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

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

Seborrheic keratoses are common benign (noncancerous) skin growths that can occur anywhere on the body. While it is possible to have a seborrheic keratosis, it is more common to develop many of these growths, especially with increased age. WHAT DOES AN SK LOOK LIKE? Most SKs begin as small, rough bumps

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disease that causes a red, scaly, itchy rash typically on the scalp, eyebrows, folds around mouth, and ears. Seborrheic dermatitis can last for years. It tends to clear and flare without warning. Treatment often is necessary to control it. For some people, seborrheic

Scars are marks on the skin that result from the normal healing of wounds caused by accidents, diseases, surgeries or other abnormal changes to the skin. The more skin damage that occurs and the longer it takes to heal, the greater the chance of an obvious scar. However, some people may develop a visible

Scabies is a common skin condition. People get scabies when a mite burrows into the top layer of their skin. This eight-legged bug is so small that you cannot see it on the skin. When your skin reacts to the mite, a very itchy rash develops. Scabies HOW DID YOU GET SCABIES? Scabies is contagious. People

Do you blush or flush easily? When you look in the mirror, do you see redness in the center of your face? Do you also see acne-like breakouts even though your teen years ended decades ago? Where you have redness, do you see tiny veins? Rosacea* If so, you might have rosacea. Common signs and symptoms

Pruritus is the medical term for itch. Itching is a common problem that can affect one area of the body or multiple areas at once. Usually, an itch only lasts for a limited period of time. If an itch lasts for more than six weeks, it is considered a chronic itch, which is more likely to disrupt your

WHAT IS PITYRIASIS ROSEA? Pityriasis rosea (pit-ih-RYE-as-sis ro-ZEA) is a common condition that causes patches of redness and a rash on the skin. These patches can look worrisome, but they are harmless. Once it develops, the rash can last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks before disappearing. While the rash

Perioral dermatitis is a rash that usually forms around the mouth. Perioral means “around the mouth.” Dermatitis is the medical term for “inflamed skin.” People of all skin colors get perioral dermatitis. This rash is most common in young and middle-aged women. Children and adolescents can also

Your nails can tell you a lot about your health. The skin under and around your nails are susceptible to many diseases. Warning signs of other health problems also can appear on your nails. Good nail care is important because it helps prevent many common nail conditions. In addition to taking good care

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection caused by a virus that spreads easily between people. You can catch this virus through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching an infected object. While molluscum is usually harmless, it does cause bumps to appear on the skin. These growths can appear

Your dermatologist has recommended Mohs micrographic surgery to treat your skin cancer. This tip sheet will provide you with information about what to expect before, during and after your surgery. It is important to know that your dermatologist may also be your Mohs surgeon. Dermatologists who receive

Melasma is a common skin condition. It causes brown to gray-brown patches on the forehead, upper cheeks, nose, upper lip, and sometimes neck and forearms. These patches often develop slowly and can last for many years. WHO GETS MELASMA? Melasma most often occurs in women. Only 10% of people who get melasma

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

Follow these tips to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer: Apply sunscreen. When you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days, apply sunscreen to all skin that will not be covered by clothing. Reapply approximately every two hours, or after