We regularly receive questions about skin conditions. Below you will find the most common ones, with a link to a page containing more detailed information.
What can I do about acne?
There is a difference between acne and teenage pimples. Teenage pimples usually resolve on their own within one or at most two years. True acne vulgaris, however, can persist for 10 to 15 years and may cause significant consequences. If acne lasts a long time, is severe, causes scarring, does not improve, or keeps returning despite standard treatments, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for targeted and effective treatment with lasting results.
Online consult recommended for persistent or worsening acne.
More about acne click here
My mole is changing. Is that dangerous?
Changing moles should always be assessed by a doctor, especially if a mole changes in color, shape, or size, or if it starts bleeding or itching spontaneously.
Online assessment suitable in case of doubt or change.
DermaWizard link to mole check
What can I do about eczema?
There are different types and causes of eczema. Proper treatment starts with identifying which type of eczema is involved. Basic rules for eczema treatment include first calming the eczema with an effective medicated ointment, followed by daily use of a good body lotion to prevent recurrence, avoiding known triggers, and restarting treatment promptly if symptoms worsen again.
Online consult if basic skin care is insufficient.
DermaWizard link to atopic eczema
I have red, scaly patches on my scalp and face. What should I do?
You may have seborrheic dermatitis, a common chronic skin condition characterized by redness and scaling, often affecting the scalp and face. It can usually be well controlled with topical treatments (also without corticosteroids) or lotions. Preventive treatment often includes a medicated shampoo.
Online consult for diagnosis and treatment advice.
DermaWizard link to seborrheic dermatitis
My skin feels dry with rough, itchy patches
As skin ages, it becomes drier, which can lead to asteatotic eczema (dry skin eczema). Treatment usually starts with a medicated eczema ointment for one to two weeks. To prevent recurrence, advice includes showering less often, for shorter durations and with less hot water, using mild soap, and applying a good body lotion immediately after showering.
Online consult if symptoms persist.
More about eczema click here.
I have round, itchy patches on my skin. What is it and what can I do?
You may have nummular eczema. These are round or coin-shaped eczema patches, usually 1–3 cm in size, that can appear anywhere on the body. They often itch and can persist for a long time. They are commonly caused by bacteria from the skin penetrating too deeply. With an effective eczema ointment, symptoms usually improve quickly.
Online consult for confirmation and treatment.
DermaWizard link to nummular eczema
How do I know what I am allergic to?
An experienced dermatologist can often recognize whether a skin reaction suggests contact allergy based on its pattern. With a detailed medical history and targeted allergy testing, the underlying cause can often be identified.
Online consult required to identify the cause.
DermaWizard link to allergic contact eczema
I have a rash and itching on my hands. What is it and what should I do?
Redness, itching, scaling, blisters, and/or cracks may indicate hand eczema. There are multiple causes, including irritant contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, atopic eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, fingertip dermatitis, and hyperkeratotic eczema. Treatment depends on the type. Avoiding irritants and applying hand cream after every hand wash is essential.
Online consult for chronic or severe symptoms.
DermaWizard link to hand eczema
I have a rash and itching on my legs and ankles
In older adults, stasis dermatitis is common and causes redness, itching, scaling, and swelling of the lower legs. It is caused by impaired venous drainage, often due to varicose veins, leading to fluid retention. Over time, this can cause skin discoloration and hardening. Duplex ultrasound can assess vein function. Treatment may include surgery, laser therapy, or daily compression stockings.
Online consult for skin assessment and advice.
DermaWizard link to stasis eczema
What does chronic venous insufficiency mean for my skin?
Chronic venous insufficiency results from long-standing impaired function of superficial and/or deep veins. Poor blood return to the heart increases venous pressure, causing fluid leakage and edema, which worsens throughout the day. Over time, this can lead to skin discoloration and poorly healing ulcers.
Online consult for confirmation and advice.
DermaWizard link to chronic venous insufficiency
What treatment options are available for psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that cannot be cured but can be treated. It is largely genetic. Treatment is lifelong; stopping therapy usually leads to recurrence. Mild cases can often be managed with topical treatments. Some patients benefit from UVB light therapy once a year. Severe or resistant psoriasis can be treated with systemic medications such as tablets or injections, aiming for near-complete clearance. Lifestyle factors such as stress, poor sleep, unhealthy diet, alcohol use, and lack of exercise can worsen psoriasis.
Online consult for treatment selection and guidance.
DermaWizard link to psoriasis
When is hair loss abnormal?
Over 60% of men and up to 40% of women experience androgenetic alopecia. Sudden or patchy hair loss may indicate other conditions such as alopecia areata or scarring alopecias. Telogen effluvium is temporary and can occur after illness, stress, or pregnancy. Some medications can also cause hair loss.
Online consult for pattern assessment.
DermaWizard link to hair loss
Can hereditary hair loss be treated?
The best treatment is acceptance. Medications such as minoxidil or finasteride may slow hair loss but are not miracle cures and can have side effects. Camouflage or hair transplantation are options but can be costly.
Online consult for personalized advice.
DermaWizard link to androgenetic alopecia
When should I suspect melanoma?
Rapidly changing or unusual moles should be evaluated promptly. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and can metastasize. Early detection and surgical treatment are critical.
Immediate online consult if suspected.
DermaWizard link to melanoma
What are red bumps and burning patches on my face?
You may have rosacea or perioral dermatitis. These chronic conditions cause redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, and pustules. Triggers include cosmetics, sun, alcohol, spicy food, stress, and temperature changes. Corticosteroid creams should be avoided.
Online consult for confirmation and treatment advice.
DermaWizard link to rosacea
Which facial cream should I use?
Day creams with sun protection are recommended. UV radiation damages skin cells and connective tissue, increasing cancer risk and skin aging. Overuse of cosmetics can cause perioral dermatitis, which requires specific treatment.
Online consult for the right approach.
DermaWizard link to perioral dermatitis
I have a ring-shaped red scaly patch. What should I do?
This may be a fungal infection. It usually affects one or two areas and is rarely symmetrical. Early treatment with antifungal cream is often sufficient; tablets may be required in some cases.
Online consult for treatment advice.
DermaWizard link to mycosis
I have many small light-colored patches on my back and chest
This may be pityriasis versicolor, caused by yeast affecting pigmentation.
Online consult for confirmation and treatment.
DermaWizard link to pityriasis versicolor
Do warts go away on their own?
Often yes, but it can take a long time.
Online consult if painful or bothersome.
DermaWizard link to warts
I have rough, scaly spots on my forearms. What is it?
These should always be checked for actinic keratoses, sun-induced lesions that may be precancerous.
Online consult for confirmation and treatment.
DermaWizard link to actinic keratoses
I have a rough skin growth. Is it dangerous?
You may have a cutaneous horn. Sometimes an underlying malignancy is present.
Online consult for assessment.
DermaWizard link to cornu cutaneum
How do I recognize scabies?
Severe itching, especially at night, with small bumps and burrows.
Online consult if suspected. Prompt treatment required.
DermaWizard link to scabies
