Expert articles about skin conditions a–z.
55 articles
Acne affects 85% of people at some point in their lives, but untreated severe acne can cause permanent scarring and psychological trauma. Discover what's really causing your breakouts and how to stop them.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Moles on the palms, soles, and nails often look different from moles elsewhere due to the unique structure of glabrous skin. Understanding what is normal versus concerning in these locations is critical because acral melanoma is often diagnosed late.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Actinic keratoses affect over 58 million Americans, and up to 10% of untreated AKs progress to squamous cell carcinoma. These rough, scaly patches are your skin's warning signal — ignore them at your peril.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Amelanotic melanoma is one of the most deceptive forms of skin cancer because it lacks the dark color most people associate with melanoma. Learn why this colorless cancer is so dangerous and how to catch it early.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in humans, with 3.6 million cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. alone. While rarely fatal, untreated BCC can destroy your nose, ear, or eye—disfigurement that's entirely preventable with early treatment.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
A mole that appears blue can be alarming, but blue nevi are typically benign melanocytic lesions whose unusual color results from deep pigment and the Tyndall effect. Learn why some moles look blue and when to seek evaluation.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Bowen's disease is an early form of squamous cell carcinoma that remains confined to the outermost layer of the skin. Recognizing and treating it early prevents progression to invasive skin cancer.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Cellulitis is a common but potentially dangerous bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and when to seek urgent medical attention.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Those bright red dots appearing on your torso and arms are almost certainly cherry angiomas — the most common vascular growths in adults. Completely harmless, they increase with age, but knowing when a red spot deserves attention is important.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Warts affect an estimated 10% of the global population at any given time. Despite being harmless, these HPV-caused growths are maddeningly persistent. Learn which treatments actually work and why warts keep coming back.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Contact dermatitis accounts for up to 95% of occupational skin diseases. Understanding whether your rash is allergic or irritant — and identifying the culprit — is the key to ending the cycle of flares.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne — deep, painful nodules beneath the skin. Learn which treatments truly help and how to prevent scars.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
That firm, button-like bump on your leg that dimples inward when you squeeze it is most likely a dermatofibroma — a harmless fibrous nodule that develops in response to minor skin trauma. Learn to identify them and when to seek evaluation.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles that share some visual features with melanoma and can indicate increased skin cancer risk. Learn how to identify them, when to worry, and how regular monitoring can protect you.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Eczema affects 31 million Americans, causing relentless itching that disrupts sleep, work, and quality of life. Understanding your triggers and optimizing treatment can mean the difference between constant suffering and long stretches of relief.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Flat warts are small, smooth skin growths that often appear in large numbers — especially on the face and hands. Learn what helps and when to see a doctor.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Folliculitis is a common skin condition where hair follicles become inflamed, causing red bumps or pustules. Learn about the different types, what causes them, and how to effectively treat and prevent flare-ups.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. This guide covers the differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2, how to manage outbreaks, available treatments, and how to navigate life with herpes.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
A mole with a distinctive white halo around it is called a halo nevus — a benign phenomenon where your immune system is actively destroying the melanocytes in and around the mole. Learn about the process and its connection to vitiligo.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Infantile hemangiomas are the most common tumors of infancy, affecting up to 10 percent of babies. Most resolve on their own, but understanding when treatment is needed can prevent complications and permanent scarring.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 carry HSV-1 globally. Herpes is one of the most common infections on Earth, yet one of the most misunderstood. Medical facts tell a very different story than social stigma suggests.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that primarily affects young children. Learn about the different types, how it spreads, effective antibiotic treatments, and practical steps to prevent outbreaks in families and schools.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Kaposi sarcoma is a rare cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels, caused by human herpesvirus 8. This guide covers the different types, how it appears on the skin, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and the important connection to immune health.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Keratoacanthoma is a distinctive skin tumor that grows rapidly over weeks, forms a characteristic dome shape with a central crater, and may even regress on its own. Learn why prompt evaluation is essential despite its sometimes benign behavior.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Lentigines, commonly known as age spots or sun spots, are flat brown patches caused by years of sun exposure. Learn about the different types, how to distinguish them from more serious conditions, and what treatment options are available.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Lentigo maligna melanoma is a subtype of melanoma that develops slowly on chronically sun-damaged skin, most commonly on the face and neck of older adults. Early detection during the in situ stage offers an excellent prognosis, making awareness and monitoring essential.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Lichen planus presents as purple, itchy bumps on the skin and can also affect mucous membranes. Learn how this condition is recognized and treated.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
That soft, rubbery lump you can move around under your skin is most likely a lipoma — the most common benign soft tissue tumor in adults. Learn what causes them, when they need attention, and your removal options.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Melanoma kills one person every hour. But when caught early, the survival rate exceeds 99%. Learn how to recognize the warning signs before it's too late.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the risk factors, recognizing its appearance, and seeking early medical evaluation are critical for improving outcomes.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Those tiny, hard white bumps around your eyes and cheeks are not whiteheads — they are milia, small keratin-filled cysts trapped beneath the skin surface. Learn why they form, who gets them, and how to treat them safely.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Everything you need to know about moles — from what causes them to when they require medical attention. Learn the ABCDE rule and how AI can help you monitor changes over time.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Molluscum contagiosum are small, pearly nodules with a central dimple — especially common in children. Learn what's behind them and when treatment makes sense.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Nail fungus affects roughly 14% of the general population and nearly 50% of people over 70. Treatment requires months of commitment, and understanding your options is the key to actually clearing the infection.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Nodular melanoma is the most aggressive subtype of melanoma, growing vertically into the skin from the start. Learn how to recognize it using the EFG rule, understand its rapid progression, and discover why early detection can save your life.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Skin tags are among the most common benign skin growths, affecting nearly half of all adults. These soft, pedunculated papillomas develop in skin folds and friction areas, and their presence may signal metabolic health issues worth investigating.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Pityriasis rosea starts with a single oval patch and then spreads in a classic Christmas tree pattern. Learn what's behind it and when you should take action.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Plantar warts on the soles of the feet are painful and stubborn. Learn how they develop, which treatments work, and how to protect yourself.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Psoriasis affects over 125 million people worldwide and has no cure. But understanding your triggers and treatment options can mean the difference between constant suffering and long periods of clear skin.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Pustular psoriasis goes beyond ordinary plaque psoriasis — sterile pustules on inflamed skin can be localized or widespread. Learn about its forms and treatment.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Pyogenic granulomas are fast-growing, easily bleeding skin nodules. Learn what's behind these benign vascular growths and which treatment helps.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Rosacea affects over 415 million people worldwide, yet most go undiagnosed for years. Learn to identify the four subtypes, avoid your personal triggers, and discover treatments that can finally calm the redness.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Seborrheic dermatitis causes scaly, greasy patches — especially on the scalp and face. Learn what's behind it and what really helps.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Seborrheic keratoses are the most common benign skin growths in adults over 50, yet they trigger more skin cancer scares than almost any other condition. Learn to recognize them, understand when to worry, and know your removal options.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Shingles develops from reactivation of the chickenpox virus and presents as a painful, band-like rash. Learn everything about causes, treatment, and vaccine protection.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Spitz nevi are distinctive moles that can look alarming both clinically and under the microscope because they share features with melanoma. Most common in children, understanding these unusual nevi helps prevent unnecessary anxiety and ensures appropriate care.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
Over 1.8 million cases of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed annually in the U.S. Unlike its gentler cousin BCC, SCC can metastasize and kill. Early detection is the critical difference between a simple procedure and a life-threatening diagnosis.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Superficial spreading melanoma accounts for about 70 percent of all melanoma cases. Learn how to spot it using the ABCDE rule, understand its growth phases, and discover why early detection is the key to successful treatment.
By Dr. Sarah Chen
Tinea corporis, commonly called ringworm, is a fungal skin infection that produces characteristic ring-shaped red patches. Learn what causes it, how it spreads, and how to treat and prevent this common condition.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is one of the most common fungal infections affecting the feet. Learn about its different types, what causes it, and how to effectively treat and prevent this persistent condition.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin condition caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, leading to lighter or darker patches on the skin. Learn what triggers it, how to treat it, and why it keeps coming back.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Trichomycosis is a bacterial infection that creates a waxy, colored coating on hair shafts, most commonly in the armpits. Learn about its causes, distinctive appearance, and straightforward treatment options.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Hives will affect roughly 20% of people at some point in their lives. Most episodes are brief and harmless, but chronic urticaria can persist for years, and some outbreaks signal life-threatening anaphylaxis.
By Dr. Marcus Rodriguez
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, producing an itchy rash that progresses through distinct stages. Learn about symptoms, treatment, why vaccination matters, and the connection to shingles later in life.
By Dr. James Okonkwo
Vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the global population — over 70 million people. While medically harmless, the visible loss of skin color profoundly impacts identity and wellbeing. New treatments including JAK inhibitors are changing the landscape.
By Dr. Emily Hartmann
