DermNet

Pitted keratolysis is a superficial bacterial infection of the stratum corneum, most often affecting the soles of the feet, and characterised by crater-like pits and a distinctive malodour. Although frequently asymptomatic, it can cause discomfort and significant psychosocial impact.

This carousel summarises the causative organisms, risk factors, and current treatment approaches.

Miliaria is a common but underappreciated eruption caused by obstruction of the eccrine sweat ducts and presents differently depending on the depth of blockage. Miliaria crystallina, the most superficial form, produces fragile clear vesicles with no surrounding inflammation and is frequently seen in neonates and febrile hospitalised patients.

Miliaria rubra is the classic "prickly heat" sits deeper in the epidermis, causing itchy non-follicular papulovesicles in areas of friction and heat, affecting up to 30% of adults newly exposed to tropical climates.

The rarest form, miliaria profunda, involves the dermal-epidermal junction and can impair thermoregulation significantly enough to cause heat exhaustion. Management is primarily environmental - cooling, reducing occlusion, and allowing the skin to breathe, though secondary bacterial infection and folliculitis warrant consideration in persistent or pustular cases.

Read more here: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/miliaria

Pyogenic granuloma is a rapidly growing, friable vascular papule or nodule that bleeds profusely with minimal trauma which can be often alarming patients out of proportion to its benign nature. Most commonly seen on the fingers, lips, and gums, and frequently triggered by minor injury, pregnancy, or certain medications (including retinoids and EGFR inhibitors). Despite its misleading name, it is neither an infection nor a true granuloma - histologically it is a lobular capillary haemangioma. Spontaneous resolution can be uncommon and shave excision with curettage and cautery remains the mainstay of treatment, though recurrence rates of up to 40% have been reported.

Read more here: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/pyogenic-granuloma

Sunburn is an acute inflammatory reaction to excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure. It can range from mild erythema to severe blistering, and repeated or severe episodes are associated with a significantly increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. This carousel outlines the underlying causes, risk factors, clinical features, and evidence-based approaches to treatment and prevention.

Swipe on our carousel to find out more.

Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation, also called acquired macular pigmentation of unknown aetiology, comprises three conditions: 1) Erythema dyschromicum perstans 2) Lichen planus pigmentosus and 3) Idiopathic eruptive macular hyperpigmentation.

The term acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation is useful because the three conditions overlap. Learn more via https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acquired-dermal-macular-hyperpigmentation

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect not just the skin, but also the mouth, nails, scalp, and ge****ls. On the skin, it typically appears as shiny, flat-topped purple papules and is most commonly on the wrists, lower back, and ankles. It affects around 1% of the population worldwide, mostly adults aged 30–60. Learn more via https://dermnetnz.org/topics/lichen-planus

Chilblains - those itchy, painful bumps that appear in cold, damp weather are more common than you think! From prevention tips to treatment options, learn everything you need to know via dermnetnz.org/topics/chilblains

Did you know one of the earliest signs of measles is actually found inside the mouth? Tiny blue-white spots called Koplik spots can appear 1–2 days before the skin rash develops. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and its complications.

Read more on DermNet via https://dermnetnz.org/topics/measles

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A rash that keeps coming back… in the exact same spot 💊

Think fixed drug eruption - a distinctive drug reaction that recurs at the same site with re-exposure, often leaving behind dark pigmentation

Read more: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/fixed-drug-eruption

Red spots around the eyes… with a history of rhinitis, what could this be? Read full case here: https://dermnetnz.org/cases/red-spots-around-eyes-with-rhinitis-history