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 are contagious. Warts can spread […]
Vitiligo
Vitiligo (vit-uh-lie-go) causes the skin to lose color. Patches of lighter skin appear. Some people develop a few patches. Others lose much more skin color. Vitiligo usually affects the skin, but it can develop anywhere we have pigment. Patches of hair can turn white. Some people lose color inside their mouths. Even an eye can […]
Tinea Versicolor
We all have yeast living on our skin. When the yeast grow out of control, a person can get a skin disease called tinea versicolor. Your dermatologist may tell you that you have a fungal infection on your skin. Yeast is a type of fungus. Tinea versicolor is not contagious. You cannot get tinea versicolor […]
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma: Signs and symptoms This skin cancer often develops on skin that has soaked up the sun for years. The face, ears, lips, backs of the hands, arms, and legs are common places for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to form. Signs include: A bump or lump on the skin that can feel rough. […]
Skin Cancers
What are skin cancers? Skin cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant (cancer). The three most common types are: Melanoma: Melanoma begins in melanocytes (pigment cells). Most melanocytes are in the skin. Melanoma can occur on any skin surface. In men, it’s often found on the skin on the head, on […]
Skin Cancer
It is possible to find skin cancer early. This cancer begins where we can see it. The first sign may be a slowly growing bump, a changing mole, or a dry and scaly rough patch. When treated before it spreads, most skin cancers can be cured. Even melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can […]
Shingles
Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. After the chickenpox clears, the virus stays in the body. If the virus reactivates (wakes up), the result is shingles — a painful, blistering rash. Shingles is most common in older adults. A vaccine, which can prevent shingles, is available to people ages 50 and older. Dermatologists […]
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratosis (seb-o-REE-ik care-uh-TOE-sis) is a common skin growth. It may look worrisome, but it is benign (not cancer). These growths often appear in middle-aged and older adults. Some people get just one. It is, however, more common to have many. They are not contagious. Most often seborrheic keratoses start as small, rough bumps. Then […]
Sebaceous Carcinoma
What is sebaceous carcinoma? Sebaceous (suh-bey-shuhs) carcinoma (SC) is a rare skin cancer. It is considered an aggressive skin cancer because it can spread. Found early and treated, treatment is often successful. It is helpful to know that: Most SCs begin on an eyelid. You may notice a painless, round, firmly implanted tumor on your […]
Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) can appear anywhere on the skin. When it forms on the scalp, it is often called scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) can appear anywhere on the skin. Scalp psoriasis can extend beyond the scalp. It can appear on the forehead as shown in the picture on this page. Sometimes, it extends to the back […]
