Medical Skin Problems

Nummular dermatitis, a skin condition that affects two in every 1,000 people, is often misdiagnosed as ringworm. But what causes the condition, and how can you correctly identify it?

By Sarah Siddons

Periungual warts pop up near the nail bed on your hands and feet. Left untreated, these warts can have lasting effects on the health of your nails. We've got a few ways to avoid and cure these unsightly growths.

By John Barrymore

That red, itchy circle of skin can mean one of many things, including eczema, psoriasis or ringworm. If it turns out to be pityriasis rosea, however, you won't have much to worry about after a few weeks.

By John Barrymore

From morning to night, your feet are constantly on the move. However, the pain and inconvenience associated with plantar warts can stop you dead in your tracks.

By Sarah Siddons

More than 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health, making it one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases in the country. But what causes the disease, and is there a cure?

By John Barrymore

As if having a flushed, red nose weren't enough, rhinophyma's effects are much more than just cosmetic. But how can doctors treat this condition when they don't know the causes?

By Sarah Siddons

Ringworm is a common skin problem. What causes ringworm?

By John Barrymore

It looks like acne or eczema but isn't, and it can result in a red nose that people associate with alcoholism. It's rosacea, a common skin condition most people don't know anything about.

By John Barrymore

It's a scene straight out of a cheap horror movie: microscopic creatures crawling on your skin, eating your flesh and laying their eggs inside you. But it's not fake, it's real and it's called scabies.

By John Barrymore

Although it's rare, infants and young children can require burn treatments without ever being burned -- these children have a rare disease called scalded skin syndrome that's caused by the staph bacteria that normally live on skin.

By Elizabeth Whitmore

If you have dandruff, you may have a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes flaky, scaly skin and even hair loss. Find out what causes the disease and how you can treat it.

By John Barrymore

If you're a sun bunny, you'd better consider slathering on some sunscreen and heading for a big umbrella instead -- and don't even think about going to the tanning bed. Skin cancer is a lot more common than most people know.

By Sarah Siddons

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

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

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

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

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

By John Barrymore

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

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

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