Genital Warts
Also called condylomata acuminata Genital warts are warts that appear in the genital area. There can be 1 wart or a cluster of warts. People get these warts by picking up the human papillomavirus (HPV) from someone who is already infected with this virus. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. It is possible to […]
Eczema
Also called dermatitis What is eczema? Eczema is a general term. Dermatologists use it to describe skin conditions that can cause the skin to swell and discolor. The skin is often dry and itchy. Sometimes blisters form. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. When people say “eczema,” this is often what they […]
Dry Skin
Dry, ashy skin: People who had atopic dermatitis as children often have very dry skin as adults. Dry skin is common. It can occur at any age and for many reasons. Using a moisturizer often helps repair dry skin. Sometimes people need a dermatologist’s help to get relief from dry skin. Extremely dry skin […]
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
What is dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans? Dermatofibrosarcoma (dur-mah-toe-fy-bro-sar-co-ma) protuberans (pro-to-bur-anz) (DFSP) is a rare skin cancer. It begins in the middle layer of skin, the dermis. DFSP tends to grow slowly. It seldom spreads to other parts of the body. Because DFSP rarely spreads, this cancer has a high survival rate. Treatment is important, though. Without treatment, […]
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis: Many health care workers develop an allergy to latex, as did this nurse. Her rash is due to touching her face while wearing latex gloves. Almost everyone gets this type of eczema at least once. We get contact dermatitis when something that our skin touches causes a rash. Some rashes happen immediately. Most […]
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma: This skin cancer often forms on skin that has received years of sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. More than two million cases of this skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. This skin cancer usually develops on skin that gets […]
Atopic Dermatitis
Also called eczema Atopic dermatitis: This disease often appears before a child’s first birthday and causes itchy skin that is red, warm, and tender. This is a common skin disease in children. It is so common that people have given it a few names: Eczema (name most people use). Dermatitis. Atopic (a-top-ic) eczema. Atopic dermatitis. […]
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata: This disease causes hair loss and often occurs in otherwise healthy people. Alopecia (al-oh-PEE-shah) means hair loss. When a person has a medical condition called alopecia areata (ar-ee-AH-tah), the hair falls out in round patches. The hair can fall out on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Alopecia areata can cause different […]
Actinic Keratosis
What is Actinic Keratosis? Also called solar keratosis Actinic keratoses (AKs): AKs form on skin that soaks up lots of sun over the years. An actinic keratosis (ak-ti-nik ker-ah-TOE-sis), or AK, is a rough, dry, scaly patch or growth that forms on the skin. An AK forms when the skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet […]
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Although it’s common, accurate information about acne can be scarce. This can make it difficult to get clearer skin. The information on this site can help you understand acne and how to successfully treat it. Why treat acne? Myths about acne are as common […]
