Dermatology

Acne is typically defined as a skin condition that results in pimples or zits. This includes whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts). Acne is a common condition that affects the population around the world. It refers to an inflammatory skin condition that is chronic in nature. It is common during puberty with the activation of the sebaceous glands, but it can occur at any age.  While this is not a dangerous condition, it does leave scars on the skin. Mostly, people experience it between the age group of 12 to 24 and it usually appears on the face but can also include the chest and back. Acne (Pimples) is persistent as it can pop up one after the other, and depends on treatment for control.

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Alopecia is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. The area of hair loss is also known as bald patches or bald spots. The afflicted locations don't have inflammation or other causes for hair loss. Patchy hair loss can be as little as the width of a coin or might completely cover the afflicted region. Regionalized bald patches are most commonly found on the head or beard area.

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Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair to fall out in patches. The hair loss becomes more noticeable when these patches connect over time. It is an autoimmune disorder where one's immune system attacks its hair follicles. It is a common disorder and can affect anybody, regardless of age. Alopecia can occur on any body part, like the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, face, legs, etc. Some healthcare specialists believe men are more prone to alopecia areata than women. However, it can affect both genders to a great extent. Typically, alopecia onset is between the ages of 25 and 36.

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Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that begins in the basal cells. This type of cell within the skin is tasked to produce new skin cells and replace them with the old cells that have died. However, you need not worry, as this is a minor risk type of skin cancer and is easily curable once it is detected. Unlike other types of cancer, basal cell carcinoma does not spread from the skin to other parts of the body. But it can move to nearby bone or other tissues under the skin. The tumors in basal cell carcinoma start as small shiny bumps, red patches, pink growths, scars, and more. They can also appear on other parts of your body, including your trunks, legs, arms, and more. The majority of basal cell carcinomas cases are thought to be caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. The rays could be from the sun or tanning beds. The ultraviolet radiation mutates the DNA of the basal cells present in the outermost layer of skin known as the epidermis. This results in the uncontrollable growth of these cells. These look different from regular pimples. If you have BCC, you will notice lumps or nodules on the skin that look shiny or have blood vessels. There might be a white, scar-like lesion without a clearly defined border in some cases.

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A blackhead is defined as a yellow or blackish bump or plug on the skin, and is generally found on the face or the back. Blackheads are caused by excess oil that accumulates in the sebaceous gland’s duct.

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Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes discomfort, swelling, and redness in the affected area of the skin. It may only look like a swollen, discoloured spot that is hot and painful to the touch. The swelling and discolouration can swiftly spread. Cellulitis generally appears red or pink on lighter skin tones. It could look dark brown, grey, or purple on those with darker skin tones. It can occur anywhere on a person's body or face, but it affects the feet and lower legs in most cases. If left untreated, it might spread and lead to major health problems.

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Dermatitis is an umbrella term that describes any inflammation of the skin that causes itching, redness, swelling, and other symptoms. It may occur anywhere on the body, ranging from mild to severe.

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Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis and a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. The term eczema is also commonly used to describe atopic dermatitis also known as atopic eczema. In some languages, dermatitis and eczema are synonyms, while in other languages dermatitis implies an acute condition and eczema a chronic one. The cause of dermatitis is unclear. One possibility is a dysfunctional interplay between the immune system and the skin.

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Leucoderma, a condition characterised by white patches on the skin, can be more than just a cosmetic concern. It can affect a person's self-esteem and quality of life. Leucoderma treatment is about helping individuals to regain confidence in their appearance, enabling them to live their lives without the burden of societal judgement and self-doubt. At Max Hospitals, we understand the complexities of Leucoderma and the challenges it presents for those affected. Our multidisciplinary team of dermatologists, psychologists, and support staff is dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to the individual needs of each patient. We stand by our patients every step of the way, supporting them in their journey towards healing, acceptance, and renewed confidence.

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Also known as Androgenic Alopecia Baldness implies partial or complete lack of hair. Balding is part of the wider problem of "hair thinning". The degree and pattern of baldness can vary greatly. Hair Fall Treatment includes Hair Transplant Surgery procedure in which hair is removed from a donor site, sectioned into micro-grafts and transplanted into a balding or thinning area on the scalp. Other grafting techniques include flaps, tissue expansion and scalp reduction for hair fall treatment in delhi.Hair loss can be defined as the partial or complete loss of hair. It generally develops gradually and may be patchy or all over. Both men and women tend to lose their hair thickness and amount as they age.

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Impetigo is a skin infection commonly found in young children and infants. It is highly contagious and appears as sores around the infant's mouth, nose, hands, and feet. After a week, these sores burst and develop mostly honey-coloured crusts. Antibiotic treatment can help to control this condition to a specific limit. Parents are advised to keep their children away from schools, daycares, and other large gatherings until they are cured.

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A keloid scar is a form of overgrown scar that is thicker and more raised in appearance and develops at the site of injury. This type of scar is seen anywhere on the body, but the most commonly found areas include the upper chest, shoulders, head and neck. In some cases, they are even misinterpreted as moles. They are entirely harmless and do not convert into cancer. These scars become irritated if they are scratched with a cloth vigorously. Beyond a certain point, these scars don't grow any further and rarely go away. They pose a significant challenge in their treatment, so the doctors stress the prevention of keloids. Treatment doesn't resolve these scars entirely, and it takes several years to heal them. There is a possibility of recurrence of these scars. Keloids can occur among any age group. However, some individuals are at a higher risk of developing keloid scars. It depends on the following factors: Race: People of Asian, African or Hispanic are more prone to keloid scars. Family history: Individuals are more susceptible to keloid scars if they have any family history. It means they are at higher risk of developing scars if either one or both parents have these scars. Age: Individuals aged 20 to 30 years are more likely to develop keloid scars. Puberty or pregnancy If an individual has undergone a mesh skin graft

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Keratosis pilaris is a non-contagious skin disease that leads to dry, rough patches and small elevations on the upper arms, cheeks, thighs, and hips. These bumps are often asymptomatic. This condition occurs when the dead cells of our skin clog or obstruct the pores. Keratosis pilaris cannot be prevented or cured, but prescription creams and moisturisers help improve skin appearance. It often affects individuals below 30 years of age and disappears on its own. This condition is harmless and doesn't spread. However, it gives the skin a "chicken skin" appearance. Keratosis pilaris requires no treatment.

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Leg ulcers are open wounds on the lower limbs which develop when there is a break in the continuity of the skin. These ulcers may develop due to injury, poor blood circulation, infection or autoimmune disorders. Though these open sores are more common in females, they can affect both the sexes across all age groups. Leg ulcers have a tendency to recur if treated inappropriately.

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A lipoma is a slow-growing, round, or oval-shaped lump of tissue that grows beneath the skin and underlying muscle layer. It is composed of fat, moves quickly applying pressure with fingers, and doesn't cause any pain. Lipomas can be present anywhere on the body, but they're primarily seen on the back, trunk, arms, shoulders, and neck. They are generally detected in middle age.Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumours that grow slowly and are not cancerous. Therefore, most lipomas don't require treatment. However, if a lipoma is bothering you, the doctor can remove it on an outpatient basis.

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Moles are growths that are usually brown or black in colour and can appear anywhere on the body and can vary in size, shape, and colour. Most moles are benign (not cancerous) and do not require treatment, but some may need to be removed if they become irritated or if there is concern they may be cancerous. Moles are usually caused by clusters of pigmented cells called melanocytes. These clusters can develop anywhere on the body, and they often appear during childhood or adolescence.

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A highly common skin condition, Psoriasis speeds up the life cycle of skin cells causing them to build up quickly and rapidly on the skin surface. It is a long-lasting autoimmune disease which causes red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. The rapid proliferation of skin cells is often triggered by inflammatory chemicals produced by lymphocytes. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which periodically improves and worsens especially with change of season.

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An itchy circular rash with clear skin in the middle indicates a ringworm infection. It is also known as tinea corpori, dermatophytosis, or dermatophyte infection. It is named ringworm due to its clinical appearance of worm-shaped red skin in the form of a ring. There is no involvement of any form of worm in causing the infection. Ringworm is a fungal infection that is associated with jock itch, athlete's foot or tinea pedis, and ringworm of the scalp. It is a contagious infection which spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with infected humans or animals. Mild forms of ringworm can be treated with antifungal medications. However, the more severe forms require treatment with antifungal pills for many weeks. Since ringworm is a contagious disease, it should be addressed at the earliest to avoid spreading it to other parts of the body. Stages of Ringworm Ringworm develops about two weeks after initial contact with an infected human or animal. It can be divided into two stages: Initial Stage: During this stage, a discoloured, irritated patch of the skin develops, which appears dry and scaly. It may not resemble a ringworm at this stage. Second Stage: During this stage, the lesion begins to grow in size and resembles ringworm, with the centre of the rash being healthy, surrounded by scaly skin. Symptoms of Ringworm Signs and symptoms of ringworm appear based on the site of infection. The most common symptoms include: A scaly ring-shaped patch of the skin affecting the buttocks, trunk, arms or legs. Inside the ring, the skin appears normal; sometimes, there may be the presence of scattered bumps whose colour may range from red or purplish on white skin to grey or brown on black and brown skin. Slightly raised rings that expand outward. Itchiness A round, flat patch of itchy skin. Overlapping rings. Hair loss Ringworm may spread and grow from one body part to another, such as: Scalp Feet Groyne Beard Hands Nails Causes of Ringworm Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by mould-like parasites called dermatophytes. These parasites reside on the dead layer of the skin, called the keratin layer, and feed on keratin. Keratin is a protein that makes up the nails, the outer layer of skin, hair, and others. This infection is contagious. It can spread through direct contact in the following ways: Human to Human: Direct skin-to-skin touch with an infected person or animal is the most common pathway of infection with this fungus. Animal to Human: If a person comes in contact with an infected animal, it is possible to contract ringworm infection. This disease can spread through cows, dogs or cats. Object to Human: Touching infected objects such as surfaces, clothes, towels, bedsheets or linens, brushes, and others can also cause ringworm. Soil to Humans: Rarely infected soil causes ringworm. Only prolonged contact with highly contaminated soil can cause ringworm. Diagnosis of Ringworm Doctors can diagnose ringworm based on their clinical appearance. They often insist on recording the patient's medical history and symptoms. In some cases, a small sample may be scrapped for examination to confirm its diagnosis or assess the type of fungi. This process is not painful. If symptoms are severe, the condition may need a thorough diagnosis before a treatment modality is chosen. If symptoms do not improve, a biopsy may be advised. Treatment for Ringworm The treatment of ringworm includes medications and personal hygiene practices.  Medications Depending on the severity of the infection, doctors prescribe various medicines. Usually, an athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm of other body parts can be treated with topical ointments, creams, sprays or gels. Severe cases may need oral medications. Treating ringworm of the scalp or nails often requires oral prescription medications. These include griseofulvin and terbinafine. Some doctors also prescribe over-the-counter medications and antifungal skin creams containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or other related ingredients. Lifestyle Adjustments Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining proper personal hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items, in addition to medicines, helps prevent ringworm infection. At home, follow the instructions given below: Regularly wash bedding and clothing, disinfect the surroundings. Pat dry skin after bathing.. Wear loose clothing, especially in affected areas. Treat all affected areas since it may cause re-infection. Home Remedies for Ringworm Some home remedies help treat ringworm infections. These remedies have been followed since times before the invention of antifungal medicines. These treatments are: Apple Cider Vinegar: Apply this using cotton balls over the affected areas at least three times a day. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil in infected areas keeps the skin moisturised and reduces the incidence of ringworm infections.  Turmeric: Turmeric is a very popular antifungal and antiseptic agent. Applying a paste of turmeric and water on the lesion can help treat the infection. Despite the beneficial effects of the given home remedies, it is essential to consult a doctor. In addition, these remedies are not a replacement for allopathic antifungal treatments.  Ringworm Essential Oils Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from herbs, flowers, and other plant types. However, there is no scientific proof that supports the use of essential oils to prevent or treat fungal infections, such as ringworm. It is essential to consult a doctor before using any product on the infected skin. These treatment modalities cannot replace conventional treatment options. Some essential oils commonly used include lemongrass oil, oregano oil and tea tree oil. These oils are highly potent. Hence, it is advisable to dilute them before application. Dilution can be done on a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil.  Complications of Ringworm Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. These dermatophytes feed on keratin, which is present only on the outer layer of the skin. It rarely spreads below the skin surface and causes severe ailments.  However, in people with a compromised immune system, it may be difficult to treat this infection. Risk Factors of Ringworm Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection. Its risk factors include: Living in a warm climate most of the time. Having close contact with an infected animal or individual. Sharing clothes, bedding, towels, or personal items with an infected individual. Participating in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling, boxing and others Wearing tight or restrictive outfits Having a compromised immune system Have medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, others. Sweating profusely. Prevention of Ringworm Even though the fungi that cause ringworm are omnipresent, it is possible to prevent its development. Here are a few things that can be done to prevent the occurrence or spread of this infection: Keeping the skin clean and dry. Wearing open slippers such as flip-flops or Crocs in locker rooms of swimming pools and public showers. Wearing clean and washed socks and underwear every day. Avoid sharing clothes or towels with someone who has ringworms. Keep sports gear and uniform clean. Avoid sharing them with other sports players. Wash hands with soap and water after playing with pets. If the pet is infected with ringworm, contact the vet immediately. Review Reviewed by Dr. Rahul Nagar, Consultant - Dermatology.

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Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis mite. These mites burrow tunnels under the skin, resulting in red bumps and intense itching. Scabies spread easily, especially in crowded living conditions, making it crucial to evaluate all close contacts when even one person is diagnosed with the condition. Although scabies is prevalent worldwide, it is more commonly found in tropical areas and densely populated regions. Animals can also be affected by different sets of mites, leading to a condition known as sarcoptic mange, which usually does not infect humans but may cause mild reactions or infections requiring careful diagnosis.

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Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and can lead to long-term nerve pain. This intense, burning pain that often accompanies the rash can persist even after the rash has healed, leading to a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can be debilitating. Prompt treatment of shingles is important to help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications like PHN. At Max Hospital, our experienced medical team of dermatologists and infectious disease specialists is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care for shingles. From accurate diagnosis to appropriate antiviral medications, we aim to help patients recover swiftly and minimise the chances of long-term nerve pain. By providing timely intervention, we at Max Hospital, one of the best herpes zoster hospitals in India, aim to help patients recover more comfortably and prevent long-term nerve pain, allowing them to return to their normal activities with minimal disruption.

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Skin allergy is an allergic reaction to a typically harmless substance (s), like soap, wool, pollen, or plants. The defense system of the body responds to this trigger and tries to remove it from the body. The result is an allergic skin rash, which tends to be red and itchy. Skin allergies encompass several allergic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and hives. There are two types: Chemicals like harsh cleaners cause irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis happens when the body reacts to an allergen trigger. People with allergies usually react to substances that wouldn't affect other people. Allergens could be anything from everyday food ingredients to poison ivy to dyes and fragrances found in everyday products. People can be allergic to pollens, chemical sprays, powders, fibers, or smoke. This type of allergy is called airborne contact dermatitis which commonly affects the eyelids, head, and neck. It is difficult to diagnose the specific allergen clinically since the symptoms of different allergies overlap. Skin allergies can also cause angioedema - a swelling deep in the skin. Skin allergies are not contagious. If triggers cannot be avoided, they can be treated with medicines and topical ointments.

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Lupus develops when the immune system attacks tissues. As a result, inflammation in the body affects different body systems like the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, lungs, heart, brain and heart. This condition is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often mimic other ailments. However, an important and common distinctive sign of lupus is a facial rash resembling the butterfly's wings that unfold across both cheeks. The development of lupus may be triggered by infections, certain drugs, exposure to toxins, and even sunlight. Symptoms of Lupus can be controlled with different treatment modalities.

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Tinea versicolor is also called Pityriasis versicolor. It is a fungal infection of the skin that suppresses an individual's immune system, resulting in small, round patches of discoloured spots on the skin. These patches are either lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. For individuals with dark skin, these patches appear white or light tan, whereas for more delicate skin, these patches appear light red or pink. Occasionally the patches turn scaly or dry. On exposure to the sun, the rest of the body is exposed to tanning, but the infected area will remain as such. It is mainly caused due to overgrowth of microorganisms like yeast which thrives on the skin's surface. When the yeast grows excessively, it appears as a rash. This condition is neither painful nor contagious but can result in emotional distress and depression. There are other conditions which resemble Tinea Versicolor closely. These are Vitiligo and Pityriasis rosea. Pityriasis rosea is a viral infection manifested in a rash that usually appears on specific areas like the upper arms, thigh, or even neck. These spots or rashes appear on the body in the shape of a tree. Vitiligo is a skin condition that takes place due to the destruction of melanocytes. Due to this, an individual's skin begins to lose colour gradually and turns white. Vitiligo differs from tinea versicolor as vitiligo doesn't affect the skin's texture and often forms patches that tend to be symmetrical.

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Urticaria or Hives are raised, red, itchy rashes over the skin. They can be induced by various factors, like contact with an allergen, physical triggers like pressure generated by tight clothing, an inherent health problem, etc. In medical terms, this red, itchy skin rash has been given the name 'urticaria'.  Types of Urticaria Hives affect almost 20% of people, and it can present  either in chronic or acute form. Hence, depending on the duration of urticaria, the condition has been divided into two types: 1. Acute Urticaria Acute Urticaria lasts over six weeks or less and results from exposure to allergens, such as certain food items, drugs, or contact with an allergen. 2. Chronic Urticaria Chronic Urticaria lasts for more than six weeks. Detecting the trigger is often difficult in cases of chronic urticaria. It has been known to be associated with chronic autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disorders. Additionally, certain physical triggers, such as cold and vibration, can induce hives in susceptible individuals. Causes of Urticaria Urticaria or hives develop as a reaction  to the following causes: An Allergen One can develop Hives when the body comes in contact with an allergen to which an individual is sensitized. Thus,on contact with the known trigger, the body releases a protein named histamine, which leads to the development of wheals/hives/urticaria.  These allergens could be food, drugs, dust and animal dander, insect bites, creams and medicines applied to the body, and they vary from person to person.  Physical triggers  Exposure to Sunlight Rubbing or scratching the skin Belt-tightening pressure extremes of  temperatures (cold/hot) The rise in body temperature due to exercise or sweating Vibrations  Underlying health condition Some health conditions tend to cause hives on the human skin, and these health condition includes the following: Viral infections including flu, common cold, glandular fever, hepatitis B Bacterial infections like urinary tract infections and  throat infections Intestinal parasites Autoimmune hypothyroidism Autoimmune conditions  causing  inflammation of blood vessels (urticarial vasculitis) A lot of times, triggers cannot be identified and such cases are termed as spontaneous or idiopathic urticaria. Symptoms of Urticaria raised, red itchy lesions/rash, appearing over any part of body hives stays for less than 24 hours (transient in nature) on any given area it resolves itself giving rise to new hives in other areas of the body. it sometimes may also be accompanied by swelling around eyes and lips (angioedema) Angioedema can worsen in certain cases causing difficulty in breathing and talking. Complications of Urticaria  In some cases, Urticaria can accompany a risky and threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic condition that  impacts  the whole body as well as internal organs. This can appear as difficulty in breathing and sometimes,  loss of consciousness. This medical emergency is fatal if the person delays their treatment. Angioedema- a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin presenting as swelling around eyes and lips.  Urticaria, in itself, because of the associated itching and frequent hives, can be distressing for patients, affecting their well-being. Patients with severe Urticaria and angioedema, must be mindful of the signs of an anaphylactic reaction. Here are a few signs to watch out for: Nausea and vomiting Swelling of mouth lining, tongue, lips, throat that results in difficulty in breathing Cold and clammy skin Rapid heartbeat Lightheadedness Unexpected abrupt anxiety feeling  Diagnosis of Urticaria  The doctor can determine whether the patient has hives by history and examination of the skin. Allergy testing might help a few patients figure out what's causing the reaction. Allergy testing includes the following: Skin tests: Healthcare specialists test various allergens on the skin through this test. The skin will be red or swollen if the patient is sensitive to that chemical. A scratch test or skin prick is another name for this allergy test.  Blood tests: A blood test examines the blood for the level of certain antibodies, which are raised in case of urticaria. This activity is part of the immune system, but it can trigger hives if the body produces antibodies in large numbers.  Urticaria Treatment The best way for treating this Urticaria is to avoid the trigger once it is identified.Here are some treatment options commonly used- Non-sedating antihistamines Utilizing topical steroids for a short duration Soothing creams for reducing the itching  Prognosis of Urticaria  Hives aren't a severe concern for most people, and allergies that produce hives can be managed well with effective treatment. Anaphylaxis of the airways & lungs can occur in certain persons with angioedema. To manage serious allergic responses, individuals with this condition might need to carry injectable epinephrine with the advice of a doctor. Review Reviewed By Dr. Pallavi Singh, Visiting Consultant - Dermatologist and Aesthetic physician on 24 May 2024.

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Dry skin can be more than just a minor inconvenience; it can significantly affect your daily life and well-being. Many people struggle with symptoms like persistent itching, flaking, and tightness, which can be uncomfortable and distressing. Whether it's caused by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, or underlying medical conditions, dealing with dry skin can be frustrating. At Max Hospitals, we understand the impact dry skin can have on your life. Our team of dermatologists is dedicated to identifying the root causes of your skin issues and providing effective solutions. With comprehensive evaluations and a range of treatment options, we work to alleviate discomfort and improve your skin's health. If you're struggling with dry skin, we're here to offer the support and treatment you need to restore your skin's balance and comfort.

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