Symptoms & Causes

The symptoms of every dermatologic condition are different. If you notice anything unusual on your skin, or any change in your hair or nails, talk to one of the dermatologists at Mubadala Health Dubai.

Symptoms of the most common dermatology complaints include:

• Acne: Affecting many people, of any age, acne is characterized by the appearance of spots on the face, back, neck, chest or shoulders.
• Eczema: Usually affecting children, the main symptom of eczema is dry and scaly patches on the skin. It usually affects the hands, face, forehead and scalp.
• Hair loss (alopecia areata): Symptoms of hair loss can be noticed anywhere on the body, including the scalp, eyelashes or eyebrows.
• Nail diseases: Symptoms of fungal nail infections include discoloration of the nail, a buildup of debris, a split in the nail, or the nail may appear brittle and lift up from the finger/toe.
• Skin cancer: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which usually looks like a mole. Signs that it has turned cancerous include changes in the appearance of the mole – it may change color, shape, grow in size, get darker, or become asymmetrical.
• Psoriasis: Another very common skin condition, psoriasis symptoms include the appearance of scaly patches on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp.
• Rosacea: Symptoms of rosacea include redness or red bumps on the skin of the cheeks, which may also be sensitive and dry. Symptoms can extend to the nose, forehead, chin, ears, chest and back.

What causes dermatology issues?

Dermatological conditions can be caused by a range of things. Sometimes, other health conditions can be the cause of skin complaints. The most common causes of dermatology problems include:

• A compromised immune system
• Allergens or irritants
• Bacteria which have become trapped in pores on the skin or in hair follicles
• Fungus or parasites on the skin
• Hereditary conditions
• Illnesses that affect the thyroid, kidneys, or other parts of the body
• Viruses.

The cause of the most treated conditions at Mubadala Health Dubai include:

• Acne: Breakouts are usually caused by a blockage of the pores on the skin. Dead skin cells become trapped, oil builds up and the pore becomes red and swollen.
• Eczema: Many things can trigger eczema symptoms, including irritants, allergens, food allergies, hormonal changes and skin infections.
• Hair loss: Hereditary hair loss will be caused by genes you have inherited. Alopecia areata is caused by a problem with your immune system which causes it to attack hair follicles.
• Nail infections: Fungal nail infections are caused by microscopic organisms which can be picked up when you come into contact with someone who already has a fungal infection. They can also be caught by walking barefoot in warm, damp areas where fungi thrive.
• Psoriasis: This skin condition is caused by a problem with the immune system which leads to new skin cells being generated too quickly. These skin cells pile up on the skin, leading to scaly patches.
• Skin cancer (melanoma): Doctors believe melanoma is caused by a combination of things, including genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to UV light increases the risk of skin cancer developing.
• Rosacea: The cause of rosacea isn’t fully understood, but factors such as abnormalities in facial blood vessels or a reaction to mites found on the face are believed to be involved.