Even a small patch of itchy skin can make your life miserable. If you give in to temptation and scratch, the itching only worsens and becomes even harder to ignore.
Although itchiness or other skin issues — such as bumps, sores or rashes — are usually due to something minor, they may be a sign of something serious. That's why it's a good idea to call a Temple dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin that persist, get worse or go away and come back again.
Here are some common skin issues that you should pay attention to:
1. Persistent Itching
Itching can be caused by:
- Dry skin
- Insect bites
- Irritating fabrics
- Scented laundry detergent
If the itching is accompanied by redness, eczema or other chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis may be to blame.
Other Causes of Itching
An itchy mole may be a symptom of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Itching may also occur in squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers. Symptoms of these cancers can be easy to overlook and may seem fairly minor at first.
You may notice flaky or crusty patches of skin or rounded red bumps that never seem to go away. Itchy moles may also be a sign of:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Gallbladder cancer
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease
Make an appointment with a dermatologist if you have concerns with itchy skin.
2. Bumps
Some causes of bumps on your skin include:
- Acne
- Rosacea — condition that can cause facial flushing and pimples
- Insect bites
- Ingrown hairs
- Skin cancer
Although insect bites and ingrown hairs usually improve on their own, your dermatologist can offer treatments for other conditions that cause skin bumps.
If you have a bump that doesn't go away or that changes in shape or color, see your doctor.
3. Sores
Sores usually begin healing almost as soon as they first appear on your skin. However, you should make an appointment with your doctor if the sores:
- Don't heal
- Heal very slowly
- Return
They may be a sign that you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, immune system problems or skin cancer.
4. Rashes
Rashes can occur if you have an allergic reaction to a food, medicine or substance that comes in contact with your skin, such as jewelry or perfume. Other causes can include:
- Shingles
- Poison ivy
- Heat rash
- Eczema
- Scabies
- Psoriasis
- Athlete's foot
- Insect bites
If you have a rash that is accompanied by a fever, doesn't go away quickly, covers a large portion of your body or spreads rapidly, see a doctor.
5. Moles
Moles are often not a cause for concern. But if the color, shape or size of a mole changes, it could be a sign of melanoma. Mole borders might also look rough or blurred, or one side of the mole may be bigger than the other. Melanoma can cause moles to:
- Itch
- Ooze
- Hurt
- Bleed
- Flake
Don't ignore a mole that is irregular in shape or color, grows quickly or changes in other noticeable ways.
Make an Appointment with Temple Dermatology
If you have concerns about any of these skin issues, our dermatologists offer advanced diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of skin conditions.
Request an appointment at any of our office locations around the Philadelphia region, or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536).
