Acne Acne What is acne? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The glands become clogged, leading to pimples and cysts. Acne is very common--people of all races and ages have acne....
Acne Scar Removal Acne Scar Removal Treatment for acne scars: Specific dermatological procedures to minimize acne scars will be determined by your physician based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Seve...
Anatomy of the Skin Anatomy of the Skin Click Image to Enlarge Facts about the skin The skin is the body's largest organ, covering the entire body. In addition to serving as a protective shield against heat, light, inju...
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) What is atopic dermatitis (AD or Eczema)? Atopic dermatitis (AD), also called eczema, is a hereditary and chronic skin disorder that mostly affects infants or very young ch...
Bacterial Skin Infections Bacterial Skin Infections The skin is the body's first barrier against bacteria that cause infections. Even though many bacteria live on the surface of our skin, healthy skin can usually protect us f...
Baldness (Alopecia) Baldness (Alopecia) What is baldness? Baldness, also known as alopecia, is hair loss, or absence of hair. Baldness is usually most noticeable on the scalp, but can occur anywhere on the body where ha...
Bed Sores Bed Sores What are bed sores? Bed sores (also known as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers) can occur when a person is bedridden, unconscious, unable to sense pain, or immobile. Bed sores are ulcers t...
Birthmarks Birthmarks What are birthmarks? Birthmarks are areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are apparent at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks are made up of malformed pigment cells or b...
Blisters Blisters What is a blister? A blister is a bump on the skin containing fluid. Blisters are usually circular in shape. The fluid that forms underneath the skin can be bloody or clear. What causes a bl...
Calluses and Corns Calluses and Corns What are calluses and corns? Calluses are protective pads made up of the thickened upper layer of skin due to repeated rubbing of the area. Corns are small calluses that develop on...
Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) What is candidiasis? Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes. Although yeast i...
Cellulitis Cellulitis What is cellulitis? Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin. The infection usually involves the face, or the arms and legs. Cellulitis may happen in normal skin, but it usuall...
Chemical Peel Chemical Peel What is a chemical peel? Chemical peeling uses a chemical solution to improve the skin's appearance. It can reduce or eliminate fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth, correct u...
Cold Sores Cold Sores What are cold sores? Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus. The most common strain of the virus is herpes simplex virus 1. Herpes simplex is no...
Common Dermatological Procedures Common Dermatological Procedures The skin, the largest organ of the body, helps define a person's look. Any unsightly skin appearance, such as scarring, can affect both mental and physical well-being...
Common Skin Disorders Common Skin Disorders Many common skin disorders require the clinical care of a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief...
Contact Dermatitis Contact Dermatitis What is contact dermatitis? Contact dermatitis is a physiological reaction that occurs after skin comes in contact with certain substances. The majority of these reactions are caus...
Creeping Eruption Creeping Eruption What is creeping eruption? Creeping eruption is a skin infection caused by hookworms, which normally are found in dogs and cats. The parasite spreads to humans through skin contact ...
Dermatitis Dermatitis Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis actually refers to a number of skin conditions that inflame the skin. Many types of dermatitis require clinical care by a physician or...
Dermatitis Herpetiformis Dermatitis Herpetiformis What is dermatitis herpetiformis? Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an intensely pruritic (itchy) skin disease characterized by eruptions of clusters of small blisters or vesi...
Describing a Skin Condition Describing a Skin Condition How to describe a skin condition A physician may ask you to describe your dermatological condition and its location. Here are some of the more common terms that may help y...
Drug Rashes Drug Rashes What are drug rashes? Drug rashes are the body's reaction to a certain medication. The type of rash that occurs depends on the type of drug that is causing it. Rashes can range from mild ...
Dry Skin Dry Skin What is dry skin? Dry skin is a very common skin condition, usually characterized by irritated skin and itchiness. Dry skin often worsens in the winter, when the air is cold and dry. In addi...
Erythema Multiforme Erythema Multiforme What is erythema multiforme? Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder characterized by symmetrical, red, raised skin areas all over the body. These patches often look like "targets"...
Erythema Nodosum Erythema Nodosum What is erythema nodosum? Erythema nodosum is characterized by tender, red bumps, usually found on the shins. Quite often, erythema nodosum is not a separate disease, but, rather, a ...
Excessive Hairiness (Hirsutism) Excessive Hairiness (Hirsutism) What is excessive hairiness? Excessive hairiness, also known as hirsutism, is characterized by abnormal hair growth on areas of skin that are not normally hairy. Altho...
Excessive Sweating Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) What is excessive sweating? Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, can affect the entire body, but usually occurs in the palms, soles, armpits, and/or groin...
Folliculitis, Boils, and Carbuncles Folliculitis, Boils, and Carbuncles What are folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles? Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles due to an infection, injury, or irritation. It is characterized by...
Fungal Infections of the Skin Fungal Infections of the Skin Many types of fungal skin infections require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have pr...
Generalized Exfoliative Dermatitis Generalized Exfoliative Dermatitis What is generalized exfoliative dermatitis? Generalized exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the entire skin surface due to a reaction to certain drug...
Glossary - Dermatology Glossary - Dermatology | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Ac...
Granuloma Annulare Granuloma Annulare What is granuloma annulare? Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition characterized by small, raised bumps that form a ring with a normal or sunken center. The cause of granul...
Hair Problems Hair Problems Many forms of hair problems require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. ...
Home Page - Dermatology Topic Index Anatomy of the Skin Skin Tests Describing a Skin Condition Common Dermatological Procedures Common Skin Disorders Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders Skin Inflammation (Rashes) Skin I...
How Wounds Heal How Wounds Heal Most of us take wound healing for granted. You get a small cut, clean and cover it with a bandage, and move on with your life. Yet under that bandage (or in the open air), the body or...
Ingrown Hairs Ingrown Hairs What is an ingrown hair? An ingrown hair is a hair that curls and penetrates the skin with its tip, causing inflammation. Ingrown hairs are more common among people with very curly hair...
Keratosis Pilaris Keratosis Pilaris What is keratosis pilaris? Keratosis pilaris is a common skin disorder characterized by small, pointed pimples. The pimples usually appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. T...
Laser Surgery for Skin Conditions Laser Surgery for Lesions and Skin Conditions There are many different types of lesions and skin conditions that can be treated with laser surgery. Your physician will decide if you are a candidate f...
Laser Surgery Overview Laser Surgery Overview What is laser surgery? Laser surgery is a type of surgery that uses special light beams instead of instruments for surgical procedures. How does a laser work? The functioning o...
Lice Lice What are lice? Lice are tiny insects that can infest the skin anywhere on the body. Lice infection is characterized by intense itching. Lice are highly contagious, spreading from person to perso...
Molluscum Contagiosum Molluscum Contagiosum What is molluscum contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease of the skin that causes small pink or skin-colored bumps on the skin. It is not harmful and usually does ...
Online Resources - Dermatology Online Resources - Dermatology This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advic...
Other Bacterial Skin Infections Other Bacterial Skin Infections What are some common types of bacterial skin infections? The following are common bacterial skin infections: Infection Symptoms Treatment Erysipelas A skin infection c...
Other Benign Skin Growths Other Benign Skin Growths What are other benign skin growths? As a person grows older and is exposed to sunlight, the skin changes. Most people have some skin marks, such as freckles and moles, which...
Other Dermatitis Conditions Other Dermatitis Conditions The following are some of the other common dermatitis conditions: Condition Description Symptoms Treatment Localized scratch dermatitis A chronic inflammation of the skin ...
Parasitic Infections of the Skin Parasitic Infections of the Skin Parasites on the skin are usually small insects or worms that burrow into the skin to live there or lay their eggs. Many types of parasitic skin infections require cl...
Pityriasis Rosea Pityriasis Rosea What is pityriasis rosea? Pityriasis rosea is a mild, but common, skin condition. Characterized by scaly, pink, inflamed skin, the condition can last from four to eight weeks and usu...
Poison Ivy / Poison Oak Poison Ivy / Poison Oak What is poison ivy/poison oak? There are three native American plants that collectively may be called poison ivy: Poison ivy Poison oak Poison sumac These plants can cause an ...
Pressure Ulcers Pressure Ulcers Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores or pressure sores, can develop when you are confined to a bed or chair. When you rarely move, your body weight restricts the blood flow to your a...
Prickly Heat Prickly Heat What is prickly heat? Prickly heat is a skin rash caused by trapped sweat under the skin. Sweat can become trapped when the narrow ducts through which sweat travels to the surface become...
Psoriasis Psoriasis What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, red, raised areas that often develop as silvery scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psori...
Rosacea Rosacea What is rosacea? Rosacea is a common skin condition that usually only affects the face and eyes. Characterized by redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels, rosacea tends to begin after midd...
Scabies Scabies What is scabies? Scabies is an infestation of mites (tiny insects) characterized by small, red bumps and intense itching. This highly contagious infection often spreads from person to person ...
Scars Scars What is a scar? A scar is the body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. A scar is usually composed of fibrous tissue. Scars may be formed for many different reasons, inc...
Sebaceous Cysts Sebaceous Cysts What are sebaceous cysts? Sebaceous cysts are harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin, often appearing on the scalp, face, ears, back, or groin area. The cysts usually contain dea...
Seborrheic Dermatitis Seborrheic Dermatitis What is seborrheic dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammation of the upper layers of skin, characterized by red, itchy skin that sheds scales. A hereditary condition, ...
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Shingles (Herpes Zoster) What is shingles? Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common viral infection of the nerves, which results in a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin anywhere on the ...
Skin Cancer Skin Cancer What is skin cancer? Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells. In the US alone, more than 2 million Americans were expected to be diagnosed in 2010 with nonmelanoma s...
Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders Abnormal skin growths and abnormal pigmentation of the skin may be present at birth, or develop later in life. Many types of skin growths and pigmentation diso...
Skin Infections Skin Infections Many types of skin infections require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overvi...
Skin Inflammation (Rashes) Skin Inflammation (Rashes) Many types of skin inflammations (rashes) require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have ...
Skin Injury Skin Injury External factors can harm the skin, including heat, sharp objects, ultraviolet radiation, and even excessive rubbing or pressure. Many types of skin injuries require clinical care by a ph...
Skin Pigment Disorders Skin Pigment Disorders What are skin pigment disorders? Skin color is determined by a pigment (melanin) made by specialized cells in the skin (melanocytes). The amount and type of melanin determines ...
Skin Sweating Disorders Skin Sweating Disorders Sweat glands under the skin produce sweat to help keep the body cool. Sweating increases with warmer temperatures, stress, or nervousness. Sweat consists of water, salt, and o...
Skin Tests Skin Tests What are skin tests? Skin tests may be performed to diagnose skin allergies, bacterial or fungal skin infections, and other diseases. Skin tests are also performed to differentiate between...
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome What is staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome? Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a response to a toxin produced by a staphylococcal infection and is characterized by peeling skin. The disease mo...
Sunburn Sunburn What is sunburn? Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the invisible rays that are part of sunlight. The signs of a sunburn may not appear for a ...
Surgical Site Infections Surgical Site Infections Your skin is a natural barrier against infection, so any surgery that causes a break in the skin can lead to a postoperative infection. Doctors call these infections surgical...
Tinea Infections (Ringworm) Tinea Infections (Ringworm) What are tinea infections (ringworm)? Different fungi, depending on their location on the body, cause ringworm. It is caused by a fungal infection--not an actual worm. Rin...
Tinea Versicolor Tinea Versicolor What is tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection characterized by lighter or darker patches on the skin. Patches are most often found on the chest or back...
Topic Index - Dermatology Topic Index - Dermatology Dermatology Home Anatomy of the Skin Skin Tests Describing a Skin Condition Common Dermatological Procedures Acne Scar Removal Treating Aged or Sun-Damaged Skin Chemical Pee...
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis What is toxic epidermal necrolysis? Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by a blistering and peeling of the skin. This disorder can ...
Treating Aged or Sun-Damaged Skin Treating Aged or Sun-Damaged Skin What is photoaging? Excessive exposure to the sun early in life can make a person look older than he/she really is. This premature wrinkling and skin damage from sun...
Treatment for Skin Cancer Treatment for Skin Cancer Specific treatment for skin cancer will be determined by your physician based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Location and extent of the disease Your toler...
Venous Ulcers Venous Ulcers When you get a cut or scrape, your body's healing process kicks in to close the wound, and in time, the wound heals. Open skin sores called ulcers, however, may not heal without proper ...
Viral Infections of the Skin Viral Infections of the Skin Many types of viral skin infections require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have prov...
Warts Warts What are warts? Warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by the papillomavirus. Warts are more common in children than adults, although they can develop at any age. Warts can spread to other ...