Skin ID Can You Spot the Difference? Couperose Versus Rosacea These two conditions are often confused; however, they are two diverse skin concerns. Couperose skin presents as red, dry, and tight but is not inflamed. Meanwhile, rosacea symptoms include inflammation, flushing, papules, pustules, and in some cases, changes in the tissue itself. Couperose indicates the presence of weakened blood vessels, due to the lack of elasticity in the skin. Rosacea is a vascular disorder with…
Skin ID Vitiligo Did you ever wonder why Michael Jackson started to wear a white glove? While it may have been the beginning of a fashion trend, it was most likely an ingenious way to conceal a skin disorder – vitiligo. Arnold Klein, MD, Michael Jackson’s dermatologist, observed in 1983 that Jackson had vitiligo. Initially, to treat his condition, Jackson used a light tone of makeup and skin-bleaching…
Skin ID Psorasis Psoriasis comes from the Greek term “psora,” which means itch. This common skin condition speeds up the cellular turnover cycle causing a rapid buildup on the skin’s surface, forming scales and itchy, red patches that are sometimes painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease. Most forms of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding or even going into complete remission.…
Skin ID Dermatographia Dermatographia is an unusual chronic condition, also referred to as skin writing, and dermographism or dermatographic urticaria. It is considered one of the many forms of dermatitis. This condition is believed to affect between 2% to 5% of the general population, primarily young adults. For some individuals, the condition clears up after a year or two, while for others, it lasts a lifetime. This article…
Skin ID Skin’s Outermost Defense Mechanisms: The Microbiome, Acid Mantle, and Lipid Layer 2020 will be an exciting year discovering new information and advances in several skin conditions and disorders each month. Before we proceed with individual skin conditions, we shall begin by reviewing the skin’s outermost defenses and how they can affect conditions, disorders, and potential diseases. Many aestheticians believe that the skin’s microbiome is the same as the acid mantle. In actuality, there are three separate…