As summer approaches and the landscape turns greener, so too are the leaves from poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. When the oil from these plants touches the skin, most people (about 85 percent) develop an itchy, blistering rash. Although the rash itself is not contagious, the oil can spread to

Psoriasis: Overview What is psoriasis? Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) is a chronic (long-lasting) disease. It develops when a person’s immune system sends faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. New skin cells form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin

  People of color: This term refers to diverse skin colors and includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent. People of all colors, including those with brown and black skin, get skin cancer. Even if you never sunburn, you can get skin cancer. When

  Molluscum contagiosum: This common skin disease causes bumps on the skin and tends to be harmless. Molluscum contagiosum: Overview Molluscum (muh-luhs-kum) contagiosum (kən-tā-jē-ō-səm) is a common skin disease. It is caused by a virus. This virus easily spreads from person to person. People

Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are dermatologists’ tips for keeping your nails healthy: Keep nails clean and dry. Cut nails straight across. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength.

  If a mole starts to grow, itch, or bleed, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Moles: Overview Also called nevi Moles are common. Almost every adult has a few moles. Adults who have light skin often have more moles. They may have 10 to 40 moles on their skin. This is normal. You should

How you wash your hair and the products you use can go a long way toward maintaining smooth, shiny hair. Follow these simple tips from dermatologists to maintain healthy hair. Wash oily hair more frequently. How often you wash your hair should be based on how much oil your scalp produces.

Whenever your skin is injured – whether by accident or from surgery – your body works to repair the wound. As your skin heals, a scar may form, as this is a natural part of the healing process. The appearance of a scar often depends on how well the wound heals. While scars from surgery or over joints

For people with rosacea, managing the skin condition can be a challenge since what triggers redness and inflammation of the skin in one person may not trigger it in another. Yet doing some detective work can help rosacea sufferers discover quick and easy ways to keep their skin calm. Foods and drinks

  Shingles: This disease often causes a painful, blistering rash. Shingles: Overview Also called herpes zoster Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. After the chickenpox clears, the virus stays in the body. If the virus reactivates (wakes up), the result is shingles — a painful, blistering

Athletes are at an increased risk of skin infections, which can have serious consequences. To help prevent infections, athletes, coaches and athletic trainers can follow these tips from dermatologists: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. A cut or scrape weakens the

  Human itch mite: This female mite, shown magnified 100 times, is full of eggs. She will burrow into human skin to lay her eggs. Scabies: Overview A mite causes this common skin condition. Called the human itch mite, this eight-legged bug is so small that you cannot see it on the skin. People get

  Merkel cell carcinoma: This rare skin cancer can appear on the skin as a hard patch (1) or firm bump (2). Merkel cell carcinoma: Overview What is Merkel cell carcinoma? Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer. It is also an aggressive skin cancer. MCC is considered aggressive because it

  Pityriasis rosea: This common skin disease causes patches on the skin. Your dermatologist may call the large patch a mother patch. The smaller patches are daughter patches. Pityriasis rosea: Overview Pityriasis rosea: This common skin disease causes patches on the skin. Your dermatologist may call

Microdermabrasion: Overview   Microdermabrasion: This non-invasive procedure gently exfoliates the skin to diminish signs of aging. Do you ever look in the mirror and wish that your face had a more even skin tone? If you answered yes, you may want to consider microdermabrasion. This non-invasive

  Sun-damaged skin: People with sun-damaged skin have a higher risk for developing AKs. Imiquimod: Overview Imiquimod (ih-mih-kwih-mod) is a prescription medicine that you use at home. It comes in a cream that you apply to your skin. Your dermatologist may prescribe imiquimod to treat: Actinic