Molluscum contagiosum facts Pictures of molluscum contagiosum; SOURCE: CDC A viral infection of the skin causes molluscum contagiosum, a mild skin disease. Risk factors include direct and indirect contact with an infected person's skin. Symptoms and signs include painless pinkish raised nodules or bumps on the skin. A doctor's physical exam presumptively diagnoses most molluscum...
Vitiligo facts Picture of Vitiligo on Back Vitiligo facts* medically edited by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Vitiligo is a disease in which the pigment cells of the skin, melanocytes, are destroyed in certain areas. Symptoms and signs of vitiligo include loss of skin color in the form of depigmented, or white, patches of skin in...
Ten common reasons for head itching include infectious or autoimmune disease and allergic reactions. When your head itches continuously, there may be many contributory factors. Head itching can be irritating and troublesome. Finding the cause and treating it should be a priority. Ten common reasons for head itching include infectious or autoimmune disease and allergic...
What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)? Readers Comments 50 Share Your Story Levulan stick (photosensitizer medication) Application of Levulan to the face Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that utilizes a photosensitizing molecule (frequently a drug that becomes activated by light exposure) and a light source to activate the administered drug. Very thin superficial skin...
What is yeast? What is a yeast infection? Both men and women can get a yeast infection in the vagina and penis. Yeast are microscopic fungi consisting of oval cells that reproduce by forming buds. There are many types of yeast. Some yeast types are important in baking and brewing (baker's yeast, brewer's yeast). Thus,...
What is Addison’s disease? Addison's disease affects the skin in several ways including hyperpigmentation and vitiligo. Addison’s disease is a rare and serious condition involving the adrenal glands. These glands sit above the kidneys and make hormones like cortisol and sex hormones. In most cases, Addison’s is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease occurs when the...
What is scalp psoriasis? When can scalp psoriasis begin? Picture of scalp psoriasis. Source: iStock.com. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the skin that is estimated to affect about 2.2% of the adult population. In children, the onset of psoriasis can be before the age of one year but peaks around 5-8 years. Psoriasis produces...
What is dandruff? Share Your Story The exact origin of the term is rather obscure. Dander consists of white to tan flakes found on fur or feathers. Ruff, the second syllable, probably originates from the word scurfy, which means scale arising from the most superficial layer of the skin. In any case, dandruff is the...
Most patients can perform routine daily activities on their own after a week and resume light activities two weeks after surgery. Complete recovery after breast reduction usually takes around 8-12 weeks. Following breast reduction, most patients are usually discharged 24-48 hours later. The doctor provides medication and several supportive measures. Most patients can perform routine...
Laser resurfacing does not have permanent results. Laser resurfacing does not have permanent results. Many people notice immediate results on their skin. This may continue to get better for up to a year. With changes to the skin because of aging, new wrinkles and expression lines appear. Thus, as per your need, you may need...