skin_disease.id,skin_disease.ts,skin_disease.title,skin_disease.description,skin_disease.alt
1,"2018-02-05 21:10:01","10 Ways to Prevent and Treat Cradle Cap","To many people, there's nothing as precious, innocent or defenseless as a baby. That's why it may be more than a little alarming when babies develop discolored, scaly, crusty patches over their soft new skin. This condition is known to doctors as seborrheic dermatitis, and to the rest of us as cradle cap. Despite the name, it can involve not only the scalp, but also the face and other parts of the body. And it can affect toddlers as well as infants. As unsightly as the condition may appear, rest assured that cradle cap is both completely harmless and temporary. It's basically the infant form of dandruff. Nevertheless, it may be hard to look at such a skin condition on your baby without wanting to do something about it. If you'd like your baby's skin to be clear for the next set of family pictures, read on to learn how to combat cradle cap.","Cradle cap normally affects infants, but even toddlers have been known to get it. See more pictures of skin problems."
2,"2018-02-05 21:10:04","Top 5 Ways to Treat Diaper Rash","There's a lot for a baby to deal with in the first year of life: adjusting to life outside the cozy confines of the womb, breaking in nervous parents and posing for lots of pictures. And for more than one in three babies, life will also include the irritation and discomfort of diaper rash [source: Murkoff, et al]. It's an alarming sight for parents: buttocks that are red and splotchy, thighs that look rubbed raw, and genital areas that look inflamed. Some children may experience just a mild case, while for others, diaper rash only seems to worsen and linger. There are different types of diaper rash and different contributing factors. The soreness, rash and chafing that are the hallmarks of diaper rash can be caused by friction, moisture, bacteria, antibiotics and even chemicals. Generally, an initial irritant such as moisture agitates the skin, leaving the weakened skin susceptible to other factors such as bacteria. Fortunately, babies are less prone to diaper rash as they get older and their skin toughens up a bit. When it comes to fighting the War on Diaper Rash, the best offense is a good defense. As is the case with fruit flies in a kitchen, preventing diaper rash is much easier than getting rid of it. The following five preventive measures will help keep your baby happy, healthy and full of smiles during diaper changes.","You wouldn't be a happy camper if you had diaper rash, either. See more pictures of skin problems."
3,"2018-02-05 21:10:08","Baby Heat Rash","Being a parent is often considered to be one of the toughest jobs in the world. It seems as though new studies or articles come out on a regular basis telling you about something else you should do or avoid doing to raise the healthiest child possible. But you might look at it this way: Life is too short to sweat the small stuff -- especially when sweating can lead to heat rash. Heat rash is a relatively common condition, particularly in young children. It usually develops in hot and humid weather when the sweat ducts become blocked and clothing rubs the skin, causing redness and irritation [source: Rauch]. Although annoying and uncomfortable, the good news is that heat rash usually heals on its own in just a few days. More good news (especially for children) -- heat rash is not infectious or contagious. Keep Reading Below","Heat rash is common in babies because their pores are small and can get blocked easily. See more pictures of skin problems."
4,"2018-02-05 21:10:08","Cradle Cap","There are so many things to worry about as a parent with a baby in the house -- the foods your baby eats, the toys he plays with, the daycare center you use. So if you see scaly, flaky patches on your baby's scalp, you might stress out. Your baby is most likely suffering from nothing more than a bad case of cradle cap, or infantile sebborheic dermatitis. If a child has cradle cap, thick crusting and white or yellow scales may appear on his or her head. And although it may look pretty gross, cradle cap isn't actually harmful to your baby. It's a relatively common condition among newborns. No one knows for sure what causes it, but scientists think that genetics, bacteria that live on the human skin, stress, environment and general health may have a hand in causing the scaly disorder. Fortunately, cradle cap usually goes away fairly quickly. Keep Reading Below","Cradle cap is common among newborns, but the symptoms typically disappear within a few months. See more pictures of skin problems."
5,"2018-02-05 21:10:12","Erythema Toxicum Overview","Unlike cars, babies don't come with instruction manuals. They don't come with warning lights, either. Being a new parent is a learning experience, and it isn't always easy. But it is easy to worry about something that seems abnormal, like a rash, on your newborn baby. Keep in mind, however, that rashes -- and a number of other conditions -- are incredibly common, and you probably have nothing to worry about. The most common rash on newborns is called erythema toxicum; you might be surprised to learn that it actually affects about half of all newborn babies [source: Rauch]. Don't worry, it sounds a lot worse than it is. Erythema toxicum may affect a majority of newborns, but it's also completely harmless. Most new parents don't know that, which can cause a bit of unnecessary distress. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Erythema toxicum is the most common rash among newborn babies. See more pictures of skin problems."
6,"2018-02-05 21:10:14","Fifth Disease Overview","There are probably plenty of diseases you associate with childhood. And whether it's chickenpox, mumps or rubella, you usually know what to expect from them -- some sort of itchy rash and maybe a mild fever. Typically, these illnesses run their course without serious lasting effects. Similar in many ways to these other rash-causing conditions, parvovirus infection -- sometimes referred to as ""fifth disease"" or ""slapped cheek disease"" -- often gets overlooked or misdiagnosed. In fact, people call parvovirus fifth disease because it shares so many traits with four different childhood rashes: measles, scarlet fever, rubella and Dukes' disease. Like the others, most people get it as children -- as many as 40 to 60 percent of people have had parvovirus infection. Keep Reading Below","The symptoms of fifth disease are usually more serious in adults than they are in children. See more pictures of skin problems."
7,"2018-02-05 21:10:16",Hemangiomas,"If you notice a spot growing on your newborn son or daughter, your first reaction is probably alarm. But if the lesion is small and red, there's probably no need to worry. You should definitely have it looked at by a doctor, but chances are it's just a hemangioma. Despite their ominous name, hemangiomas are just vascular birthmarks made from growths of extra blood vessels. They also happen to be pretty common; about one in every 50 babies develops a hemangioma [source: Greene]. Hemangiomas typically develop on the skin as flat, red lesions that grow over time, and they can be divided into two main types: capillary and cavernous [source: O'Malley]. Capillary hemangiomas, once commonly known as strawberry hemangiomas and sometimes called superficial hemangiomas, appear as raised, red growths on the skin's surface. Cavernous hemangiomas are sometimes called deep hemangiomas because they develop beneath the skin and bulge out, turning the skin above them a shade of purple. Growths that are both capillary and cavernous are called compound hemangiomas, and they tend to grow large [source: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology]. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Hemangiomas are a type of vascular birthmark common in young children. See more pictures of skin problems."
8,"2018-02-05 21:10:19","Milia Overview","Countless procedures and applications of topical exfoliating creams are supposed to remove and prevent skin flaws. But leave it to stubborn dead cells to find a way around your smooth skin routine, turning your face into a sea of pinpoint-sized bumps. In fact, your very diligent skin care plan may be at fault -- it can actually traumatize your skin and make you a prime candidate for milia. Milia are raised, whitish bumps on the skin that commonly appear on infants after birth, but adults can get them too. The miniscule, pimple-like cysts appear because dead skin cells are trapped in the surface of the skin or mouth [source: University of Maryland Medical Center]. The primary form of milia generally goes away on its own in both infants and adults. Adults, however, may also experience milia's secondary form, which requires some medical attention. Keep Reading Below","In adults, milia can occur anywhere there are sweat ducts, but infants usually get them on their faces. See more pictures of skin problems."
9,"2018-02-05 21:10:23","Top 5 Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash","Uh oh. Your baby is crying, and he looks uncomfortable. When you check his diaper, you see blotchy red skin that looks like it's been burned. This is a classic sign of diaper rash. Diaper rash is a form of dermatitis, a skin rash that happens when the area of skin covered by the diaper becomes inflamed. A diaper rash can flare up when the skin is in contact with a wet or dirty diaper for too long, or if the baby has diarrhea. Diaper rash can also occur when babies starts eating solid foods, because their stool may change and irritate the area. Some babies even get diaper rash because their bodies react to the chemicals found in disposable diapers or detergents used on cloth diapers. Some cases of diaper rash can be severe, where the skin blisters, bleeds or oozes fluid. This may be due to a secondary infection and should be looked at by a doctor. Luckily, most cases of diaper rash are easy to treat at home and can even be prevented. Let's take a look at some of the tactics you can use to combat diaper rash.","Diapers can overwhelm a baby's skin, but there are things you can do to prevent a rash from occurring. See more parenting pictures."
10,"2018-02-05 21:10:23","Why are some babies treated with bili lights?","If you've ever been in the neonatal unit of a hospital, you may have seen babies wearing tiny eye shields under blue lights. It almost looks like the babies are in some kind of weird blue tanning bed. Those blue beams are called bili lights, and they help prevent newborns from getting brain damage or other complications from a condition known as newborn jaundice. Newborn jaundice, or hyperbilirubinemia, occurs when a newborn's liver isn't quite up to the task of breaking down red blood cells for excretion. The resulting buildup of the byproduct bilirubin in the body's tissues turns the infant's eyes and skin yellowish. Left untreated, the condition can lead to cerebral palsy, brain damage or hearing loss. Some amount of jaundice is expected in newborns, since the infant's liver has to take over the job of breaking down bilirubin for the first time -- the placenta and the mother's liver do the work before birth. If the jaundice lasts too long, is accompanied by other factors, or if the baby has risk factors such as being born prematurely, then treatment is necessary [source: National Institutes of Health]. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Bili lights help newborns recover from jaundice. See more skin problem pictures."
11,"2018-02-05 21:10:28","What is a birthmark?","Many babies have birthmarks when they are born. Some birthmarks appear in the first few weeks of life. These marks can be red, pink, brown, tan or blue. There is no way to prevent birthmarks. They are not inherited, and very little is known about how they occur. Most are benign and fade in early childhood. Some birthmarks, however, may be more dramatic and cause cosmetic problems, or even be precursors to cancer. There are two major categories of birthmarks: pigmented and red. Keep Reading Below","The two major types of birthmarks are red and pigmented."
12,"2018-02-05 21:10:28","Research May Show Why Acne Today Means Younger-looking Skin Tomorrow","If you're one of the jillions of people who endured acne as a teenager — or are still living with it — take heart. Looks like you'll have the last laugh as you age. You'll stay younger-looking longer than your clear-skinned friends. Scientists have long recognized that people with acne have fewer wrinkles and less thinning of skin than those who sail through adolescence on a sea of smooth, blemish-free skin. Some thought this was due to increased oil production. Now, they may have found another reason. In a study of 1,205 sets of female twins, 25 percent of whom self-reported having had acne, researchers in the U.K. found that the women with acne had significantly longer white blood cell telomeres (aka chromosome caps) than women with clearer skin. Telomeres keep cells from dying leading to less appearance of aging for those fortunate enough to have been born with those longer telomeres. Much like a plastic protector covers the end of your shoelace, telomeres keep chromosome ends from fraying, which keeps an organism's genetic information intact. Without telomeres, cells could not divide without losing genes. However, as cells divide, which they do throughout our lives to replenish skin and other organs, telomeres shrink. Once telomeres are too small, cells stop dividing and our skin (and other organs) begin to degrade. The shortening of telomeres has not only been linked to aging, but also to cancer and increased risk of death.   ""For many years dermatologists have identified that the skin of acne sufferers appears to age more slowly than in those who have not experienced any acne in their lifetime,"" said Simone Ribero, a dermatologist from the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King's College in London and the lead author of this study, in a press release. ""Whilst this has been observed in clinical settings, the cause of this was previously unclear.",
13,"2018-02-05 21:10:33","How to Get Rid of Warts","One of the most common myths about warts is that you can catch them from toads. In reality, warts are usually spread through contact with another person, not an amphibian. And what causes the infection? Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is usually discussed in relation to sexually transmitted infections, but there are around 100 strains of the virus. Only some of them cause warts, which can develop on the genitals, hands (palmer warts), bottoms of the feet (plantar warts) and just about anywhere else. Kids are more prone to them because their immune systems are immature, but children's warts also seem to disappear more quickly. Keep Reading Below","Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, occur on the soles of feet and toes and can be difficult to get rid of."
14,"2018-02-05 21:10:33","5 Things to Know About Plantar Warts","For those of us whose mobility depends on our feet, a plantar wart can make daily life a real pain. Plantar warts look a little different from those on other parts of the body. They're found on the soles of your feet, usually where you bear your weight most -- the heel and ball. These rough growths of skin come in gray, brown or yellow, and what you see is only a tiny part of the wart. The rest is underneath the skin (and much larger). Plantar warts can go away on their own, but that may take years. Considering the pain and inconvenience they can cause, you want to know how to treat them -- and prevent them from cropping up to begin with.","Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, occur on the soles of your feet."
15,"2018-02-05 21:10:38","Quick Tips: Red Blotches on Your Face","You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and, what is that, a pimple? Chances are good it is -- an estimated 17 million of your fellow Americans are also scrutinizing acne in their mirrors [source: Nemours]. But look a little closer at that red spot -- it may not be a pimple at all, but rather red, inflamed skin. If you suffer from red blotches on your face, you might be tempted to blame it on the elusive conditions of sensitive skin and cover up your skin's blotchy appearance with makeup, but do your skin a favor and hunt down the reason your skin is red to begin with. There are a few common reasons we find ourselves with red, blotchy skin. First let's talk about sun damage and sun exposure. You're familiar with sunburn, sometimes despite your best sunscreen-applying efforts. But for some people, exposure to sunlight can cause a red rash and blotchy, scaly skin -- this is called photosensitivity, and is can be caused by an immunological response (it's a sun allergy). Some medications including oral contraceptives, antihistamines and some types of antibiotics can also cause sun sensitivity, as can some exfoliating and anti-aging skin care products. Keep Reading Below","How can you get rid of annoying red blotches?"
16,"2018-02-05 21:10:39","5 Things You Need to Know About Milia","From acne to sensitive skin, there's no shortage of beauty woes. However, there may be one you're suffering from that you may not even know by name. Have you ever noticed small, pearly-white bumps on your cheeks and around your eyes? Unlike acne, which most of us know when we see it -- and how could you not when it's probably big and red and right in the middle of your face -- most of us have these small white bumps but have absolutely no idea what they are, what caused them or how to get rid of them. First things first: These bumps aren't a rash, nor are they caused by an infection or an allergy. They're called milium, and milia is harmless. Most people find they only notice their milia because they see it in the mirror, not because it's bothersome. There are two primary types of milia: primary and secondary, and here we'll talk about what causes each type as well as what the treatment options are and how to prevent them. Primary milia occur most often in infancy, and we'll start our list of things to know with pediatric milia, next.",
17,"2018-02-05 21:10:42","Reducing Acne Scars Image Gallery",,""" title="
18,"2018-02-05 21:10:42","At a Glance: Varicose Veins","Veins, like other internal structures of the body, are things most of us prefer to remain unseen. But when a condition like varicose veins develops, the gnarled, swollen blood vessels are on display for the world to see -- through the skin, that is. While this condition is rarely dangerous, it can lead to cosmetic concerns and physical discomfort. Varicose veins are caused when small vein valves begin to leak. The role of the veins is to return oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. But gravity takes a toll on this process, straining the progress of blood flow from the feet and legs (which is where varicose veins most often crop up). This can cause one-way valves to work less efficiently. And, as a result, blood pools in the veins and causes them to enlarge. This gives the veins their swollen look -- and it's the deoxygenated blood that gives them their blue hue. Keep Reading Below","If you have varicose veins, consider compression hose, which help move blood back up to the heart and lungs."
19,"2018-02-05 21:10:47","At a Glance: Broken Capillaries","Slightly below the surface of your skin lies a tiny network of blood vessels that help distribute fuel through the blood and remove waste from your body. These vessels look like veins, but the branched structures are much smaller. They're called capillaries. Keep Reading Below","Prevention may be the best medicine when it comes to avoiding broken capillaries on your face."
20,"2018-02-05 21:10:51","10 Natural Ways To Prevent and Heal Bruises","Nobody likes going around with a bruise. People see a bruise, and they think you're living in an after-school special or you're a complete klutz. Both are bad, but luckily for you and your black-and-blue body, there are the plenty of all-natural ways to rid yourself of bruises faster. That way you wont have to cover those bruises with ecologically questionable cosmetics. 1. Ice Keep Reading Below","Patrik Giardino/Getty Images"
21,"2018-02-05 21:10:53","Can wearing sunglasses clog your pores?","Although they often have the pleasing effect of making you look cool, there's an even better reason to hide behind a pair of shades: preventing sun damage. As tough and dynamic as your skin is, prolonged exposure to the sun makes your skin sag, gives you wrinkles and age spots, and increases your chances of skin cancer. The skin on your eyelids and around your eyes is especially thin and requires extra protection. The weapon? Sunglasses with UV protection. UV stands for ultraviolet radiation, and it's a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that fills the gap between visible light and X-rays. There are two types of rays that reach our skin, UVA and UVB, and you want to find glasses that provide protection from both. (Look for glasses that offer 99 percent protection from UVB and at least 95 percent protection from UVA.) While UVB helps us synthesize vitamin D, too much of it can hurt the eye and possibly lead to cataracts. The outer layers of the eye can also be harmed by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Keep Reading Below","Which clogs pores better: sand or shades?"
22,"2018-02-05 21:10:55","Should I pop my zits?","A pimple surfaces on your face. It may be a red, inflamed pustule (pus-filled) or just a modest blackhead. Either way, you search for the simplest, fastest way to get rid of this cosmetic embarrassment that you're sure must be visible from space. For many people, the answer to resolving a pimple problem is obvious: pop it, squeeze it, squish it, prick it, scratch it, scrape it -- in other words, attack it with your bare hands or any tool at your disposal. After all, popping (in all its forms) seemingly offers an immediate solution. And, for many, it also provides a somewhat perverse pleasure. There are many devotees of the practice (and enjoyment) of pimple popping. Unfortunately, skin doesn't always respond well to the two-finger acne treatment. Most dermatologists frown upon pimple popping because it can lead to scarring or another breakout [source: Robertson]. Of course, it's not the actual popping that's at issue; it's that the popping might be done in a way that is unsafe or unhygienic. For example, your nails might tear the skin, or your fingers might redistribute bacteria to your face. But zapping a zit can be done safely. After all, dermatologists frequently pop pimples for their patients, and aestheticians routinely extract blackheads from their clients' faces during spa facials. Of course, you're unlikely to flee to the doctor or spa every time you get a pimple or blackhead, so what are you to do? Keep Reading Below","If it's safe for dermatologists to extract some pimples at their office, is it OK to just pop the zits yourself? See more pictures of skin problems."
23,"2018-02-05 21:10:55","5 Tips for Minimizing Freckles","Do you have freckles you wish would disappear? Those scattered little skin spots are a byproduct of living on Planet Earth. They're evidence of sun damage -- they collect over time due to prolonged and repeated sun exposure. Here's how it happens: Deep in the skin, cells called melanocytes produce pigment, then travel up to the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) to feed that pigment to keratinocytes, the skin cells that act as a barrier to the sun. The pigment-producing melanocytes can only perform for so long before the sun damages the skin permanently. At this point, freckles are produced. Freckles are really collections of leftover melanin stains that sit on the very top layer of unprotected skin. Freckles are harmless, and some people even think they're cute. But if you'd rather they didn't polka dot your nose and shoulders, here's some good news for you: Freckles can be prevented, minimized and even eliminated. We'll tell you how on the next five pages.","Kids love collecting freckles on their noses, but adults feel differently about the brown blemishes. See more pictures of getting beautiful skin."
24,"2018-02-05 21:11:00","Can varicose veins lead to blood clots?","Varicose veins -- gnarled, swollen blood vessels visible beneath the skin's surface -- aren't simply a cosmetic issue. Sometimes they can have negative health implications, too. But can a varicose vein really cause a blood clot? First, let's look at what leads to varicose veins. They occur most often between the knee and foot [source: Mayo Clinic]. They're caused when the tiny valves in the vein that push blood along begin to weaken. As the valves leak, blood that should be headed back up the leg to the heart and lungs instead seeps backward into the vein. This backflow pools in the vein and causes a meandering river appearance. Keep Reading Below","Varicose veins occur when the blood vessel valves weaken and blood pools in the vein, but can that cause blood clots?"
25,"2018-02-05 21:11:01","Does exercising affect varicose veins?","If you've ever found blue, twisted, enlarged veins on your legs or ankles, then you know what it's like to live with varicose veins. The common but relatively harmless condition is caused when the valves that normally keep blood flowing from your legs to your heart weaken and start to leak. It's believed to be hereditary, but it happens most often to people who are overweight, pregnant, or who stand or sit still for long periods of time -- all of these situations cause increased pressure on veins in the legs. Getting regular exercise is one of the methods recommended for preventing varicose veins, but does it make any difference -- good or bad -- once you already have them? The answer depends on the type of exercise you're doing, since different exercises affect varicose veins in different ways. Not all exercise is good -- you need to be careful not to overexert when you have varicose veins because strenuous activities can put too much strain on your legs. For example, high-impact exercises like running aren't usually recommended, because they may aggravate vein swelling. Keep Reading Below","It's said that exercise can boost blood flow and help prevent varicose veins, but can it make a difference if you already have them? See pictures of ways to get beautiful skin."
26,"2018-02-05 21:11:05","5 Ways to Prevent Wrinkles","From the venerable wizard Gandolph in ""Lord of the Rings"" to the Catholic church's blessed Mother Teresa, both fiction and history are packed with archetypes of wise old men and women. In spite of the extraordinary powers and selfless good deeds of these sages and saints, however, their wrinkled visages are conspicuously absent from skin care advertisements. Skin sells, it seems. Wrinkles do not. Yet, wrinkles are unavoidable. As you age, your skin loses its elasticity and the layer of fat under your face begins to thin, resulting in wrinkling [source: Roizen]. But before you resign yourself to a future full of furrows, laugh lines and crow's feet, you should know there are a few simple ways to stave off these inevitable signs of aging. Let's take a look at the top five ways to prevent wrinkles.","Beautiful Skin Image Gallery Use sunblock and moisturizer to prevent crow's feet. See more pictures of ways to get beautiful skin."
27,"2018-02-05 21:11:08","Acne-cleansing Diet: Fast Facts","Here are some helpful links: Wash DailyDon't ScrubTry a Cleanser Containing Salicylic AcidConsider a Cleanser With Benzoyl PeroxideDon't Dry Out Your Skin Keep Reading Below",
28,"2018-02-05 21:11:08","What causes broken capillaries on my face?","It's easy to spot broken capillaries, particularly on someone's face. Dozens of tiny veins twist, dilate and break, creating red, bruise-like spots on the face. But unlike bruises, broken capillaries don't heal and disappear over time. They are also difficult to treat. It would be great to avoid getting them in the first place, but how can you do that? It turns out that there are a number of factors that could lead to broken capillaries, the medical term for which is telangiectasia rosacea. The tiny veins just under the surface of the skin are delicate. Damaging these veins may cause them to dilate and break. Once broken, the veins remain that way and will not constrict back to their normal thickness or repair themselves. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Broken capillaries show up under the skin as reddish lines that don't fade away. See more skin problem pictures"
29,"2018-02-05 21:11:11","How can you avoid getting blisters when you're wearing high heels?","Jimmy Choo. Manolo Blahnik. Christian Louboutin. If these names mean nothing to you, then you're obviously not a fan of the high-heeled shoe. Fashionistas everywhere spend outrageous amounts of money on stylish heels. Many women say you can't have too many pairs of shoes. High heels make you look taller and give the illusion of longer, slimmer legs. Plus, many people simply find them fashionable. Lest you think that high heels are only for the ladies, though, we'd like to point out that high heels actually started with men! Back in 9th century Persia, men wore shoes with a high heel and sloped pitch for riding horses. In the early 1700s, France's King Louis XIV tottered around in 5-inch heels. Keep Reading Below","As you can see, high heels may put your feet at an uncomfortable angle."
30,"2018-02-05 21:11:14","Can you get rid of stretch marks?","Normally, when you pinch your skin and release, it doesn't stay pinched for very long -- and that's a good thing, or visits to grandma's house would be pretty hard on the cheeks. The elastic nature of your skin's middle layer, the dermis, allows it to return to its normal form after being pulled, pinched or squeezed. However, when skin undergoes rapid or extreme stretching, it doesn't bounce back. It's because there's a threshold to the elasticity of the dermis, and when the elastic fibers in your skin snap, your skin's once-springy appearance suddenly looks sprung. When excessive skin-stretching occurs, it can result in the appearance of indentions, streaks or stripes, often pink or purple, on the skin. These are stretch marks, also known as striae. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Stretch marks often look something like this. See more pictures of skin problems."
31,"2018-02-05 21:11:16","All About Birthmarks","Birthmarks have been called a sign of good luck -- or a mark of the devil. Sometimes they're cute. But they may also cause embarrassment when they appear on people's bodies or faces. Almost every human being has birthmarks, yet very few people understand exactly why these marks appear on our bodies or what they might say about our health. You probably hardly give your birthmarks a second thought. They're usually painless, harmless and inconsequential, at least from a medical standpoint. Doctors rarely green-light any sort of treatment for birthmarks, primarily because the vast majority of birthmarks appear soon after you're born and then slowly fade as you age. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Sixteen-day old Alaa Ayad's birthmark appeared to spell out his uncle's name in Arabic letters. See more pictures of skin problems."
32,"2018-02-05 21:11:21","Bruises: Causes and Treatments","Ouch! You weren't looking where you were going and rammed your thigh into the edge of your dining room table. Or, you were biking and moved into a turn too quickly, and took a spill. Or, you were throwing the ball around and instead of it falling into your glove, it hit your arm. Lots of mishaps can result in the formation of a bruise. Although the pain might last for only a couple of minutes, you'll be wearing that ugly bruise as a reminder of your blunder for a while. But what causes your skin to turn back and blue? Basically, a bruise, or contusion, as it's referred to in the medical world, appears when blood vessels break due to a blow to the skin. Blood leaks out of these vessels resulting in a red, purple or black mark on your skin. Sometimes your skin can become raised when the blood from these vessels leaks into the surrounding tissues. In most healthy individuals, your body eventually will reabsorb the blood, and the bruise will disappear. In general, the harder your bump or blow, the larger your bruise will be, and arms and legs are the most typical areas for bruises. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery In 2002, President Bush choked on a pretzel, fainted and suffered an abrasion on his cheek and a bruise on his lower lip. Later in his presidency, he escaped bruising when he dodged a flying shoe. See more pictures of skin prob"
33,"2018-02-05 21:11:23","Does using a body brush daily help with cellulite?","Isn't it interesting that dimples on the cheeks on your face are cute, but dimples on those other cheeks are a cause for concern? We all would like to have smooth skin, but some people have to deal with a condition that most would find embarrassing: cellulite. Cellulite describes the uneven appearance of the skin on the thighs and buttocks. Some refer to it as dimpled skin while others go so far as to compare it to the surface of an orange peel. It affects more women than men. While cellulite is related to fat, a woman doesn't have to be overweight to have cellulite. Keep Reading Below","Are body brushes an effective weapon against cellulite? See more pictures of skin problems."
34,"2018-02-05 21:11:25","Age Spots Overview","It's happened to many of us -- one day you notice a mark on the back of your hand that wasn't there the day before. You're worried because you know the condition of your skin is important for both cosmetic and health reasons. You want to look good and feel well, and you understand that how your skin looks is vital to both of those goals. So what is this mystery spot? If the mark is oval-shaped, flat on the skin, and a shade of brown, black, or gray, it might be an age spot [source: Mayo Clinic]. Keep Reading Below","Are age spots a necessary component of growing older, or can they be avoided? See more pictures of skin problems."
35,"2018-02-05 21:11:29","Burns: Types and Treatments","It can happen so fast: One minute you're in full dinner prep mode, and the next you're cradling a swollen hand and wondering who moved the stove. If you've ever tangled with something hot and lost, then you know how painful a burn can be. You're not alone. About half a million Americans report burn injuries each year [source: American Burn Association]. More than half of the injuries reported happen to people ages 18 to 64, and the risk for men to get burns is twice that of women [source: Knissl]. There are many types of burns -- not all involve flames, but all can damage the skin and other bodily tissues. For example, scalds, which are liquid or steam burns, are the most common. If you've ever spilled hot coffee on yourself or stepped into a steaming hot shower, then you know the sting of a scald. Luckily, this type of burn doesn't usually cause permanent damage if treated quickly and properly. However, internal chemical burns from ingesting toxic materials can cause damage that's hard to treat. Because so many children are prone to this type of injury, it's important to keep all household cleaners out of reach. Spilling harsh chemicals on the skin can also result in a nasty, superficial burn. Electrical burns, radiation burns and sunburns can also cause damage. Keep Reading Below","Even first-degree burns can cause serious scarring if they aren't properly treated. See more pictures of skin problems."
36,"2018-02-05 21:11:33","Cellulite Causes and Treatments","To those that have it, cellulite can feel like a hideous monster has crept across their skin, leaving behind a trail of grotesque evidence. At its best, this trail looks like an orange peel. At its worst, it looks like cottage cheese. In either case, it can make its victims feel self-conscious, frustrated and desperate for a cure. Despite its popular definition as skin that looks like cottage cheese, cellulite is actually fat cells that sit under the skin. Even if cellulite makes you feel like a victim, it has no affect on your health. It is a purely cosmetic issue that affects 90 percent of post-pubescent women [source: Doheny]. Keep Reading Below","The appearance of cellulite is often termed "orange skin" because it resembles the puckered skin of an orange. See more pictures of skin problems."
37,"2018-02-05 21:11:36","Quick Tips: Help for Acne","While we traditionally think of acne as a problem limited to adolescence and early adulthood, the truth is that anyone can get acne, from infants to adults. An estimated 17 million Americans suffer from acne -- let's break down the different types of acne and talk about who gets which type and when. First let's talk about baby acne. Babies are prone to rashes and redness, but baby acne is harmless and clears up on its own after several weeks without treatment. Prepubertal acne is a form of acne that you've probably never heard about because it's rare and it occurs in children before they hit puberty, caused by a premature release of sex hormones called androgens. And then there's rosacea, which is a chronic adult skin condition that causes flushing and acne-like bumps on the face. And what about pimples? Let's talk about those zits. Keep Reading Below","Easy does it -- use a gentle cleanser, twice a day, to help with acne."
38,"2018-02-05 21:11:38","5 Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis","There is good news, however. If you suffer from scalp psoriasis, you don't have to hang your head in shame or spend weeks covering your scalp with wigs and hats. There are effective treatments -- both medical, over-the-counter and home -- for this condition. To find out what they are and if they'll work for you, check out the following pages.",
39,"2018-02-05 21:11:40","5 Things to Know About Chicken Pox","Chicken pox becomes pretty obvious once it starts producing symptoms. It's primarily distinguished by the itchy blisters it causes, which can range in number from 30 to 1,500. Chicken pox blisters generally show up first on the scalp, face and abdomen, and then spread to limbs. The virus also produces a fever. In children, the fever can show up after the rash; in adults, it's likely to happen first. Eventually, after a week or so, the fever subsides and the chicken pox blisters scab and dry out. Now that you know the basics of chicken pox, you should learn some other important facts about the virus. On the following pages, we'll cover five things you need to know about chicken pox.",
40,"2018-02-05 21:11:45","5 Common Skin Parasites","We'll also look at how skin parasites are acquired and the best ways to get rid of them. There's a lot to learn about these bothersome creatures, so keep reading to find out how you can stay off their menu.",
41,"2018-02-05 21:11:50","Quick Tips: Moles and Cancer","But about two out of every 10,000 Americans develop melanoma each year, though, and it's important to know the signs of a mole gone bad [source: National Cancer Institute]. Even when they are benign, common moles don't always look the same -- no two moles look alike, even on the same person. Typical moles appear round, flat (or slightly raised) and are one color. Though you'll frequently see moles that are brown, they can also be the same color as your skin tone or black, tan, red, pink or, yes, blue. They can also be colorless. Some moles are hairy. And they can grow on any part of your skin, from arms and legs to other trickier places like your palms, under your fingernails or on your scalp [source: American College of Dermatology]. This is all normal in the world of moles. What's abnormal is when a mole begins to change. Skin cancer screening begins with you, at home, with your ABCs. Well, your ABCDEs, to be more accurate. The ABCDEs are your checklist for assessing any changes in your moles. It's recommended we all do a head-to-toe monthly mole check for the following clues that our moles may be changing or may need additional examination by a health care professional: A mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, changes in color, has a diameter larger than a pencil eraser (the form of skin cancer known as melanoma often appears larger than 5-6 millimeters in diameter) may indicate that it's a mole may need to be biopsied. Look out for moles that seem to be evolving since the last time you evaluated them, have changed in appearance, become itchy, scaly or tender, or ooze or bleed. Have your doctor examine these types of moles[source: WebMD]. In addition, a regular tanning habit (and a history of sunburns), having more than 50 moles and a family history of skin cancer, all increase your chance of developing melanoma [source: National Cancer Institute]. While it's important to remember most moles begin and remain benign, regular and frequent evaluation of your moles, especially any new moles you notice, can make the difference when it comes to catching cancer early. For more information, see the links on the next page.",
42,"2018-02-05 21:11:53","Do you know the signs of skin cancer?","Do you know the signs of skin cancer or think that skin cancer isn't a problem? Do you think that actresses and actors in their bronzed glory don't care about skin cancer warning signs? What about sun-worshippers and models? Do you think that they care about the signs of skin cancer? Have you seen the newest soap opera on television? Keep Reading Below","Melanoma, pictured here, is the number one cause of cancer deaths in women age 25 to 30."
43,"2018-02-05 21:11:57","Do you have a mole that doesn't look right?","Picture this — you get out of the shower, stand in front of the mirror and notice a suspicious mark on your skin. At first, you think it's dirt or lint, but it doesn't come off. You rub harder and harder. Then it hits you. It's a mole that doesn't look right and you become concerned. What should you do? Call your doctor if you're at all concerned, or if you notice an asymetrical mole, a mole with an irregular border, a mole that has changed color, or a mole that has a diameter greater than five millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser). Keep Reading Below","Call your doctor if you're at all concerned, or if you notice an asymetrical mole, a mole with an irregular border, a mole that has changed color, or a mole that has a diameter greater than five millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser)."
44,"2018-02-05 21:12:03","Skin Cancer Q&A","Dr. Perricone, an assistant professor at Yale University, is an expert on preserving and restoring the skin through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Also the author of ""The Wrinkle Cure"", he gives these tips for keeping your skin safe and cancer-free year round. Q: Is skin cancer on the rise? A: Yes. Melanoma is a big problem — and growing. Just to put it into perspective: in 1938, 1 in 10,000 people got melanoma. Today, it's 1 in 93. The connection between sun exposure and skin cancer is well documented. For example, we know that the risk for melanoma goes up greatly even if you have one or two blistering sunburns in your younger years. We also know that people who get little exposure to the sun and then go outside are at greater risk of melanoma than people who work outdoors. Keep Reading Below","There's evidence that sunscreen lowers the incidence of skin cancer."
45,"2018-02-05 21:12:07","The Basics of Skin Fungus","For many, the sight of -- or mere idea of -- a fungus living in one's skin is repulsive. But if you can distance yourself from the disgust, fungus is actually pretty fascinating. Once thought to be plants (mushrooms are still sorted among vegetables in the supermarket, after all), fungi's distinct cell walls and lack of chlorophyll distinguish them today as their own kingdom consisting of at least 80,000 species. Most types of skin fungus are molds known as dermatophytes. Although there are many species of fungi that fall under the category of dermatophytes, a single species can affect different parts of the body and cause different skin reactions. Here are five quick facts on the basics of skin fungus.","Tinea corporis, or ring worm, is a skin fungus that can form on the body's trunk, extremities and under the arm."
46,"2018-02-05 21:12:10","10 Causes and Treatments for Cold Sores","Painful. Embarrassing. Unsightly. Cold sores are many things, and, unfortunately, they're caused by a virus that those infected will carry with them for the rest of their lives [source: Mayo Clinic]. Despite the sobering thought that an outbreak can happen at seemingly any time, there is hope. While you cannot rid your body of the virus, it remains dormant for most of the time. During dormancy, there are several triggers you can avoid from causing another outbreak. In addition, there are a number of treatment options that can lessen an outbreak's length and severity. In this article, we'll look at some of the causes of a cold sore flare up and those treatments that can help in the event of an outbreak.","Cold sores are permanent, but thanks to advances in medicine, some antiviral medications can force a virus back into dormancy."
47,"2018-02-05 21:12:17","How does scleroderma affect the skin?","Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that affects the largest organ of the body -- the skin. This disease is similar to arthritis in that it causes pain and can sometimes be crippling. Whereas arthritis attacks cartilage, which is the tissue connecting the joints, scleroderma has to do with the overproduction of collagen, which is the tissue connecting the skin. Scleroderma can even affect some vital organs. There are two main types of scleroderma: localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma affects just the skin. Milder cases involve patches or bands of tight, shiny skin in any number of places, such as the elbows, arms or shins. More severe cases may cause the skin on a person's face to become so stiff that it makes him or her have difficulty smiling, laughing, talking or chewing food. Coupled with dry mouth, these symptoms make brushing one's teeth painful, if not nearly impossible, which aggravates tooth decay and can cause gum disease. With localized scleroderma, a person's hands can also become deformed. The skin hardens and tightens, making it difficult to move the fingers. Systemic scleroderma, on the other hand, also impacts organs like the lungs, heart and kidneys and can be life-threatening. In either case, as symptoms become more prominent, everyday tasks can be challenging. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Scleroderma can tighten and harden the tender skin on hands, making it difficult to move one's fingers. See more pictures of skin problems."
48,"2018-02-05 21:12:22","What is harlequin ichthyosis?","The skin is our largest organ, and probably the most underappreciated. It protects us against viruses, bacteria, pollution, the elements, and, let's not forget, it holds our insides on the inside and keeps them from mixing with the outside. On top of all that, it's because of our skin that we're able enjoy a full range of motion. Tough yet springy, normal skin springs back into shape when pressed, twisted or pulled. It has complex mechanisms that allow for oil to coat the skin, providing further protection. It helps us maintain a consistent body temperature and serves as our detection system for identifying hot and cold. And, like the inside of a military-grade vehicle, it can be hosed off and come out clean and looking as good as new. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery The hard, diamond-shaped scales that harlequin ichthyosis produces are reminiscent of the harlequin theater character. See more pictures of skin problems."
49,"2018-02-05 21:12:27","What are chilblains?","The word chilblains may sound old-fashioned to many of us -- an ailment like lumbago or rheumatism that might have afflicted our great-grandparents. But chilblains are still very real. Today, the condition is also known as perniosis or pernio, but all the terms mean the same thing: a painful skin problem that results from exposure to cold and damp. The number of people in the U.S. who have contracted chilblains is not known, but in Britain, one in 10 is affected every year [source: Maroon]. Doctors aren't entirely sure what causes chilblains. The condition tends to develop when a person is exposed for a period of time to cold but not freezing conditions -- that is, temperatures from 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 15 Celsius) [source: NIOSH]. The cold causes tiny blood vessels to constrict, usually in locations that have the poorest circulation like the fingers and toes (the ears, nose and cheeks can also be affected). When the flesh is rewarmed quickly, blood can leak from these vessels. The result is swelling and inflammation accompanied by itching and pain: chilblains. Keep Reading Below","Warming cold hands and feet up too quickly can lead to chilblains."
50,"2018-02-05 21:12:31","Ichthyosis Overview","At age 63, Mary had gotten used to the staring and pointing, but not the pain and humiliation of living with crusty, dry skin that looks like fish scales. She's been refused service at a restaurant and asked to leave a public swimming pool. Worst of all, when she was just a young girl attending a county fair in Newton, Kan., a carnival owner offered Mary's mother money -- if only he could take Mary on the road as part of a freak show [source: FIRST]. Mary has lamellar ichthyosis, one of the 28 identified types of a family of skin disorders known as ichthyosis. Like most ichthyosis disorders, it is relatively rare, occurring in one of 200,000 births [source: FIRST]. The skin becomes thick and dry, then darkens and takes on a diamond-shaped pattern like the scales of a fish [source: FIRST]. In fact, the name for this group of skin disorders is derived from the Greek word for fish: ""ichthys"" [source: Skin Sight]. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery What's the cause of this family of skin disorders, which are marked by deep, cracked skin? See more pictures of skin problems."
51,"2018-02-05 21:12:34","What causes cold sores?","For otherwise healthy individuals, a cold sore episode will clear without treatment. To speed up the process 1-2 days, patients can use tetracaine cream, an over-the-counter medication. Nutritional treatments may include 1,000 mg vitamin C taken up to 3 times a day or amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Many patients clinically report that the supplement L-lysine, an amino acid, is very helpful in treating and preventing outbreaks. Though more research on this supplement is needed, it is tolerated very well at 3,000 mg divided into 2-3 doses a day. Lysine taken at 500-1,000 mg a day can be helpful for prevention. The herpes virus actually uses the amino acid arginine for replication. This nutrient is found in various foods including chocolate, nuts, soybeans, chickpeas and animal proteins. Intake of these foods should be limited for those who experience frequent cold sores. Canker sores, which occur on the inside of the mouth, can stem from an entirely different issue. Small white lesions on the inner lip or inside of the cheek are called aphthous ulcers. These may be caused by sources other than the herpes virus. Furthermore, they can appear more frequently due to an intolerance to certain foods or ingredients such as gluten, found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Other food sensitivities may be triggered by dairy or chocolate. Frequent outbreaks may require keeping a food diary to see if any patterns correlate with the lesions.  Sodium lauryl sulfate, commonly found in toothpaste, is sometimes linked with sores in the mouth. It is doubtful that it is a problem for everyone, but clinically some patients do better when using toothpaste without this chemical. Like cold sores, canker sores will typically clear on their own in 1-2 weeks. Those experiencing frequent outbreaks should evaluate possible food triggers and consider adding some fish oils to their diet. Fish oils, particularly in the form of cod liver oil, provide healthy fats to help prevent inflammation of the gum tissue and additional vitamin A (supports tissue in the mouth) and vitamin D (combats inflammation).  Cold sores and canker sores are often linked to stress. The immune system can become less effective under chronic stress, making you less resistant to illness and more susceptible to infection. Find ways to manage the bustle of the day and keep your immune system on full alert. ",
52,"2018-02-05 21:12:36","Preventing Shingles","The location of shingles typically helps with the diagnoses. The infection is uniquely one-sided and will follow the path of the nerve from where the shingles originated. For example, the pain and rash of shingles may start on the right side of the back and trace its way around the front side of the chest, never crossing over to the left. When the history and physical presentation lead to the diagnosis of shingles, antiviral medication is typically started to reduce the duration of the outbreak. Early treatment will hopefully lead to less long-term pain. What nutritional treatments are available to combat shingles? There are two vitamin treatments that can provide substantial relief to a shingles outbreak. Injected B-12 can be very helpful in preventing the expansion of the problem. B-12 is available over-the-counter as an oral supplement, but oral dosing may not be adequate to fend off a shingles infection. B-12 injections are extremely safe and can be given several days in a row if needed to help the body contain the virus. B-12 shots work much better if done early in the infection, versus after symptoms have existed for several months. Patients who are sensitive to medications may want to ask for preservative-free B-12 shots, which pharmacies can compound specifically to a doctor’s request. Intravenous vitamin C is another treatment that can be done for more significant infections, or along with B-12 injections. Vitamin C is thought to help boost the immune system. But the body can only absorb so much orally. When vitamin C is given as an IV, concentrations in the blood stream can reach a much higher level. Doctors practicing nutritional medicine have long used vitamin C for tough infections, like mono. Shingles, clinically, seem to respond to IV vitamin C as well. Unfortunately, large studies have not been completed to verify dosing, but the treatment is known to be well-tolerated and worth considering for those suffering from an acute, or long-standing case of shingles, even after lesions have cleared. On the next page, learn how to strengthen your immune system to prevent shingles.",
53,"2018-02-05 21:12:43","5 Inherited Skin Problems","Despite its comparative toughness and impressive size, many problems can plague the skin. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to sunburn or even cancer. The effects of dry and windy climates can wick moisture from skin, leading to chapped, painful areas. Sebaceous glands can become clogged, which can cause pimples. There are certainly measures we can take to prevent damage to our skin from environmental exposure. But there are also skin disorders that take place from the inside and are the result of genetic mutations that we can inherit from our parents. These inherited skin problems are collectively referred to as genodermatoses, or genetic dermatological disorders. The range of genodermatoses is sweeping. Some, like psoriasis, can be relatively mild and treatable with topical remedies. Others, like harlequin-type ichthyosis, can be fatal. What follows are five inherited skin problems that cover a lot of epidermis.","Some genodermatoses, like psoriasis, can be severe, but in no way life threatening. Others can be fatal. See more pictures of skin problems."
54,"2018-02-05 21:12:49","5 Skin Disorders You Might Mistake for Hives","Self-diagnosis of skin disorders is never an easy task. It's made more difficult when different conditions have similar symptoms. Hives, for example, come in two types -- acute and chronic -- and are usually caused by your body releasing histamine in reaction to an allergy. Histamine is an organic compound in your body responsible for triggering the inflammatory process. With hives, the histamine causes fluid to release from the blood vessels and makes the skin swell [source: Rockoff]. It can be easy to mistake hives for other disorders because the allergy triggers can be difficult to find. Another problem with diagnosing hives is that the symptoms are relatively generic -- red, itchy welts on your skin are a common symptom among many skin disorders. Hives can be caused from allergens as well as physical and environmental factors such as stress, heat, sunlight or water. Untreated, the symptoms can last from a couple hours up to six weeks. As we'll see throughout this article, many skin disorders share these causes and triggers, so close attention to detail is key when figuring out the mystery of your skin disorder. Because blood and allergy tests exist to confirm hives at the doctor's office, and antihistamines are readily available over the counter, determining the diagnosis and appropriate treatment might seem easy. However, since many of these disorders show the same symptoms and have different treatment methods, it's important to be aware of the similarities and differences between them. So, read on to learn about five common skin disorders that may look and feel a lot like hives.","Red or swollen, itchy bumps on your skin could be hives, or it could easily be a similar-looking condition. See more pictures of skin problems."
55,"2018-02-05 21:12:51","How Flesh-eating Bacteria Works","In April 2009, Rob Marshall's youngest daughter stayed home sick for the day. So he did what most parents need to do in that situation; he stayed home with her. And, in most cases, for most parents, the story would end there. Instead, for Marshall, his tale turned into a horror story. After sitting all day, he had a slight, unexpected pain in the back of his thigh. This transitioned to increasingly excruciating pain, which then led to six weeks in the intensive care unit, almost losing his leg while doctors worked to remove dying tissue during five surgeries, receiving 23 units of blood and going into kidney failure [source: Marshall]. Keep Reading Below","A small, superficial wound like this can become a health nightmare within a few short days."
56,"2018-02-05 21:12:55","Staph Infections 101","If you've ever been hospitalized, then chances are you've noticed many of the precautions taken to prevent infections in patients. One of the most serious known infections to cause trouble in hospitals is the staph infection. Caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, these infections can invade your skin, lungs, urinary tract, heart and bloodstream. To fully understand the effects of staph infections on the body today, it's best to look back on how they have evolved over the past few centuries. In 1881, Scottish surgeon Sir Alexander Ogston discovered and named the primary cause of wound infection ""Staphylococcus."" Until this time, no one knew what exactly was causing wounds to become infected. In 1928, the bacteria-fighting medication penicillin was discovered, and in 1941, it was used to cure a British policeman who had a strain of Staphylococcus. Penicillin proved helpful for curing staph infections for a few years, but its widespread use caused the staph bacteria to mutate and become resistant to the treatment. Fortunately, in 1959, a new cure was found in methicillin, an antibiotic related to penicillin. However, by 1961, the bacteria had mutated again to resist it, creating a new strain called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The introduction of MRSA led to a change in infection control practices, but it still remains a threat [source: Orent]. Keep Reading Below","No longer limited just to hospitals, people can get infections from catching staph bacteria just about anywhere."
57,"2018-02-05 21:12:57","What is xeroderma pigmentosum?","There are people who must spend their lives in the dark or risk terrible injuries and diseases. They avoid sunlight. Their windows are covered with protective film, blinds and curtains. They only venture outdoors at night. Even walking into a room lit by fluorescent bulbs can be risky. They suffer from a rare condition called xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). In the United States, the frequency of cases is about one in every 250,000 people [source: Diwan]. This genetic condition affects a person's ability to recover from ultraviolet radiation. Upon exposure to ultraviolet rays, a person with XP will experience severe damage almost instantly. The person's skin will begin to blister mere moments after exposure. These injuries can lead to even more serious consequences. Keep Reading Below","Katie Mahar suffers from XP and can't risk exposure to the sun. Her parents founded Camp Sundown."
58,"2018-02-05 21:13:02","5 of the World's Rarest Skin Conditions","You've probably seen pictures or at least heard of the old ""freak shows"" once shown at traveling carnivals and circuses. They'd feature such rarities as ""Siamese"" (conjoined) twins or ""werewolf boys"" with faces covered in hair. Such exhibitions have fallen out of favor because they're now considered insensitive and politically incorrect. And yet, we still follow news stories about whether an operation successfully separates conjoined twins and films that focus on uncommon physical conditions, such as ""The Elephant Man,"" ""The Others"" and ""Stuck on You."" Their popularity speaks to people's enduring fascination with rare, unusual conditions. In this article, we'll take a look at a few of the rarest and most interesting skin conditions that have been known to affect people all over the world. In fact, the famous ""Blue Man"" of the Barnum and Bailey show suffered from a condition we'll cover in this article. Many of the conditions range the spectrum from impeding a person's normal lifestyle to even becoming life-threatening. And all of these conditions have fascinated and bewildered doctors throughout the years. Up first, we'll look at a condition that can happen as the reaction to simply taking medication.","Some rare skin conditions are present at birth, others can be the result of behaviors. For example, argyria, as seen in Paul Karason on the "Today" show in 2008, has been linked to consuming large amounts of colloidal silver. See more skin probl"
59,"2018-02-05 21:13:07","5 Parasites that Breed On and In Your Skin","Out of the dozens of parasites that can make our lives miserable, a few hold a special place in our imaginations. These are the creepy crawlies that latch onto -- or burrow into -- our skin. Perhaps it's because these creatures pierce us that makes them seem more gruesome than other parasites. The parasites we've uncovered for this article all share something in common -- they breed and lay eggs on or in our skin. In some areas of the world, these pests have been all but eradicated. But in other regions, they present a very real threat to human health and survival. You might notice some well-known parasites didn't make our list. For example, the guinea worm isn't here, despite the fact that it travels through the flesh, eventually exiting out of an extremity. That's because the worm doesn't actually breed in the skin, even though it does pierce through. Let's meet the various critters that make their homes -- and raise their families -- on or in our skin.","A louse. See more skin problem pictures."
60,"2018-02-05 21:13:10","Morgellons Disease Overview","In 2002, baseball pitcher Billy Koch was at the top of his game. Playing for the Oakland Athletics, his game-winning fastball could top 100 miles per hour (161 kilometers per hour). It's no wonder predictions of his continued future as a major league player grew louder and louder. Until Koch came up against a nearly invisible opponent, that is. Just as his career seemed certain to catapult him to fame, Koch began losing sleep over twitching muscles. Then, small multi-colored wires seemed to ooze from sores on his skin. He went to doctors, who either dismissed the unsettling symptoms or offered only temporary solutions. After two years of battling the slow-healing sores and never-ending fibers, Koch was forced to hang up his baseball cap. He was only 29 years old [source: Fowler]. Keep Reading Below","Morgellons patients often feel as though bugs are crawling underneath their skin. See more pictures of skin problems."
61,"2018-02-05 21:13:13","Can psoriasis increase my chances of a heart attack?","Since being diagnosed with psoriasis, you've been coping with a painful, itchy and bothersome skin condition. But now, news reports may have you wondering whether psoriasis can increase your chances of a heart attack. First, let's ensure we understand what psoriasis is. This recurring disease can strike children or adults, and approximately 2 to 3 percent -- about 7.5 million -- of Americans have it [source: Laino]. Some people have a few small 0.13-inch (0.32-centimeter) dots on their scalp, and others may have red, inflamed skin with silvery scales covering the entire area from the hairline to the nape of the neck. Still others may have rough, crusty buildup on the elbows, knees or back. As we see, forms of manifestation vary widely. Keep Reading Below","Psoriasis often manifests in red, inflamed skin at the nape of the neck. See more pictures of skin problems."
62,"2018-02-05 21:13:18","How to Reduce Under-eye Puffiness","Some remedies are nothing more than rumors and old wives' tales. Take hemorrhoid cream. Yes, hemorrhoid medicine. The mistaken belief is that the vasoconstrictors in the ointment will do the same magic on the eyes that they do elsewhere. A vasoconstrictor is a component of the medicine that shrinks blood vessels. That's great when the very nature of your problem is swollen veins (that's what hemorrhoids are.) Swollen veins, however, have nothing to do with under-eye puffiness. So put away the hemorrhoid cream. If your under-eye puffiness seems to be caused by a sinus infection, which has resulted in fluid retention, it can help to alter your sleep position until that infection has passed. Try using an extra pillow to prevent the fluid from concentrating below your eyes. If the sinus infection returns repeatedly, try to minimize the amount of allergens in your bedroom and rid that sleeping area of dust mites. The same goes for allergies – identify the cause of the irritation and change the elevation of your head on your bed. A trip to your local drug store for a good dose of antihistamines is also probably in order. If you've noticed that the bags under your eyes are particularly predominant after a string of long work days or nights out on the town, then adjust accordingly. You may not be able to change the workload or the amount of sleep but you can eliminate secondary causes like bad eating habits and lack of exercise. A high intake of salt will lead to water retention and, while it may sound counterintuitive, drinking more water will actually help your body flush the fluids that are causing under-eye puffiness. A nearly immediate, albeit temporary, solution for under-eye puffiness may be found in your refrigerator. A couple cool slices of cucumber placed under the eyes can reduce swelling. Out of cucumbers? Cooled tea bags or a cold washcloth will work just as well. Click ahead to discover the single biggest cause of under-eye puffiness.",
63,"2018-02-05 21:13:21","Quick Tips: Shea Butter and Scars","There's no shortage of products claiming to make your scar practically vanish into thin air, but dermatologists aren't convinced of their restorative powers. Packed with fatty acids, Shea butter is an emollient that softens and soothes skin. It's often found in scar-reducing products, because some believe that some of its fatty properties speed up the healing process. However, experts agree that topical creams won't make your scar disappear, even though they may improve your complexion. So let Shea butter do what it does best: moisturizing and making your skin silky smooth. Creams may be beneficial if you scar is a result of surgery. While the scar is healing, you may want to slather on ointments to prevent a dark scar. Before selecting one, consult with your doctor to determine if there are prescription-strength product he recommends. If you want to remove a scar that's been there for years, you may want to consider a more intensive treatment. You'll first need to visit your dermatologist to weigh the options, but scar treatment include: Steroid injectionsDermabrasionLaser resurfacing These procedures can lessen the appearance of scars by flattening them or smoothing the layers of skin to help them blend into your skin. Whichever procedure you choose, know that it will more than likely provide better results than any Shea butter product you pick up off the drugstore shelf. Check out more information on scar treatments on the next page.",
64,"2018-02-05 21:13:27","Quick Tips: Treating Burns","First-degree burns and small second-degree burns are considered minor burns. These burns are the least severe type. First-degree burns affect only the top layer of skin (the epidermis), although they may cause swelling and pain in addition to the redness of the wounded area. Second-degree burns are deeper burns, involving not only the epidermis but the layer below it (the dermis), which means the wound may also affect hair follicles and sweat glands. Second-degree burns may be swollen and red, and they also are likely to blister and cause considerable pain. To treat a minor burn at home, first remove any clothing from on or around the wound and place the burn under cool, running water for 10 to 15 minutes to help reduce swelling. Loosely wrap the wounded area in a clean gauze bandage and take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen to help ease swelling and pain. Applying aloe to a burn may also be helpful, because it keeps the wound moist, cools the burn and may also help prevent scarring after the burn has healed. No matter how good you think it will feel, don't ice a burn -- extreme cold temperatures can cause more skin damage. Ointments or other home remedies such as butter or egg whites are not recommended, because they can encourage infection [source: Mayo Clinic]. While most first-degree and some second-degree burns can be treated at home, some minor burns should be seen by a doctor. The criteria are based on the size of the burn, where the burn is located and what caused the burn. A burn that is minor but large (a large burn is bigger than 3 inches in diameter) should be evaluated, as should burns on the face, hands, scalp, genitals or joint areas. Any burn that's an electrical or chemical burn, and any burn that has red streaking in or near the wound should be checked out. Major burns, on the other hand, are an emergency and need immediate medical attention -- your first priority for a major burn is calling 911. Third-degree and fourth-degree (yes, there are burns more traumatic than third-degree) burns are major burns. Third-degree burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent damage to not only the skin but to tissue and nerves as well. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and involve damage to all layers of skin, nerve tissue, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bone. Third and fourth-degree burns may appear black, brown or white, and are often painless because of nerve damage. Keep the burned area above your heart (if that's possible) to help minimize swelling and to help slow the flow of blood to the wound while you seek emergency help.",
65,"2018-02-05 21:13:31","5 Ways to Treat Flat Warts","Flat warts are most common in children and are often called ""juvenile warts"" as a result. However, they can occur in adults as well. While flat warts can become irritated, the main problem they pose is a cosmetic one. If you find yourself dealing with this problem, check out the following pages to learn how you can get rid of flat warts.",
66,"2018-02-05 21:13:34","Quick Tips: Moisturizing Your Eczema","Soak Wisely Showering and bathing are great ways to moisturize your eczema. Not only can they be relaxing (stress is a factor related to eczema flare-ups), they can provide relief to dry, cracking skin and remove debris and irritants. Just be sure not to spend too long in the water. Within 10 minutes, your skin is as moisturized as it can be. Any period of time longer than that is unnecessary. You'll also want to avoid hot water, as it can dry your skin further. To extend the effects of your shower or bath, be sure to apply a moisturizer within three minutes of exiting the tub. Doing this will help your skin retain moisture longer. So, gently blot yourself dry with a towel, then reach for a trusted lotion, cream or ointment. Apply Medication First If you use a topical medication to treat your eczema, be sure to apply it to your skin after drying off but before adding your moisturizer. Find the Right Moisturizer for You You might be wondering just what kind of moisturizer will work best on your eczema. There are potential benefits to a number of products. Lotions, for example, are the least heavy-duty moisturizers, but they are mild and tend to work great for people who live in humid climates. Creams provide a thicker moisture barrier for the skin, but can sometimes be more irritating. Ointments are the best at moisturizing, but they can also be greasy and lead to heavy sweating. Gentle Is Key Eczema is famously sensitive to rough treatment, so a soft touch is always ideal -- even when applying moisturizer. You will also want to use gentle products. Alcohol, dyes, perfumes and detergents can irritate skin further. Instead, look for natural ingredients like glycerin, mineral oil, linoleic oil and petroleum jelly. Make Moisturizing a Twice-a-Day (at Least) Activity Increased moisturizing is often needed under certain circumstances. If your skin is particularly dry, or if you live in an arid region, you will likely need to moisturize at least morning and night. In the wintertime, you may also need to increase the frequency with which you moisturize. Make Use of Wet Dressings After moisturizing, consider wrapping your skin with a therapeutic wet bandage. Gauze or paper towels are handy to use for this purpose. Just wet them and wrap them around your skin. Top them with a dry bandage. Once the bottom layer is dry, you can remove the dressings. Humidify If you're living in a dry climate (or season), moisturize the air in a room with a humidifier. This appliance disperses water into the air, increasing the humidity. Just be sure you keep any humidifiers in your home or office properly cleaned. Otherwise, they can release mold and bacteria. Consider Prescription Moisturizers Your doctor can prescribe nonsteroidal creams and lotions that can enhance the effectiveness of over-the-counter products. In addition to moisturizing, medicated moisturizers have the added benefit of reducing side effects. Eczema can't be cured, but it can be managed. These moisturizing tips can help you do so more effectively. If you'd like to know more about treating eczema, as well as other skin disorders. Keep reading for lots more information.",
67,"2018-02-05 21:13:39","Quick Tips: Easy Ways to Treat Psoriasis","There are several ways to treat psoriasis, based on the severity of the condition. For mild psoriasis, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved salicylic acid and coal tar. They are both found in over-the-counter products that are easily obtainable. Salicylic acid works to remove the outer layer of skin (the scales), while coal tar slows skin growth and cuts down on inflammation. At-home skin care for psoriasis is simple. A moisturizer will help with the itch and dryness of psoriasis, as will a dash of oatmeal, oil or Epsom salts in the bath. Anti-itch products like calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream can also soothe irritated skin. An even easier (and cheaper) solution: sunlight. Limited exposure to the sun (10 to 30 minutes a day) has been shown to improve symptoms. People with moderate to severe psoriasis may need more intensive interventions. Prescription topical medications such as synthetic vitamin D (Dovonex) and corticosteroids slow the production of skin cells. Therapies with excimer lasers and pulsed dye lasers can be performed in a doctor's office. If your psoriasis doesn't respond to these methods, it may be time to consider oral or injected medications. These drugs, such as methotrexate, are only used for moderate to severe psoriasis because they can have serious side effects. They quiet the immune system to keep inflammation down and keep it from signaling more skin production. But before you being any sort of treatment, consult your doctor so you're aware of all the possible side effects.",
68,"2018-02-05 21:13:46","5 Treatments for Bruises","Whether you’ve taken a spill on your bicycle, caught an elbow in the chops during a basketball game, or simply bumped your knee into a coffee table, you know the pain is momentary but the contusion can last as many as two or three weeks. You can, however, help move along the healing process. Here's how a bruise evolves. First, a bruise is created when tiny blood vessels called capillaries rupture. Blood from those vessels leaks into the surrounding tissue creating a reddish appearance. Swelling causes oxygen to be cut off to the area which changes the color to purple or blue. The hemoglobin in your blood which carries iron will begin to break down and become greenish after about a week. The area will take on a yellow or brown appearance after eight or nine days as your body reabsorbs the leaked blood from your capillaries. Understanding the healing process can be helpful as you try to remove the unsightly reminder of your mishap. In some rare instances, a bruise may need a doctor’s care. Unexplained bruising around the navel or behind the ear, for example, can be evidence of internal bleeding or a skull fracture. Multiple swollen bruises that appear without an injury may indicate autoimmune disease. If a bruise caused by a blow remains raised and painful, it may be a hematoma which needs to be drained by a physician. In some instances, your body will deposit calcium around an injury creating a heterotopic ossification which can be diagnosed with an x-ray. The vast majority of bruises simply need time and a little informed TLC which you’ll find by clicking ahead.",
69,"2018-02-05 21:13:50","5 Remedies for Common Warts","Much of what you've likely heard about common warts isn’t actually true. They’re not dangerous, and the source of the ugly infestation isn’t frogs or toads. Even the most fastidiously clean person can acquire a wart or two or three, so don’t label yourself as gross because your body has produced them. Warts are nothing more than noncancerous growths that typically appear on the hands, elbows and knees. They begin when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters the first layer of skin – often because of a cut or scratch. Kids tend to be more susceptible than adults (an immature immune system may be the culprit) but they can strike any age. Unfortunately, they’re stubborn and often difficult to get rid of. Rest assured, however, there are plenty of time-tested remedies for eliminating the unwanted bumps and blemishes. Though some of the removal methods are unusual, others can be found inside your local drug store. Some options may require a visit to your family doctor or specialist. You’ve just got to be as determined as warts themselves. And you need to be informed. Click ahead to learn the five remedies for common warts – they may be all you need to relieve yourself of the pesky problem.","Do you have some unwanted warts and need a way to get rid of them? Read on and learn some remedies for common warts!"
70,"2018-02-05 21:13:55","Quick Tips: Epsom Salt Bath Treatments","You've been on your feet all day and your body aches. The first antidote you might consider for your weary bones is a warm bath with Epsom salts. While the magnesium sulfate crystals are commonly used to treat aches and pains, they have many other uses. Because both magnesium and sulfate are critical to good health, Epsom salts can help restore these minerals to your system, positively affecting bodily functions. For general health, experts recommend soaking in an Epsom salt bath for about 15 minutes, three times a week. For specific health concerns, you may want to consider the tips on the following pages.","Epsom salt has its benefits, but don't expect it to cure all of your ailments."
71,"2018-02-05 21:13:57","10 Tips for Identifying and Treating Skin Rashes","You've been working in the yard, ripping out all those unwanted weeds. Sure, grass may make you a little itchy, but now you're scratching a small red patch and wondering where it came from. Could it be a skin rash? Skin rashes are common, and there are a lot of them. Some come from an allergic reaction, while others could be fungal or viral. Generally speaking, a rash is considered any change to your skin's normal color or texture [source: WebMD]. Let's look at some tips for identifying different kind of rashes, as well as some ways to clear them up.","If you've ever noticed stinging, red dots when taking off clothing after being in the heat, you could be looking at a heat rash. See more skin problems pictures."
72,"2018-02-05 21:14:00","Quick Tips: 5 Tips to Improve Skin Elasticity","It's a fact of life, elastosis happens -- along with graying hair, wrinkles and reduced muscularity. Elastosis is a condition that's defined as a reduction in the elasticity of the skin. It's an unavoidable component of the aging process, but its onset can be accelerated or decelerated. Lots of clever marketing would have you believe that the aging process can be reversed. Such claims are dubious at best. As we all know, there's no actual fountain of youth, yet actions can be taken to improve your skin's health and appearance. Those actions take many forms. Some are changes in habits; others simply involve how long you stay exposed to the elements. Even others involve applying certain creams or consuming the right supplements. The expertise of a physician or skilled surgeon can even come into play. Keep Reading Below","Mirror, mirror on the wall, whose skin has the most elasticity of them all?"
73,"2018-02-05 21:14:02","Quick Tips: 5 Home Remedies for Athlete's Foot","It's the closest most of us will ever come to being an athlete. But aside from its familiar moniker, athlete's foot -- or tinea pedis -- really has nothing to do with sports. It's simply an infection caused by a fungus known as Trichophyton. That fungus lives on your skin but typically loses its ongoing battle with bacteria that also call your epidermis home. A locker-room is the perfect atmosphere for Trichophyton to grow, but any hot, damp place will do -- and once athlete's foot takes hold, it can create dry, raw and highly itchy skin. The infection can even occur on the scalp, leading to hair loss, or in the groin area -- an unpleasant occurrence described as ""jock itch."" Fortunately there are many solutions to the problem. Keep Reading Below","Tired of that itching, burning feeling? One of the remedies on our list could help."
74,"2018-02-05 21:14:06","Quick Tips: Oily Skin Remedies","Got oily skin? Congratulations. Years from now, you'll have fewer wrinkles on your face than your friends who have dry or average skin. But that's probably not what you want to hear. You need answers that help you now, not decades down the road. Rest easy; they do exist. Oily skin can be traced to heredity and hormones. If your face has an unmistakable sheen, your predecessors likely did it, too. Androgen -- the male hormone -- is the driver of oil production on your skin. But women's bodies also produce it. Production levels rise and fall in conjunction with teen and early adult years, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause and more. Keep Reading Below","Almonds and honey aren't just a tasty treat. This combo can also help your skin."
75,"2018-02-05 21:14:08","Licorice: Natural Skin Care Ingredient Fights Redness & Rosacea","I try to walk outside for at least one hour everyday—it's my ultimate peace of mind. But lately it's been taking a toll on my skin. With temperatures outside dropping down to lows that only the recent Dow Jones stock ticker would understand, my skin is now confronted with freezing cold winds and dry air every time I step outdoors. While everyone's skin reacts differently to cold weather, I know I'm not alone in the ""blotchy red skin"" department. My cheeks always develop a mild case of Rosacea—a persistent redness, flushing, and cluster of rough patches that spread all over the skin. Keep Reading Below","Lew Robertson/Getty Images"
76,"2018-02-05 21:14:11","Treat Your Skin Problems Naturally with Tea Tree Oil","In my quest to find the best eco-friendly and all natural skincare treatments, I've come across an ointment that appears to do it all: Tea Tree Oil. It's an essential oil that's produced by distilling the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia-a native Australian plant whose leaves were traditionally used as a substitute for tea (that's how tea tree oil gets its name). Keep Reading Below","Jessica Boone/Jupiterimages"
77,"2018-02-05 21:14:16","Can sandpaper remove tattoos?","Of interest is Project New Start in California, which offers free tattoo removal to young people aged 13 to 25 who were part of a gang or who are at risk of being part of one. Participants have to commit to a series of rules, such as being part of an educational or steady work environment, doing 50 hours of volunteer community work and staying in touch with mentors. The tattoo removal is done with lasers, and similar to the way other laser treatments work, sessions are spread out over a few months or a year for the skin to heal in between treatments. By removing tattoos that no longer reflect who the person is now, the doctors who volunteer their time to operate the laser machinery give their clients a new start in society.",
78,"2018-02-05 21:14:22","Can lavender treat skin problems?","The pleasant appearance and aroma of lavender is well known. Humans have used lavender for centuries in various medicinal applications. One common use is to add lavender oils to water before washing. In fact, the word lavender comes from the Latin word levare, which means to bathe [source: Ernst et al.]. While the most common use of lavender is to help treat anxiety and relieve stress through aromatherapy, some people also use it to treat minor skin conditions or injuries. But is there any evidence that such treatments work? Keep Reading Below","Unusual Skin Care Ingredients Image Gallery Lavender is beautiful and has a soothing smell but is it medicinal? See more pictures of unusual skin care ingredients."
79,"2018-02-05 21:14:26","Can camphor treat skin problems?","It cools. It stimulates. It disinfects. But can camphor, an oil obtained from trees or synthesized from turpentine, treat skin problems? Traditionally, camphor was an oil extracted from the bark and wood of the cinnamomum camphora tree, native to Vietnam, China and Japan. Medicinal use of the oil dates back to the Middle East around 600 AD, and it was revered as sacred in ancient Greece and Egypt. Since the 1920s, however, most camphor has been synthesized from rosin-based turpentine oil [source: Nippon Fine Chemical]. Keep Reading Below","Unusual Skin Care Ingredients Image Gallery Camphor oil has been used as a pain reliever, but can it treat your skin? See pictures of unusual skin care ingredients."
80,"2018-02-05 21:14:31","10 Ways to Treat Psoriasis","Are you one of the 7.5 million Americans who suffers from psoriasis [source: National Psoriasis Foundation]? This chronic, non-contagious disease affects your skin when your body's immune system sends incorrect signals to trigger the growth of skin cells.  Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body. There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. But plaque is the most common. Plaque psoriasis causes red bumps or legions covered with a silver-colored collection of dead skill cells, referred to as scales, to appear on the skin. People who have psoriasis also tend to suffer from other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and depression. Researchers are unsure about the causes of psoriasis; however, most agree that both genetics and the immune system may contribute to its development. In general, people who suffer from psoriasis have some of the genes that cause the disease and have experienced stress, suffered from skin injury, or taken a medication that might trigger the disease. Keep reading for 10 ways to treat psoriasis.","This red, itchy mess is a true nuisance for sufferers of psoriasis. See more pictures of skin problems."
81,"2018-02-05 21:14:36","Can aloe treat skin problems?","In 1973, a pair of Harvard University researchers began a decades-long investigation into the effects of air quality on public health. The study, which came to be known as the Harvard Six Cities Study, would be the first to conclusively link health and environmental quality [source: Lauerman]. As a result of the study, many Americans turned to herbal remedies considered medicinally valuable in other nations, but eschewed by the U.S. medical establishment. The jury's still out on a few of these remedies, but some have proven effective. Keep Reading Below","Aloe vera has been considered a curative plant for millennia. The ancient Greeks considered it a cure-all medicinal and it's been shown to cure dry skin disorders."
82,"2018-02-05 21:14:41","Acne Remedies: Fast Facts","Here are some helpful links: Cell Salt TherapiesHomemade Topical RemediesLasersHeatMicrodermabrasion Keep Reading Below",
83,"2018-02-05 21:14:44","Acne Treatments: Fast Facts","Here are some helpful links: Keep Your Hands off Your FaceWash Your Skin Twice a DayWork Up a SweatLoosen Up When You're Working OutDon't Forget to ShowerBuy Some Benzoyl PeroxideStock Up on Salicylic AcidTake a Look at Your MakeupAsk for AntibioticsConsider Birth Control PillsManage Stress (and Sebum)Try IsotretinoinFollow the Light (and the Heat)Sandblast ItExplore Lasers Keep Reading Below",
84,"2018-01-24 20:31:55","Cold Sore Medications: Fast Facts",,
85,"2018-02-05 21:14:58","Oily Skin Treatments: Fast Facts","Here are some helpful links: Home Remedy Treatments for Oily SkinNatural Home Remedies for Oily Skin Keep Reading Below",
86,"2018-02-05 21:15:03","Can doctors treat acne with lasers?","There's no shortage of acne treatments. People around the world are going to bed tonight with faces covered in toothpaste, antibiotics, salicylic acid, lemon slices and any number of other proven and unproven substances. And no wonder: Acne can affect practically anyone, from infants to adults. While it affects some people more than others and is most common during puberty, most people will have to deal with it at some point -- or many points -- in their lives. One common (and usually effective) way to battle acne is with antibiotics, either in a pill or applied to the skin. Antibiotics work by destroying bacteria that have accumulated in the hair follicle to the point of damaging it. The drugs also calm the body's immune system response, reducing redness and swelling. Keep Reading Below","A better weapon than toothpaste? See more pictures of skin problems."
112,"2018-02-05 21:15:07","Freckles 101","They're a distinguishing characteristic of famous redheads like Anne of Green Gables and the Weasley family, but you won't find freckles on redheads alone. Although people with red hair and light skin are more likely to have them, people of all different hair and skin colors can have freckles. Some children might think freckles are an awful thing to have, but many adults grow to love their freckles as part of their unique look and personality. In simple terms, freckles are areas of the skin that have a little more pigment than the surrounding area. If your doctor ever mentions ephelides, don't worry -- that's just the medical term for freckles. There are two types of freckles: simple freckles and sunburn freckles. Simple freckles are usually small, about the size of the head of small nail, and they're basically harmless. They typically show up on the areas of your body that are exposed to the sun, most often your face. Simple freckles are darker in the summer than in the winter, and they can come in a range of colors, including red, tan, brown, black and yellow. All of the freckles on one person are usually uniform in color, though. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Freckles are a part of many people's personality. See more pictures of skin problems."
113,"2018-02-05 21:15:11","Friction Blisters","Friction blisters are painful. Sure, those new boots looked great on the shelf and even better on your feet. But until you break them in, you'll likely be in a lot of pain -- especially if you bought the boots a size too small. Ill-fitting footwear is the most common cause of friction blisters. However, they can also be caused by excessive moisture. That's why friction blisters are so prevalent in sports and the military. Athletes and soldiers are constantly moving and sweating, creating the perfect conditions to develop a blister. Though they do hurt, the formation of a blister is actually your body's way of protecting you. A friction blister forms as your skin rubs against material. Skin becomes irritated and red, and the layers of the skin begin to separate. Your body, in an effort to reduce the offending friction, produces fluid that fills the area between the layers of your now red, sore skin and a friction blister is born [source: Schwartz]. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Friction blisters often occur after exercise. See more pictures of skin problems."
114,"2018-02-05 21:15:16","Sagging Skin Overview","Maybe you've notice that more and more often, people ask you if you are tired or not feeling well. When you look at yourself in the mirror, you see creases on either side of your mouth and a little sag in the skin along the jaw line. It's not your imagination. Your skin is subject to the ravages of the sun, gravity and aging; it's starting to sag and it's become noticeable. Keep Reading Below","Close-up of older man's jawline and neck showing effects of aging and skin elasticity. See more pictures of skin problems."
115,"2018-02-05 21:15:22","How Scars Work","In scary movies, scars often clue us in to who the bad guys are: Characters like Freddy Krueger of ""Nightmare on Elm Street"" wear them like a badge of evil. The truth, however, is that scars are simply thick patches of skin that form over healing wounds, and anyone can get them -- even the good guys. In fact, it's rare to meet an adult who doesn't have a scar somewhere. Scars are usually pinker in color and shinier than the surrounding skin, and they form a permanent protection after burns, sores, cuts and scrapes, almost like a natural bandage. As the body heals from an injury, it uses collagen as a framework to repair damaged tissue. This is an important and necessary step for healing -- think of it as a scaffolding that lets builders repair a wall. But collagen has a different color and texture than the surrounding skin. As a result, there's often a visible mark left after the injury heals. After severe injuries that involve missing tissue, scars can be pitted or craggy. Keep Reading Below","Scars often leave visible marks, but there are ways to treat them and lessen their appearance. See more pictures of skin problems."
116,"2018-02-05 21:15:25","Skin Wrinkles Overview","Elephants don't seem to mind the thousands of lines across their vast gray skin. But human beings are another story. One wrinkle can send some people into a panic. Cosmetic companies make millions trying to help people reduce wrinkles and recapture their youthful appearance. But maintaining good skin isn't just about beauty. It is also a health issue. What damages your skin and causes wrinkles may also put you at greater risk for skin cancer. Everyone gets wrinkles as they age, but those who get too much sun will get more wrinkles sooner. In fact, 90 percent of the skin wrinkles that dermatologists treat in patients are from excessive exposure to the sun, not from the normal process of aging [source: Bernstein]. Keep Reading Below","Skin wrinkles are unavoidable, but you can delay their appearance with good skin care. See more pictures of skin problems."
117,"2018-02-05 21:15:27","Stretch Marks","While you can appreciate the beauty of the colors pink, purple and red, you don't necessarily want to wear them on your skin. Unfortunately, those deep, bright hues may become part of you in the form of stretch marks at some point in your life. Stretch marks are often associated with pregnancy, which is why they are more common in women, but they can appear whenever your body is going through rapid changes, such as during puberty or times of great weight loss or gain. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Stretch marks can appear any time that your body undergoes rapid change, including pregnancy. See more pictures of skin problems."
118,"2018-02-05 21:15:32","Thin Skin Overview","Wrinkles happen. Over time your skin changes. Soft and smooth baby skin turns to sometimes acne-riddled, adolescent skin. As you mature, your skin loses elasticity, which inevitably leads to skin that begins to sag and stretch. Moreover, some areas of your skin -- like the skin around your eyes -- are thinner and more susceptible to crow's feet and other fine lines. Thin skin is one of the most prominent effects of time's passage and is to blame for many of the telltale signs of aging. To understand thin skin, you must understand the composition of skin. Like the rest of your body, your skin is made up of tissue, groups of cells bound together to serve a particular purpose. Skin tissue is composed of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and the hypodermis [source: Merck Source]. The epidermis, or outer layer, is made mostly of dead skin cells that contain keratin, the protein that makes your skin durable and protects the underlying layers. The dermis, or middle layer, contains collagen and fibers that strengthen your skin and give it flexibility. The hypodermis, or inner layer, is composed of fatty tissue that connects your skin to the underlying tissue and cushions the body from daily bumps and bangs [source: Encyclopedia Britannica]. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Increased age, sun exposure, and genetics can all contribute to the thinning of the skin, increasing susceptibility to injury. See more pictures of skin problems."
119,"2018-02-05 21:15:36","Varicose Veins Causes and Treatments","They're not pretty, but they are pretty common. Varicose veins -- gnarled, swollen blood vessels visible just under the skin's surface -- affect half of all adults age 50 and older [source: National Institutes of Health]. Varicose veins can make your legs ache, but they aren't usually dangerous. A varicose vein can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the feet and lower legs, particularly on the backs of the calves [source: Mayo Clinic]. Although the location may vary, all varicose veins have their origins in common: They occur when small vein valves begin to leak. Keep Reading Below","Varicose veins are a common sign of aging, but certain conditions can cause them, too. See more skin problem pictures."
120,"2018-02-05 21:15:38","Is it safe to lance a blister?","You just couldn't resist that new pair of shoes, and now they've literally rubbed you the wrong way. Blisters can be painful, but the good news is they're relatively harmless and in most cases you can treat them yourself. If you do it right, you can alleviate your pain and avoid infection. If you do it wrong, you could make things a whole lot worse and end up with a serious infection. Of course, if you are a diabetic or have any sort of circulation problem, never lance a blister on your own. In these cases, call your doctor for proper treatment instructions. Because blisters are so easily infected, be sure to wash your hands before you start this process. Start by sterilizing both your skin and your needle with rubbing alcohol. Never use a needle that is sterilized using a flame or boiling water. While doing this may sterilize the needle, you will most likely end up with a serious burn in addition to your blister. Once your needle is safely sterilized, insert the tip into the edge of the blister. To drain, gently push the fluid toward the newly made hole. This gentle touch helps ensure that the thin skin covering the blister remains intact, acting as a barrier to infection. Once draining is complete, pat the blister dry [source: WebMD]. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Painful blisters. See more pictures of skin problems."
121,"2018-02-05 21:15:45","What causes bags under eyes?","No one likes to look in the mirror and see bags under his eyes, but it's an experience just about everyone over the age of 20 is familiar with. And the older you get, the more often they'll be there, staring back at you when look at yourself in the morning. Several factors influence this facial phenomenon, and the bags you notice under your eyes when you're in your 20s can be a lot different from the ones you develop in your 40s. Either way, they can make you look more tired and older than you really are. One of the biggest reasons people get bags under their eyes is because their parents have them. It's in your genes, and -- aside from plastic surgery -- there's not much that can be done about it. When you're young, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, a diet full of salty foods and water retention can also lead to bags. Sinus infections can cause them as well, by constantly stretching the skin beneath your eyes. If you notice that you have bags under your eyes early in the morning but they're generally gone by noon, it probably means they're being caused by fluid retention. You might be able to reduce their appearance by simply using an extra pillow to elevate your head while you sleep [source: Gibson]. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery Lack of sleep, lack of exercise and water retention can cause young people to get bags under their eyes. See more pictures of skin problems."
122,"2018-02-05 21:15:50","What causes red blotches on the face?","It's tough to hide red, blotchy skin -- especially when it's on your face. Makeup's a temporary solution, but it's not the perfect fix. Ultimately, your best bet for dealing with these uneven skin issues is to find out what's causing them. There are several different possibilities. One of the most common reasons for red blotches is a reaction to some type of beauty product that you're using [source: Zamosky]. Try testing your products on the inside of your wrist to see if they are causing an allergic reaction. If nothing happens, an allergy might still be to blame, but it's likely to be something else that you're touching, inhaling or ingesting [sources: Hyde]. If that's the case, it's probably time to see an allergist. In the meantime, try taking an antihistamine to see if the problem goes away. Keep Reading Below","Skin Problems Image Gallery In a few cases, red blotches on the skin might be a sign of a more serious condition. See more pictures of skin problems."
148,"2018-02-05 21:15:55","Can you get athlete's foot anywhere besides your feet?","There's a fungus among us, and it's making us miserable. The culprit is part of the genus Trichophyton. It belongs to a class of fungi called dermatophytes and lives in the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin, where it dines exclusively on the protein keratin. Keratin is tough: It's a major component in skin (as well as horns and claws in other animals), where it helps keep out germs and other foreign invaders. Trichophyton is among a relative handful of microbes equipped with the enzyme needed to break down keratin's fibrous composition. Obligingly, you turn out new epidermal cells every four weeks, providing the fungus with an endless, all-you-can-eat feast. Keep Reading Below","You can get tinea, the fungal infection that causes athlete's foot, practically anywhere on your skin. See more pictures of skin problems."
149,"2018-02-05 21:15:57","Frostbite Basics","Rulon Gardner was an unlikely, but likeable, bear of a wrestler whose story seemed to epitomize the Olympic dream. The son of a Wyoming dairy farmer, Gardner never finished higher than fifth in international competition. But at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, he stunned a global audience by toppling the reigning Russian champion to earn a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling [source: Sports Illustrated]. Just two years later, Mother Nature took Gardner to the mat. He became stranded while snowmobiling on a 10,745-foot (3,275-meter) mountain peak in Wyoming and spent 17 hours in temperatures that dipped to negative 80 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 62 degrees Celsius). By the time rescuers found him, Gardner's clothes were frozen to his body, and frostbite -- damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold -- had taken its toll [source: National Institutes of Health]. He survived the ordeal, but a toe on his right foot had to be amputated. Keep Reading Below","Frostbite is associated with snowy regions, but you can get it just by being exposed to freezing temperatures in less extreme locales. See pictures of skin problems."
150,"2018-02-05 21:16:00","5 Skin Problems You Can Get From Your Pets","They're our best friends and our companions, there to offer a friendly paw or a lick on the face whenever we feel down in the dumps. We love our pets so much so that we share our homes -- and often our beds -- with them. But the next time you get ready to curl up with your furriest friends, think about this: Your pets can carry a variety of creepy crawly critters that could make you sick. As they roam your yard or neighborhood, cats and dogs can pick up bacteria, fungi and a variety of bugs (ticks, mites and worms) that they can then pass on to you. These bugs can lead to a host of zoonotic diseases, or conditions that are passed from animals to humans. Sometimes your pets can even pick up germs from you and then return them. This article will introduce you to some of the skin infections you can catch from your pets, and it will teach you some ways to prevent your best friend from giving you a nasty rash.","Skin Problems Image Gallery You might love snuggling up with your furry friend here, but make sure that your pet isn't carrying some potentially unpleasant companions that can harm you. See pictures of skin problems."