Skin and Hair Archive

Skin lumps or bumps occur on or just under the skin. Most are harmless. Aside from basal and squamous cell skin cancers, most other skin lumps are epidermal cysts or lipomas. Other growths include cherry angiomas, dermatofibromas, keloids, and very rarely cancerous tumors called sarcomas. People should seek medical attention for any lump appearing near lymph nodes, which sometimes signals cancer. A doctor should also evaluate growths that grow quickly, bleed, look infected, or feel painful. Most skin lumps or bumps don't need treatment.

Nail fungal infections affect up to 14% of the adult population. While completely curing these infections is difficult, the right treatments can discourage the problem from spreading and make your nails look better.

Dry skin and athlete's foot affect many men. There are several treatment options for both conditions, and steps you can take to prevent them from occurring or returning.

Lingering heat waves have brought warnings about recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses. Heat rash, while not dangerous itself, can signal heat exposure that may lead to more serious conditions. Here's how to avoid and treat it.

News coverage of a case of leprosy in central Florida may have made it seem like there is an increased threat the disease would spread. Misconceptions about this disease have persisted for a long time, but the facts are reassuring.

There's no time to lose when someone suffers a burn. For a minor burn on a small area of skin, run cool water over it for 20 minutes to help limit damage, and then apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic cream and cover the burn with a bandage. If a blister develops, dab antibacterial cream on it, cover it with a bandage, and get to a doctor as soon as possible. Second-degree burns that are large or involve the face, hands, feet, or genitals, and all third-degree burns, warrant a call to 911.

An array of "menopause skin care" products joined the beauty market in recent years. Some contain virtually the same active ingredients as "anti-aging" skin products. Falling estrogen levels during the menopause transition can lead to dryness and sagging. Broad-spectrum sunscreen, moisturizers, and other products can help offset these skin changes, but not prevent or cure them. Women should examine a product's ingredients to determine if a "menopause" version is truly different from a standard "anti-aging" version.

Ringworm is a common, contagious skin infection caused by a fungus. Children can get it from other people who have it or from an infected animal. While it can be itchy and unpleasant, ringworm is usually harmless.

Sun-protective clothes are made of materials that shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most effective fabrics for the job have high thread counts, are tightly woven, and are dark or bright colors (which absorb light). Examples include polyester, nylon, lightweight wool, or canvas. Many clothing manufacturers now use high-tech fabrics for sun-protective garments. Some wick away moisture and dry quickly. Some are embedded with chemicals used in sunscreens (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). High-tech fabrics offer at least as much protection as regular densely woven fabrics, and maybe more.

Warts are an unsightly nuisance that can take a year or more to go away on their own. Several effective, noninvasive treatments are available.