Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Early symptoms are localized pain, headache, or fatigue. Shingles can affect people of all ages, but it is more common (and painful) in older adults.

A very common problem is itching. Although often associated with dry skin, itching also has other causes. Mature skin appears to be more sensitive to fabric preservatives, wool, plastics, detergents, bleaches, soaps, and other irritants.

These are “black and blue” marks or bruises, particularly on the arms and legs. They are usually a result of the skin becoming thinner with age and sun damage.

A backflow of blood (reflux) in the veins may lead to sustained high pressure and can cause ulcers called varicose ulcers. When a crack or cut occurs in the skin of the leg, it may fail to heal because of poor blood flow. The injury can develop into an ulcer or shallow wound that may contain pus and become infected.

These are enlarged leg veins that appear blue and bulging. The veins become twisted and swollen when blood returning to the heart against gravity flows back into the veins through a faulty valve.

These brown or black raised spots or wart-like growths look like they were stuck on the skin surface. They are not cancerous and are very common in older people. If annoying, they can be removed easily by a dermatologist.

Among the most common skin growths are red or brown scaly spots called actinic keratoses. If ignored, they may become skin cancers that must be removed.

Also known as Age Spots are flat, brown areas are called lentigines. They have nothing to do with the liver – they are caused by the sun and usually appear on the face, hands, back, and feet.

Skin growths and pigment spots become more common as we age. They may range from harmless liver spots (age spots) to skin cancers that require treatment. Most are caused by years of sun exposure.

As we age, our skin becomes drier. This can result in flaky and itchy skin, especially in cold, dry, windy climates. Mild cases of dry skin can be managed with moisturizer used immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp. Oils added to the bathwater can cause the tub to be dangerously slippery and should be avoided.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system resulting in red, itchy, flaky patches known as plaques. Experts believe that psoriasis occurs when the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation and flaking of skin. In some cases, psoriasis runs in families.

At the Dermatology Center of Lake Orion, we take the patients’ concern about acne very seriously. We offer a “hands-on approach” to acne with many treatments available, not just topical and/or oral medications.