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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10 Causes and Treatments for Cold Sores

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. Let's look at the causes and some treatments.

By Joseph Miller Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Reducing Acne Scars Image Gallery

There are some ways to reduce acne scars that you can try at home. See these reducing acne scars pictures to get tips and information.

By Jessika Toothman Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

At a Glance: Varicose Veins

Veins are things most of us prefer to remain unseen. But when a condition like varicose veins develops, the blood vessels swell below the skin and can become unsightly and painful.

By Jennifer Sellers Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

At a Glance: Broken Capillaries

Just below the surface of your skin, a tiny network of blood vessels distributes fuel through the blood and removes waste from your body. But what happens when these capillaries break?

By Kevin P. Allen Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

Quick Tips: 5 Tips to Improve Skin Elasticity

It's a fact of life: As we age, the body's skin loses its elasticity. But, there are ways to slow the process.

By Kevin P. Allen Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

Quick Tips: 5 Home Remedies for Athlete's Foot

Gettingathlete's foot is the closest most of us will ever come to being an athlete, but aside from its familiar moniker, this fungal infection really has nothing to do with sports. When the symptoms arise, these remedies could offer relief.

By Kevin P. Allen Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

Quick Tips: Oily Skin Remedies

Got oily skin? Years from now, you'll have fewer wrinkles on your face than your friends who have dry or average skin. But if that doesn't cheer you up, we've got five home remedies to help today.

By Kevin P. Allen Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

10 Natural Ways To Prevent and Heal Bruises

Fight nasty bruises the eco-friendly way. Learn more about these 10 natural ways to prevent and heal bruises.

By Josh Peterson, Planet Green Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

Licorice: Natural Skin Care Ingredient Fights Redness & Rosacea

Many skincare products use natural herbs and plants, like licorice root extract, to relax irritated skin. Learn more about natural skin care ingredient with licorice.

By Sheila Shaigany Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

Treat Your Skin Problems Naturally with Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is an effective treatment for our most common skin conditions. Learn more about treating your skin problems naturally with Tea Tree Oil.

By Sheila Shaigany Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

Can sandpaper remove tattoos?

Although sandpaper could remove a tattoo, it's not worth trying it. Learn about whether sandpaper can remove tattoos.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

How does scleroderma affect the skin?

Scleroderma affects the body's production of collagen, often resulting in bands of tight, hard skin that make it difficult to move the mouth and fingers. In some severe cases, scleroderma can affect vital organs. Is it treatable?

By Victoria Vogt Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

What is harlequin ichthyosis?

Babies are known for their silky-smooth skin, but some are born with hard, diamond-shaped scales instead. For people with harlequin ichthyosis, the skin can't do its job. Instead, it works against them.

By Tom Scheve Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

What are chilblains?

As the name suggests, chilblains is a cold-weather skin condition that makes your fingers and toes redden and swell. How can you prevent chilblains if you have to go out in the cold?

By John Kelly Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Ichthyosis Overview

Named for the scaly appearance it causes on the skin, the types of ichthyosis can range from everyday dry skin to more serious, fatal versions. What causes this family of skin conditions, and how can you treat it?

By Laurie L. Dove Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Cold Sores vs .Canker Sores: Causes and Treatments

Cold sores are caused by a viral family linked to the herpes virus thatÃ‚ can cause infections throughout the body, most commonly around the lips. Learn about causes and treatments of cold sores.

By the editors of PureHealthMD Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Preventing Shingles

Shingles is a terribly painful outbreak of the varicella zoster virus, a member of the herpes family better known by its initial infection, chicken pox. Learn how to prevent and treat the painful effects of shingles.

By the editors of PureHealthMD Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

5 Inherited Skin Problems

Skin is tough -- because it has to be. It must protect us from the elements and environmental toxins, but what happens when its biggest threat comes from inside the body?

By Josh Clark Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

5 Skin Disorders You Might Mistake for Hives

It may be easy to dismiss red, itchy bumps on your skin as hives, but it might turn out to be another condition. How can you tell the difference between hives and conditions that look like it?

By Thorin Klosowski Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

How Flesh-eating Bacteria Works

On Tuesday, you find a seemingly harmless, tiny cut on your ankle. But by Friday, you're in the hospital fighting for your life as you undergo your fifth surgery in three days. Necrotizing fasciitis (aka flesh-eating bacteria) may sound like something out of a science-fiction novel, but it's a very real, potentially fatal illness.

By Elizabeth Sprouse Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems