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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Morgellons Disease Overview

Morgellons Disease, the name for a group of symptoms marked by unidentified fibers that exit a person's body, is still written off by doctors as a mental illness. What's at the root of this mysterious condition?

By Laurie L. Dove Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Can psoriasis increase my chances of a heart attack?

People who have psoriasis see dermatologists for treatment. But should they have a cardiologist on speed dial? New medical research suggests a possible link between psoriasis and heart attacks.

By Victoria Vogt Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Should I pop my zits?

Though popping pimples is usually frowned upon, dermatologists often extract them for their patients. If it's safe for doctors to pop zits, is it OK for you to do it yourself?

By Jennifer Sellers Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

5 Tips for Minimizing Freckles

When you were a kid, you collected freckles like coins in a piggy bank -- happily. But as an adult, you'd rather not bank these brown spots. How can you make them disappear?

By Brian Boone Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

Can you get athlete's foot anywhere besides your feet?

There's a fungus among us, and it's making us miserable. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is an infection caused by a tricky fungus. Can it invade your skin anywhere above your toes?

By Christine Venzon Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Can lavender treat skin problems?

People have known about the soothing properties of lavender for centuries, and its oil can be found in many skincare products. But if you have a minor skin problem, how much help will lavender be to you?

By Jonathan Strickland Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

Can varicose veins lead to blood clots?

Those blue, twisted varicose veins that pop up on your legs occur when the blood vessel valves weaken and blood pools in the vein. Can this cause blood clots, and if so, are they dangerous?

By Laurie L. Dove Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

Does exercising affect varicose veins?

It's true that exercising to boost circulation may help prevent varicose veins, those blue, twisted blood vessels that pop up in your legs. But can exercise help -- or hurt -- if you already have them?

By Thorin Klosowski Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

Frostbite Basics

Often associated with extreme locales, frostbite can affect you even in everyday cold conditions. Why does this condition freeze parts of your body, and how can it help save your life?

By Laurie L. Dove Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Can camphor treat skin problems?

It cools. It stimulates. It reduces coughing. It disinfects. But can camphor, an oil obtained from trees or synthesized from turpentine, treat skin problems?

By Lawrence Schumacher Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

5 Skin Problems You Can Get From Your Pets

Everyone loves hugging and snuggling up to their pets, but did you know that your pet can bring home a host of diseases once it comes in from the yard? If you want to keep from catching a nasty rash from your furry friend, read on.

By Stephanie Watson Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

5 Ways to Prevent Wrinkles

The unwanted lines that begin to crowd your eyes and mouth as you age are difficult to fend off. But there are ways to prevent them from taking over your face.

By Gerlinda Grimes Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

10 Ways to Treat Psoriasis

The itchy, scaly symptoms of this skin disease are difficult to get rid of. But there are some treatments that should ease your discomfort. What are they?

By Sarah Winkler Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

5 Types of Skin Fungus

Getting infected with a skin fungus may be unsightly or embarrassing, but it's actually quite common. What are the most prevalent types of skin fungus, and how do you know if you have one?

By Jane McGrath Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Can you spread herpes when you don't have a cold sore?

Recognizing a flare-up isn't as easy as it seems. Some people who contract herpes never experience any noticeable symptoms at all. So how do you keep from spreading the virus to your partner?

By Julia Layton Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Can aloe treat skin problems?

Do herbal remedies really work? The jury's still out on most, but a few have proven effective. Aloe vera is a proven example of a botanical treatment that works on most -- but not all -- skin problems.

By Josh Clark Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

What Is Epidermolysis Bullosa?

One of the more remarkable things about human skin is its ability to defend itself. It often forms painful blisters in response to friction or heat, but for epidermolysis bullosa patients, this defense mechanism can be deadly.

By Josh Clark Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

10 Ways to Prevent and Treat Cradle Cap

If you notice flaky patches on your baby's scalp, don't be alarmed -- it's probably just cradle cap. What is this skin condition, and how should you handle it?

By Katie Lambert & Jane McGrath Skin Problems / Baby Skin Problems

Acne-cleansing Diet: Fast Facts

Get fast facts on an acne-cleansing diet, and learn what to include in your skincare routine to control acne breakouts.

By Sarah Siddons Skin Problems / Beauty Skin Problems

Acne Remedies: Fast Facts

Get fast facts on acne remedies, including what options a dermatologist can offer and what you can do at home for acne relief.

By John Barrymore Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

Acne Treatments: Fast Facts

Get fast facts on acne treatments, and consider using these tips in your daily skincare routine to reduce acne breakouts.

By Sarah Siddons Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

Can you get herpes from water fountains or toilet seats?

We've learned a lot about sexually transmitted diseases, but we're still not sure how they're spread. Can you really get herpes from water fountains and toilet seats? Well ... it's complicated.

By Josh Clark Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems

Cold Sore Medications: Fast Facts

Get fast facts on cold sore medications, and learn about the herpes virus and how to avoid the spread of cold sores.

By John Barrymore Skin Problems / Treating Skin Problems

Skin Lightening for Acne Scars: Fast Facts

Get fast facts on skin lightening for acne scars, and learn about the origins of acne scars and the treatments available to improve the look of acne-scarred skin.

By Sarah Siddons Skin Problems / Medical Skin Problems