When Your Skin Needs More Than Hydration: Understanding Skin Changes and Abnormalities

Common skin changes or abnormalities

• Moles: often benign, but changes in color, size, or shape may indicate melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma is a serious disease that requires immediate medical attention. We recommend that you visit a dermatologist if you notice changes in your moles.
• Lesions: can be caused by infections, allergies or even cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two types of skin cancer that can manifest as lesions. If you notice new or unusual lesions, we recommend that you visit a dermatologist. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to determine if the lesion is cancerous.
• Rashes: can signal underlying medical problems, such as lupus or psoriasis. If you have an unexplained rash that doesn't go away with over-the-counter medications, we recommend seeing a dermatologist or rheumatologist. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your rash and provide appropriate treatment.

More severe and life-threatening skin conditions

• Melanoma: a type of skin cancer that can be deadly if left untreated. If you notice new moles, changes in the size or shape of an existing mole, or any unusual skin growths, we recommend that you visit a dermatologist immediately. Early detection and treatment can significantly increase the chances of survival.
• Kaposi's sarcoma: a type of cancer that affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or AIDS. May cause red or purple lesions on the skin, mouth, and other areas. We recommend visiting an oncologist if you have HIV or AIDS and notice unusual skin growths or lesions. Treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
• Merkel's cell carcinoma: a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that often appears as a painless lump on the skin. It can spread quickly and be difficult to treat if not caught in time. We recommend visiting a dermatologist or oncologist if you notice any unusual lumps or formations on your skin. Treatment for Merkel's cell carcinoma may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

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Herbal and natural remedies

Although natural remedies may be useful in some cases, they are not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Here are some natural remedies that can help you soothe and heal your skin:

• Aloe vera gel: May help soothe sunburned skin and other skin irritations.
• Tea tree oil: can help fight acne and other skin infections.
• Coconut oil: May help moisturize dry skin and hair.
• Chamomile tea: May help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation.
• Turmeric paste: May help reduce inflammation and treat skin irritations

Medications, foods and allergies that can cause skin problems

Medications:

• Antibiotics: Some antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline, and sulfonamides can cause allergic reactions that lead to hives, rash, and other skin problems.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can cause a type of allergic reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which can cause severe skin rashes, blisters, and flaking.
• Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine can cause skin rashes and hypersensitivity reactions.
• Chemotherapeutic drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin and methotrexate can cause skin problems such as rashes, blisters, and discoloration of the skin.
• ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors such as enalapril and lisinopril can cause a side effect called angioedema, which can cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat.

Active compounds in medicines that can cause skin problems:

• Penicillin: beta-lactam ring
• Tetracycline: tetracycline hydrochloride
• Sulfonamides: sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine
• Aspirin: acetylsalicylic acid
• Ibuprofen: ibuprofen lysine
• Naproxen: naproxen sodium
• Phenytoin: phenytoin sodium
• Carbamazepine: carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine: lamotrigine
• Doxorubicin: doxorubicin hydrochloride
• Methotrexate: sodium methotrexate
• Enalapril: enalaprilov maleate
• Lisinopril: lisinopril dihydrate

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Allergies:

• Pollen: Pollen allergy can cause skin problems such as hives, rash, and itching.
• Latex: An allergy to latex can cause skin problems such as itching, rash, and urticaria.
• Dust mites: Allergy to dust mites can cause eczema, urticaria, and other skin reactions.
• Animal dandruff: Allergy to animal dandruff can cause hives, eczema, and other skin reactions.

Foods:

• Mussels: An allergy to shellfish can cause skin problems such as urticaria, eczema, and itching.
• Peanuts: Peanut allergy can cause skin problems such as hives, rash, and itching.
• Milk: Milk allergy can cause skin problems such as eczema and urticaria.
• Wheat: Wheat allergy can cause skin problems such as urticaria and eczema.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and if you suspect that you have an allergy to medication or food intolerance, please consult a doctor.