Understanding Psoriasis: Awareness, Education, and Early Diagnosis on World Psoriasis Day

Psoriasis

October 29th is World Psoriasis Day, an opportunity to shed light on a condition that affects millions worldwide. Did you know that over 125 million people globally are living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)? In Canada, approximately 1 million individuals are affected. Despite this significant prevalence, many still misunderstand psoriasis, leading to delays in […]

Vascular

Vascular Vascular lesions are common benign lesions of the skin that can look alarming due to is colour. There are several different types of vascular lesion which vary in appearance (red or deep purple in colour) and treatment of the lesions depends on the origin of the lesion. Types of vascular lesions:

Keratoses

Actinic keratosis (AK) Seborrheic Keratosis (SK) Actinic keratosis (AK) also referred to as solar keratosis, is the most common pre-cancerous growth on the skin that is caused by long-term exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light. It appears as red, rough scaling spots. If left untreated, AK can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant form […]

Melanocytic Naevi

Melanocytic Naevi Melanocytic naevi are pigmented moles. “Melanocytic” means that they are made up of melanocytes, cells that produce the dark pigment, melanin, that gives skin its color. Melanocytes clustered together to form naevi. Melanocytic naevi can be found anywhere on the skin. Melanocytic naevi that are present at birth or developed within the first […]

Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma Dermatofibroma, also called a cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma, is a common benign fibrous growth of the skin. They are composed of a mixture of fibroblastic and histiocytic cells, collagen, and blood vessels. They are firm and often feel like a stone under the skin, most common on the arms, lower legs, and upper back. Dermatofibromas […]

Dysplastic Nevus

Dysplastic Nevus A nevus (or melanocytic nevus) is a benign growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that produce the dark pigment and gives skin its color). A nevus is a pigmented mole. A dysplastic nevus (or atypical nevus) differs from a common nevus in size, shape, color, and […]

Melanoma

Melanoma Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer.  Melanoma occurs when melanocytes (cells that synthesize pigment which determines skin colour) grows out of control and changes to abnormal cancerous cells.  If melanoma is not treated early or not treated, the abnormal cells can spread from the skin to other organs.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and makes up 75% to 80% of all skin cancers. Basel cells are found in the lower part of the skin and constantly divide to form new cells, replacing the older skin cells that sheds off the skin surface. […]