If patients have had a history of chickenpox, the risk of reactivation of the chickenpox virus as shingles includes physical or emotional stress, age over 50 years, and others. The typical shingles red rash or blisters occur after pain, itching, and tingling. They are usually limited to one side of the face and body. Shingles...
What is acne? Readers Comments 14 Share Your Story Illustration of Comedones: Blackheads and Whitehead by MedicalRF.com Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is a disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all teenagers during puberty — the only exception being members of a few primitive Neolithic tribes living...
What is excisional surgery? Excisional surgery is used to remove skin growths and cancers. Excisional surgery or shave excision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of growths, such as moles, masses and tumors, from the skin along with the healthy tissues around the tumor. The doctor uses this technique to treat skin cancers,...
Pilonidal cyst: a cyst that contains hair and skin debris near or on the cleft of the buttocks; also known as jeep driver's disease Marsupialization is a surgical procedure to treat cysts (an abnormal, noncancerous growth with fluid accumulation), prevent infection, and prevent a recurrence. It is performed to treat cysts occurring in various parts...
What are dermabrasion and microdermabrasion? Dermabrasion vs. microdermabrasion Dermabrasion produces substantial changes in the appearance of the skin by injuring it in a controlled manner using an abrasive. Dermabrasion is most often used to treat certain types of scarring and aged skin. Other options that produce similar results include laser surgery, moderate to deep skin peels,...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...