blisters easily; blisters form after minor trauma or friction; nail deformities and scarring in severe cases

Root Cause:
Genetic mutations affecting structural proteins (e.g., keratin, collagen) that provide skin integrity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin biopsy with immunofluorescence, genetic testing.

Treatment:
Wound care, prevention of trauma, and pain management.

Medications:
Topical antibiotics – to prevent infections. Pain relievers – for symptomatic relief.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 20 per million live births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic inheritance (autosomal dominant or recessive).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on the type (mild to life-threatening).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infections; Malnutrition; Skin cancer in severe forms

Hemangiomas

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Vascular Skin Disorders

Symptoms:
raised red or purple lesions; soft and compressible; rapid growth during infancy, followed by gradual regression

Root Cause:
Benign proliferation of blood vessels.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; imaging (e.g., ultrasound) in atypical cases.

Treatment:
Observation for most cases; beta-blockers for problematic lesions.

Medications:
Oral propranolol – to reduce size and color.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in infants; occurs in 4–5% of newborns.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature birth, female gender.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent; most regress by age 10.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Ulceration; Bleeding; Cosmetic concerns

Port-Wine Stains

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Vascular Skin Disorders

Symptoms:
flat, red to purple patches; present at birth; darkens and thickens with age

Root Cause:
Malformation of dermal capillaries causing permanent dilation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; imaging for associated syndromes (e.g., Sturge-Weber).

Treatment:
Laser therapy for cosmetic improvement.

Medications:
None specific; treatment is procedural.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 0.3% of newborns.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital vascular malformation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Permanent without treatment; manageable with laser therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Thickening and nodularity with age; Psychological impact

Spider Angiomas

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Vascular Skin Disorders

Symptoms:
central red papule with radiating blood vessels; blanches with pressure

Root Cause:
Dilation of superficial blood vessels.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination.

Treatment:
Electrocautery or laser therapy for cosmetic reasons.

Medications:
None required.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in children and pregnant women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hormonal changes, liver disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Benign; resolves spontaneously in many cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cosmetic concerns

Livedo Reticularis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Vascular Skin Disorders

Symptoms:
net-like bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin; worsens with cold exposure

Root Cause:
Reduced blood flow to the skin due to vascular spasms or occlusions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; evaluate for systemic disease if persistent.

Treatment:
Address underlying cause; keep warm to prevent vasospasms.

Medications:
None specific unless associated with systemic disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; often physiological in cold weather.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cold exposure, autoimmune diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good in physiological cases; varies with underlying condition.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Association with systemic vasculitis

Polymorphic Light Eruption

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Photosensitivity Disorders

Symptoms:
itchy red papules, plaques, or blisters; occurs hours to days after sun exposure; commonly affects arms, chest, and face

Root Cause:
Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to UV radiation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; phototesting in uncertain cases.

Treatment:
Sun protection, topical corticosteroids for acute flares.

Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone ). Antimalarials (e.g., hydroxychloroquine ) – for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 10–20% of people, more common in women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
UV exposure, genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good; symptoms improve with sun protection.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent lesions with repeated exposure

Chronic Actinic Dermatitis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Photosensitivity Disorders

Symptoms:
eczema-like rash; thickened, scaly skin in sun-exposed areas; severe itching

Root Cause:
Chronic hypersensitivity reaction to sunlight.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, phototesting, and patch testing.

Treatment:
Strict sun protection, topical and systemic immunosuppressants.

Medications:
Topical corticosteroids. Oral immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, chronic sun exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; requires lifelong management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin thickening; Infections

Porphyrias

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Photosensitivity Disorders

Symptoms:
blisters on sun-exposed areas; fragile skin; hyperpigmentation; facial hair growth

Root Cause:
Enzyme defects in heme biosynthesis leading to porphyrin accumulation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Urine porphyrin levels, genetic testing.

Treatment:
Sun protection, avoidance of triggers, and medications to reduce porphyrins.

Medications:
Hydroxychloroquine – for porphyrin clearance. Beta-carotene – to reduce photosensitivity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic inheritance, liver disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with strict management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic skin damage; Liver disease

Hyperhidrosis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Sweat Gland Disorders

Symptoms:
excessive sweating, localized or generalized; commonly affects palms, soles, and underarms; sweating unrelated to temperature or activity

Root Cause:
Overactive sweat glands due to hyperactive autonomic nervous system signals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and physical examination; iodine-starch test for affected areas.

Treatment:
Antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, or surgical interventions for severe cases.

Medications:
Topical aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Oral anticholinergics (e.g., glycopyrrolate ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 2–3% of the population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history; no clear triggers in primary hyperhidrosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; lifelong management may be needed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin infections; Social or psychological impact

Anhidrosis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Sweat Gland Disorders

Symptoms:
inability to sweat; overheating during physical activity or in hot environments; dry, flaky skin

Root Cause:
Dysfunction of sweat glands caused by nerve damage, skin conditions, or genetic factors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; thermoregulatory sweat test.

Treatment:
Manage underlying cause and avoid overheating.

Medications:
Not applicable; focus on symptomatic care.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Skin conditions (e.g., ichthyosis), neuropathy, or genetic disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on the underlying condition.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heat exhaustion; Heatstroke

Miliaria (Heat Rash)

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Sweat Gland Disorders

Symptoms:
small, itchy, red bumps or blisters; occurs in areas of sweat retention (e.g., neck, chest, or back); worsened by heat and humidity

Root Cause:
Blockage of sweat ducts leading to sweat retention and irritation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by observing characteristic small red or clear fluid-filled papules or vesicles in areas of skin occlusion or sweating, often triggered by heat or humidity, with no need for laboratory tests.

Treatment:
Cooling the skin, reducing sweating, and topical anti-itch treatments.

Medications:
Calamine lotion – for itching. Topical corticosteroids – for severe inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in infants and in hot climates.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Heat, humidity, prolonged sweating.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent; resolves with cooling and appropriate care.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary infections

Chronic Pruritus

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Pruritus and Itching Disorders

Symptoms:
persistent itching lasting over six weeks; may involve any part of the body; often worse at night

Root Cause:
Associated with systemic diseases, skin disorders, or idiopathic causes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; testing for underlying conditions.

Treatment:
Treat underlying cause; symptomatic relief with antihistamines or emollients.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine ) – for itching. Topical corticosteroids – for inflammatory causes.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Dry skin, systemic diseases (e.g., liver disease, kidney failure).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the cause; symptom management is often effective.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin damage from scratching; Infections

Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Pruritus and Itching Disorders

Symptoms:
thickened, scaly skin plaques; intense itching; commonly affects neck, wrists, or ankles

Root Cause:
Chronic scratching or rubbing leads to localized skin thickening.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; biopsy if uncertain.

Treatment:
Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and behavior modification to reduce scratching.

Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., betamethasone ). Antihistamines – for itching relief.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, particularly in individuals with chronic itching disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, eczema, or psoriasis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with consistent treatment; relapses are common.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin infections; Scarring

Prurigo Nodularis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Pruritus and Itching Disorders

Symptoms:
itchy, firm nodules; lesions commonly on arms and legs; skin thickening and darkening from chronic scratching

Root Cause:
Chronic itching and scratching, often linked to systemic or dermatologic conditions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and examination; biopsy if needed.

Treatment:
Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or phototherapy.

Medications:
Topical corticosteroids. Gabapentin – for neuropathic itching.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; more common in middle-aged adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Atopic dermatitis, systemic diseases, stress.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; improvement with treatment but relapses are common.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infections; Scarring; Psychological distress

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Blistering Skin Diseases

Symptoms:
fragile skin on sun-exposed areas; blisters and erosions on hands and face; hyperpigmentation and facial hair growth

Root Cause:
Deficiency in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase enzyme, leading to porphyrin accumulation and photosensitivity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Elevated porphyrin levels in urine or plasma.

Treatment:
Avoidance of triggers, phlebotomy, or low-dose hydroxychloroquine.

Medications:
Hydroxychloroquine – to reduce porphyrin levels.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, more common in individuals with liver disease or alcohol use.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Alcohol use, hepatitis C, iron overload, genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; relapses are possible.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver damage; Chronic blistering and scarring

Diabetes-Related Skin Changes

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

Symptoms:
brown, scaly patches on shins (diabetic dermopathy); dark, velvety plaques in skin folds (acanthosis nigricans); delayed wound healing

Root Cause:
Poor circulation, insulin resistance, or chronic hyperglycemia affecting skin integrity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; evaluation of blood glucose levels.

Treatment:
Manage blood sugar levels, use emollients, and treat secondary infections.

Medications:
Insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents – to manage diabetes. Topical antibiotics – for secondary infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improves with good glycemic control.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic ulcers; Infections; Amputation in severe cases

Thyroid-Related Skin Disorders

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

Symptoms:
dry, coarse skin; swelling in extremities (myxedema); brittle hair and nails; hair thinning

Root Cause:
Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism affecting skin metabolism and structure.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH).

Treatment:
Correct thyroid hormone imbalance.

Medications:
Levothyroxine – for hypothyroidism. Antithyroid drugs (e.g., methimazole ) – for hyperthyroidism.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in individuals with thyroid disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improves with thyroid treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent skin changes; Psychological distress

Cutaneous Sarcoidosis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

Symptoms:
firm, red or purple plaques; lupus pernio (on the nose or cheeks); nodules or scars on the skin

Root Cause:
Abnormal immune response causing granuloma formation in the skin.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, biopsy, and chest imaging.

Treatment:
Topical or systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants for severe cases.

Medications:
Topical or systemic corticosteroids. Methotrexate – for systemic involvement.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, more common in African-American populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, exposure to certain environmental triggers.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; may resolve spontaneously or become chronic.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Scarring; Systemic organ involvement

Vasculitis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

Symptoms:
palpable purpura; ulcers or necrosis; painful, red patches or plaques

Root Cause:
Inflammation of blood vessels, leading to tissue damage and skin manifestations.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, skin biopsy, and blood tests for systemic involvement.

Treatment:
Treat underlying cause, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.

Medications:
Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ). Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclophosphamide ) – for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; varies by type of vasculitis.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases, infections, medications.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on severity and response to treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Organ damage; Chronic ulcers

Drug-Induced Rash

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Drug-Related Skin Reactions

Symptoms:
red, itchy rash; maculopapular or urticarial lesions; widespread distribution

Root Cause:
Hypersensitivity reaction to medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and elimination of suspected drug.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending drug; antihistamines or corticosteroids for symptom relief.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine ). Systemic corticosteroids – for severe reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially with antibiotics or anticonvulsants.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Drug allergies, polypharmacy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolves upon drug discontinuation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to severe reactions (e.g., SJS/TEN)

Fixed Drug Eruption

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Drug-Related Skin Reactions

Symptoms:
recurrent, well-demarcated red patches; lesions often appear in the same location; may blister or darken over time

Root Cause:
Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a drug.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; re-challenge with suspected drug if necessary.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending drug; corticosteroids for active lesions.

Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous reaction to a specific medication.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolves after drug discontinuation; recurs with re-exposure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent pigmentation changes