Dermatology

Symptoms
Abnormally dark or light skin
Abnormally dark or light skin is skin that has turned darker or lighter than normal.

Diseases & Conditions
Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.

Symptoms
Absence of sweating
An abnormal lack of sweat in response to heat may be harmful because sweating allows heat to be released from the body. The medical term for absent sweating is anhidrosis.

Diseases & Conditions
Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.

Diseases & Conditions
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits. " Whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts) may develop.

Self-Care Instructions
Acne - self-care
Acne vulgaris - self-care; Cystic acne - self-care; Pimples - self-care; Zits - self-care

Diseases & Conditions
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a small, rough, raised area on your skin. Often this area has been exposed to the sun over a long period of time. Some actinic keratoses may develop into a type of skin cancer.

Special Topics
Aging spots - should you be concerned?

Diseases & Conditions
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes round patches of hair loss. It can lead to total hair loss.

Diseases & Conditions
Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot.

Diseases & Conditions
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is a type of eczema. Other forms of eczema include: Contact dermatitisDyshidrotic eczemaNummular eczemaSeborrheic...

Self-Care Instructions
Atopic dermatitis - children - homecare
Infantile eczema; Dermatitis - atopic children; Eczema - atopic - children

Self-Care Instructions
Atopic dermatitis - self-care
Eczema - self-care

Diseases & Conditions
Basal cell skin cancer
Basal cell cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers are basal cell cancer. Other common types of skin cancer are: Squamous cell cancerMelanoma Squamous cell cancer...

Diseases & Conditions
Birthmarks - pigmented
A birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and Mongolian spots. Birthmarks can be red or other colors. red

Symptoms
Blackheads
Blackheads are tiny, dark spots on the skin. They are caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore). Blackheads are also called open comedones. They are one type of acne, often on the face...

Diseases & Conditions
Body lice
Body lice are tiny insects (scientific name is Pediculus humanus corporis) that are spread through close contact with other people. Pediculus humanus corporis Two other types of lice are: Head licePubic...

Diseases & Conditions
Boils
A boil is an infection that affects groups of hair follicles and nearby skin tissue. Related conditions include folliculitis, an inflammation of one or more hair follicles, and carbunculosis, a skin infection...

Symptoms
Bullae
Bullae are large blisters on the skin that are filled with clear fluid. Many different skin conditions can cause bullae to form. They can be caused by infection or inflammation of the skin. blisters

Diseases & Conditions
Bullous pemphigoid
Bullous pemphigoid is a skin disorder characterized by blisters. blisters

Injury
Burns
Burns commonly occur by direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemical agents. Burns can lead to cell death, which can require hospitalization and can be fatal.

Diseases & Conditions
Candida infection of the skin
Candida infection of the skin is a yeast infection of the skin. The medical name of the condition is cutaneous candidiasis.

Diseases & Conditions
Carbuncle
A carbuncle is a skin infection that often involves a group of hair follicles. The infected material forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and often contains pus. When a person has many carbuncles...

Special Topics
Cellulite
Cellulite is fat that collects in pockets just below the surface of the skin. It forms around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Cellulite deposits cause the skin to look dimpled.

Diseases & Conditions
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. It affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below. Sometimes, muscle below the skin can be affected.

Special Topics
Chafing
Chafing is skin irritation that occurs where skin rubs against skin, clothing, or other material.

Special Topics
Chapped hands

Special Topics
Chapped lips

Diseases & Conditions
Cherry angioma
A cherry angioma is a noncancerous (benign) skin growth made up of blood vessels.

Diseases & Conditions
Chiggers
Chiggers are tiny, 6-legged wingless organisms (larvae) that mature to become a type of mite. Chiggers are found in tall grass and weeds. Their bite causes severe itching.

Symptoms
Comedones
Comedones are small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture. The bumps are one type of acne. They are found at the opening of skin pores. A solid core can often be seen in the...

Diseases & Conditions
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, sore, or inflamed after direct contact with a substance.

Diseases & Conditions
Creeping eruption
Creeping eruption is a human infection with dog or cat hookworm larvae (immature worms). hookworm

Surgery
Cryotherapy for the skin
Cryotherapy is a method of superfreezing tissue in order to destroy it. This article discusses cryotherapy of the skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Cutaneous skin tag
A cutaneous skin tag is a common skin growth. Most of the time, it is harmless.

Symptoms
Cyst
A cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.

Surgery
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is the removal of the top layers of the skin. It is a type of skin-smoothing surgery.

Diseases & Conditions
Dermal melanocytosis
Dermal melanocytosis is the name of a kind of birthmark that is flat and blue, or blue-gray in color. They appear at birth or in the first few weeks of life.  Dermal melanocytosis was formerly called Mongolian...

Diseases & Conditions
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a very itchy rash consisting of bumps and blisters. The rash is chronic (long-term). blisters

Diseases & Conditions
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is a disease that involves muscle inflammation and a skin rash. Polymyositis is a similar inflammatory condition that also involves muscle weakness, swelling, tenderness, and tissue damage...

Diseases & Conditions
Dermatoses - systemic
Dermatoses is a general term used to describe any skin defect or lesion on the skin. Systemic means it affects the whole body, rather than just one part. Systemic dermatoses may be linked to problems in...

Symptoms
Dry hair
Dry hair is hair that does not have enough moisture and oil to maintain its normal sheen and texture.

Diseases & Conditions
Dry skin
Dry skin occurs when your skin loses too much water and oil. Dry skin is common and can affect anyone at any age. The medical term for dry skin is xerosis.

Self-Care Instructions
Dry skin - self-care
Skin - dry; Winter itch; Xerosis; Xerosis cutis

Diseases & Conditions
ECHO virus
Enteric cytopathic human orphan (ECHO) viruses are a group of viruses that can lead to infections in different parts of the body, and skin rashes.

Diseases & Conditions
Ecthyma
Ecthyma is a skin infection. It is similar to impetigo, but occurs deep inside the skin. For this reason, ecthyma is often called deep impetigo. impetigo

Diseases & Conditions
Ectodermal dysplasias
Ectodermal dysplasias is a group of conditions in which there is abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or sweat glands.

Diseases & Conditions
Epidermoid cyst
An epidermoid cyst is a closed sac under the skin, or a skin lump, filled with dead skin cells.

Diseases & Conditions
Epidermolysis bullosa
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of disorders in which skin blisters form after a minor injury. It is passed down in families.

Special Topics
Epithelium
The term "epithelium" refers to layers of cells that line hollow organs and glands. It is also those cells that make up the outer surface of the body.

Symptoms
Erosion
Erosion is a breakdown of the outer layers of the skin, usually because of a: CutScrapeInflammation Cut Scrape Inflammation

Diseases & Conditions
Eruptive xanthomatosis
Eruptive xanthomatosis is a skin condition that causes small yellow-red bumps to appear on the body. It can occur in people who have a very high blood triglyceride level. These people also frequently have...

Diseases & Conditions
Erysipelas
Erysipelas is a type of skin infection. It affects the outermost layer of the skin and the local lymph nodes.

Diseases & Conditions
Erysipeloid
Erysipeloid is a rare and acute infection of the skin caused by bacteria.

Diseases & Conditions
Erythema multiforme
Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute skin reaction that comes from an infection or another trigger. EM is a self-limiting disease. This means it usually resolves on its own without treatment.

Diseases & Conditions
Erythema nodosum
Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder. It involves tender, red bumps (nodules) under the skin. nodules

Diseases & Conditions
Erythema toxicum
Erythema toxicum is a common skin condition seen in newborns.

Diseases & Conditions
Erythrasma
Erythrasma is a long-term skin infection caused by bacteria. It commonly occurs in skin folds.

Diseases & Conditions
Erythroderma
Erythroderma is widespread redness of the skin. It is accompanied by scaling, peeling, and flaking of the skin, and may include itching and hair loss. scaling

Diseases & Conditions
Erythroplasia of Queyrat
Erythroplasia of Queyrat is an early form of skin cancer found on the penis. The cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Squamous cell cancer in situ can occur on any part of the body. This term...

Symptoms
Facial swelling
Facial swelling is the buildup of fluid in the tissues of the face. Swelling may also affect the neck and upper arms.

Diseases & Conditions
Female pattern baldness
Female pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in women. hair loss

Diseases & Conditions
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the skin.

Injury
Frostbite
Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold. Frostbite is the most common freezing injury.

Diseases & Conditions
Fungal nail infection
Fungal nail infection is a fungus growing in and around your fingernail or toenail.

Diseases & Conditions
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome
Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is a childhood skin condition that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B and other viral infections. malaise

Diseases & Conditions
Giant congenital nevus
A congenital pigmented or melanocytic nevus is a dark-colored, often hairy, patch of skin. It is present at birth or appears in the first year of life. A giant congenital nevus is smaller in infants and...

Tests
Gram stain of skin lesion
A Gram stain of a skin lesion is a laboratory test that uses special stains to detect and identify bacteria in a sample from the skin. The Gram stain method is one of the most commonly used techniques to...

Diseases & Conditions
Granuloma annulare
Granuloma annulare (GA) is a long-term (chronic) skin disease consisting of a rash with reddish bumps arranged in a circle or ring. chronic

Diseases & Conditions
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition in which small, red, scaly, teardrop-shaped spots with silvery scale appear on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. Gutta means "drop" in Latin.

Symptoms
Hair loss
Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.

Diseases & Conditions
Hemangioma
A hemangioma is an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.

In-depth Report
Herpes simplex - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of herpes simplex.

Diseases & Conditions
Hives
Hives are raised, often itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They can be an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can also appear without cause.

Diseases & Conditions
Hot tub folliculitis
Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the skin around the lower part of the hair shaft (hair follicles). It usually occurs when you come into contact with certain bacteria that live in warm and wet areas...

Self-Care Instructions
How to care for pressure sores
Pressure ulcer - care; Bedsore - care; Decubitus ulcer - care

Symptoms
Hyperelastic skin
Hyperelastic skin is skin that can be stretched beyond what is considered normal. The skin returns to normal after it is stretched.

Diseases & Conditions
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest.

Diseases & Conditions
Hypomelanosis of Ito
Hypomelanosis of Ito (HMI) is a very rare birth defect that causes unusual patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) skin and may be associated with eye, nervous system, and skeletal problems. hypopigmented

Diseases & Conditions
Ichthyosis vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin disorder passed down through families that leads to dry, scaly skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Impetigo
Impetigo is a common skin infection.

Diseases & Conditions
Incontinentia pigmenti
Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare skin condition passed down through families. It affects the skin, hair, eyes, teeth, and nervous system.

Symptoms
Intertrigo
Intertrigo is inflammation of the skin folds. It tends to occur in warm, moist areas of the body where two skin surfaces rub or press against each other. Such areas are called intertriginous areas.

Surgery
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is the process of passing a weak electrical current through the skin. Iontophoresis has a variety of uses in medicine. This article discusses the use of iontophoresis to decrease sweating...

Diseases & Conditions
Jock itch
Jock itch is an infection of the groin area caused by a fungus. The medical term is tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin.

Diseases & Conditions
Kaposi sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a cancerous tumor of the connective tissue. tumor

Diseases & Conditions
Keloids
A keloid is a growth of extra scar tissue. It occurs where the skin has healed after an injury.

Diseases & Conditions
Keratosis obturans
Keratosis obturans (KO) is the buildup of keratin in the ear canal. Keratin is a protein released by skin cells that form the hair, nails, and protective barrier on the skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition in which a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles.

Diseases & Conditions
Lamellar ichthyosis
Lamellar ichthyosis (LI) is a rare skin condition. It appears at birth and continues throughout life.

Surgery
Laser surgery for the skin
Laser surgery uses laser energy to treat the skin. Laser surgery can be used to treat skin diseases or cosmetic concerns such as sunspots or wrinkles.

Diseases & Conditions
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease spread by the bite of the female sandfly.

Tests
Lepromin skin test
The lepromin skin test is used to determine what type of leprosy a person has.

Diseases & Conditions
Leprosy
Leprosy is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. This disease causes skin sores, nerve damage, and muscle weakness that gets worse over time. Mycobacterium leprae

Diseases & Conditions
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is a condition that forms a very itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth. rash

Diseases & Conditions
Lichen simplex chronicus
Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a skin condition caused by chronic itching and scratching. chronic

Symptoms
Lichenified
Lichenified means the skin has become thickened and leathery. This often results from frequently rubbing or scratching the skin. Chronic irritation due to conditions such as eczema can cause lichenified...

Special Topics
Liquid nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen is a chemical that is extremely cold, about -328°F (-200°C). Liquid nitrogen will instantly freeze anything it touches. It is used to kill cells that make up diseased or cancerous tissue...

Diseases & Conditions
Livedo reticularis
Livedo reticularis (LR) is a skin symptom. It refers to a netlike pattern of reddish-blue skin discoloration. The legs are often affected. The condition is linked to swollen blood vessels. It may get worse...

Diseases & Conditions
Liver spots
Liver spots are flat, brown or black spots that can appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They have nothing to do with the liver or liver function.

Symptoms
Macule
A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin. It usually does not include a change in skin texture or thickness.

Diseases & Conditions
Male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men.

Special Topics
Melanin

Diseases & Conditions
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is also the rarest. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Other common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell...

In-depth Report
Melanoma and other skin cancers - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Diseases & Conditions
Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition that causes patches of dark skin on areas of the face exposed to the sun.

Self-Care Instructions
Minor burns - aftercare
Partial thickness burns - aftercare; Minor burns - self-care

Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a way to treat and cure certain skin cancers. Surgeons trained in the Mohs procedure can do this surgery. It allows skin cancer to be removed with less damage to the healthy...

Diseases & Conditions
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes raised, pearl-like papules or nodules on the skin. papules nodules

Symptoms
Nail abnormalities
Nail abnormalities are problems with the color, shape, texture, or thickness of the fingernails or toenails.

Diseases & Conditions
Necrotizing soft tissue infection
Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a rare but very severe type of bacterial infection. It can destroy the muscles, skin, and underlying tissue. The word "necrotizing" refers to something that causes body...

Diseases & Conditions
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome is a group of conditions passed down through families. The disorder involves the skin, nervous system, eyes, endocrine glands, urinary and reproductive systems, and...

Symptoms
Nikolsky sign
Nikolsky sign is a skin finding in which the top layers of the skin slip away from the lower layers when rubbed.

Diseases & Conditions
Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines
Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML) is a rare inherited disorder. People with this condition have problems with the skin, head and face, inner ear, and heart. The genitals may also be affected...

Diseases & Conditions
Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema is a dermatitis (skin inflammation) in which itchy, coin-shaped spots or patches appear on the skin. The word nummular is Latin for "resembling coins."

Special Topics
Oily hair
Oily hair is the result of the oil (sebaceous) glands in the scalp producing large amounts of oil.

Special Topics
Oily skin
Oily skin is the result of the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin producing large amounts of oil.

Symptoms
Paleness
Paleness is an abnormal loss of color from normal skin or mucous membranes. mucous membranes

Symptoms
Papule
A papule is a solid or cystic raised spot on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide. It is a type of skin lesion. skin lesion

Diseases & Conditions
Paronychia
Paronychia is a skin infection that occurs around the nails.

Symptoms
Patches
A patch is a flat area of color change in the skin that is 1 cm or more wide.

Symptoms
Patchy skin color
Patchy skin color is areas where the skin color is irregular with lighter or darker areas. Mottling or mottled skin refers to blood vessel changes in the skin that cause a patchy appearance.

Diseases & Conditions
Pemphigus vulgaris
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disorder of the skin. It involves blistering and sores (erosions) of the skin and mucous membranes. autoimmune disorder mucous membranes

Diseases & Conditions
Perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder resembling acne or rosacea. In most cases, it involves tiny red bumps that form on the lower half of the face in the folds of the nose and around the mouth. acne rosacea

Tests
Pharmacogenetic testing
Pharmacogenetic testing provides information about your genes and how they control your response to certain medicines. Your genes can affect the desired result of a drug. Your provider can use the information...

Special Topics
Pharmacogenetics
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes affect the way medicines work in a person. Your health care provider can use the information from pharmacogenetic testing to prescribe medicines that will work...

Symptoms
Pilonidal sinus disease
Pilonidal sinus disease is an inflammatory condition involving the hair follicles that can occur anywhere along the crease between the buttocks, which runs from the bone at the bottom of the spine (sacrum...

Diseases & Conditions
Pityriasis alba
Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder that causes patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) areas.

Diseases & Conditions
Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a common type of skin rash most often seen in young adults.

Diseases & Conditions
Pityriasis rubra pilaris
Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare skin disorder that causes inflammation and scaling (exfoliation) of the skin. scaling

Injury
Poison ivy - oak - sumac rash
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that commonly cause an allergic skin reaction. This is also called an allergic contact dermatitis. The result is most often an itchy, red rash with bumps or blisters...

Diseases & Conditions
Polymorphous light eruption
Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is a common skin reaction in people who are sensitive to sunlight (ultraviolet light).

Diseases & Conditions
Pompholyx eczema
Pompholyx eczema is a condition in which small blisters develop on the hands and feet. The blisters are often itchy. Pompholyx comes from the Greek word for bubble. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a long...

Diseases & Conditions
Port-wine stain
A port-wine stain is a birthmark in which swollen blood vessels create a reddish-purplish discoloration of the skin.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Pressure ulcers - what to ask your doctor
What to ask your health care provider about pressure ulcers; Bedsores - what to ask your health care provider

Self-Care Instructions
Preventing pressure ulcers
Decubitus ulcer prevention; Bedsore prevention; Pressure sores prevention

Diseases & Conditions
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin redness, silvery scales, and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red, well-defined patches of skin with flaky, silver-white scales. This is...

Special Topics
Psoriasis - resources

In-depth Report
Psoriasis-In-Depth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psoriasis.

Diseases & Conditions
Pubic lice
Pubic lice are tiny wingless insects that infect the pubic hair area and lay eggs there. These lice can also be found in armpit hair, eyebrows, mustache, beard, around the anus, and eyelashes (in children...

Symptoms
Purpura
Purpura is purple-colored spots and patches that occur on the skin, and in mucus membranes, including the lining of the mouth.

Symptoms
Pustules
Pustules are small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like sores (lesions) on the skin surface.

Diseases & Conditions
Pyogenic granuloma
Pyogenic granulomas are small, raised, and red bumps on the skin. The bumps have a smooth surface and may be moist. They bleed easily because of the high number of blood vessels at the site. It is a benign...

Symptoms
Rashes
Rashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Red birthmarks
Red birthmarks are skin markings created by blood vessels close to the skin surface. They develop before or shortly after birth.

Diseases & Conditions
Rhinophyma
Rhinophyma is a large red-colored (ruddy) nose. The nose has a bulb shape.

Diseases & Conditions
Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin infection due to a fungus. Often, there are several patches of ringworm on the skin at once. The medical name for ringworm is tinea.

Diseases & Conditions
Ringworm of the body
Ringworm is a skin infection that is caused by fungi. It is also called tinea. Ringworm Related skin fungus infections may appear: On the scalpIn a man's beardIn the groin (jock itch)Between the toes (athlete...

Diseases & Conditions
Ringworm of the scalp
Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection that affects the scalp. It is also called tinea capitis. Related ringworm infections may be found: In a man's beardIn the groin (jock itch)Between the toes (athlete...

Diseases & Conditions
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin problem that makes your face turn red. It may also cause swelling and skin sores that look like acne. acne

Diseases & Conditions
Scabies
Scabies is an easily-spread skin disease caused by a very small mite.

Diseases & Conditions
Scalded skin syndrome
Scalded skin syndrome (SSS) is a skin infection caused by staphylococcus bacteria in which the skin becomes damaged and sheds.

Symptoms
Scales
Scales are a visible peeling or flaking of outer skin layers. These layers are called the stratum corneum.

Special Topics
Sebaceous adenoma
A sebaceous adenoma is a noncancerous tumor of an oil-producing gland in the skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition. It causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp, face, or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened...

Diseases & Conditions
Seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis is a condition that causes wart-like growths on the skin. The growths are noncancerous (benign). benign

Diseases & Conditions
Selective deficiency of IgA
Selective deficiency of IgA is the most common immune deficiency disorder. People with this disorder have a low or absent level of a blood protein called immunoglobulin A. immune deficiency disorder

In-depth Report
Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus) - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of shingles and chickenpox.

Diseases & Conditions
Skin abscess
A skin abscess is a buildup of pus in or on the skin.

Symptoms
Skin blushing/flushing
Skin blushing or flushing is a sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest due to increased blood flow.

Special Topics
Skin care and incontinence
A person with incontinence is not able to prevent urine and stool from leaking. This can lead to skin problems near the buttocks, hips, genitals, and between the pelvis and rectum (perineum).

Self-Care Instructions
Skin flaps and grafts - self-care
Autograft - self-care; Skin transplant - self-care; Split-skin graft - self-care; Full thickness skin graft - self-care; Partial-dermal skin graft - self-care; FTSG - self-care; STSG - self-care; Local...

Tests
Skin lesion KOH exam
The skin lesion KOH exam is a test to diagnose a fungal infection of the skin. fungal infection of the skin

Tests
Skin lesion aspiration
Skin lesion aspiration is the withdrawal of fluid from a skin lesion (sore).

Tests
Skin lesion biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A skin biopsy can help your health care...

Diseases & Conditions
Skin lesion of blastomycosis
A skin lesion of blastomycosis is a symptom of an infection with the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. The skin becomes infected as the fungus spreads throughout the body. Another form of blastomycosis is...

Surgery
Skin lesion removal
A skin lesion is an area of the skin that is different from the surrounding skin. This can be a lump, sore, or an area of skin that is not normal. It may also be a skin cancer. Skin lesion removal is a...

Self-Care Instructions
Skin lesion removal - aftercare
Shave excision - skin aftercare; Excision of skin lesions - benign aftercare; Skin lesion removal - benign aftercare; Cryosurgery - skin aftercare; BCC - removal aftercare; Basal cell cancer - removal aftercare...

Symptoms
Skin lumps
Skin lumps are any abnormal bumps or swellings on or under the skin.

Symptoms
Skin nodules
Skin nodules are solid or cystic raised bumps in the skin that are wider than 1 centimeter (cm), but less than 2 cm.

Tests
Skin or nail culture
A skin or nail culture is a laboratory test to look for and identify germs that cause problems with the skin or nails. It is called a mucosal culture if the sample involves the mucous membranes.

Special Topics
Skin sagging treatment - underarms

Special Topics
Skin self-exam
Skin cancer - self-exam; Melanoma - self-exam; Basal cell cancer - self-exam; Squamous cell - self-exam; Skin mole - self-exam

In-depth Report
Skin wrinkles and blemishes - InDepth
An in-depth report on the treatment and prevention of skin wrinkles and blemishes.

Diseases & Conditions
Smallpox
Smallpox is a serious disease that is easily passed from person to person (contagious). It is caused by a virus.

Diseases & Conditions
Spider angioma
Spider angioma is an abnormal collection of blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis is a long-term (chronic) skin infection that is caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii. chronic Sporothrix schenckii

Diseases & Conditions
Squamous cell skin cancer
Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. Other common types of skin cancer are: Basal cell cancerMelanoma Basal cell cancer Basal cell cancer Melanoma Melanoma

Diseases & Conditions
Stasis dermatitis and ulcers
Stasis dermatitis is a change in the skin that results from the pooling of blood in the veins of the lower leg. Ulcers are open sores that can result from untreated stasis dermatitis.

Diseases & Conditions
Stork bite
A stork bite is a common type of birthmark seen in a newborn. It is most often temporary. The medical term for a stork bite is nevus simplex. A stork bite is also called a salmon patch.

Symptoms
Stretch marks
Stretch marks are irregular areas of skin that look like bands, stripes, or lines. Stretch marks are seen when a person grows or gains weight rapidly or has certain diseases or conditions. The medical name...

Special Topics
Subcutaneous
The term "cutaneous" refers to the skin. Subcutaneous means beneath, or under, all the layers of the skin. For example, a subcutaneous cyst is under the skin. cyst

Self-Care Instructions
Sun protection

Symptoms
Sunburn
A sunburn is reddening of the skin that occurs after you are overexposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light.

Diseases & Conditions
Swimming pool granuloma
A swimming pool granuloma is a long-term (chronic) skin infection. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium marinum (M marinum). Mycobacterium marinum (M marinum)

Symptoms
Telangiectasia
Telangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are usually harmless, but may be associated with several diseases.

Diseases & Conditions
Tinea versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the outer layer of the skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Trichorrhexis nodosa
Trichorrhexis nodosa is a common hair problem in which thickened or weak points (nodes) along the hair shaft cause your hair to break off easily.

Tests
Urine melanin test
Urine melanin test is a test to determine the abnormal presence of melanin in the urine. melanin

Diseases & Conditions
Urticaria pigmentosa
Urticaria pigmentosa is a skin disease that produces patches of darker skin and very bad itching. Hives can develop when these skin areas are rubbed. itching

Symptoms
Vesicles
A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister on the skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin condition in which there is a loss of color (pigment) from areas of skin. This results in uneven white patches that have no pigment, but the skin feels normal. patches

Diseases & Conditions
Warts
Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin. Most of the time, they are harmless. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 150 types of HPV viruses. Some...

Symptoms
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are small, white, raised bumps on the skin. They form when oil and skin collect in the pores. Whiteheads are also known as closed comedones and pimples. They are one type of acne, often on the...

Tests
Wood lamp examination
A Wood lamp examination is a test that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to look at the skin closely.

Special Topics
Wound care centers
Pressure ulcer - wound care center; Decubitus ulcer - wound care center; Diabetic ulcer - wound care center; Surgical wound - wound center; Ischemic ulcer - wound center

Symptoms
Wrinkles
Wrinkles are creases in the skin. The medical term for wrinkles is rhytids.

Diseases & Conditions
Xanthoma
Xanthoma is a skin condition in which certain fats build up under the surface of the skin.

Diseases & Conditions
Xeroderma pigmentosum
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare condition passed down through families. XP causes the skin and tissue covering the eye to be extremely sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. Some people also develop...