Generally, chocolate, nuts, and carbonated cola beverages should be eliminated from
the diet. Additionally, give the patient vitamin A for a 3-month period with a 1-month
interruption to avoid hypervitaminosis (an excess of the vitamin). Also, apply drying
lotions such as white lotion or commercially prepared lotions containing sulfur and
resorcinol. DO NOT USE greasy ointments. In some cases, applying a corticosteroid
lotion is valuable. Tetracycline is the most beneficial antibiotic, but it must be monitored
carefully. Taking oral contraceptives are said to help some young women with acne.
e. Pityriasis Rosea.
(1) Definition/characteristics. This is a skin disease that is characterized by
granular scales. The disease is noncontagious and is seen most frequently in young
adults. The number of cases of this skin disease is highest during spring and fall in
temperate climates. The skin lesions are red, oval, scaly patches on the neck and
elbow. Spontaneous remission of the disease usually occurs in six weeks, but the skin
eruptions may last two months or more.
(2) Treatment. Obtaining a suntan helps the patient's appearance but does
not help the disease. Cool baths and application of oatmeal and caladryl lotion help
reduce itching.
f. Sebaceous Cysts.
(1) Definition/characteristics. Sebaceous cysts are round, globular,
cutaneous (skin) or subcutaneous (under the skin) tumors. These tumors rise from the
sebaceous glands, usually on the face, neck, scalp, back, and genitalia. The cysts are
caused when a gland closes off. When the gland closes, small, hard nodules (cysts)
form at the hair follicles.
(2) Treatment. There is usually no treatment unless the cysts are large,
annoying, or infected. In such cases, follow this procedure: Remove the cyst surgically
including the epithelial wall so that the cyst will not reform. Administer antibiotics to
treat the infection.
g. Seborrheic Dermatitis.
(1) Definition/characteristics. Seborrheic dermatitis is an acute or chronic
papulosquamous dermatitis (scaly dandruff) with or without redness of the skin. It
usually affects the scalp, face, the area of the sternum, interscapular (shoulder blade)
area, umbilicus, and body folds. Genetic factors as well as climate seem to affect the
number of cases of this disease. Stress, hormones, nutrition, and infection cause the
disease to become more severe. Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with overactive
sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin. This skin condition is usually apparent as dry or oily
scaling of the skin or scalp sometimes accompanied by itching. Redness, fissuring, and
secondary infection may be present, and the affected area may become acutely
inflamed and weeping. Intertriginous dermatitis, lesions in the skin folds, may develop.
MD0575
4-4