Skin Conditions (Print Version)

Also called: Also called: Cutaneous disorders, Dermatologic disorders

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? It is, in terms of both weight, between 6 and 9 pounds, and surface area, about 2 square yards. Your skin separates the inside of your body from the outside world. It

Protects you from bacteria and viruses
Helps you sense the outside world, such as whether it is hot or cold, wet or dry
Regulates your body temperature

Conditions that irritate, clog or inflame your skin can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning and itching. Allergies, irritants, your genetic makeup and certain diseases and immune system problems can cause dermatitis, hives and other skin conditions. Many skin problems, such as acne, also affect your appearance.

Start Here

Skin Rashes and Other Changes(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/545.printerview.html
Skin, Hair, and Nails(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/skin_hair_nails.html
Also available in Spanish http://kidshealth.org/parent/en_espanol/general/skin_hair_nails_esp.html

Diagnosis/Symptoms

Flushing(DSHI Systems) - Requires Flash Player - http://www.freemd.com/flushing/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
Lump Under The Skin(DSHI Systems) - Requires Flash Player - http://www.freemd.com/lump-under-the-skin/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
Skin Lesion(DSHI Systems) - Requires Flash Player - http://www.freemd.com/skin-lesion/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
Skin Rashes and Other Changes(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/545.printerview.html
Skin Ulcers(DSHI Systems) - Requires Flash Player - http://www.freemd.com/skin-ulcers/visit-virtual-doctor.htm

Treatment

Dermatologic Surgery(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/cosmetic_dermatologic.html
Laser Surgery Information(American Society for Dermatologic Surgery) - http://www.asds.net/LaserSurgeryInformation.aspx

Prevention/Screening

Skin Care: Top 5 Habits for Healthy Skin(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/skin-care/SN00003/METHOD=print

Disease Management

Skin Emergencies(National Center for Farmworker Health) - http://www.ncfh.org/pateduc/en-skin.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.ncfh.org/pateduc/sp-skin.htm

Specific Conditions

Acanthosis Nigricans(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/acanthosis-nigricans/DS00653/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Boils and Carbuncles(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/boils-and-carbuncles/DS00466/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Bullous Disease(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_bullous.html
Common Growths(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_growths.html
Corns and Calluses(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/corns-and-calluses/DS00033/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Dandruff(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/dandruff/DS00456/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Dermatographia(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/Dermatographia/DS00755/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Dermatomyositis(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dermatomyositis/dermatomyositis.htm
Dry Skin(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/dry-skin/DS00560/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Granuloma Annulare(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_granuloma.html
Graves' Dermopathy: What Causes It?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/graves-dermopathy/AN00605/METHOD=print
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura(National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse) - http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/HSP/
Ichthyosis Vulgaris(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/ichthyosis-vulgaris/DS00734/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Intertrigo(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/877.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/skin/disorders/877.printerview.html
Keratosis Pilaris(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/keratosis-pilaris/DS00769/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Lichen Nitidus(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/lichen-nitidus/DS00721/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Lichen Planus(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/600.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/skin/disorders/600.printerview.html
Mastocytosis(National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) - http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/mastocytosis/
Molluscum (Molluscum Contagiosum)(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/molluscum/faq/everyone.htm
Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus)(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/neurodermatitis/DS00712/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Pityriasis Rosea(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_pityriasis.html
Questions and Answers about Epidermolysis Bullosa(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Epidermolysis_Bullosa/default.asp
Questions and Answers about Lichen Sclerosus(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lichen_Sclerosus/default.asp
Scalp Psoriasis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis: How Are They Different?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/scalp-psoriasis/AN01177/METHOD=print
Seborrheic Dermatitis: What It Is and How to Treat It(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/157.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/skin/disorders/157.printerview.html
Seborrheic Keratoses(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_seb_keratoses.html
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/stevens-johnson-syndrome/DS00940/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Sweet's Syndrome(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/sweets-syndrome/DS00752/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
Unexplained Dermopathy (Morgellons)(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/unexplaineddermopathy/general_info.html
What Is Epidermolysis Bullosa?(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Epidermolysis_Bullosa/epidermolysis_bullosa_ff.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.niams.nih.gov/Portal_En_Espanol/Informacion_de_Salud/Epidermolisis_ampollosa/default.asp
What Is Lichen Sclerosus?(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lichen_Sclerosus/lichen_sclerosus_ff.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.niams.nih.gov/Portal_En_Espanol/Informacion_de_Salud/Liquen_escleroso/default.asp

Related Issues

Skin of Color(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/general_skin.html
Skin Problems in Construction(Center to Protect Workers' Rights) - Links to PDF - http://www.cpwr.com/pdfs/pubs/hazard_alerts/hazskin.pdf
Also available in Spanish http://www.cpwr.com/pdfs/pubs/hazard_alerts/haspskin.pdf
Stress and Skin(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_stressandskin.html
Under-Eye Puffiness: How to Reduce It(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/under-eye-puffiness/AN00664/METHOD=print
Warnings for Makers of Compounded Pain Products(Food and Drug Administration) - http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2007/207_compound.html
Your Dermatologist(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/general_your.html

Pictures & Photographs

Capillaritis(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/capillaritis.htm
Cutaneous Horn(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/cutaneousHorn.htm
Dandruff(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/dandruff.htm
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/dermatosisPapulosaNigra.htm
Dry Skin (Xerosis)(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/xerosis.htm
Epidermoid Cyst(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/epidermoidCystSebaceousCyst.htm
Erythema Nodosum(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/erythemaNodosum.htm
Erythrasma(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/erythrasma.htm
Fordyce Spots(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/fordyceSpots.htm
Granuloma Annulare(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/granulomaAnnulare.htm
Intertrigo(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/intertrigo.htm
Keratoacanthoma(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/keratoacanthoma.htm
Keratosis Pilaris(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/keratosisPilaris.htm
Lichen Planus(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/lichenPlanus.htm
Milia(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/milia.htm
Molluscum Contagiosum(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/molluscumContagiosum.htm
Notalgia Paresthetica(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/notalgiaParaesthetica.htm
Poikiloderma of Civatte(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/poikilodermaofCivatte.htm
Pyogenic Granuloma(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/pyogenicGranuloma.htm
Razor Bumps (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae)(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/pseudofolliculitisBarbae.htm
Scaly Skin (Ichthyosis Vulgaris)(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/ichthyosisVulgaris.htm
Sebaceous Hyperplasia(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/sebaceousHyperplasia.htm
Seborrheic Dermatitis(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/seborrheicDermatitis.htm
Seborrheic Keratoses(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/seborrheicKeratosis.htm
Skin Tag (Acrochordon)(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/acrochordonSkinTag.htm
Stasis Dermatitis(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/stasisDermatitis.htm
Stretch Marks (Striae)(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/striae.htm
Syringoma(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/syringoma.htm

Anatomy/Physiology

Atlas of the Body: The Skin(American Medical Association) - http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZQYMPCGJC&sub_cat=98

Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov: Skin Diseases(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Skin+Diseases%22

Genetics

Genetics Home Reference: Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=birthoggdubesyndrome
Genetics Home Reference: Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=cardiofaciocutaneoussyndrome
Genetics Home Reference: Congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=congenitalhemidysplasiawithichthyosiformerythrodermaandlimbdefects
Genetics Home Reference: Darier disease(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=darierdisease
Genetics Home Reference: Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=dystrophicepidermolysisbullosa
Genetics Home Reference: Epidermolysis bullosa simplex(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=epidermolysisbullosasimplex
Genetics Home Reference: Harlequin ichthyosis(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=harlequinichthyosis
Genetics Home Reference: Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=hypohidroticectodermaldysplasia
Genetics Home Reference: Incontinentia pigmenti(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=incontinentiapigmenti
Genetics Home Reference: Pachyonychia congenita(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=pachyonychiacongenita
Genetics Home Reference: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=pseudoxanthomaelasticum
Genetics Home Reference: Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=rothmundthomsonsyndrome
Muir-Torre Syndrome(American Society of Clinical Oncology) - http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Muir-Torre+Syndrome
Mutations in Gene Cause Ichthyosis Vulgaris(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/iv_filaggrin.asp

Research

Cell-Signaling System Helps Explain How Skin Develops into Different Types(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2008/Cell_Signaling_Skin_Devel.asp
Researchers Test New Ways to Assess Burden of Skin Disease(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) - http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight_on_Research/2007/assess_burden.asp

Journal Articles

References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

Article: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and gadolinium: a perfect storm. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18806157&tool=MedlinePlus
Article: MRI safety update 2008: part 1, MRI contrast agents and... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18806155&tool=MedlinePlus
Article: Platelet function in cutaneous diseases. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18791936&tool=MedlinePlus
Skin Conditions -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=skin+diseases[majr:noexp]+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+(patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+jsubsetk[text]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
Erythema -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=erythema[majr]+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+(patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+jsubsetk[text]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
Ichthyosis -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=ichthyosis[majr]+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus

Dictionaries/Glossaries

Dermatologic Surgical Procedures: Glossary of Terms(American Society for Dermatologic Surgery) - http://www.asds.net/DermasurgicalConditionsAndTheirTreatments.aspx

Directories

Find a Dermatologist(American Academy of Dermatology) - http://www.aad.org/findaderm/

Organizations

American Academy of Dermatology - http://www.aad.org/
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery - http://www.asds.net/
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - http://www.niams.nih.gov/
Also available in Spanish http://www.niams.nih.gov/Portal_En_Espanol/

Statistics

FASTATS: Dermatological Conditions(National Center for Health Statistics) - http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/skin.htm

Children

Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/infant/erythemaToxicumNeonatorum.htm
Pediatric Seborrheic Dermatitis(Logical Images) - http://www.visualdxhealth.com/infant/seborrheicDermatitisPediatric.htm
Taking Care of Your Skin(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/body/skin_care.html
Also available in Spanish http://kidshealth.org/kid/en_espanol/cuerpo/skin_care_esp.html
Your Skin(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/skin.html
Also available in Spanish http://kidshealth.org/kid/en_espanol/cuerpo/skin_esp.html

You may also be interested in these MedlinePlus related pages:

Eczema - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/eczema.html
Impetigo - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/impetigo.html
Itching - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/itching.html
Psoriasis - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/psoriasis.html
Rashes - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rashes.html
Skin Aging - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skinaging.html
Skin Cancer - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skincancer.html
Skin Pigmentation Disorders - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skinpigmentationdisorders.html
Skin, Hair and Nails - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skinhairandnails.html

The primary NIH organization for research on Skin Conditions is the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - http://www.niams.nih.gov/

Skin Conditions - Multiple Languages - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/languages/skinconditions.html