Vitamin D is an important chemical that helps your body maintain strong and healthy bones. Vitamin D helps the body to use calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are necessary for healthy bones. Your body naturally produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. You also

Birthmarks on the skin of a newborn or that develop on a child’s skin can be upsetting for parents. Most birthmarks appear on the skin when a baby is born. Some develop on a child’s skin after birth. No matter when they develop, most birthmarks are harmless and many even go away on their own or shrink

Tumescent liposuction is a surgical procedure that can safely remove stubborn pockets of fat. It is a surgical procedure. It is not a weight-loss surgery. Dermatologists recommend tumescent liposuction for patients who want to: Remove limited, small amounts of fat that remain despite dieting and exercising Treat

Although we can’t see it, we all have yeast living on the surface of our skin. When it is hot and humid, yeast tends to grow more quickly. An overgrowth of a certain type of yeast, known as pityriasis versicolor, on the skin can cause a common skin condition known as tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor

How your dermatologist can help If you are considering getting a tattoo or other body art, it is a good idea to speak with your dermatologist. Even if you already have body art and are thinking about adding more, a talk with your dermatologist is still a good idea. Your dermatologist can help you: Separate

Sun protection is important for everyone, no matter what your age. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Whether you’re enjoying a day together at the beach or watching your child participate in an outdoor sport, it’s important to develop habits that will protect the whole

If you’ve been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, you are not alone. SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer; however, it’s highly treatable when detected early. WHAT DOES SCC LOOK LIKE? SCC appears on the skin in many shapes. You may see a: Bump that feels crusty or rough. Flat patch

Board-certified dermatologists offer several treatments to improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins. The most widely used treatments are sclerotherapy and laser therapy. Your dermatologist will recommend the best treatment option for you after considering several factors, including the type

There are a variety of skin, hair and nail conditions that are common in people with skin of color, such as African Americans, Asians, Latinos, and Native Americans. Your dermatologist can help diagnose and treat these skin conditions. SKIN CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE DARKENING OF THE SKIN MELASMA This common

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