Skin and Hair Conditions A–Z: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Guide
Short answer: This page is an alphabetical index of the skin, hair and nail condition articles on my site: each condition has a one- to two-sentence definition and a link to the detailed article. If you know the name of the condition, go to its letter. The information here helps you ask the right question, but a diagnosis is made at examination: many conditions that look alike can only be told apart with a clinical exam, dermoscopy and, when needed, a biopsy.
How to use this page
Most people come to a dermatologist with a symptom, not a diagnosis. The entries below give the everyday name and the medical name together, and where a condition has both an overview page and a detailed article, both are linked. The diagnostic tools I use most often are dermoscopy for mole checks and trichoscopy for hair loss.
My practice is in central Kırklareli, Türkiye, about 2 hours by car from Istanbul Airport and close to the Bulgarian and Greek borders. If you live abroad, you can read how a remote pre-assessment works in From WhatsApp photos to same-day treatment.
A
Acne (acne vulgaris) — A chronic condition of the hair follicle and oil gland, with blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and, in severe forms, deep painful cysts. Acne that scars or does not respond to creams needs a stepwise treatment plan from a dermatologist. → Acne treatment
Adult female acne (hormonal acne) — Recurring, deep and often painful spots along the jawline and neck that start or persist after 25 or appear around menopause. Hormonal factors, cosmetics and current medicines are reviewed, and treatment is often planned differently from teenage acne. → Hormonal acne in women after 25 and in menopause
Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) — An autoimmune condition in which the immune system temporarily attacks hair follicles, causing round bald patches on the scalp, beard or eyebrows. It is not contagious; many limited patches regrow on their own or with treatment, and in extensive disease systemic options such as JAK inhibitors may be considered. → Alopecia areata · JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata
Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) — The most common type of hair loss, in which genetic predisposition and androgens make hairs progressively thinner and shorter; in men it shows at the temples and crown, in women along the central parting. Treatment started early is better at preserving existing hair. → Androgenetic alopecia: diagnosis and treatment · Low-dose oral minoxidil
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) — A chronic, relapsing condition with dry, intensely itchy skin, linked to a weak skin barrier and an overactive immune response. It often starts in childhood and can occur with hay fever and asthma; regular moisturizing and flare control are the basis of treatment. → Atopic dermatitis · Eczema and contact dermatitis
B
Baby eczema (infantile atopic dermatitis) — Atopic dermatitis that usually begins in the first months of life, typically on the cheeks, with dry, red and itchy patches. Daily moisturizing and a sensible bathing routine are the foundation; treatment of flares is adjusted by a doctor. → Baby eczema: a daily care routine
C
Cold sores (herpes simplex) — A recurrent infection with the herpes simplex virus in which tingling around the lips is followed by a cluster of small blisters; it usually crusts and heals within 7–10 days. Frequent or extensive outbreaks need an antiviral plan agreed with a doctor. → Cold sore (herpes) treatment
Contact dermatitis — An itchy, red rash caused by something that touches the skin; it can be irritant (water, detergents) or allergic (nickel, fragrances, preservatives, hair dye). In the allergic type the responsible substance is identified with patch testing. → Contact dermatitis · Eczema and contact dermatitis
E
Eyebrow and eyelash loss — Common causes include alopecia areata, thyroid disease, eczema, hair pulling and age-related thinning. Loss of the outer third of the eyebrow does not by itself prove a diagnosis; the cause is identified by examination and, when needed, blood tests. → Eyebrow and eyelash loss: causes
F
Folliculitis — Inflammation of hair follicles caused by bacteria, yeast or irritation from shaving, seen as small red or pus-filled bumps around hairs. On the scalp it can be confused with other scalp conditions, so the cause guides treatment. → Scalp diseases
Fungal skin infections (tinea, ringworm) — Infections of the feet, groin, body, scalp or nails, typically with a scaly, itchy patch that has a well-defined edge. Steroid creams can change their appearance and delay diagnosis; when in doubt, a sample is examined under the microscope. → Fungal skin infections
H
Hidradenitis suppurativa — A chronic condition with recurrent, painful, inflamed lumps in skin folds such as the armpits, groin and under the breasts, which over time can form tunnels and scars. It is often mistaken for simple boils for years; early diagnosis helps slow progression. → Hidradenitis suppurativa
Hives (urticaria) — Itchy, raised welts that appear suddenly and usually fade within 24 hours without a mark, only to appear elsewhere. If they last longer than six weeks the condition is called chronic urticaria, and in most cases no single food or allergen is found. → Urticaria (hives) treatment
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) — Sweating beyond what the body needs for temperature control, most often in the armpits, palms and soles. Primary hyperhidrosis usually starts young; new sweating in adulthood or sweating all over the body warrants a search for an underlying cause. → Hyperhidrosis
L
Lichen planus — An immune-mediated condition with itchy, flat-topped, purple-pink bumps on the skin and white lace-like lines or sores inside the mouth. It is not contagious; oral lichen planus needs long-term follow-up. → Lichen planus
M
Moles (naevi) and mole checks — Most moles are harmless, but a mole that changes in size, color or outline, bleeds or looks different from the others should be checked with dermoscopy. Regular checks are advised for people with many moles, a family history of melanoma or heavy sun exposure. → Mole check and dermoscopy
Molluscum contagiosum — Small, pearly, dome-shaped bumps with a central dimple, most common in children and caused by a virus spread by contact. Most clear on their own within months, sometimes 1–2 years; treatment is considered for spread, itching or genital involvement. → Molluscum contagiosum treatment
N
Nail diseases (including nail fungus) — Thickening, discoloration, pitting, lifting or deformity of the nail can point to fungus, psoriasis, eczema, injury or an internal condition. Not every nail change is fungus, and a confirmed diagnosis comes before long treatment. → Nail diseases and nail fungus
P
Psoriasis — A chronic, immune-mediated condition with well-defined red plaques covered by silvery scale, typically on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back; it is not contagious. It can come with joint pain (psoriatic arthritis), and treatment ranges stepwise from creams to biologic medicines. → Psoriasis treatment · Psoriasis treatment in Turkey: what works
R
Rosacea — A chronic condition of the central face with persistent redness, visible small blood vessels and acne-like bumps; heat, sun, alcohol and spicy food can trigger flares. It is different from acne, and steroid creams can make it worse. → Rosacea treatment
S
Scarring alopecia (cicatricial alopecia) — A group of hair-loss conditions in which inflammation permanently destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue; lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia are examples. Lost hair does not return, so early diagnosis is key to stopping progression. → Scarring alopecia
Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) — A relapsing condition with redness and greasy scale in oily areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose and behind the ears; dandruff is its mild form. It may not go away permanently but can be kept under control with regular care and treatment. → Seborrheic dermatitis · Scalp diseases
Shingles (herpes zoster) — Reactivation of the chickenpox virus along a single nerve years after childhood infection: first one-sided burning or pain, then a band of fluid-filled blisters. Antiviral treatment is recommended within the first 72 hours of the rash, and vaccination can protect people aged 50 and over. → Shingles (herpes zoster) treatment · Shingles: first symptoms and the 72-hour rule
Skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) — Most skin cancers develop on sun-exposed skin; a sore that does not heal, a growing crusted bump or a changing mole are the most common warning signs. Early treatment is highly successful, and the diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy and pathology. → Skin cancer diagnosis
T
Telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding) — Diffuse hair shedding that starts about 2–3 months after a high fever, surgery, childbirth, rapid weight loss or severe stress. Once the trigger is gone it usually settles within about six months; if it persists, other causes are investigated. → Telogen effluvium
Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) — Repeated pulling out of one's own scalp hair, eyebrows or eyelashes with difficulty stopping; the patches can be confused with alopecia areata. Trichoscopy helps tell them apart, and behavioral therapy is the core of treatment. → Trichotillomania
V
Vitiligo — Sharply defined milk-white patches caused by the immune system targeting pigment cells (melanocytes); it is not contagious. Its course varies from person to person, and early treatment can help stop spread and bring back color. → Vitiligo treatment
W
Warts (HPV) — Firm, rough bumps caused by the human papillomavirus, most often on the hands, soles and face. Some clear on their own; treatment uses freezing (cryotherapy) or topical medicines and may take several sessions. → Warts (HPV) treatment
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a dermatologist?
See a dermatologist for a mole that changes in size, color or outline; a sore that has not healed within a few weeks; an itch or rash lasting more than 2–4 weeks; sudden, patchy or rapidly increasing hair loss; or a new dark line in a nail. One-sided pain followed by blisters (shingles) should be assessed within 72 hours. Swelling of the lips or tongue, shortness of breath, or a widespread rash with fever needs emergency care without delay.
What happens at a dermatology appointment?
First I ask how long the problem has been there, which creams and medicines you use and whether anyone in the family has something similar; then the skin, scalp and nails are examined as needed. Depending on the problem, dermoscopy (moles and lesions), trichoscopy (hair), a fungal test, patch testing, blood tests or a biopsy may be planned. Once the diagnosis is clear, we discuss the treatment options, how long they take and the follow-up schedule.
Can I get a remote pre-assessment by sending photos?
Yes. You can send clear photos taken in daylight and a short description via WhatsApp (+90 555 209 09 39), and you will get preliminary information about urgency and appointment planning. Photos do not replace an examination, however: the diagnosis and treatment decision are made at the examination, with dermoscopy and tests when needed.
References
The definitions are written in line with the international guidelines below; detailed references for each condition are given in the linked articles.
Zuberbier T, Abdul Latiff AH, Abuzakouk M, et al. The international EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria. Allergy. 2022;77(3):734-766. DOI
Wollenberg A, et al. European guideline (EuroGuiDerm) on atopic eczema – part II: non-systemic treatments and treatment recommendations for special AE patient populations. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022;36(11):1904-1926. DOI
Werner RN, et al. European consensus-based (S2k) Guideline on the Management of Herpes Zoster – guided by the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) in cooperation with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), Part 2: Treatment. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017;31(1):20-29. DOI
Ioannides D, Vakirlis E, Kemeny L, et al. European S1 guidelines on the management of lichen planus. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34(7):1403-1414. DOI
Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90(5):1006.e1-1006.e30. PubMed
This article is for general information; diagnosis and treatment are decided after examination.
Last updated: 24 October 2026 · Dr. Kağan Cingöz, MD, dermatologist
Contact
WhatsApp: +90 555 209 09 39 · info@drkagancingoz.com · İstasyon Mahallesi, Edirne Caddesi No:102, Kırklareli, Türkiye
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