Dermatology

Acne

It is a common skin condition that affects most adolescents but is not limited to them. The primary changes in the skin and hair are related to hormonal activity that begins during this phase.

Alopecia

Alopecia Areata is a condition that causes hair loss. The etiology is unknown, but several factors are implicated, such as genetics and the autoimmune system. Hair loss begins, forming small or large areas without hair.

Skin Cancer

Cancer is caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells that make up the skin. These cells form layers, and the different types of cancer are defined based on which layer is affected. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. More rare and lethal than carcinomas, melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of skin tumors, and most cases are associated with excessive sun exposure or the use of tanning beds. Despite its high incidence, non-melanoma skin cancer has low mortality and can be easily cured if detected early. Therefore, regularly examine your skin and consult a dermatologist immediately if you notice any suspicious moles or signs.

Melanoma has the worst prognosis and the highest mortality rate among skin cancers. Although a melanoma diagnosis can be frightening and anxiety-provoking for patients, the chances of cure are over 90% with early detection. Melanoma generally appears as a mole or spot on the skin, often in brown or black tones. However, in cases of melanoma, the mole or spot typically changes in color, shape, or size and may cause bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly monitor your skin and seek immediate consultation with a dermatologist if you notice any suspicious lesions. Additionally, even in the absence of any suspicious signs, an annual visit to a dermatologist is recommended. These lesions can appear in areas that are difficult for patients to see, and what might seem "normal" to an individual could be suspicious to a medical professional.

People with fair skin, particularly those with skin types I and II, are at higher risk of developing melanoma. However, the disease can also occur in individuals with darker skin tones, although less commonly. Melanoma originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It typically appears in areas of the body most exposed to solar radiation. In its early stages, melanoma develops only in the most superficial layer of the skin, making surgical removal and tumor cure more feasible. In more advanced stages, the lesion becomes deeper and thicker, increasing the likelihood of metastasis to other organs and reducing the chances of a cure. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial. Metastatic melanoma cases generally have a worse prognosis and fewer treatment options. Heredity plays a central role in the development of melanoma. In this regard, relatives of patients diagnosed with the disease should undergo regular preventive examinations, as the risk increases when there are cases in first-degree relatives.

Contact Dermatitis or Eczema

É uma reação inflamatória na pele decorrente da exposição a um agente capaz de causar irritação ou alergia. Existem dois tipos de dermatite de contato: a irritativa e a alérgica.

Hemangioma

Dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction in the skin caused by exposure to an agent that can induce irritation or an allergic response. There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic.

Actinic Keratosis

It is a red, scaly lesion that most commonly appears on the face, ears, lips, the backs of the hands, forearms, shoulders, neck, the scalps of bald individuals, or other sun-exposed areas of the body. Initially, the lesions are small and are often more easily recognized by touch, where the scaly texture can be felt. The presence of keratoses indicates solar damage, and the lesion can potentially evolve into skin cancer.

Hives

These are red, swollen lesions, resembling welts, that appear on the skin rapidly and cause intense itching. The lesions can be small and isolated or merge to form large red patches with various shapes and patterns. They can appear anywhere on the body. Typically, the lesions move around, with some disappearing while others emerge.

Warts

These are benign skin proliferations caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The infection occurs in the most superficial layers of the skin or mucous membranes, leading to abnormal growth of the epidermal cells.

Vitiligo

It is a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation. The lesions form due to the reduction or absence of melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color) in the affected areas. The exact causes of the disease are not yet clearly established, but autoimmune changes appear to be associated with vitiligo. Additionally, emotional stress or trauma may be among the factors that trigger or exacerbate the condition.