Disorder

Cause and Features

Treatment

A. Folliculitis

A. Herpes simples virus

A. Surgical removal – possibly with Mohs technique which involves removal, examination by pathologist, removal, exam etc. until all specimens are free of tumor

B. Herpes simplex
(Cold Sores)

B. Appears on sun-exposed skin. Border appears rolled. Rarely metastasizes but can invade underlying structures.

B. Drug causing reaction usually needs to be stopped. Antihistamines will reduce itchiness.

C. Basal cell carcinoma

C. Infection of the hair follicles. Found on the arms, legs, face, buttocks, and where elastic of women’s briefs rub. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause.

C. Careful removal of tumor. Prognosis and mortality of metastatic lesions depends on depth of tumor.

D. Malignant Melanoma

D. Dormant varicella virus becomes active and erupts along nerve causing pain and itchiness. Usually a linear eruption. Pain may persist for weeks-months. Often found on trunk.

D. Localized excision or destruction with topical chemotherapeutic agent.

E.Squamous cell carcinoma

E. Vesicles erupting in succeeding crops. Become pustules then crusts. Caused by varicella virus.

E. Cleansing, topical antibiotics, incision and drainage as indicated.

F. Chicken pox (Varicella)

F. Intravenous acyclovir, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. Analgesics, sedatives, and possibly corticosteroids.