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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Almost everyone has experienced bags, or sagging skin, under their eyes at some point. But why do some people get them more than others?

By Sarah Siddons

There are many factors that could cause red blotches to appear on your skin. Find out how you can tell if they're the result of an allergic reaction.

By Sarah Siddons

If your boots were made for walking, chances are you've picked up some calluses along the way. Is it alright to file away at hardened skin with a foot scraper? And what should you consider if you have diabetes?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

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A new mole doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer -- people often develop new moles early in life. Of course, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't keep an eye out for them.

By John Barrymore

Individually, honey and vinegar both have properties that can potentially soothe and smooth skin. But what are the advantages to using these ingredients at the same time?

By Jackie Weaver

Lemon juice is a strong food acid that can do everything from relieve a sore throat to brighten your laundry whites. You may have heard that it can also get rid of freckles. Is this true, or is it more of a temporary solution?

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Shea butter is a common ingredient in moisturizers and scar prevention creams. But how well does it actually work as a means for making existing scars disappear?

By Sarah Rutland

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Age spots, also commonly known as liver spots, are common in older adults. Are they really caused by growing older, and can they be prevented?

By Sarah Siddons

The same types of fungi that cause ringworm and jock itch can also lead to athlete's foot. What steps can you take to avoid getting this uncomfortable -- but treatable -- skin condition?

By John Barrymore

When bacteria enter your body through a break in your skin, it can create one of several types of infections. How do you know you're infected and whether it's serious enough to see a doctor?

By John Barrymore

Blue-light therapy helps clear acne by attacking the bacteria that causes it to spread, but the procedure doesn't work for everyone. Who can benefit from Blu-U treatments?

By Christina Pander

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There are ways for people to get burned other than by flames or heat. Which one is the most common type of burn injury?

By John Barrymore

Rose water is probably best known for its aromatic benefits, but it can actually make you look better, too. What gives this byproduct of distillation its healing properties?

By Aida Duncan

No matter how pleasant the warmer months are, there's one word that can leave even the most stalwart summer fans clamoring for cold weather and the layers of clothes the season demands -- cellulite. Is there a cure for this all too common culprit?

By Sarah Siddons

You're stressed out about a speech you have to give at work and you start to feel a prickling and burning in your lip. Soon, a hard bump starts to form. But you know this isn't a zit; you're getting a cold sore.

By Sarah Siddons

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Common warts aren't dangerous. They'll go away if they're left untreated, but this can take anywhere from months to years. However, they're an eyesore and a nuisance, so you may want to get rid of them -- stat.

By Sarah Siddons

Ugh -- you have an inflamed, itchy, red rash that burns. It could be contact dermatitis caused. But what's caused it and how can you make it go away?

By Sarah Siddons

Looking for an exfoliation alternative? The controversial use of doctor fish, banned in at least 14 states, is supposed to help to get rid of dead skin cells that haven't sloughed off naturally.

By Elizabeth Whitmore

Sesame oil is known for adding flavor to many kinds of exotic dishes, but a similar version of it might also add some spice to your skin care routine. What can this oil do for your skin?

By Jamie Palamon

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You haven't been near poison ivy in weeks, you aren't allergic to latex and you don't have allergies that give you hives -- at least, you don't think you do. So what's that red patch of itchy dry skin? It could be a type of eczema.

By John Barrymore

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes the skin to be overly stretchy or joints to overextend. What causes this syndrome and how can you tell whether you have it?

By John Barrymore

For generations, people have been taking Epsom salt baths to cure their ills. What is it about this naturally occurring compound that makes it so trusted?

By Christina Pander

Face steaming is a common treatment for cleaning pores and helping skin products penetrate better. You can do it at home, but knowing the proper way can help you avoid harming your skin.

By Susan Sentry

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Often confused with other rash-inducing illnesses, a relatively mild form of fifth disease passes through many kids' lives unnoticed. But what happens when it affects adults?

By John Barrymore

Filiform warts form on the delicate tissue of the face, neck, eyelids and lips. And given how much time we spend gazing into one another's eyes, these cosmetic blemishes can be a real drag to live with.

By Sarah Siddons