By: June Cheong

It's not just spots on the face that can be a bother, there are other skin problems that can occur on the body.

SCALP

Common problems: Hair loss , seborrhoeic dermatitis (a common scaly rash on the scalp) and head lice and ring worm infections.

Dr Paul Chia, a registrar at NSC, said hair loss, the most common scalp problem, is often due to hereditary thinning or balding.

Treatment: Topical, from medicated shampoos to lotions and creams.

Prevention: Dr Chia advised people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, get sufficient rest and a balanced diet as most skin and scalp conditions can be worsened by stress.

NECK

Common problems: Skin tags (soft lesions), seborrhoeic keratoses (slightly raised, light brown spots which thicken and darken), atopic dermatitis (chronic inflammation of the skin) and allergic reactions to jewellery, especially those containing nickel.

Treatment: Skin tags can be treated by snipping off the lesion at the base or by electrocautery, a surgical procedure that uses an electric current to remove unwanted or harmful tissue. Seborrhoeic keratoses can be treated by a variety of procedures including laser surgery or cryotherapy, a minimally invasive treatment which uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy tissue.

Atopic dermatitis can be controlled with topical steroids, anti-histamines and regular application of moisturiser. If your skin reacts to jewellery, the irritated skin can be treated with topical steroids.

Prevention: Skin tags cannot be prevented.

Regular use of sunblock and moisturiser can prevent seborrhoeic keratoses and atopic dermatitis respectively. Avoid using jewellery if your skin has previously reacted adversely to it.

BACK

Common problems: Acne and fungal infections like white spots

Treatment: Acne can be treated with a combination of topical lotions and oral antibiotics.

Severe cases may require oral isotretinoin, a synthetic derivative of vitamin A. Fungal infections can be treated with topical anti-fungal creams or solutions and oral anti-fungal medication.

Prevention: Dr Aw said: "For fungal infections, keep your back dry by powdering it, especially if you sweat a lot. To prevent a recurrence of acne, use an anti-bacterial soap when washing your back and apply an acne lotion intermittently."

HANDS

Common problems: Dryness which can lead to itching and redness.

Treatment: Moisturiser is your hand's best friend. Dr Harneet Ranu Kaur, a registrar at NSC, said: "Hydrating ingredients in moisturisers can restore the moisture balance of the stratum corneum, the skin's upper layers."

Prevention: Moisturise your hands after washing and avoid harsh soaps.

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