FAQ

1. Is there a cure for psoriasis?
2. Do foods, such as chocolate, cause acne?
3. Is Alopecia Areata contagious?
4. Is the sun good or bad for normal and healthy skin?
5. Is vitiligo hereditary?
6. Are warts contagious?
7. Are allergic skin reactions to medications frequent?
8. What are the common skin infections?
9. Are these skin infections contagious?
10. Can warts disappear spontaneously?
11. What are the causes of wrinkles?

1. Q: Is there a cure for psoriasis?
   A: To date, there is no known cure for psoriasis, and all treatments available, whether topical, systemic or others, including UV, help control but not cure the disease. Furthermore, the treatment depends on several factors, including the age of the patient, the type of psoriasis, the extent of the disease, etc...
   
   
   
   
2. Q: Do foods, such as chocolate, cause acne?
   A: There is no scientific evidence that any food can cause acne. The current trend in the treatment of this disease is not to restrict foods although some dermatologists still do.
   
   
   
   
3. Q: Is Alopecia Areata contagious?
   A: No, Alopecia Areata is not contagious. Although the exact cause of this condition is not known, the current theory claims that Alopecia Areata represents an auto-immune disease. (i.e. The immune system “attacks” the hair follicles.)
   
   
   
   
4. Q: Is the sun good or bad for normal and healthy skin?
   A: Everything considered, the sun is bad for a normal, healthy skin. Although the sun helps in the production of vitamin D, on the other hand, its ill effects far outweigh this good effect. The sun is the main cause of skin cancer, premature skin aging, pigmentation problems, sensitivity reactions, etc...
   
   
   
   
5. Q: Is vitiligo hereditary?
   A: Although the exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, in certain cases, the disease appears to run in families.
   
   
   
   
6. Q: Are warts contagious?
   A: Yes, warts are contagious. Soft warts (Molluscum), regular warts (Verruca Vulgaris) and venereal warts (Condylomata) are caused by different types of viruses and, thus, are contagious, as well as auto-inoculable. (i.e. They spread and multiply in the same individual.)
   
   
   
   
7. Q: Are allergic skin reactions to medications frequent?
   A: Yes, topically applied medications, in the form of creams and ointment, can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Orally or parenterally administered drugs are rather frequent causes of allergic skin reactions, such as urticaria, and these allergic skin rashes may mimic many skin diseases.
   
   
   
   
8. Q: What are the common skin infections?
   A: Common skin infections are caused by bacteria, leading to impetigo, boils and others by viruses resulting in warts, herpes, as well as by fungi that cause ringworm, some type of hair loss.
   
   
   
   
9. Q: Are these skin infections contagious?
   A: Bacterial and viral skin infections are generally considered contagious. The infection and its severity depend on the virulence of the organisms and the resistance or state of immunity of the host. Some fungal infections, such as Tinea Versicolor or Pityriasis Versicolor, are not contagious since the causative organism is found normally on our skin as a resident flora.
   
   
   
   
10. Q: Can warts disappear spontaneously?
    A: Since warts are skin infections caused by a virus, sometimes and in some cases, these lesions may disappear spontaneously after a period of time, that is without treatment. This spontaneous involution is based on a probable immune response by the patient.
    
    
    
    
11. Q: What are the causes of wrinkles?
    A: There definitely is a genetic factor in the formation of wrinkles. Add to that is some individuals facial expressions, such as frowning, grimacing, etc... Not to be belittled or underestimated are the effects of chronic sun exposure, as well as smoking.