Common Skin Conditions in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Have you noticed an abnormal rash or skin irritation that is causing you great discomfort and embarrassment? At Fort Lauderdale Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eric Wilkerson treats a wide variety of skin conditions, including common cold sores, ringworm, and shingles. Every skin concern and patient case is different, but regardless of your needs or the severity of your condition, Dr. Wilkerson can properly diagnose your skin concern. From there, he can review all your options and which treatment may be ideal for you. Ease painful itching and diminish unsightly rashes with exceptional dermal care at our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Wilkerson and our entire team look forward to serving you.

Fort Lauderdale Dermatology commonly treats the following skin conditions:

Keratosis pilaris: This is a harmless rash that manifests as very small discolored bumps around the hair follicles on the cheeks, upper arms, thighs and/or buttocks. These bumps generally resemble small pimples and can create a rough feel on the affected location. Some say this skin condition also resembles the look of goosebumps.

Shingles: This is a skin condition that represents itself as an itchy, painful skin rash that is brought on by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. In most instances, shingles pop up on the torso or on the side of the face as a cluster of blisters. Though it is more common for older adults to develop shingles, it can also affect teens and young adults.

Cold Sore: This is a blister on the lips or near the mouth. This blister is typically swollen, red and inflamed, and can be tender. Other names are fever blister, oral herpes, mouth herpes, or herpes simplex labialis. These lesions can appear on their own or in little clusters, and when they break, a clear fluid leaks out and then the blister will scab over.

Lichen sclerosus: This is a skin disease that can cause long-term issues, mostly seen in women, and includes small white, shiny spots on the skin that may grow and become larger and more widespread. These little growths usually show up in post-menopausal women on the arms or torso but also can affect the genital area, which is why the condition is considered a vulvar disorder.

Molluscum: This is a viral skin condition (rash of bumps) that can be spread easily with skin-to-skin contact, or from coming into contact with objects that have been exposed to the virus (shared toys, sports equipment, articles of clothing, etc.). Adults and children of all ages are at risk of contracting molluscum.

Hives: The skin condition known as hives is patches or welts on the surface of the skin that may be small or large in proportion. While hives can range from the size of a pinpoint to a greater section of skin that can span across a large area of the body, they typically fade within 12 hours.

Athlete's foot/ringworm: This is a common fungal infection that affects the skin and toenails on the feet. Also known as tinea pedis (skin) or onychomycosis (nails), this skin condition is highly contagious and commonly seen in athletes. Though the affliction itself is not serious, it can be uncomfortable and troublesome if not diagnosed and treated.

Tinea versicolor: Also called pityriasis versicolor, this fungal infection causes discoloration as lighter and/or darker spots of pigment develop. Tinea versicolor occurs when the natural yeast on the skin is overgrown. Some factors that commonly trigger overgrowth are oily skin, frequent sweating, and a weak immune system.

Seborrheic keratosis: This is a common, noncancerous skin growth. Despite its unattractive appearance, it is harmless. These skin growths differ in color, are typically oval-shaped, and are often raised to resemble the scaly look of a mole or wart. They can appear anywhere on the body but commonly appear on the back, shoulders, or chest.

Nail disorders: There are many nail disorders that change the appearance or condition of your fingernails and toenails. They are commonly caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, as well as viruses. Some of the infections that affect the nails are paronychia, ringworm, anemia, eczema, psoriasis, and athlete's foot. Nail disorders may also be caused by an underlying condition in your body, including diabetes, lung cancer, heart conditions, as well as liver or thyroid disorders.

The first step in your treatment process is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilkerson. Once a thorough skin exam has been conducted, Dr. Wilkerson can determine your diagnosis and create a custom treatment plan for you. There are many treatment options available, but depending on your unique condition, some skin conditions may not be eliminated entirely, but the symptoms can be managed with the right therapy.

If you have a dermal rash or condition that is causing you pain, don't put off getting treated any longer. Call Fort Lauderdale Dermatology to schedule a private consult with skilled dermatologist Dr. Eric Wilkerson. He has helped countless men and women attain clearer, healthier skin. Call our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL to schedule a private consultation today. Dr. Wilkerson will be happy to help you discover the best treatment to bring the relief you need.