Lice are tiny insects that live on human hair and clothing fibers and can be seen with the naked eye. These tiny bugs attach to the hair and feed on human blood, causing intense itching in the affected areas. People can suffer from 3 different types of infestation: head lice (pediculosis capitis), body

A lentigo is a benign skin growth that resembles a freckle. It is usually a tan or brown spot that is flat or only slightly raised. It can vary in size and shape and can occur as a singular lesion or as multiple lesions (lentigines). Lentigines have been classified into several different types depending

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that typically affects young children. It is most often caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Affected individuals present with sores that break open leading to honey-colored crusts and scabs. Though lesions can be found

Hyperhidrosis is another name for excessive sweating. It is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is usually inherited and begins in childhood or adolescence. The excessive sweating is typically symmetrical and localized to a specific area such as the armpits, palms, soles,

Topical retinoids are available in many over the counter skin care products as well as prescription strength medications. They work to treat a variety of skin care problems ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to acne breakouts and psoriasis. Common side effects of using topical retinoids include: dryness,

Gential herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the herpes simplex virus- herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Either type can cause genital herpes, but HSV-2 is responsible for

Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of eczema that manifests as intensely itchy blisters that develop on the sides of the fingers, toes, palms, or soles. It can be caused by atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or an id reaction (reaction to a skin infection or skin rash at another site). The condition is

Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes a skin rash and muscle weakness. The skin rash can present reddish to purplish, dusky discoloration and swelling of the eyelids, particularly the upper eyelids (heliotrope rash). A red rash may also appear on the chest, shoulder, neck or back. Affected individuals

Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes recurrent, intensely itchy blisters to form on the elbows, knees, back, buttocks, and/or scalp. It is linked to ingestion of gluten found in wheat. It can also occur with celiac disease and has been associated with thyroid disease. The

Cherry angiomas are benign, non worrisome, vascular growths which typically appear in adults over the age of 30. These blood vessel growths can range in color from pink to red to purple. They can range in size from pinhead sized to 1cm in diameter. Most commonly, they appear as red, dome shaped papules

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune skin condition. Affected individuals complain of significant itching and can develop an eczema-like rash, a hive-like rash, or large, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. Common areas of involvement include the groin, axillae (armpits), trunk, thighs, and forearms. The

Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic inflammatory condition which affects mainly Black men. Affected individuals develop pink to flesh colored, dome shaped papules and pustules around the hair follicles on the posterior scalp and neck. These firm, scar-like bumps can gradually enlarge and coalesce to

Venous lakes are bluish, purplish, vascular papules that occur on sun exposed areas such as the ears and lips. They are a result of long-term sun exposure and sun damage. As they are harmless, no treatment is necessary. However, they can be treated or removed if bothersome or symptomatic. Disclaimer: