If you have a cold sore – small blisters on the lip or around the mouth – you’re not alone. More than half of Americans ages 14 to 49 carry the virus that causes cold sores. The virus stays in the body even after the cold sores clear. If the virus reactivates, or wakes up, you could get cold sores. Cold

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP): Overview What is dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans?   Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: This raised, reddish-brown patch began as a small red lump that grew slowly. Dermatofibrosarcoma (dur-mah-toe-fy-bro-sar-co-ma) protuberans (pro-to-bur-anz) (DFSP) is a rare

  Hives: An allergy to a medicine can cause hives. Hives: Overview Also called urticaria  Hives are welts on the skin that often itch. These welts can appear on any part of the skin. Hives vary in size from as small as a pen tip to as large as a dinner plate. They may connect to form even larger

Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your skin. When diabetes affects the skin, it’s often a sign that your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. This could mean that: You have undiagnosed diabetes, or pre-diabetes Your treatment for diabetes needs to be adjusted If

How you wash your face can make a difference in your appearance. Follow these tips from dermatologists to help you keep your face looking healthy. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol. Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser.

Fillers: Overview Also called soft-tissue fillers, dermal fillers, soft-tissue augmentation As we age, our skin loses its youthful fullness. Fillers help to restore lost fullness to the face, lips, and hands.  Fillers are popular for several reasons. Patients like that they can return to everyday

  Hidradenitis suppurativa: This skin disease often forms on the underarm. Hidradenitis suppurativa: Overview Also called acne inversa What is hidradenitis suppurativa? Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a disease that usually begins as pimple-like bumps on the skin. The pimple-like bumps tend to develop

Atopic dermatitis: Overview Also called: Eczema 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 To avoid confusion, we’ll use the medical term atopic

These basic tips will help you apply a self-tanner so you get even coverage and longer-lasting results. Follow these steps: Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. Using an exfoliating product also will help remove dead skin cells. Spend a little more time

  Basal cell carcinoma: This skin cancer often forms on skin that has received years of sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma: Overview Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It’s also the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Every year, millions of people

Most children’s atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, does not have a clear cause, such as an allergy, dermatologists say most eczema will improve with good skin care. Research shows that by treating the eczema, the better the skin can function. With eczema, the skin can become very dry, itchy, and

  Alopecia areata: This disease causes hair loss and often occurs in otherwise healthy people. Alopecia areata: Overview 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

Adult acne: This 25-year-old woman has had acne for years and gets the typical deep, inflamed pimples and cysts common in adult acne. Why it happens and what you can do for it Acne can be particularly frustrating for adults. A treatment that worked so well during our teen years can be useless —

Do you know how to spot skin cancer? In this video, the American Academy of Dermatology used an ultraviolet camera to show people the sun damage hidden underneath their skin. While you can’t see all the sun damage on your skin, it’s important to check the spots you can see – before it’s too late. Everyone

Many treatments that enhance the appearance of your hair can actually damage it, causing your hair to become dry and brittle. Follow these dermatologists’ tips to prevent dry, brittle hair: When dyeing your hair, stay ‘on shade’. Choose a dye within three shades of your natural color. Typically

  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. Contact dermatitis: Overview Almost everyone gets this type of eczema at least once. We get contact dermatitis when something that our