Skin disorders

Close-up: the face of a young woman with facial hair.

Hirsutism

Women who have very high levels of male sex hormones may have excess hair growth on their body and face. This condition, known as hirsutism, can be treated in various ways.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a virus causing small, wart-like papules (spots). It is a viral infection of the skin that mainly affects children.

The image pictures a young woman’s face covered in multiple red spots.

Acne inversa

Acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It causes issues such as painful nodules and abscesses. Find out what can be done to help combat it.

A mother feels her baby’s forehead and uses a thermometer to check for a high temperature.

Three-day fever

Three-day fever is a childhood illness involving a high temperature followed by a rash. The viral infection is usually harmless.

A woman speaks to her gynecologist in the treatment room.

lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus involves the appearance of white patches of skin that often become scarred, usually in the genital area. Severe itching is typical.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory, non-contagious skin condition. It is characterized by reddish, flaky skin that may be itchy.

Diabetic foot

Diabetic foot begins with dry feet and increased formation of calluses. Later, chronic wounds can develop, which are sometimes difficult to treat.

Neurodermatitis

People with neurodermatitis often get a rash and a nagging itching. This skin condition often occurs in children. Learn more about neurodermatitis and the treatment options.

Melanoma: woman sitting in a laboratory. She is wearing a white lab coat and is looking into a microscope. More laboratory colleagues are visible in the background.

Melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma skin cancer is a commonly occurring malignant tumor of the skin. In Germany, about 23,000 people develop melanoma annually. Melanoma responds well to treatment if detected early.

Nesselsucht: Die nackten Beine eines Menschen sind mit einem Ausschlag überzogen. Der Ausschlag ist leicht rötlich und wirkt geschwollen.

Urticaria

Urticaria (hives) is a skin condition with which itchy wheals or a painful swelling of the hypodermis (angiodema) form. Read more about symptoms, progression, and treatment.

Senile purpura

Bruising that occurs in the elderly without any major external impact is known as senile purpura. This article explains more about the risk factors and prevention options.

Ein nackter Frauenoberbauch mit dem Hautausschlag, der typisch ist für eine Gürtelrose.

Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful viral skin condition. The viruses attack nerves and cause an inflammation that spreads over the skin.

Scabies

Scabies develops as a result of a mite infestation in the skin. Severe itching is typical. Scabies is contagious with extended skin contact. However, the disease can be well treated.

Athlete’s foot: person with surgical gloves examining toes on two feet.

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) can redden or crack the skin and cause itchiness. It can usually be effectively treated with creams from a pharmacy. Keeping the feet dry is important with athlete’s foot.

Rosazea: Die Wange einer Frau ist leicht geörtet. In ihrem Auge sind rote Äderchen zu sehen.

Rosacea

Rosacea, a common inflammatory disease of the facial skin, causes redness, pustules, and small visible blood vessels on the face.

Warts

Most people experience warts at some stage of their lives. Warts are contagious and often very persistent. Children and adolescents are at the highest risk of developing warts.

Boils and carbuncles

Boils (furuncles), carbuncles, abscesses and pimples are all linked to inflamed skin but differ slightly. Medical treatment is often useful for boils.

Non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer is very common in Germany. This type of skin cancer is normally localized and only rarely spreads to other parts of the body. As a result, it is rarely life-threatening.

Chronic itching (pruritus)

Having constantly itchy skin means constant scratching. The longer the scratch-itch cycle continues, the more the skin is damaged. Suitable skincare measures and itch-relieving medication can help.

A person with brownish patches of skin on their back

Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor)

With pityriasis versicolor, round or oval patches develop on the skin, in particular on the neck, back, arms and chest. The rash is usually harmless and easily treated.

Head lice

Head lice are common in children of kindergarten/pre-school and elementary/primary school age. Although irritating, head lice are harmless. Special medicated treatments can kill them off.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints as a result of psoriasis. It causes stiff and painful joints.

Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis)

Hypertrichosis is increased hair growth – either on the entire body or only in certain areas. Depending on the cause, there are various treatment options.

A doctor uses a magnifying glass to examine a rash on an elderly patient’s back.

Ringworm

The skin rash that typically occurs with ringworm (tinea corporis) has a ring-like appearance. It usually clears up quickly if treated with an anti-fungal skin cream.

Ingrown nail: doctor wearing a surgical glove touching a young person’s big toe with two fingers. There is an ingrown nail on the toe. The skin around the toenail is slightly red.

Ingrown nail (onychocryptosis)

Ingrown nails are a common condition, often caused by an incorrect cutting technique. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the discomfort.

Side view of a child's face: a large area of red rash is visible on the cheek.

Fifth disease

Fifth disease is one of the most common viral illnesses in children. Most adults are immune to it. Pregnant women who do not have immunity can pass the virus on to their unborn child.

Herpes labialis: young woman with cold sores on her upper lip.

Oral herpes (cold sores)

With oral herpes, particular herpes viruses cause painful blisters known as cold sores to form. The condition heals on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. No treatment is normally required.

Man with bare chest extending his right arm to the right. He is gripping his armpit with his left hand.

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a rash that appears in the skin folds as a result of moisture and chafing. In many cases, the affected areas also become infected with yeast fungi.

Person in a white coat palpating the bent calf of a patient lying on a treatment table.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis expresses itself as a painful, thickened blood vessel. The skin above the vessel is red. The symptoms disappear quickly again with appropriate treatment.

Forefinger with several contiguous blisters.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by itchy blisters that appear on the palms of the hands, fingers or soles of the feet. These are usually treated with anti-inflammatory ointments.

Part of a human body with reddish-brown disk-shaped skin rash.

Nummular eczema

Itchy round spots on the skin are typical of nummular eczema. Episodes often occur over years, but it can usually be treated successfully.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disorder that causes the loss of the brown skin pigment melanin. It usually begins as white skin patches on the face and hands. Read more about its causes and treatment.

Bed bugs

Bed bugs can be found in mattresses, clothing or bedclothes. Their bites are itchy but harmless. Read on to find out how you can protect yourself from bed bugs and get rid of them.

Lichen simplex

Lichen simplex is a chronic skin condition that is accompanied by severe itching. There is often a pre-existing condition such as neurodermatitis. Here you can find out how to alleviate the symptoms.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a rare disease. It is transmitted to humans by animals. Certain occupational groups are at high risk of contracting the disease. Read more about symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Leprosy

Leprosy is a bacterial infectious disease that primarily occurs in South East Asia, South America, and Africa. Though leprosy is curable, there are still serious outcomes.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever bacteria (streptococci) cause an illness in children with symptoms such as a high fever, sore throat, and typical skin rash.

Akne: Eine junge Frau sieht ihr Gesicht in einen Spiegel.

Acne

Acne can be very distressing. Various things can be done to alleviate the symptoms. However, it takes time and patience to improve the complexion of the skin.

Impetigo

Impetigo (impetigo contagiosa) is an itchy and sometimes painful infection of the skin. It is especially common in young children.

Chronic wounds

Wounds do not always heal quickly. Many take a long time to heal or keep opening up. They are referred to as chronic open wounds.

Bed sores (decubitus ulcer): older man lying in a hospital bed with his eyes closed.

Bedsore (decubitus ulcer)

A person who must sit or lie in one position for a long period of time has an increased risk of bedsores (decubitus ulcers). These types of ulcers can be very painful and heal slowly.

Corns (clavus)

Corns develop when an area of skin is repeatedly exposed to pressure or rubbing. Most of the time, they gradually go away on their own if the rubbing and pressure stop.

Insect bites: the legs of a young person sitting in a meadow with bites at various points, including some wounds and scratches.

Insect venom allergy

Insect stings or bites usually leave behind nothing more than a small red mark. But someone who has an insect venom allergy will react very severely. It can even be life-threatening.

Contact allergy

A contact allergy can cause severe skin reactions. The symptoms only become noticeable after 1 to 3 days.

Fungal nail infection

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by skin fungi. They often affect the nails on the big toes, causing them to become brittle and discolored.

Seborrhoic dermatitis: baby with its eyes closed sitting on a cushion. The skin above its eyebrows is yellowish and flaky. Someone wearing a surgical glove is applying ointment to the inflamed skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a non-contagious inflammation of the skin. It causes red patches and oily flakes to form on the skin, especially on the face and scalp.

Animal allergy

In an animal allergy it is not the fur that causes a reaction, but proteins that are found in the animal’s saliva, for instance. Avoiding contact with the animal can help, as can taking medication.

Chickenpox: boy with some red rashes visible on his face leaning on the shoulder of a man sitting next to the child. The man is holding a thermometer at which he and the boy are looking.

Chickenpox (varicella)

Typical signs of chickenpox are an extremely itchy skin rash with red blisters and a slight fever. This viral infection most frequently affects children between the ages of 2 and 10.

Erysipel: Ein Mann erhält einen Verband ums Handgelenk.

Erysipelas and cellulitis

Erysipelas and cellulitis are caused by bacteria that break through the skin barrier due to an injury. With prompt treatment, a complete recovery is usually possible.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: blister-type wounds on a child’s hands.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease that occurs sporadically worldwide. It most often affects infants and young children and is usually harmless.

Measles

Measles is a viral infection with symptoms such as fever, skin rash, and possible serious complications. A vaccination against the infection offers protection.

Rubella

Rubella poses a risk to pregnant women and their unborn babies. There is a vaccine that protects against this viral disease.