Acne, eczema and dry skin are such common skin conditions that a simple online search will yield you countless options ranging from effective home remedies to surgical interventions. But there are not so common skin conditions that pose chronic issues, are not always easily treatable, and can impact overall health. Let’s review some skin mysteries unveiled, rare and unusual skin conditions that are identified and treated by dermatologists at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology.
Ten uncommon skin conditions along with their management options include Argyria, Peeling skin syndrome, Elastoderma, Morgellons Disease, Vitiligo, Harlequin ichthyosis, Hidradenitis suppurativa, Blau syndrome, Chromhidrosis and Necrobiosis lipoidica. Here are the details on these rare conditions:
- Argyria, also known as blue skin disease, causes the skin’s complexion to turn blue or grey due to excessive build-up or overexposure to silver salt build up at toxic levels in the body. It often affects people who work in manufacturing, silver refining, jewelry factories or photographic processing centers where high levels of silver can be found. Some people also develop argyria because of an allergic reaction to colloidal silver supplements. Symptoms can be irreversible and difficult to treat but some people find 5% hydroquinone treatment as well as laser therapy effective.
- Peeling Skin Syndrome can be caused by genetic changes in the TGM5 gene and is usually present at birth but can appear later in childhood or early adulthood. The painless shedding of the outermost layers of skin cannot be stopped but can be managed and soothed with hydrating creams and ointments.
- Elastoderma is increased skin laxity typically in the knees, elbows and neck. Surgical excision is usually the most effective treatment option.
- Morgellons disease is the belief that parasites or fibers are emerging from the skin. Morgellons disease causes irritating and painful symptoms along with rashes, skin sores, absurd sensations, small black fibers, fatigue, anxiety, lesions and depression.
- Vitiligo is a chronic, long-lasting autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. The condition is almost untreatable but cosmetic treatments can minimize the patchy appearance.
- Harlequin ichthyosis is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutated genes, causing hard, thick skin and diamond-shaped scales that crack and split apart. It affects mostly infants and is seen in eyelids, mouth, nose and ears bringing distorted facial features. In severe cases, it can restrict movements of the limbs and chest.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful, long-term skin condition that causes skin abscesses and scarring on the skin. The cause is unknown, but it develops near hair follicles and sweat glands in sensitive areas like the groin, buttocks, upper thighs, breasts and underarms.
- Blau syndrome is a hereditary autoinflammatory disease that presents in early childhood characterized by rash, arthritis and uveitis. There is currently no cure and complications with pain or infection can impact quality of life.
- Chromhidrosis is essentially yellow, brown, green, blue or black colored sweat. It is a rare condition brought on by the excessiveness of lipofuscin in sweat glands. Regular medication and Botox can halt the sweat glands so that colored sweat does not secrete.
- Necrobiosis lipoidica is linked to blood vessel inflammation with those with diabetes at greater risk for getting the disease. It can affect the lower legs with a painful or tender rash that can eventually damage proteins in the skin causing a loss of collagen. Topical steroids, niacinamide, steroid injections, tablets and prescription combinations have been successful at treating this rare skin condition.
To learn more, visit WEBSITE. To book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist with extensive knowledge of skin conditions both common and rare, call 602-867-7546.
