NON-INFECTIOUS SKIN CONDITIONS

ACNE

What is acne?

Acne is a very common disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands—nearly 17 million people in the US are affected by this condition. With acne, the sebaceous glands are clogged, which leads to pimples and cysts.

What are sebaceous glands?

Sebaceous glands are located in the dermis (the middle layer of skin) and secrete oil onto the skin.

How does acne develop?

The sebaceous glands produce oil (sebum) which normally travels via hair follicles to the skin surface. However, skin cells can plug the follicles, blocking the oil coming from the sebaceous glands. When follicles become plugged, skin bacteria can begin to grow inside the follicles, causing inflammation, which can result in blackheads or whiteheads. Eventually, the plugged follicle bursts, spilling oil, skin cells, and the bacteria onto the skin surface. In turn, the skin becomes irritated and pimples or lesions begin to develop.

Acne can be superficial (pimples without abscesses) or deep (when the inflamed pimples push down into the skin, causing pus-filled cysts that rupture and result in larger abscesses).

Some common causes of acne are:

• Rising hormone levels during puberty.
• Hormone level changes during the menstrual cycle in women.
• Certain drugs (such as corticosteroids, lithium, and barbiturates).
• Oil and grease from the scalp. Mineral or cooking oil and certain cosmetics may worsen acne.
• Acne can be aggravated by squeezing the pimples or by scrubbing the skin too hard.

What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne can occur anywhere on the body. However, acne most often appears in areas where there is a high concentration of sebaceous glands, including the following:

• Face
• Chest
• Upper back
• Shoulders
• Neck

Did You Know?

Research has shown that eating chocolate or greasy food does not cause acne, nor does dirty skin.

How is acne treated?

The goal of acne treatment is to minimize scarring and improve appearance. Depending upon the severity of acne, topical medications (medications applied to the skin) or systemic medications (medications taken orally) may be prescribed. In some cases, a combination of both topical and systemic medications may be recommended.

DRUG RASHES

What are drug rashes?

A drug rash is the body’s reaction to a certain medication. The type of rash that occurs depends on the type of drug that is causing it. Rashes can range from mild to severe and can be categorized as follows:

• Rashes caused by an allergic reaction to a medication.
• Rashes produced as an unwanted effect of a particular medication.
• Rashes due to hypersensitivity to sunlight caused by the medication.

Drug rashes may be severe and require hospitalization. Contact your doctor immediately if you feel this is happening to you.

POISON IVY/POISON OAK

What is poison ivy/poison oak?

In the United States, there are three native plants that collectively may be called poison ivy:
• poison ivy
• poison oak
• poison sumac

These plants can cause an allergic reaction in nearly 85 percent of the population.

What causes an allergic reaction?

The resin in the plants contains an oily substance called urushiol. Urushiol is easily transferred from the plants to other objects, including clothing and animals, and can remain active for a year or longer. It is important to know that the oils can also be transferred from clothing or pets, and can be present in the smoke from a burning plant.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to poison ivy/poison oak?

The reaction is usually contact dermatitis, which may occur several hours, days, or even weeks after exposure. The dermatitis is characterized by a rash followed by bumps and blisters that itch. Sometimes, swelling occurs in the area of contact. Eventually, the blisters break, ooze, and then crust over.

What is the treatment for poison ivy/poison oak?

Being aware of the appearance of the poisonous plants and avoiding them is the best treatment. If contact with the plants has already occurred, you should remove the oils from the skin as soon as possible. Cleansing with an ordinary soap within six hours after the initial exposure has proven to be effective. Repeat three times. There are also alcohol-based wipes that help remove the oils. Wash all clothing, as well as shoes, because they can retain the oils.

If the blisters and rash are on the face, near the genitals, or all over the body, you should see a doctor.

Is poison ivy/poison oak contagious?

Poison ivy/poison oak cannot be spread from person to person by touching the blisters, or from the fluid inside the blisters. It can be spread, however, if the oils remain on the skin, clothes, or shoes.