Moles are common. In fact, light-skinned adults typically have 10 to 40 “common” or “normal” moles on their skin. When you talk to your dermatologist about your moles, he or she may use the word “nevus.” Nevus is the medical term for mole. When your dermatologist is talking about two or more

Skin cancer is the most common cancer. Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. The most common warning signs of skin cancer include changes in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin lesion or

If you have acne, also called acne vulgaris, you’re not alone. It is the most common skin condition in the United States. Approximately 40 to 50 million Americans have acne. Most are teens and young adults but it can occur at any age.Newborns get acne. Children get acne. Even menopausal women get acne. At

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a condition in which your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. Lupus can affect many organs in your body, including your skin. The skin is affected in approximately two-thirds of people who have lupus. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) flare WHAT IS LUPUS? There

Lichen planus is a skin disease that also is common inside the mouth. It also can affect your genitals, scalp, fingernails and toenails. WHAT DOES LICHEN PLANUS LOOK LIKE? On each part of the body, lichen planus looks somewhat different. The following describes what you can see on each part of the body. Skin On

Unwanted hair is a concern for many people. If unwanted hair bothers you, you may want to discuss this with your dermatologist. Many dermatologists offer treatment for unwanted hair. One treatment option is laser hair removal. Laser hair removal reduces the amount of unwanted hair. A laser sends beams

Hyperhidrosis is excess sweating. We all need to sweat to keep our bodies cool. However, people with hyperhidrosis seem to have overactive sweat glands. They may sweat even when their body does not need cooling. Many people who have hyperhidrosis sweat from one or more areas of the body. Most often,

Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin color. Avoiding overexposure to the sun is the most preventable way to reduce your risk for all skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen are important ways to protect your skin

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is an inflammatory disease that causes bumps to appear on the skin. While these bumps may resemble pimples or boils, they typically appear in places where acne does not, such as the underarms and groin. Many people have HS for life. When the condition

Herpes simplex is a common viral infection. If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you’ve been infected with the herpes simplex virus. Most cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is why HSV-1 is also called “oral herpes.” A different yet closely related herpes simplex virus,

Hand rashes are common. Our hands touch so many things that can cause a rash. WHY DO HAND RASHES DEVELOP? A hand rash can occur because of something you touched or something going on inside your body. Some rashes appear almost immediately. Others develop over time. Many people get a hand rash from substances

When your hair starts to thin or fall out, it can be troubling. If you are experiencing hair loss, a board-certified dermatologist can help determine what type of hair loss you have and recommend treatment options. WHAT IS NORMAL HAIR GROWTH? With more than 100,000 hair follicles on your scalp, about

Genital warts are warts that form in the genital area. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) in people who are infected with this virus. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Only a few types of HPV can cause genital warts. HOW DO PEOPLE GET

For most people, a fungal infection causes a mild skin rash or itching of the skin. Most fungal infections develop on the skin, but a fungal infection also can affect the nails and hair. If a person has a weak immune system due to a medical condition such as HIV or cancer, a fungal infection may be more

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic. This is due to collagen and elastin, the tissues that keep the skin firm, becoming weaker. You may begin to notice fine lines and sagging skin on your face and neck. You also may notice uneven skin tone, sun damage, and visible blood vessels. Dermatologists

Your dermatologist has recommended a topical corticosteroid to treat your child’s eczema. This tip sheet will provide you with information on how to use this medication and what to expect while your child is using this medication. Read through this information and follow any personalized instructions

Eczema is a disease that causes patches of dry, red skin, often accompanied by intense itchiness. Scratching the skin can damage its surface and make the rash worse. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. This disease usually begins very early in life. It often occurs in infants and young

Dry skin and keratosis pilaris are common. Dry skin can occur at any age and for many reasons. Keratosis pilaris is an inherited skin condition that develops in almost half of the population. Sometimes a dermatologist’s help is necessary to get relief from dry skin and keratosis pilaris. WHAT IS DRY

A tan is a sign that your skin has been injured. Whether you are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays or visit an indoor tanning salon, every time you tan, your skin is damaged. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of skin cancer. CAN

A cosmeceutical is a unique type of skin care product. Many diverse products fit into this category. Cosmeceuticals include: Anti-aging products that can reduce wrinkles, smooth rough skin and brighten skin tone Creams and lotions that can lighten skin Sunscreen What all these products have in common

There are a variety of common benign (noncancerous) growths that can appear on the skin. These growths arise for different reasons, and you may develop many of them at one time. Some appear after an injury to the skin or in response to years of sun damage, while others simply develop due to normal aging.

A chemical peel is a treatment used to improve your skin’s appearance. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing the top layers of skin to flake or peel away. This reveals new skin that is smoother, appears less wrinkled and may be more even in color. WHAT CAN A CHEMICAL PEEL DO FOR MY SKIN? A

Bullous (buhl-uhs) diseases are a group of rare blistering diseases. The blisters can form on the skin and mucous membranes. A mucous membrane is the moist tissue lining the mouth, nose, eyes, throat, esophagus (tube that runs from the throat to the stomach), anus, and genitals. There is no cure for

WHAT IS ALOPECIA AREATA? Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in both children and adults. It often begins with a few bald spots on the scalp. It is possible to lose hair anywhere on your body, though. Some people have noticeable hair loss on their eyebrows and/or eyelashes.

An allergic contact rash (also called allergic contact dermatitis) is a skin reaction that occurs when allergy-causing substances (allergens) touch your skin. If you are sensitive to them, the allergens can cause an itchy rash on swollen, reddened skin. The skin may blister, ooze, form a crust, or flake

An actinic keratosis (plural: actinic keratoses) is a common skin growth. In fact, AK treatment is one of the most common reasons that people visit the dermatologist. AKs are caused by years of unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning beds. AKs are considered precancerous

A dermatologist is a medical doctor with extensive training, experience, and dedication for keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy—and healthy-looking—throughout your lifetime. SHOULD I SEE A DERMATOLOGIST? A dermatologist is uniquely trained to look at your skin with their eyes and other tools. Dermatologists

Warts are common benign growths (not cancer). Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. They are contagious and spread easily. Many people get a wart when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone else who has a wart. You also can get a wart by touching something that touched another person’s

Most people who develop vitiligo will have it for the rest of their lives. It is very rare for vitiligo to completely improve. WHO GETS VITILIGO? People of all races and skin colors get vitiligo. About half of those who develop vitiligo do so by age 20, while nearly 95 percent develop vitiligo by age

Vitamin D is an important chemical that helps your body maintain strong and healthy bones. Vitamin D helps the body to use calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are necessary for healthy bones. Your body naturally produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. You also

Birthmarks on the skin of a newborn or that develop on a child’s skin can be upsetting for parents. Most birthmarks appear on the skin when a baby is born. Some develop on a child’s skin after birth. No matter when they develop, most birthmarks are harmless and many even go away on their own or shrink

Tumescent liposuction is a surgical procedure that can safely remove stubborn pockets of fat. It is a surgical procedure. It is not a weight-loss surgery. Dermatologists recommend tumescent liposuction for patients who want to: Remove limited, small amounts of fat that remain despite dieting and exercising Treat

Although we can’t see it, we all have yeast living on the surface of our skin. When it is hot and humid, yeast tends to grow more quickly. An overgrowth of a certain type of yeast, known as pityriasis versicolor, on the skin can cause a common skin condition known as tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor

How your dermatologist can help If you are considering getting a tattoo or other body art, it is a good idea to speak with your dermatologist. Even if you already have body art and are thinking about adding more, a talk with your dermatologist is still a good idea. Your dermatologist can help you: Separate

Sun protection is important for everyone, no matter what your age. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Whether you’re enjoying a day together at the beach or watching your child participate in an outdoor sport, it’s important to develop habits that will protect the whole