Articles

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…

Dyshidrotic eczema: Overview What is dyshidrotic eczema? Dyshidrotic (dis-hi-drah-tic) eczema (DE) is a common group of skin conditions in which the skin cannot protect itself as well as it should, so the person often gets itchy, dry skin. DE causes itchy, dry skin. People also develop small, deep-seated blisters, usually on their hands. It’s also…

Hyperhidrosis: Overview (Excessive sweating) What is hyperhidrosis (hi-purr-hi-DROE-sis)? This is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating. The word “hyperhidrosis” means too much (hyper) sweating (hidrosis). Excessive sweating happens when a person sweats more than is necessary. Yes, it’s necessary to sweat. Sweating cools the body, which prevents us from overheating. People who have hyperhidrosis,…