Common Growths

There are a variety of common benign (noncancerous) growths that can appear on the skin. These growths arise for different reasons, and you may develop many of them at one time. Some appear after an injury to the skin or in response to years of sun damage, while others simply develop due to normal aging. … Continued

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a skin disease that also is common inside the mouth. It also can affect your genitals, scalp, fingernails and toenails. WHAT DOES LICHEN PLANUS LOOK LIKE? On each part of the body, lichen planus looks somewhat different. The following describes what you can see on each part of the body. Skin On … Continued

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases, as they used to be called, spread from one person to another during sexual contact. This contact can involve the genitals, anus, skin, or mouth and result in an infection. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF STIs? There are more than 20 types of STIs. The most common … Continued

Cosmeceuticals and Your Skin

A cosmeceutical is a unique type of skin care product. Many diverse products fit into this category. Cosmeceuticals include: Anti-aging products that can reduce wrinkles, smooth rough skin and brighten skin tone Creams and lotions that can lighten skin Sunscreen What all these products have in common is the ability to change your skin in … Continued

Lupus and Your Skin

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a condition in which your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. Lupus can affect many organs in your body, including your skin. The skin is affected in approximately two-thirds of people who have lupus. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) flare WHAT IS LUPUS? There are many types of lupus, and each … Continued

Skin Biopsy: Patient Care Tips

Your dermatologist has recommended a biopsy to help diagnose your skin disease. This tip sheet will provide you with information about what to expect before, during and after your procedure. Review this information and follow any personalized directions from your dermatologist. WHAT IS A BIOPSY? To diagnose some skin diseases, a dermatologist performs a skin … Continued

Dangers of Tanning

A tan is a sign that your skin has been injured. Whether you are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays or visit an indoor tanning salon, every time you tan, your skin is damaged. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of … Continued

Mature Skin

As you grow older, you will see and feel changes in your skin. You cannot avoid skin changes associated with natural aging. However, there are skin changes you can prevent. There are even diseases, such as skin cancer, that need medical attention. Your dermatologist can be a partner in helping you keep your skin healthy … Continued

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer. Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. The most common warning signs of skin cancer include changes in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin lesion or the appearance … Continued

Dry Skin and Keratosis Pilaris

Dry skin and keratosis pilaris are common. Dry skin can occur at any age and for many reasons. Keratosis pilaris is an inherited skin condition that develops in almost half of the population. Sometimes a dermatologist’s help is necessary to get relief from dry skin and keratosis pilaris. WHAT IS DRY SKIN? Skin becomes dry … Continued