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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Many people, especially those with red hair or light skin, have freckles. For some, they're a source of pride and character. Others, however, might want to hide them. What causes freckles, and is there a way to make them disappear?

By Sarah Siddons

Friction blisters are a common skin problem. How are they treated?

By Sarah Siddons

Most people love being outside when the weather is hot -- having barbecues, going to the beach, riding bikes and taking long walks. But all this outdoor activity can put you at a greater risk for developing heat rash.

By Sarah Siddons

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If you see a small, red growth developing on your newborn's skin, it's most likely a common type of birthmark known as a hemangioma. What is this growth, and can it be treated?

By Alexander Page

Having hives can make you feel like you've been the all-you-can-eat buffet for a group of really hungry mosquitoes. And, as if having really itchy welts isn't bad enough, hives can burn and sting. Just what makes these nasty bumps appear?

By Sarah Siddons

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria that normally live on your skin without causing harm. So what causes these bacteria to suddenly cause the itchy rash of impetigo?

By Sarah Siddons

Dante Rosario, tight end for the Carolina Panthers, was once hospitalized for an infection caused by an ingrown hair. While such infections are rare, ingrown hairs can be unsightly and painful, so how can you prevent them?

By John Barrymore

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When brownish patches appear on their skin, many people don't even realize they have melasma. Without targeted treatment, will this common skin condition vanish on its own?

By Sarah Siddons

Most people believe harsh exfoliants help ward off skin problems, but for some people they can cause milia to appear. How do you get rid of these pimple-like bumps when they arise?

By Sarah Siddons

It's no secret that the nutrients from a glass of milk hold plenty of benefits for your health. But can bathing in milk be as good for your skin as drinking it is for the rest of your body?

By Rebecca Regan

If you've ever been to a hospital neonatal unit, you may have noticed some infants under bright blue lights. No, they aren't in an azure tanning bed. In fact, those lights may save their lives.

By Ed Grabianowski

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Dirt and oil clogging up pores can often lead to acne breakouts. But how is the mud in a mask different from the dirt we encounter in during the course of an average day?

By Aida Duncan

Some people use fasting as a strategy to shed pounds quickly. But even if excess weight is the cause of your cellulite, could fasting provide a permanent solution?

By Sarah Rutland

Mineral body wraps are a spa treatment that can supposedly take inches off your waistline in an hour's time. Does such a treatment get rid of fat, or just make you look as though you did?

By Mary Salisbury

Moles typically appear in the first 20 years of a person's life, and it's normal to have about 40 moles on your body. But how do you know if you need to have a mole removed?

By Alexander Page

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Mud baths can be a relaxing way for you to pamper yourself and relieve stress, but are there any health benefits to soaking in mud?

By Sarah Siddons

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

Oatmeal is much more than just a nutritious breakfast food. In fact, when added to a bath, oatmeal can provide relief from poison ivy, chickenpox and even eczema.

By Elizabeth Forester

If you have arthritis, stiff joints or dry skin -- or if you're just looking for a way to pamper yourself -- you may want to try a paraffin wax treatment.

By Elizabeth Forester

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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

If you're frustrated by the unsightly blackheads on your nose, then pore strips may be just what you need to help put your best face forward.

By Elizabeth Whitmore

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As you age, your skin loses its moisture and elasticity, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. But, thanks to modern science, you can fight the signs of aging by replacing your skin's lost lipids.

By Jamie Palamon

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