OVERVIEW Have you ever heard of opportunistic infections (OIs)? They are caused by germs that generally cannot cause problems if your immune system works properly. However, these germs can cause serious health problems in people whose immune systems are weak. Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection

OVERVIEW Bullous pemphigoid is a rare, chronic, autoimmune blistering disorder that causes large, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. The blisters can occur anywhere on the body but are most often found on the trunk and thighs. They often itch and can be very painful. Bullous pemphigoid is most common

OVERVIEW A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a localized skin infection characterized by a red, tender bump. The spot tends to grow in size, filling with pus and becoming more painful quickly. Over time, the boil can develop a pustule (whitehead) and drain. When it drains, the boil might leave a small,

OVERVIEW A blister is a raised area of the skin filled with fluid. Blisters can occur on any part of the body and can be extremely painful and debilitating. Many people believe blisters are nothing more than a nuisance, but this is not always the case. Blisters can lead to other more serious injuries

OVERVIEW Most people have at least one birthmark, and for the majority of people, they are nothing more than a minor cosmetic concern. For some, however, their birthmark can be a source of self-consciousness or even embarrassment. What is a Birthmark? A birthmark is a mark or blemish present on the skin

OVERVIEW Alopecia areata can develop suddenly over a few days or weeks. It can lead to unexplained hair loss, often in patches the sizes of coins. Today, around 6.8 million people suffer from alopecia areata in the United States. In addition, around half of them are males and white. So, what exactly

OVERVIEW Also known as solar keratoses, actinic keratoses are precancerous growths on the skin that are caused by long-term UV radiation in the form of chronic sun exposure or tanning bed use. Left untreated, actinic keratoses can progress and evolve into a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. What

OVERVIEW Scars are a major challenge for skincare professionals and their patients. They can significantly change a person’s skin texture and appearance and reduce their self-esteem. Acne scars are a common side effect of acne, a skin condition that affects millions of people each year and can cause

OVERVIEW Unwanted hair is a common occurrence that can happen on the face, including the chin and upper lip, as well as the back, legs, feet, and even the tops of the toes. According to WebMD, approximately 30% of women's bodies are covered in terminal hair, i.e., the hair that exists on your head, eyebrows,

There are literally hundreds of different kinds of lumps, bumps and cysts associated with the skin. Fortunately, the vast majority of these are harmless and painless. The chart below provides a guide for some of the most common forms of skin lumps, bumps and cysts. Dermatofibromas Characteristics Red,