MRSA Infections of the Skin

Author: Dr Bryan Cho University of California SF 2008-07-28

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections of the Skin
NTRODUCTION

Bacteria are microorganisms that are found almost everywhere. Most bacteria are harmless but some can cause infection. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that has emerged as a major cause of skin infections among otherwise healthy adults and children in the community. This bacterium is dangerous because it causes infections that cannot be treated with commonly used antibiotics that in the past would destroy the bacteria and cure the infection. Moreover, left untreated these infections can have serious complications. This article will discuss the risk factors for MRSA infections, what MRSA skin infections look like, and how they can be treated and avoided.

Protecting Skin from UV Radiation

Author: Dr Bryan Cho University of California SF 2008-07-28
Sunblocks

Chemical sunblocks absorb UV radiation and convert light energy to heat. Physical sunblocks (Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) reflect UV radiation away from your skin.

Eczema

Author: Dr Bryan Cho University of California SF 2009-01-22
Eczema: Atopic Dermatitis. Eczema is a common skin problem.

Eczema is a common skin disorder that affects about one of every ten children. The condition can occur at any age but is most common in infants and young adults. Eczema occurs in all races. Ninety percent of patients who will develop eczema will have symptoms by five years of age; ninety-five percent by fifteen years of age. There is no single lab test or biopsy that will diagnose eczema. The diagnosis is based upon the appearance and symptoms of the skin rash, as well as whether related medical conditions, such as hay fever or asthma, are present in the patient or the patient’s family members.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

Author: Dr Bryan Cho University of California SF 2009-01-22
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: Appearance,Risk Factors, Treatment and Prevention

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a cancer of cells that make up the uppermost layer of the skin. Cancer is a condition where skin cells grow haphazardly, invade surrounding tissue and disrupt normal tissue function.  When diagnosed and treated early, most SCCs are not serious and can be cured. About 98-99% of SCCs are localized—the cancer is only present in the skin. However, if treatment is significantly delayed, SCC can spread and invade surrounding bone, cartilage or muscle. Only in rare cases can SCC metastasize (travel to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs) which can be life threatening. When SCC occurs in the most superficial layers of the skin it is called in situ. Squamous cell carcinoma that has invaded the underlying skin layers is known as invasive.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer with over 250,000 new cases per year in the United States. Roughly twenty percent of the skin cancers diagnosed each year is SCC.

Hair loss / Alopecia

Author: Dr Bryan Cho University of California SF 2009-01-22

Common Causes of Hair Loss from the Scalp. Non Scarring Alopecias: A brief review of common causes of hair loss in men and women.

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common and often emotionally distressing condition. Genetic predisposition, disease and improper hair care can all contribute to hair loss. They do so by increasing the rate of hair shedding (hair coming out by the root) or by increasing hair fragility leading to hair that can be broken by even minor trauma. 

Depending on the cause, there are a number of treatments for scalp hair loss with varying degrees of effectiveness and patient satisfaction. This knol will discuss the typical hair cycle, as well as the various types of scalp hair loss and their associated treatments.