When Your Skin Needs More Than Just a Moisturizer: Understanding Skin Changes and Abnormalities

• Moles: are frequently benign, but modifications to their color, size, or shape may be a sign of melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. Melanoma is a severe illness that requires immediate medical attention. If you observe any changes in your moles, we advise that you visit a dermatologist. 
• Lesions: can be brought on by allergies, cancer, or even infections. The skin cancers basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can both appear as lesions. We advise visiting a dermatologist if you discover any new or atypical lesions. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to determine the lesion's malignancy.
• Rashes: These symptoms may indicate underlying medical conditions like lupus or psoriasis. If an inexplicable rash that won't go away after using over-the-counter medications.

• Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that, if untreated, can be fatal. We advise visiting a dermatologist right away if you discover any new moles, changes in the size or shape of an existing mole, or other strange skin growths. The likelihood of survival can be significantly increased by early detection and treatment. 
• Cancerous Kaposi sarcoma is more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV or AIDS. Can result in skin, mouth, and other places having red or purple sores. If you have HIV or AIDS and discover any strange skin growths or lesions, we advise that you consult an oncologist. Treatment for Kaposi Sarcoma may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma: a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that often appears as a painless lump on the skin. Can spread quickly and be difficult to treat if not caught early. We recommend seeing a dermatologist or an oncologist if you notice any unusual lumps or growths on your skin. Treatment for Merkel Cell Carcinoma may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

While natural remedies can be helpful in some cases, they are not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Here are some natural remedies that may help soothe and heal your skin:

• Aloe vera gel: Can help soothe sunburned skin and other skin irritations.
• Tea tree oil: Can help fight acne and other skin infections.
• Coconut oil: Can help moisturize dry skin and hair.
• Chamomile tea: Can help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation.
• Turmeric paste: Can help reduce inflammation and heal skin irritations

Medications: 

• Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, including sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and penicillin, can trigger allergic responses that lead to hives, rashes, and other skin issues. 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can result in Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a form of allergic reaction that can result in severe skin rashes, blisters, and peeling. 
• Anticonvulsants: Certain anticonvulsants, including phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine, can result in hypersensitivity responses and skin rashes. 
• Chemotherapy medications: Certain chemotherapy medications, such as doxorubicin and methotrexate, can result in skin issues such rashes, blisters, and discoloration of the skin. 
• ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril and lisinopril, can result in angioedema, a side effect that can result in swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat.

Active compounds in medications that can cause skin problems:

• Penicillin: beta-lactam ring
• Tetracycline: tetracycline hydrochloride
• Sulfonamides: sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine
• Aspirin: acetylsalicylic acid
• Ibuprofen: ibuprofen lysine
• Naproxen: naproxen sodium
• Phenytoin: phenytoin sodium
• Carbamazepine: carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine: lamotrigine
• Doxorubicin: doxorubicin hydrochloride
• Methotrexate: methotrexate sodium
• Enalapril: enalapril maleate
• Lisinopril: lisinopril dihydrate

Allergies:

• Pollen: Pollen allergy can cause skin problems such as hives, rash, and itching.
• Latex: Latex allergy can cause skin problems such as itching, rash, and hives.
• Dust mites: Dust mite allergy can cause eczema, hives, and other skin reactions.
• Animal dander: Animal dander allergy can cause hives, eczema, and other skin reactions.

Foods:

• Shellfish: Shellfish allergy can cause skin problems such as hives, eczema, and itching.
• Peanuts: Peanut allergy can cause skin problems such as hives, rash, and itching.
• Milk: Milk allergy can cause skin problems such as eczema and hives.
• Wheat: Wheat allergy can cause skin problems such as hives and eczema.

Always see a medical practitioner if you believe you may have a medicine allergy or food intolerance as this list is not complete.