Dermatology:
Conditions

The skin is a complicated, living organ system which is important because of function and appearance. The skin is the protective barrier that covers our body and gives rise to our hair, nails and sweat glands. In addition nerves in the skin sense touch, hot, cold and pressure. The skin protects virtually all other organs, plays a key role in cooling us when we get hot and retaining heat when we get cold. Furthermore, no other organ is as visible to the world as your skin. Our appearance is important in how we view ourselves.

Emory Dermatologists are the specialists who are specifically trained to provide diagnoses and management of skin, hair and nails in patients of all ages. The medical practice of Dermatology involves the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of skin problems. Disorders of the skin include not only life-threatening skin cancers and immune disorders, but also include profoundly uncomfortable skin conditions that may dramatically alter appearances with resultant effects on self-confidence.

Below are some of the conditions treated at Emory Dermatology Services. Learn more by clicking the links below.

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment with Emory Dermatology Services, please call 404-778-3333.

---

Acne

• Acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, back, chest, and other areas.
• Treatment depends on how severe and persistent the acne is; therefore, it is best to make an appointment with your dermatologist.

Autoimmune Skin Diseases

• Autoimmune skin diseases or disorders cause a person's immune system to attack the body's own tissues and organs.
• Because the skin is the body's largest organ, it is commonly affected by select autoimmune disorders.
• Our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating skin-related autoimmune diseases through prescriptions (topical and oral) and therapies to help patients achieve and maintain clear skin.

Blistering Skin Diseases

• Blistering skin diseases range from relatively mild to extremely painful.
• This disease can either be genetic or autoimmune—a disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells.
• Precise diagnosis is critical, and blistering diseases can be challenging, requiring experience with medicines mainly used by dermatologists.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to certain organic or chemical substances. It can be as simple as a bad case of poison ivy, or it can be a sudden and severe reaction to a chemical in something as common as shampoo.

Our physicians are experts at diagnosing and testing the substances that may be causing a skin reaction. Reactions can range from itchy, patchy red, and inflamed areas to extreme swelling and fluid-filled skin eruptions.

Until the source of the irritant is found, treatment may be ineffective. We use a variety of methods for discovering the causes, including close scrutiny of a patient's habits, diets, and product usages, as well as patch testing.

• A skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to certain organic or chemical substances.
• Our doctors are experts at diagnosing and testing the substances that may be causing a skin reaction.

Contact Dermatitis Tips

Here are some tips from the Emory Contact Dermatitis Division that you can use to minimize discomfort until the causes for your outbreak have been determined:

• Avoid any suspected products or materials that may be causing the outbreak until a determination can be made.
• Do not scratch the itch!
• Take cool baths instead of hot showers, (heat exacerbates the itchiness), and take fewer baths than you normally take.
• Do not use soap or other detergents, which could be irritants.
• Do not use antiseptics or any products except what your doctor recommends. You may be given a corticosteroid cream by your physician, but only apply as much or little as you have been instructed.

Cutaneous Lymphoma

Cutis is the Latin word for skin and Cutaneous Lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymph nodes that first makes its appearance on the skin. The malignant cells can multiply through the lymph nodes at a rapid rate and then appear in other parts of the body.

Emory dermatologists work with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists and physicians for diagnosis and treatment of this condition at the Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic.

While Cutaneous Lymphoma was once considered rare, the cases have doubled in the last several years, while still representing only about 4 cases per million persons. Twice as many men contract the disease as women and the incidence is much higher with people of African descent, versus European or Asian.

There is much speculation about the reasons for this but the causes are still not known. However, centers such as The Emory Department of Dermatology Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic are dedicated to research to discover the causes, as well as new treatment options.

Eczema

• One of the most common skin disorders. 
• Causes may include infections, heat, allergies, immune system disorders, or medications.
• Our doctors are experts at diagnosing and treating what may be causing this disorder.

Fungal Skin Infections

• Fungal skin infections may be itchy and annoying but rarely severe.
• Common infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm are caused by fungus and are easily spread.
• Mild infections may require a simple topical medication; however, more severe infections may require a prescription.

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Did you know you lose up to 100 hairs from your scalp every day? That's normal, and in most people, those hairs grow back. But many men and some women lose hair as they grow older. You can also lose your hair if you have certain diseases, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, or lupus. If you take certain medicines or have chemotherapy for cancer, you may also lose your hair. Other causes are stress, a low protein diet, a family history, or poor nutrition.

Treatment for hair loss depends on the cause. In some cases, treating the underlying cause will correct the problem. Other treatments include medicines and hair restoration.

• Hair loss, or alopecia, is a concern for most people, and signs of the condition vary between men and women.
• Determining the cause of hair loss will help your doctor determine the best course of action.

Hemangiomas and Vascular Growths

• Hemangioma is a benign mass of abnormal blood vessels that can form anywhere in the body.
• The treatment of a hemangioma is usually observation; however, in some instances, medication may be used to decrease its size, or it may be resected or cut out.

Inflammatory Skin Diseases

• The most common dermatology problem that can either be acute or chronic, or long-lasting.
• Acute inflammation can result from exposure to UV radiation, ionizing radiation, allergens, or contact with chemical irritants.
• Chronic inflammation may be a result of a sustained immune cell-mediated inflammatory response within the skin itself.

Keloid Scars

• A keloid scar is caused by an excess protein (collagen) in the skin during the healing process.
• Keloids are not harmful and do not require treatment; however, if a person finds them unattractive, a doctor can sometimes minimize the scar's size.

Lymphoma

• Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system and involves the immune system cells, called lymphocytes.
• There are two main types of lymphoma, non-Hodgkin (NHL) and Hodgkin.
• Your doctor will perform a physical exam, which may include a biopsy.
• A treatment plan will be developed based on the type of lymphoma and its stage.

Melanoma

• Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins and grows in skin cells called melanocytes, which gives the skin its color.
• These are found in the lowest part of the epidermis (the top layer of your skin).
• The disease typically begins in a mole and can occur anyplace on the body.

Mouth Sores

• There are different types of mouth sores, and they can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue.
• Mouth sores may be caused by an irritant like smoking, the herpes virus, a weakened immune system, and in some cases be a sign of an illness, tumor, or reaction to a medicine.

Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply faster than usual.
• They can grow anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
• There are many treatments—your doctor will select a treatment plan that is right for you based on the size of the rash, its location, your age, your overall health, and other factors.

Rashes (Atopic Dermatitis)

• Skin rashes occur from various factors, including infections, heat, allergies, immune system disorders, or medications.
• One of the most common skin disorders that causes a rash is atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.

Rosacea

• Rosacea is a condition that causes redness and often small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face and may be mistaken for acne or other skin conditions.
• Left untreated, it tends to worsen over time; however, treatments such as antibiotics or anti-acne medications can manage and reduce symptoms.

Scabies and Insect Bite Reactions

• Scabies is a contagious and itchy skin condition caused by a tiny, burrowing mite.
• It is contagious and spreads quickly through close physical contact.
• Scabies can be treated by killing the mites and their eggs with medication.

Skin Cancer

• There are three major types of skin cancer or abnormal growth of skin cells: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
• Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful treatment.
• Treatment options vary and depend on the size, type, depth, and location of the tumor.

Skin Growths

• Many skin growths, also known as lesions, naturally occur as we age, while others may be due to disease.
• Your dermatologist will evaluate your existing or new skin growths and spots and recommend treatment options.

Sweating Disorders (Hyperhidrosis)

• Hyperhydrosis is abnormally excessive sweating, usually in the underarms, face, and is unrelated to body temperature or exercise.
• Your doctor will determine if an underlying medical condition is causing the situation and will treat that first.
• If no clear cause can be found, treatment will focus on controlling the excessive sweating.

---

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment with Emory Dermatology Services, please call 404-778-3333.

Related Care at Emory