How to Diagnose a Skin Disorder
There are two types of skin disorders--skin rashes and skin growths. Some of the most common rashes include eczema, both child and adult forms (dry, flaky skin). Eczema can develop from contact with poison ivy. Seborrhea is dry, flaky skin of the scalp or face, and psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition with thick silvery scales and dry, itchy red patches.The second type of skin disorder is skin growths, like moles. All should be treated by a qualified physician or dermatologist.
Instructions
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How to Diagnose a Skin Disorder
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Look at the area in question.
"We use a simple phonemic (abcde guide) when diagnosing skin growths," says Dr. Charles Douchy, a dermatologist with North Atlanta Dermatology. "A is for asymmetry. If the shape is abnormal that is concerning. B is for border. Is it notched or irregular? C is for color. Is it multicolored? Is it very dark, or has there been a change in color? D is for Diameter. This is important when diagnosing skin cancer. Is it larger than an eraser head, anything over 7 millimeters? Lastly, E is for evolving. Is the growth, changing or growing in any way? Is it shrinking, bleeding or burning. Is there pain?"
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Once a visual check confirms there is a skin growth of concern, a biopsy often will be recommended. Douchy says it is easy to perform and takes about 30 seconds to complete under local anesthesia. If a form of skin cancer is diagnosed, complete surgical removal is the next step. Basal cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer where surgery is almost always required. It occurs in one in five people, mostly as a result of chronic sun exposure and severe sunburns.
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If your growth is categorized as benign, then no further steps are necessary at the time of diagnosis. According to Douchy, it is highly unlikely something declared benign would turn up cancerous down the road.
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A visual check along with pertinent questions will help diagnose a skin rash. Does it itch, burn or hurt? Is it localized or spreading? Weeping, blistering or showing evidence of puss.
"The infectious rashes would be treated with anti-infective agents, maybe topical creams or oral medications. Remember that antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral," Douchy said.
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Once you are diagnosed, whether with a skin rash or growth, following your doctor's orders is paramount, especially when dealing with skin growths.
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