Archive for 2019

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease: Overview What exactly is hand-foot-and-mouth disease? Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious disease caused by a virus. While one of several viruses can cause it, the signs are usually the same: An itchy rash on the hands, feet, or both Mouth sores You can catch HFMD from having close contact with a person…

Even if you get inked by a licensed tattoo artist and follow the aftercare, your skin can react in weird and unexpected ways. Some reactions happen immediately. Others take weeks or years to appear. If you’re having a reaction, here’s what may be happening and what you can do. Infection When it’s likely to appear:…

How to avoid common sunscreen mistakes Sunscreen is a vital tool in the fight against skin cancer. However, it needs to be applied correctly in order to protect you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, follow these tips from dermatologists to avoid common sunscreen mistakes and to protect…

A skin lightener can fade — or even clear — dark spots and patches on your skin, but some come with serious health risks. If your skin lightener contains mercury, it could be damaging your kidneys without you knowing it. Mercury can also injure your nerves, leading to permanent numbness or tingling in your hands,…

Melasma: Overview What is melasma? Melasma is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches, usually on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such…

Just when our appearance grows in social importance and we want to look our best, acne can begin. Some teens seem unfazed by acne. For most teenagers, however, this especially visible skin problem can be upsetting. If your teenager seems upset by acne, here’s how you can help. 1. Take acne seriously Telling your teen…

Warts: Overview What are warts? Warts are benign (not cancerous) skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). You are more likely to get one of these viruses if you cut or damage your skin in some way. Wart viruses…

Shingles: Overview What is shingles? Most people who get this disease develop a painful, blistering rash. Is it contagious? Yes, but you cannot give anyone shingles. While you have blisters, you can spread a virus. If that virus infects someone who hasn’t had chickenpox (or the chickenpox vaccine), the person can get chickenpox. If you…

Proper wound care: How to minimize a scar: Whenever your skin is injured – whether by accident or from surgery – your body works to repair the wound. As your skin heals, a scar may form, as this is a natural part of the healing process.Here are dermatologists’ tips for reducing the appearance of scars…

Scars: Overview What exactly is a scar? When you injure your skin, your body naturally repairs the damage. How your body repairs this damage depends on how deeply the injury penetrates your skin. If the injury damages the top layer of your skin, you’ll likely see new skin when the wound heals. To repair damage…