Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans presents as a darkening and velvety thickening of the skin, most commonly affecting the neck, armpits, and groin region. It is most commonly associated with obesity and insulin resistance; people who have acanthosis nigricans are more likely to develop diabetes. In very rare instances, it can be associated with an internal cancer such…

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Acne

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition caused by the blockage of hair follicles by sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. The blocked pores lead to whiteheads, blackheads, inflammatory papules or nodules (red, tender bumps), pustules (pus-filled bumps), and even cysts. Acne breakouts can occur at any age but are most common during the teenage…

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Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic inflammatory condition which affects mainly Black men. Affected individuals develop pink to flesh colored, dome shaped papules and pustules around the hair follicles on the posterior scalp and neck. These firm, scar-like bumps can gradually enlarge and coalesce to form larger lesions. The condition leads to scarring and hair…

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Actinic Keratoses

Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses are precancerous growths on the skin caused by long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, usually in the form of sunlight or tanning beds. They frequently appear on sun exposure areas such as the scalp, face, back of the hands, and forearms, and are characterized by rough, dry lesions or patches that are easier…

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Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s own immune system targets and shuts off hair production in the hair follicles, leading to characteristic circular, coin shaped patches of hair loss. The hair loss can affect any hair bearing areas of the body including the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard region. The degree and…

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Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It is a chronic, recurring rash characterized by dry, inflamed skin, and intense itching. Children are most commonly affected, but the condition can occur at any age. In infants, the rash most typically involves the cheeks. In young children, the creases of the elbows and the…

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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. It typically occurs on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, face, nose, ears, neck, chest, shoulders, or back. It can present as a non-healing sore, a shiny or pearly bump, or even a pink, scaly…

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Boil/Furuncle

Boil/Furuncle

A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a painful, pus-filled bump that results from a bacterial infection of the hair follicle. It is a common skin infection, typically caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. The infection usually starts as a tender, pinkish-red, bump which fills with pus- becoming larger and more painful. The…

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Bullous Pemphigoid

Bullous Pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune skin condition. Affected individuals complain of significant itching and can develop an eczema-like rash, a hive-like rash, or large, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. Common areas of involvement include the groin, axillae (armpits), trunk, thighs, and forearms. The skin condition may be localized to a small area or widespread on…

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Candidiasis

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast Candida. Candida skin infections (cutaneous candidiasis) can occur at any site, but tends to favor warm, damp environments such as the skin folds and the groin region. Candida infections can also occur in the mouth (oral thrush) and in or around the nails (paronychia or onychomycosis). Young…

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Cellulitis

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the deeper structures of the skin. The infection presents as a focal area of redness, swelling, and pain which is warm to the touch. These skin findings can be accompanied with fevers, chills, fatigue, and malaise. Cellulitis can affect any part of the body, but is common on…

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Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a scarring alopecia – a condition which leads to destruction of the hair follicle and permanent hair loss. It predominantly affects middle aged Black women. Affected individuals experience a gradually expanding, circular area of hair loss that starts at the crown of the scalp and continues to radiate outwards,…

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Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are cosmetic procedures that use various chemical solutions to exfoliate or peel away the outer layer of the skin. They are commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, skin discoloration, dull complexion, age spots, or sun damaged skin. Typically, chemical peels are performed on the face, but can also…

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Cherry Angiomas

Cherry Angiomas

Cherry angiomas are benign, non worrisome, vascular growths which typically appear in adults over the age of 30. These blood vessel growths can range in color from pink to red to purple. They can range in size from pinhead sized to 1cm in diameter. Most commonly, they appear as red, dome shaped papules on the…

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Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema that develops after the skin comes in contact with a substance that acts as an irritant or allergen. The affected areas become red, inflamed, and itchy. Swelling, blistering, crusting, and oozing can also occur. Irritant contact dermatitis is the more common type, with a rash developing after repeated…

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Cysts

Cysts

Cysts are one of the most common benign skin growths. A cyst consists of a sac or enclosed capsule filled with fluid or semisolid material. Typically, they present as round or dome shaped, nodules or lumps on or underneath the skin. The overlying skin can be unchanged or can have a small opening or punctum.…

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Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes recurrent, intensely itchy blisters to form on the elbows, knees, back, buttocks, and/or scalp. It is linked to the ingestion of gluten found in wheat. It can also occur with celiac disease and has been associated with thyroid disease. The condition is more common in men…

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Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibromas are common, benign skin growths most typically found on legs of women. They present as a pinkish brown, firm, scar-like bump. Sometimes, their appearance is attributed to a preceding insect bite, ingrown hair, or other minor injury or trauma. As the skin growths are harmless, no treatment is needed. However, dermatofibromas can be surgically…

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Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes a skin rash and muscle weakness. The skin rash can present reddish to purplish, dusky discoloration and swelling of the eyelids, particularly the upper eyelids (heliotrope rash). A red rash may also appear on the chest, shoulder, neck or back. Affected individuals may develop pinkish purplish papules over…

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Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of eczema that manifests as intensely itchy blisters that develop on the sides of the fingers, toes, palms, or soles. It can be caused by atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or an id reaction (reaction to a skin infection or skin rash at another site). The condition is most common in…

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Eczema (Dermatitis)

Eczema (Dermatitis)

Eczema refers to a group of conditions characterized by dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. The most common kind of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Other forms of eczema include contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. The term eczema is often used by people to refer to any of these conditions. Treatment depends on…

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Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the female counterpart of the more widely recognized male pattern hair loss. Unlike men who present with a receding hairline and hair loss on the top and front, female pattern hair loss presents with widening of the part line which can progress to generalized thinning.…

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Fillers

Fillers

Fillers (examples: Belotero, Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Sculptra, Voluma) are injectable treatments that help diminish the signs of aging. Fillers are composed of soft, gel-like substances that can either be synthetic or naturally occurring in nature. They can be temporary (absorbable) or permanent (non-absorbable). Fillers are commonly used to plump up lips, restore volume and fullness…

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Folliculitis

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the medical term for inflammation of a hair follicle. It typically presents as pink bumps or pustules (pus filled bumps) centered around a hair follicle. The condition can appear anywhere on the body where there are hairs, including on the face, chest, back, buttocks, and/or legs. The condition can be caused by infections…

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Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a relatively new hair loss condition that was first described in the 1990s. Though initially thought of as a rare condition, frontal fibrosing alopecia has become increasingly more common with the reported incidence increasing worldwide. The cause remains unknown. Classically, it affects white, post-menopausal women over the age of 50. Affected…

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Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the herpes simplex virus- herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Either type can cause genital herpes, but HSV-2 is responsible for most cases. Affected individuals suffer…

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Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma annulare is a harmless type of skin rash that often presents with ring-shaped lesions. Although the condition can appear anywhere on the skin, favored sites are the hands, feet, elbows, and ankles. It is typically found in children, teenagers, and young adults. Granuloma annulare is more prevalent in women. The exact cause for the…

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Hair Loss

Hair Loss

Our body is continually growing new hair. As new hair grows, the old hair is shed. It is normal for an individual to shed or lose between 50 to 100 hairs a day. Hair loss occurs when there is excessive shedding (beyond the typical 50-100 hairs a day) or when the hair follicles become dormant…

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Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition which presents with deep, painful nodules or lumps under the skin. The painful nodules can rupture, leading to drainage of pus and blood. Over time, the painful nodules can connect, forming tunnels under the skin. The condition often results in scarring of the affected areas. Lesions typically occur…

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How to Use Topical Retinoids

How to Use Topical Retinoids

Topical retinoids are available in many over the counter skin care products as well as prescription strength medications. They work to treat a variety of skin care problems ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to acne breakouts and psoriasis. Common side effects of using topical retinoids include: dryness, scaling, peeling, irritation, redness, burning, stinging, itching,…

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Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis is another name for excessive sweating. It is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is usually inherited and begins in childhood or adolescence. The excessive sweating is typically symmetrical and localized to a specific area such as the armpits, palms, soles, and/or face. In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by…

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Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic Scars

A hypertrophic scar is a thickened, raised, oftentimes pink or red scar. Hypertrophic scars can be symptomatic – causing burning, itching, or discomfort. These thickened, raised scars are more likely to occur in areas where there is significant tension on a healing wound; examples include the back, chest, shoulder, elbows, or knees. Though treatment is…

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Impetigo

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that typically affects young children. It is most often caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Affected individuals present with sores that break open leading to honey-colored crusts and scabs. Though lesions can be found anywhere, the face (around the nose and mouth) and extremities…

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Infantile Hemangiomas

Infantile Hemangiomas

An infantile hemangioma is a kind of vascular tumor made up of blood vessels, commonly referred to as a “strawberry birthmark.” The vascular tumor can be superficial (growing on the skin surface), appearing as a bright red, bumpy, lesion. It can also be deep (growing under the skin), presenting as a bluish lump. These vascular…

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Intertrigo

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a common rash found in the folds of the skin. Common areas of involvement include the groin, in the folds of the abdomen, and under the breasts. Because of the friction, warmth, and moisture in the skin folds, the affected areas become red and raw. Symptoms can also include itching and burning. The…

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Keloids

Keloids

Keloids are thick, firm, hard growths that occur as a result of excessive scar tissue formation. They differ from ordinary scars and hypertrophic scars in that the scar tissue extends and spreads beyond the original wound margin. Rarely, these growths can occur spontaneously, even without any preceding skin injury. Keloids are more common in darker…

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Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition characterized by rough, bumpy skin most often found on the back of the arms, thighs, and cheeks. It is a common finding in those with dry and sensitive skin. It typically affects children and teenagers and can improve or resolve over time. The condition is harmless and does…

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Lentigo/Lentigines

Lentigo/Lentigines

A lentigo is a benign skin growth that resembles a freckle. It is usually a tan or brown spot that is flat or only slightly raised. It can vary in size and shape and can occur as a singular lesion or as multiple lesions (lentigines). Lentigines have been classified into several different types depending on…

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Lice

Lice

Lice are tiny insects that live on human hair and clothing fibers and can be seen with the naked eye. These tiny bugs attach to the hair and feed on human blood, causing intense itching in the affected areas. People can suffer from 3 different types of infestation: head lice (pediculosis capitis), body lice (pediculosis…

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Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (such as the mouth and genital region). On the skin, it presents as small, pink to purple, itchy, flat-topped papules. Though the rash can appear anywhere (including on the genital skin), favored sites include the wrists, lower back, and…

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Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that most commonly affects the genital skin. The affected areas become thin, white, crinkled, irritated, and/or intensely itchy. Blisters and sores can also form. Left untreated, the condition can lead to scarring and can increase an individual’s risk for a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell…

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Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Lichen simplex chronicus is a condition where repeated scratching or rubbing of a site creates a localized, itchy, thickened, leathery patch of skin. Lichen simplex chronicus can present as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions—usually in areas that are easy to reach. The most commonly involved sites include the scalp and neck, groin (scrotum…

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Lipoma

Lipoma

Lipomas are common fatty tumors that present as soft or rubbery, lumps or bumps underneath the skin that are easily moved. They can occur as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions (oftentimes occurring in families). Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body where fat tissue is present, but are most common on the trunk,…

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Lupus

Lupus

Lupus is a group of autoimmune diseases where the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue leading to inflammation and damage in the affected organs. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood cells. Types of lupus include: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) This is the most common and also the most…

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Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick (commonly the deer tick). Early symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. Erythema migrans starts as a small red spot at…

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Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Male-patterned baldness or androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss affecting men. The condition can start as early as late teens or early twenties, but typically is more common in older men. By 50 years of age, approximately 50% of white men will have some degree of male pattern hair loss. The…

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Melanoma

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer originating from the pigment producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. Though not as common as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is more deadly because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas can have various appearances. The ABCDEs and Ugly…

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Melasma

Melasma

Melasma is a common skin condition where affected individuals develop splotchy, irregularly shaped, brown patches on the face. Common areas of involvement include the forehead, cheeks, nose, jawline, chin, and even the upper lip. It typically affects women between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common in medium to darker skin tones.…

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Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but very aggressive form of skin cancer. It commonly presents as a rapidly growing nodule or bump on a sun-exposed site such as the face, head, or neck. Merkel cell carcinomas can range in color from flesh colored to red, purple, or blue. This type of aggressive skin cancer…

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Microneedling

Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure used for skin rejuvenation. During treatment, a pen-like device studded with tiny needles are used to make precise, microscopic punctures in the skin. The tiny wounds do not leave scars but instead trigger the skin’s repair mechanism, stimulating collagen production. Microneedling is commonly…

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Moles (Nevi)

Moles (Nevi)

A mole, also known as a nevus (plural: nevi), is a very common skin growth. Moles develop as a result of clusters of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin. Although a mole can be present at birth (called a congenital nevus), most nevi appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have between 10-40 moles.…

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Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum, or molluscum contagiosum, is a common viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). This benign condition typically presents with pink, round bumps with a central indentation. The number of bumps can range in number (few to hundreds) and in size (1-6mm). The bumps can appear anywhere on the skin but prefer…

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Morphea (Localized Scleroderma)

Morphea (Localized Scleroderma)

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a rare condition that causes scar-like changes to the skin. Morphea commonly presents as oval lesions on the trunk (chest, abdomen, and/or back). It can also present as a linear stripe on the arms, legs, and even the forehead or scalp. In its initial inflammatory phase, morphea can…

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Neurofibroma

Neurofibroma

A neurofibroma is a benign, non-cancerous, nerve tumor that presents as a soft, flesh colored, bump on or under the skin. It can occur in isolation as a non-worrisome skin growth or rarely, when numerous lesions are present, as an association with a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis. Most neurofibromas do not require treatment. Categories…

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Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators (Botox, Daxxify, Dysport, Jeaveau, Myobloc, Xeomin) are nonsurgical, cosmetic injectables that are used to temporarily lessen or eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Commonly treated areas include frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. These cosmetic injections work by blocking signals sent between nerves and muscles leading to paralysis of the muscle…

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Nummular Dermatitis

Nummular Dermatitis

Nummular dermatitis is a type of eczema characterized by intensely itchy, red, scaly, and at times weeping or oozing, coin-shaped lesions. Nummular dermatitis typically affects the extremities, with the legs being the most common site of involvement. The condition can occur at any age, with men being affected slightly more often than women. Treatment options…

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Pemphigus

Pemphigus

Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune skin diseases that causes painful blisters to form on the skin and/or mucous membranes (lips, mouth, esophagus, nose, eyes, genitals). The different types of pemphigus include: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans, pemphigus foliaceus, endemic pemphigus, pemphigus erythematosus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. These conditions are characterized by fragile blisters that easily…

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Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a type of rash that typically presents as pink papules (small red bumps) and scaling around the mouth. In addition to affecting the area around the mouth, it can also appear around the nose or eyes and can be referred to as periorificial dermatitis. The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown.…

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Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis alba is often thought of as a low grade form of eczema. It presents with ill-defined, light colored (hypopigmented), slightly scaly patches of skin most commonly found on the face. It affects mainly children and adolescents and is often more noticeable in darker skin tones or tanned skin. The condition is commonly found in…

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Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a common, self-limited rash that typically begins with the appearance of a solitary, enlarging, circular, pink, scaly patch – known as the “herald patch”. In the following 1-2 weeks, numerous smaller, round to oval, pink, scaly patches appear, typically on the trunk in a Christmas-tree-like distribution. Occasionally, the condition can be accompanied…

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Prurigo Nodularis

Prurigo Nodularis

Prurigo nodularis is a condition where repeated scratching or picking at a site creates itchy, raised, hard bumps on the skin. Prurigo nodularis can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the arms, legs, trunk, or buttocks. The condition is more common in older individuals (over 50), Blacks, and those with…

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Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a chronic inflammatory condition which predominantly affects Black men. Affected individuals develop pink papules and pustules around the hair follicles on the face and neck as a result of shaving. As the papules and pustules resolve, it can result in hyperpigmentation (darker discoloration) and scarring. The condition is thought to be caused…

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Psoriasis

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, immune-mediated disease which causes inflammation in the body. It presents as red, scaly, plaques on the skin and can also cause pain and swelling in the joints (known as psoriatic arthritis). The most common sites of skin involvement include the scalp, elbows, and knees. Other frequently involved areas include the hands,…

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Pyogenic Granuloma

Pyogenic Granuloma

Pyogenic granulomas are benign vascular growths that grow rapidly and frequently present as raised, red lesions that bleed with minor trauma. These lesions are most commonly found on the face or fingers, but can also develop on other parts of the skin or oral mucosa (lips or gums). Children, teenagers, young adults, and pregnant women…

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Rosacea

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition which presents with redness of the face, small visible blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, and pimple-like breakouts. Rosacea can also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea) presenting with symptoms such as dryness, redness, burning, and itching of the eyes. Rosacea most typically affects middle-aged women. Though the cause…

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Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition where the immune system goes into overdrive, creating clusters of inflamed tissue called granulomas to form in different parts of the body. Though it can affect many organ systems such as the skin, eyes, heart, and nervous system, involvement of the lungs and lymph nodes is most common. Symptoms can…

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Scabies

Scabies

Scabies is an intensely itchy rash caused by an infestation with a burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Infected individuals develop pink papules, excoriations, nodules, and burrows (thread like tracks in the skin). These findings mainly affect the hands, wrists, axillae (armpits), feet, waistline, and genitalia. It is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a…

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Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune condition that causes the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissue underneath it. The condition can also impact underlying blood vessels and organs. Affected individuals may exhibit Raynaud’s phenomenon – a condition where the fingers and toes may become numb and cool and turn white or blue in…

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Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia are benign, non-worrisome, enlarged oil gland growths. They present as pinkish orange or yellow papules, sometimes with a central dell, most commonly found on the central face of middle aged or older people. Sebaceous hyperplasia can also be found on the chest, areola, mouth, or groin region. It is thought that they may…

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Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common skin condition which presents with itchy, red patches of skin, greasy scales, and flaking. Common areas of involvement include the scalp, ears, eyebrow region, and sides of the nose. It typically occurs in infants younger than 3 months of age and in adults ages 30-60. In infants, the condition…

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Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses are very common skin growths that tend to develop with age. They are benign and not worrisome. These growths are commonly found on the head, neck, chest, or back, though they can appear anywhere on the body with the exception of the palms and soles. Seborrheic keratoses can be white, tan, brown, or…

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Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles is a rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (also known as the varicella zoster virus or VZV). Classically, the rash affects only one side of the body, within a single stripe or band known as a dermatome. There may be a prodrome consisting of pain, itching, or tingling localized to the…

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Skin Care for Dry, Sensitive Skin Types

Skin Care for Dry, Sensitive Skin Types

Dry skin is a common skin condition that results when the skin loses moisture and its natural oils resulting in scaling, flaking, cracking, and itching. It is sometimes also referred to as xeroderma or xerosis. Dry skin affects people of any age and skin type and can occur anywhere on the body. Dry skin can…

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Skin Tags

Skin Tags

Skin tags are very common, benign, skin growths. They present as fleshy outgrowths of the skin, at times extending from a stalk or stem. They are frequently found in areas of high friction such as around the neck, in the axilla (armpits), or in the groin folds. They are usually flesh colored, but can also…

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most commonly occurring type of skin cancer. It appears most frequently in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight, such as the face, nose, ears, lips, neck, and back of the hands. Squamous cell carcinomas can present as rough, scaly, red patches; wart or horn-like lesions; or tender, crusted…

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Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis is a type of eczema that develops on the lower legs as a result of poor circulation. In affected people, the valves in the deep leg veins that help push blood back to the heart begin to fail, leading to the leakage of fluid, varicose veins, and subsequent swelling of the lower legs.…

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Stretch Marks (Striae)

Stretch Marks (Striae)

Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when the skin stretches rapidly. Examples include: growth spurts during puberty, pregnancy, rapid weight loss or gain, and bodybuilding. It can appear as pinkish, purplish, or flesh colored linear bands or streaks on the skin that are depressed or indented. Common sites of involvement include arms…

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Sun Safety

Sun Safety

Protection from UV radiation is important all year round, even on cloudy or cold days. UV radiation can even reflect off water, sand, and snow. Below are some tips on sun safety: Use sunscreen. Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen (one which blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF 30 or higher. Apply liberally,…

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Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Sunscreen use is critical to protecting your skin from UV radiation. Wearing the right sunscreen will allow you to maximize your time in the sun while being protected from its harmful rays. Dermatologists recommend picking a broad spectrum sunscreen (one which blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply…

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Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a common cause of temporary hair loss caused by excessive shedding of telogen or resting hairs. All hair cycles through the stages of hair growth – from growing to involution to resting and eventually shedding. In a normal scalp, about 90-95% of hair follicles are in the growing phase, with only about…

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The Damaging Effects of UV Radiation

The Damaging Effects of UV Radiation

The sun emits UV radiation in the form of UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays, which are the longest, penetrate the deepest in the skin and are responsible for tanning and premature aging. UVB rays are shorter and responsible for vitamin D production in the skin. UVB rays are also the cause of sunburning. UVC…

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Tinea

Tinea

Tinea refers to a group of fungal infections which can affect the skin, hair, and nails. The specific name of the infection depends on the affected area of the body. A few common examples include: tinea capitis (infection of the scalp/head) – often referred to as ringworm tinea corporis (infection of the body) – often…

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Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is a common skin infection caused by the overgrowth of a yeast. Typically, it presents as patchy areas of lighter or darker discoloration on the trunk and shoulders that can be scaly in appearance. It can affect anyone, but is more common in teens and young adults. Though the…

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Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs as a result of the hair being pulled too tightly. It commonly occurs in hair styles such as ponytails, buns, tight braids, cornrows, hair weaves, and hair extensions. The prolonged traction or pulling leads to hair breakage and resultant hair loss in the affected areas,…

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Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria is the medical term for hives – a common skin rash which presents with itchy pink welts. The welts can vary in size, shape, and distribution. A defining characteristic is that the individual lesions are transient, appearing and resolving within a 24 hour period. So, even though an individual may suffer from hives for…

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Venous Lakes

Venous Lakes

Venous lakes are bluish, purplish, vascular papules that occur on sun exposed areas such as the ears and lips. They are a result of long-term sun exposure and sun damage. As they are harmless, no treatment is necessary. However, they can be treated or removed if bothersome or symptomatic. Categories Disclaimer: The information on this…

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Vitiligo

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease which causes the loss or inactivation of pigment producing cells in the skin, resulting in light or white patches of skin and hair. The degree and severity of pigment loss can vary from person to person. In some, it is localized to a small area or streak. In others, the…

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Warts

Warts

Warts are non-cancerous, benign growths on the skin that are caused by infection from viruses known as human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common type of warts include: common warts, plantar warts (warts that appear on the soles of the feet), flat warts, and genital warts. Warts can present as rough, raised, hard bumps with tiny…

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