Skin Problems

Skin problems, ranging from mild acne to skin cancer, affect people of all ages. Learn more about skin problems at HowStuffWorks.

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From harmless age spots and birthmarks to dangerous cancerous growths, several factors can cause skin discoloration. How do you tell what it is and whether to see a doctor?

By John Barrymore

If you have any prominent moles, you've probably put up with a lot of unsolicited questions and comments about whether you've been to a dermatologist. Where do moles come from, anyway?

By Sarah Siddons

Skin tags might be embarrassing or even scary when they appear out of the blue on your body. But are these tiny outgrowths of skin truly as ominous as they may seem?

By John Barrymore

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Everyone will get skin wrinkles eventually, but many people keep constant watch in the mirror for the slightest sign of crow's feet or laugh lines. Although they're a fact of life, there are a few ways to slow the appearance of wrinkles.

By Sarah Siddons

Solar urticaria is a rare allergic reaction that causes people to break out in hives after exposure to the sun. What causes it, and how can it be treated?

By Sarah Siddons

If you're over 50 and have high blood pressure or poor circulation, you're at risk of developing stasis dermatitis, a disorder that causes swollen legs and ulcers. But how can you avoid it?

By Sarah Siddons

Whether it's from pregnancy or puberty, stretch marks brought on by rapid changes in our bodies aren't always welcome. What causes stretch marks, and is there any way to get rid of them?

By Sarah Siddons

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What we know as "age spots" or "liver spots" are actually a result of sun exposure, and they're quite common. But once you have a sun spot, are you stuck with it for good?

By John Barrymore

If you're looking for an easy way to zap zits, the Zeno acne treatment device may be just what you need. But how does it work, and is it right for you?

By Jason Nestor

Acne scars can be itchy, painful and embarrassing, but there are many ways to reduce the appearance of these scars and make them less irritating. But which acne scar treatment is right for you?

By Shannon Cicero

Most people get age spots as they get older. They're more annoying than harmful, but you don't have to live with age spots unless you want to.

By Alexander Page

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Blackheads are a common type of acne caused by oils and dead skin cells that clog your pores and turn dark in color. What can you do to treat and prevent these breakouts?

By Aida Duncan

Frown lines can make you look sad, no matter how happy you are. So how do you erase them from your face?

By Mary Salisbury

Somehow, an itchy, red rash appeared on your skin and you're racking your brain to figure out how it got there. As you ponder your pruritic predicament, the rash seems to be growing. Could it be something serious?

By Matteson Cade

Skin is your body's outer shield, protecting it from the elements, fending off the sun's damaging rays and putting up with a number of other environmental irritants. It's no wonder that your skin eventually loses some of its elasticity.

By Sarah Jourdain

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Tea tree oil is a common herbal medicine that you might find in several cosmetic products, including shampoo and deodorant. What can the oil do for your skin, and what side effects should you be aware of?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Many people enjoy mint-flavored chewing gum and toothpastes, and mint teas are popular choices at coffee shops. Aside from its soothing scents, can mint provide benefits to your skin?

By Aida Duncan

The older you get, the more your skin loses its ability to stretch. Part of this is due to a breakdown in collagen, the protein in your skin that gives it strength and support. Are there any natural ways to jump-start collagen production?

By Shannon Cicero

If you've ever looked at your reflection in the mirror and seen nothing but enlarged pores, you may have wondered if there's any way to get rid of them. Some people suggest hot water or steam -- but is there any way to actually "shrink" your pores?

By Elizabeth Forester

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Varicose veins, the large, blue veins that often pop up on the legs, are common as you age, but certain conditions can cause them, too. What's behind these bulging blood vessels, and how can you treat them?

By Laurie L. Dove

You may think that your skin is safe from the elements once swimsuit season ends and the air gets cold. That's not true. Most people know that the winter sun can still harm skin, but the wind can be just as dangerous.

By John Barrymore

This exotic sounding affliction is actually pretty common and tame. Xanthomas are bumps that form when fat collects in pockets under the skin, and usually occurs in those over the age of 40.

By Sarah Siddons

If you notice an embarrassing odor when you take off your shoes, you may wonder if there's anything do about it. What does hyperhidrosis have to do with smelly feet, and what can Botox do to treat it?

By Susan Sentry

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Is it possible to be allergic to the sun? What can be done about this allergy?

By John Barrymore

Most people are susceptible to patchy discoloration, scarring and other skin traumas. To even things out, some people resort to bleaching their skin. Is it safe, and what does hydroquinone have to do with it?

By Alexander Page