SKIN DISEASES MUNICH

What skin diseases are there?

There is a wide variety of different skin conditions. Some are acute while others are chronic. They can be categorised based on various aspects.

Autoimmune diseases of the skin:

In patients with autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin tissue. This leads to inflammatory processes, which manifest themselves as redness, blistering, scaling or pain, etc. The most common autoimmune diseases include:

• Blistering skin diseases
• Psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)
• Neurodermatitis
• Dermatitis
• Urticaria/hives

Skin infections:

Skin infections can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Some of these pathogens can also colonise the skin as natural skin flora and become a source of infection in the event of injury or weakness of the immune system. Typical skin diseases include:

• Skin abscesses
• Herpes
• Shingles
• Fungal infections
• Worm infections
  

Sexually transmitted diseases:

Sexually transmitted diseases are usually transmitted through sexual contact. They can also be caused by infections from all pathogen groups. Possible symptoms include pain, swelling of the lymph nodes or discharge. The most common sexually transmitted diseases include:

• Genital herpes
• Genital warts
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhoea
  

Diseases of the cutaneous appendages:

Diseases of the cutaneous appendages include:

• Nail diseases
• Diseases of the sweat glands
• Seborrhoeic eczema
• Hair loss

Congenital skin diseases:

Some skin diseases can also be congenital. Genetic changes in function or loss of function can lead to disorders. Ichthyosis is a group of hereditary diseases marked by impaired keratinisation of the skin. The skin also becomes very scaly.

Cancers:

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It can occur in various forms, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma. Genetic predisposition and excessive sun exposure are among the most important causative factors. Regularly scheduled skin cancer screening is crucial for early cancer detection.

Reasons for skin diseases

There are many reasons for skin diseases. Genetic predispositions often play a role. For example, excessive birthmark formation can increase the risk of skin cancer. Other possible triggers include extensive sunbathing without sun protection. Allergies and venous disorders can also disrupt the balance of the skin. This can also have a negative impact on our nails and hair. Hair loss is another potential sign of a skin disease.

Diagnosis of skin diseases

Depending on the symptoms and pathology, I use various measures and methods to diagnose skin diseases. For example, I use:

• Computer-aided procedures for skin analysis,
• Patient interviews to determine lifestyle habits and diet,
• Blood tests for a detailed laboratory diagnosis,
• Biopsies for microscopic examination of skin tissue,
• Scrapings (e.g. if a fungal infection is suspected)
• Skin tests (e.g. in the context of allergology) and
• Special skin examinations as part of skin cancer screening.

Treatment concepts for skin diseases

Depending on the diagnosis, a variety of treatment methods can be considered. These include:

Drug treatment:

Drug treatment is an important pillar of dermatological therapy. It is used for a variety of skin diseases. This can involve the use of topical medications such as creams, ointments or lotions, which are applied directly to the skin. Amongst other things, they can be used to treat inflammation, allergic reactions or infections. If the skin disease affects the entire body or if topical treatments prove to be insufficient, systemic therapy (for example, in the form of oral medication or injections) can be effective. Amongst other things, they are used for severe acne, psoriasis or autoimmune diseases.

Laser treatments:

Laser treatments use highly focussed light to target specific skin disorders. They can be used to treat vascular lesions (e.g. spider veins), pigmentation disorders or certain forms of skin cancer. Laser treatment methods can specifically target the affected areas, thereby protecting the surrounding tissue.

Outpatient surgeries:

I perform outpatient surgeries, particularly when it comes to removing skin lesions such as moles, warts or skin cancer. Surgery can also be used to remove cysts or correct scars. Most of these surgeries are performed under local anaesthetic.

Contact and personalised consultation

Keep an eye on your skin. If you notice any abnormalities, you should not hesitate to have them checked by a doctor. Your skin health is in the best hands with me and my team. In addition to being physically unappealing, I understand that skin disorders can often affect people psychologically. Therefore, my primary goal is not only to take care of your medical needs, but also to help you feel better about yourself.

It is very important to me that I provide you with comprehensive, personalised advice. This allows me to precisely determine the needs of your skin and initiate the best treatment option. Schedule an appointment now for a personal consultation, either in one of my practices or conveniently via video consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!