There are many causes of itch. The most common causes are skin diseases. These diseases include urticarial (hives), atopic eczema, and psoriasis. Sometimes, internal diseases, such as kidney failure, liver failure, and thyroid problems, can cause a generalised itch.

Viral warts are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus. Warts can grow on any part of the body including the face, fingers and feet. Warts have a rough surface on which tiny, dark dots can often be seen.

Vitiligo is a skin disease that causes loss of skin colour in patches. The loss of skin colour occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are destroyed and melanin (pigment) cannot be produced. Vitiligo is not contagious.

Skin infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Skin infestations can be caused by parasites. Here are some common skin infections in adults and children.

Rosacea is a chronic disorder of the facial skin. It usually appears as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. The redness tends to become more persistent with time, and tiny blood vessels and small bumps often develop.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterised by an increased rate of skin cell turnover, resulting in thick scales appearing on the skin. The affected skin becomes dry and often itches. Psoriasis usually presents with red scaly patches on the scalp, body and limbs.

These are small light-brown flat spots on sun-exposed skin such as the cheeks and nose. They may appear in childhood or adolescence and increase in number with age. Freckles may lighten with reduced sun exposure and with the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Our nails may look abnormal due to various reasons. Some common causes of nail changes include nail trauma, bacterial or fungal nail infection and an associated skin condition such as psoriasis.

A mole is a benign collection of melanocytes. Melanocytes or pigment-producing cells in our skin. Moles usually appear as regular brown spots of varying sizes. Their colour can range from.

Keloids are raised overgrowths of scar tissue that occur at the site of skin injury. In a keloid, not only does the scar tissue protrude up above the surface, but it also ‘spills over’ the original area of injury into the surrounding skin.