Skin

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring skin disease characterised by scaling and inflammation. It is a common skin disorder and one of the most baffling and persistent.

Birthmarks
A birthmark is a skin blemish which is present at birth and which has usually developed before the baby is born. Birthmarks enlarge commensurate with the growth of the child.

Dry skin
The skin's oil glands produce natural oil, which protects the skin against water loss. Dry skin (xerosis) can be the result when the oil is depleted.

Urticaria (hives)
Hives, medically known as urticaria, is a skin reaction characterised by small, pale or reddened swellings (weals or welts); which "come and go and move around".

Nail problems
Every patient with abnormal nails assumes that the abnormality is caused by a fungus. Experience proves that more often than not fungi are not implicated.

Boils and folliculitis
A boil is a red, painful bump under the skin which arises when bacteria invade a hair follicle.

Impetigo
Impetigo is a fairly common and highly contagious superficial bacterial skin infection that affects children more than adults.

What causes skin disease?
It is generally assumed that every skin problem is an allergy, a fungal infection or due to stress.

What does that rash mean?
Has your child come out in spots? Do a spot check with our guide to 12 childhood rashes with fever as symptom.

Biblical scourge still haunts
Throughout history, leprosy has been feared and misunderstood, and has resulted in significant stigma and isolation of those who are afflicted.

Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a superficial or deep bacterial infection and inflammation of the hair follicles.

Rosacea
Rosacea is a fairly common chronic, inflammatory disease of the face. It is characterised by redness and red bumps on the cheeks and possibly the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose.

Dandruff
Dandruff holds no health risk, even though it may be itchy and embarrassing.

Fungal infection
Fungal infections are due to microscopic organisms that live on the dead keratin on the surface of the skin, hair and nails.

Cold sores
Cold sores or fever blisters are small red blisters with a white centre which crop up on or around the lips. They can also be found inside the mouth, but this is less common.

Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the soft tissues.

Leprosy
Leprosy is an infectious disease that has been known since biblical times. It is characterised by disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and progressive debilitation.

Leprosy still with us
Thought leprosy was a disease of medieaval times? Think again. Today, 2 million people still live with it. World Leprosy Day sheds light on this misunderstood disease.

Excessive sweating
We all sweat, what's the big deal? For some people sweat is more than just a nuisance - excessive sweating is having a devastating effect on millions.

Ouches and itches
More skin on show in summer means more skin irritation. It also opens the door for a host of nasties that could get under your skin.