SKIN CONDITION
SKIN CONDITION LIBRARY
Pore size is influenced by factors such as ageing, genetics, and oily skin. Enlarged pores are often caused by a combination of oil build-up, impurities, and loss of skin elasticity as we age. Sun damage and improper skincare routines can further exacerbate the issue by weakening the skin's structure and clogging pores.
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Whiteheads, also known as "closed comedones," are a common form of non-inflammatory acne. They occur when hair follicles become clogged with skin debris, bacteria, and sebum (oil). Unlike blackheads, whiteheads remain closed at the surface, giving them their characteristic appearance.
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Blackheads, also known as "open comedones," are a type of non-inflammatory acne. They appear black in colour because the sebum and debris inside the clogged pore are exposed to air, causing oxidation. Unlike whiteheads, the pore remains open at the surface, giving blackheads their distinct appearance.
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Papules are a type of skin lesion associated with acne vulgaris. They appear as small, raised bumps that vary in colour, ranging from pink to red or purple, and are typically surrounded by inflamed skin. Unlike blackheads or whiteheads, papules do not contain pus and are often sensitive to touch.
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Pustules, a form of acne vulgaris, are medium-sized raised bumps characterised by a noticeable white or yellow centre filled with pus. They are typically surrounded by inflamed, red skin and can be tender to the touch.
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Nodules, cysts, and acne conglobata are severe forms of acne vulgaris, distinguished by their deep, painful, and inflamed lesions. Nodules are large, firm lumps that form beneath the skin's surface without a visible head, resulting from the collapse of pore walls and the trapping of bacteria, oil, and debris in deeper skin layers. Cysts, on the other hand, are softer and filled with pus, appearing as swollen, tender lumps caused by infections spreading deeper into the skin. Acne conglobata is the most severe of these, marked by large, interconnected nodules and cysts that form clusters under the skin, often accompanied by redness, extensive inflammation, and abscess formation. This condition can affect multiple areas, including the face, chest, back, and shoulders, and may lead to significant scarring if not addressed.
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Acne is a common skin condition that affects many teenagers, often linked to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to an overproduction of sebum (oil) and increased activity in the sebaceous glands, which contribute to clogged pores and the development of acne. Addressing acne early is important to manage symptoms, minimise the risk of scarring, and reduce the potential for long-term emotional and physical impacts. Early intervention through proper skincare routines and guidance can make a significant difference in controlling the condition.
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As we age, our skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This can lead to the formation of wrinkles, which appear as folds, ridges, or creases in the skin. Free radicals can damage skin cells, accelerating the development of premature wrinkles. Factors such as smoking, photoaging, pollution, stress, repetitive facial movements, and sleep positioning all contribute to the ageing process of the skin.
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Fine lines that develop at the outer corners of the eyes, often referred to as "crow's feet," are commonly caused by ageing, frequent smiling, or constant squinting.
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Forehead wrinkles, often called "worry lines," appear as horizontal creases across the forehead and are typically associated with repeated facial expressions, such as raising the eyebrows, as well as the natural ageing process.
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Frown lines, also known as "glabellar lines," are vertical wrinkles that appear between the eyebrows, often as a result of repeated facial expressions such as frowning, squinting, or concentrating. These lines form when the underlying muscles in the area contract repeatedly over time, causing the skin to crease. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and ability to bounce back, making these lines more pronounced and permanent. Other contributing factors include exposure to UV radiation, which accelerates collagen breakdown, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, which can diminish skin elasticity. Stress and habitual facial movements further exacerbate the appearance of frown lines.
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Jowls refer to the sagging skin that develops along the jawline, often as a result of ageing and a loss of facial volume. Over time, the skin's natural elasticity diminishes due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production, which are essential for maintaining firm and supple skin. Additionally, the underlying fat pads in the face shift downward, contributing to the drooping appearance around the jawline. Factors such as genetics, prolonged sun exposure, and lifestyle choices like smoking or rapid weight loss can accelerate the development of jowls. A weakened support structure in the deeper layers of the skin further exacerbates this sagging effect.
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Marionette lines are long vertical wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin, giving the face a sagging or downturned appearance. These lines often become more prominent with age, as the skin loses its natural elasticity and firmness due to a reduction in collagen and elastin production. The downward pull of gravity, combined with a loss of facial volume and the weakening of supporting structures, contributes to their development.
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Smile lines, also known as "nasolabial folds" or "laugh lines," are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These lines naturally form as a result of repeated facial expressions such as smiling or laughing. Over time, they become more pronounced due to the ageing process, which leads to a loss of skin elasticity, collagen, and underlying facial volume.
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Loss of facial volume is a common sign of ageing, often resulting in a less youthful and hollowed appearance. Several factors contribute to this process, including photoageing, which occurs from prolonged exposure to UV rays, breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin. Chronic stress can also accelerate the ageing process by increasing cortisol levels, which negatively impact skin quality and elasticity. As we age, the natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid declines, further contributing to the loss of plumpness and firmness in the skin. Gravity also plays a role, pulling the skin downward and exacerbating sagging and volume loss.
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Broken capillaries, also known as spider veins or telangiectasia, are small, dilated blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. They often present as fine red or purple lines, commonly seen on the face, particularly around the nose and cheeks. These occur when the walls of tiny blood vessels become weakened or damaged, causing them to expand and remain visible. A variety of factors can lead to broken capillaries, including prolonged sun exposure, which damages the skin and blood vessel walls, and extreme weather conditions, such as wind or cold, which can cause repeated dilation and contraction of the vessels. Other causes include genetics, hormonal changes, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical trauma to the skin, such as aggressive scrubbing or squeezing. Over time, the visibility of these capillaries can increase, particularly as the skin ages and becomes thinner, making the blood vessels more noticeable.
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These are larger, more prominent dilated blood vessels that can appear on various parts of the body, most commonly the legs and sometimes the face. They are often blue, purple, or red and can resemble a web-like or branching pattern, which gives them their name. Spider veins are often linked to poor circulation, prolonged standing or sitting, hormonal changes, or genetics.
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Acne scarring occurs as a result of severe or prolonged acne, where the skin's healing process is disrupted, leading to permanent changes in skin texture. There are three main types of acne scars: ice pick scars, which are deep and narrow, resembling small punctures in the skin; rolling scars, which create a wave-like or uneven texture due to bands of scar tissue beneath the surface; and boxcar scars, which are broader and have sharp, defined edges, often forming shallow or deep indentations. These scars develop when inflammation damages the collagen in the skin, preventing it from fully repairing itself.
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Stretch marks, also known as striae, are long, narrow streaks or lines that develop on the skin when it is stretched rapidly. They can range in colour from purple and bright pink to light grey, depending on their age and the skin tone of the individual. Stretch marks commonly occur during or after pregnancy, as the skin stretches to accommodate the growing baby, or following sudden changes in weight, such as rapid weight gain or loss. These marks form when the skin's connective tissue is stretched beyond its elastic limit, causing the collagen and elastin fibres to tear. Over time, the marks may fade but typically remain as a visible reminder of the skin's stretching. They often appear on areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and breasts.
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Burn scars, particularly contracture scars, typically form after second or third-degree burns. These scars develop when the skin heals after a significant burn, often involving the loss of a large area of skin tissue. As the body repairs itself, the surrounding skin and tissue can pull together tightly, leading to a condition known as a contracture. This tightening of the skin can restrict movement, especially if the scar forms over a joint or a larger area. Contracture scars can also affect underlying muscles, tendons, and nerves, causing discomfort or limited mobility. They are characterised by their thick, tight appearance and can vary in severity depending on the depth and size of the original burn.
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A keloid is an area of thick, irregular fibrous tissue that forms at the site of a wound or injury as a result of an overactive healing process. Unlike typical scars, keloids extend beyond the original injury site, creating a raised, smooth, and often shiny appearance. They can vary in size, shape, and colour, ranging from flesh-toned to pink or dark red, depending on skin tone and individual healing patterns. Keloids are more common in areas of high tension on the skin, such as the chest, shoulders, and earlobes, and may be itchy, tender, or cause discomfort. Certain factors, such as genetics and skin type, can increase the likelihood of keloid formation.
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Age spots, also known as solar lentigines or liver spots, are small, flat areas of pigmentation that typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. They are usually tan, brown, or black and vary in size, often becoming more noticeable with age. Despite their name, age spots are primarily caused by prolonged and repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which accelerates the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Over time, this excess melanin clusters together, leading to the appearance of these spots. While they are more common in adults over 50, age spots can also occur in younger individuals with significant sun exposure. They are benign and do not require medical treatment.
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Dark circles are darkened areas of skin that appear beneath the eyes, often giving a tired or aged appearance. They can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, ageing, and lifestyle habits. As we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner and loses collagen, making the blood vessels beneath more visible and creating a darkened effect. Lack of sleep, dehydration, and stress can also exacerbate the appearance of dark circles by causing puffiness or poor blood circulation in the area. Allergies, frequent eye rubbing, and prolonged screen time may contribute to the problem by irritating the delicate under-eye skin. Dark circles are not harmful but are a common cosmetic concern for many people.
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Freckles are harmless, flat, and tiny circular spots that can appear in shades of yellow, light brown, tan, or brown. They develop as a result of a combination of genetic factors and sun exposure. Freckles form when skin cells called melanocytes produce excess pigment (melanin) in response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They are most commonly seen in individuals with fair skin, as their skin has less melanin overall, making freckles more noticeable. Freckles often darken and become more pronounced after sun exposure, particularly during the summer months, and tend to lighten during the winter when sun exposure is reduced. Unlike age spots, freckles are not caused by cumulative sun damage over time but are rather a natural response to UV rays in genetically predisposed individuals. While completely benign, freckles are a distinct and often celebrated feature of certain skin types.
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Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is one of the most common skin conditions caused by long-term sun damage. It develops as a result of cumulative unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the skin cells over time. The condition typically affects areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, forearms, and hands. Actinic keratoses appear as rough, dry, or scaly patches on the skin and can vary in colour, ranging from light pink to red, brown, or dark tan. These patches may be flat or slightly raised and often feel rough to the touch, like sandpaper. While they are generally small, they can grow larger and cluster together, making them more noticeable.
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Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of the skin that become darker than the surrounding skin due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. This condition results in dark patches or spots that can vary in size and severity. Common types of hyperpigmentation include age spots (caused by sun exposure), melasma (often linked to hormonal changes such as pregnancy or birth control), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks left behind after skin trauma, such as blisters, burns, infections, or acne). Hyperpigmentation can be triggered by a variety of factors, including prolonged sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin injuries, and certain medical conditions. While it is generally harmless, hyperpigmentation can be a cosmetic concern for many. It differs from hypopigmentation, which is the loss of skin colour due to a lack of melanin, often seen in conditions like vitiligo.
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Poikiloderma is a skin condition characterised by a combination of changes, including areas of hyperpigmentation (darkened skin), hypopigmentation (lightened skin), atrophy (thinning of the skin), and visible telangiectasias (small dilated blood vessels). It typically appears as a mottled or patchy discoloration and is most commonly seen on sun-exposed areas, such as the chest and neck. The condition is strongly associated with long-term sun damage, which leads to these changes in the skin's texture and colour. Poikiloderma can also be influenced by other factors, such as genetics, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions, but UV radiation remains the primary cause.
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Melasma, also known as chloasma or the "pregnancy mask," is a common skin condition characterised by dark, discoloured, and symmetrical patches. These patches typically appear on the face, most commonly on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, bridge of the nose, and chin. The pigmentation is usually uniform and can range from light brown to dark brown, depending on skin tone and severity. Melasma is far more common in women than men and is often triggered by hormonal changes. Pregnancy, the use of birth control pills, hormone therapy, and even high levels of stress can stimulate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to produce excess melanin, leading to the condition. Sun exposure also plays a significant role, as UV rays exacerbate melasma by activating pigment production. While it is not harmful, melasma can be a persistent cosmetic concern, and its recurrence is common without careful sun protection and management.
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Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps that can resemble acne. It typically appears on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin, and is characterised by periods of flare-ups and remissions. Over time, persistent redness may develop, and in more severe cases, thickening of the skin, particularly on the nose (a condition called rhinophyma), can occur. The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and vascular factors. Triggers that can exacerbate rosacea include sun exposure, stress, extreme temperatures, alcohol, spicy foods, and certain skincare products. Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned individuals and typically develops in adults over the age of 30. While rosacea is not harmful, it can significantly impact a person's quality of life due to its visible symptoms. Early recognition and avoiding triggers can help manage the condition effectively.
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Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). It typically begins with redness and irritation, progressing to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and the formation of small papules (raised bumps) and vesicles (fluid-filled blisters). Over time, affected areas may crust over, develop scaling, and experience changes in pigmentation due to persistent inflammation and scratching. Eczema commonly affects areas such as the face, hands, the inner elbows, and the backs of the knees, but it can appear on any part of the body. The condition often flares up periodically and is influenced by factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, allergens, stress, or irritants like harsh soaps or fabrics. Eczema is more common in children but can also affect adults. Although it is not contagious, eczema can cause significant discomfort and affect quality of life due to its chronic itching and visible symptoms. Proper care and management can help reduce flare-ups and alleviate discomfort.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic skin condition characterised by inflamed lesions covered with silvery-white scales of dead skin. These raised patches, known as plaques, occur due to an accelerated turnover of skin cells, which causes the accumulation of dead skin on the surface. The condition is often accompanied by redness, itching, and discomfort. Psoriasis is more commonly observed in individuals with fair skin and typically appears on areas such as the arms, chest, elbows, back, and scalp. While the exact cause is not entirely understood, it is believed to result from an autoimmune response, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and rapid cell production. The condition can be triggered or worsened by factors such as stress, cold weather, skin injuries, and certain medications. Though it is not curable, psoriasis can be managed with treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and slowing the buildup of skin cells, helping to improve both symptoms and quality of life.
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Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by scaly lesions that commonly appear on areas of the body with a high concentration of sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. These include the scalp, hairline, eyebrows, forehead, around the nose, ears, and sometimes the chest. The affected skin is often covered with greasy or dry scales that can appear white, yellowish, or grey, and may be accompanied by redness, itching, or irritation. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but factors such as stress, extreme weather conditions, hormonal changes, and certain lifestyle habits, such as a high-fat diet and alcohol consumption, are thought to contribute to its development. It is also associated with an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) on the skin, which can trigger an inflammatory response. While the condition is not harmful or contagious, it can be persistent and cosmetically bothersome. Seborrheic dermatitis tends to flare up periodically and is more common in adults, although it can also occur in infants as cradle cap.
Skin Lesions
Milia are small, white or yellowish bumps that commonly appear on the skin, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead. These tiny cysts form when keratin, a protein found in the skin, becomes trapped beneath the surface, creating hard, pearl-like bumps. Unlike pimples, milia are not caused by clogged pores or bacteria and are not associated with inflammation.
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, benign growths that hang off the skin. They are typically flesh-coloured, white, or slightly yellow and can appear on areas where the skin creases or experiences friction, such as the neck, underarms, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. Skin tags are composed of loose collagen fibres, blood vessels, and skin cells.
Cherry angiomas, also known as senile angiomas, are benign skin growths that appear as small, bright red or cherry-coloured spots. They are made up of clusters of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that have grown close to the skin's surface. These growths are typically round or oval in shape and can range in size from a pinpoint to several millimetres in diameter. While they most commonly appear on the face, torso, and limbs, they can develop anywhere on the body. Cherry angiomas are most commonly seen in adults over the age of 30, and their prevalence increases with age.
Spider nevus (plural: spider nevi), also known as spider angioma, is a benign skin condition characterised by a central red spot surrounded by smaller blood vessels that radiate outward, resembling a spider's web. These vascular lesions are typically bright red or reddish-purple and are most commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and hands. When pressed, the central area may temporarily blanch (turn white), which is a distinguishing feature. Spider nevi can occur in healthy individuals but are more commonly associated with certain conditions such as pregnancy, hormonal changes, liver disease, or increased estrogen levels. They are often seen in children and young adults and may occur singly or in clusters.
Warts are small, rough, and typically raised growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are non-cancerous and occur when the virus infects the top layer of skin, often entering through tiny cuts or abrasions. Warts can vary in appearance, ranging from flat and smooth to rough and grainy, and may appear alone or in clusters.
Keratosis pilaris, often referred to as "chicken skin," is a common, harmless skin condition that appears as small, rough bumps on the skin. These bumps are caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that protects the skin from harmful substances. The excess keratin clogs the openings of hair follicles, resulting in the characteristic rough texture and sometimes a red or inflamed appearance. Keratosis pilaris most commonly affects the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks, though it can occur on other areas of the body. The condition is more noticeable in dry or cold weather when the skin tends to be less hydrated and may worsen in individuals with dry skin or eczema.
Hirsutism is a condition characterised by excessive, male-pattern hair growth in women, typically occurring on areas such as the face, chest, back, and abdomen. This abnormal hair growth is often darker, thicker, and coarser than normal and is primarily influenced by an excess of male hormones, known as androgens. The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, certain medications, and hormonal imbalances. One of the most common underlying causes of hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that results in elevated androgen levels. Other contributing factors include long-term exposure to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, seen in conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome.
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows back into the skin instead of rising out of it, often resulting in small, raised bumps that can be red, inflamed, or filled with pus. This condition is common in areas where hair is frequently shaved, waxed, or plucked, such as the face, neck, legs, armpits, and bikini line. Ingrown hairs may also cause itching, tenderness, and in some cases, hyperpigmentation or scarring.