Urticaria is the medical term for hives - a common skin rash which presents with itchy pink welts. The welts can vary in size, shape, and distribution. A defining characteristic is that the individual lesions are transient, appearing and resolving within a 24 hour period. So, even though an individual

Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when the skin stretches rapidly. Examples include: growth spurts during puberty, pregnancy, rapid weight loss or gain, and bodybuilding. It can appear as pinkish, purplish, or flesh colored linear bands or streaks on the skin that are depressed or indented.

Stasis dermatitis is a type of eczema that develops on the lower legs as a result of poor circulation. In affected people, the valves in the deep leg veins that help push blood back to the heart begin to fail, leading to the leakage of fluid, varicose veins, and subsequent swelling of the lower legs.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common skin condition which presents with itchy, red patches of skin, greasy scales, and flaking. Common areas of involvement include the scalp, ears, eyebrow region, and sides of the nose. It typically occurs in infants younger than 3 months of age and in adults ages

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition where the immune system goes into overdrive, creating clusters of inflamed tissue called granulomas to form in different parts of the body. Though it can affect many organ systems such as the skin, eyes, heart, and nervous system, involvement of the lungs and

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a chronic inflammatory condition that predominantly affects Black men. Affected individuals develop pink papules and pustules around the hair follicles on the face and neck due to shaving. As the papules and pustules resolve, it can result in hyperpigmentation (darker discoloration)

Prurigo nodularis is a condition where repeated scratching or picking at a site creates itchy, raised, hard bumps on the skin. Prurigo nodularis can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the arms, legs, trunk, or buttocks. The condition is more common in older individuals (over 50),

Pityriasis rosea is a common, self-limited rash that typically begins with the appearance of a solitary, enlarging, circular, pink, scaly patch - known as the “herald patch”. In the following 1-2 weeks, numerous smaller, round to oval, pink, scaly patches appear, typically on the trunk in a Christmas-tree-like

Pityriasis alba is often thought of as a low grade form of eczema. It presents with ill-defined, light colored (hypopigmented), slightly scaly patches of skin most commonly found on the face. It affects mainly children and adolescents and is often more noticeable in darker skin tones or tanned skin.

Perioral dermatitis is a type of rash that typically presents as pink papules (small red bumps) and scaling around the mouth. In addition to affecting the area around the mouth, it can also appear around the nose or eyes and can be referred to as periorificial dermatitis. The exact cause of perioral

Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune skin diseases that causes painful blisters on the skin and/or mucous membranes (lips, mouth, esophagus, nose, eyes, genitals). The different types of pemphigus include: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans, pemphigus foliaceus, endemic pemphigus, pemphigus erythematosus,

Nummular dermatitis is a type of eczema characterized by intensely itchy, red, scaly, and at times weeping or oozing, coin-shaped lesions. Nummular dermatitis typically affects the extremities, with the legs being the most common site of involvement. The condition can occur at any age, with men being

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a rare condition that causes scar-like changes to the skin. Morphea commonly presents as oval lesions on the trunk (chest, abdomen, and/or back). It can also present as a linear stripe on the arms, legs, and even the forehead or scalp. In its initial inflammatory

Melasma is a common skin condition where affected individuals develop splotchy, irregularly shaped, brown patches on the face. Common areas of involvement include the forehead, cheeks, nose, jawline, chin, and upper lip. It typically affects women between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common in

Lupus is a group of autoimmune diseases where the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue leading to inflammation and damage in the affected organs. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood cells. Types of lupus include: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)This

Lichen simplex chronicus is a condition where repeated scratching or rubbing of a site creates a localized, itchy, thickened, leathery patch of skin. Lichen simplex chronicus can present as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions—usually in areas that are easy to reach. The most commonly involved

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition most commonly affects the genital skin. The affected areas become thin, white, crinkled, irritated, and/or intensely itchy. Blisters and sores can also form. Left untreated, the condition can lead to scarring and increase an individual’s risk for skin cancer,

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (such as the mouth and genital region). On the skin, it presents as small, pink to purple, itchy, flat-topped papules. Though the rash can appear anywhere (including on the genital skin), favored sites

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition characterized by rough, bumpy skin most often found on the back of the arms, thighs, and cheeks. It is a common finding in those with dry and sensitive skin. It typically affects children and teenagers and can improve or resolve over time. The condition is

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition which presents with deep, painful nodules or lumps under the skin. The painful nodules can rupture, leading to drainage of pus and blood. Over time, the painful nodules can connect, forming tunnels under the skin. The condition often results

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

Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema that develops after the skin comes in contact with a substance that acts as an irritant or allergen. The affected areas become red, inflamed, and itchy. Swelling, blistering, crusting, and oozing can also occur. Irritant contact dermatitis is the more common type,

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

Acanthosis nigricans presents as a darkening and velvety thickening of the skin, most commonly affecting the neck, armpits, and groin region. It is most commonly associated with obesity and insulin resistance; people who have acanthosis nigricans are more likely to develop diabetes. In very rare instances,

Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic inflammatory condition that 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 form

OVERVIEW Also sometimes referred to as a "pregnancy mask," melasma is a skin disorder that results in irregularly shaped dark-brown or shadow-like patches of skin on your face and neck. Melasma most often occurs on your cheeks, chin, forehead, jaws, and neck. What are the Causes of Melasma? You're more

OVERVIEW Cellulite is a common skin condition that affects many people. It can cause self-consciousness and insecurity, but there is no need to worry! This article will discuss what cellulite is, what causes it, and how you can treat it. What is Cellulite, and What Causes it? Cellulite is a condition

OVERVIEW Dry skin, or xerosis, is a common skin condition that results when the skin loses moisture and its natural oils resulting in scaling, flaking, cracking, and itching. It is sometimes also referred to as xeroderma or xerosis. Dry skin affects people of any age and skin type and can occur anywhere

OVERVIEW Stretch marks are medically termed “striae” and are scars on the skin. They appear in areas of the skin that have stretched to grow and expand the body. They don’t cause harm or pain, but some people don’t like how they look on the skin and may feel self-conscious about their stretch

OVERVIEW Also known as xerosis or xeroderma, dry skin is a commonly occurring skin condition that happens when the skin lacks the necessary moisture and oil to keep it soft and smooth. Dry skin results in itchy and flaky skin that can get red and inflamed. This condition worsens during the winter months

OVERVIEW It is no surprise that aging is accompanied by many changes in our skin. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, looser, frailer, and more prone to the development of new skin growths. One of the common growths that accompany aging is the development of age spots. What are Age Spots? Age spots

OVERVIEW If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), you may be feeling overwhelmed and scared. Don't worry; we are here to help. This article will discuss everything you need to know about DFSP, including what it is, how it is treated, and the

If you experience sweating that seems more excessive than normal on your hands, feet, or armpits, you may have hyperhidrosis. A board-certified dermatologist can help—read on to find out all about excessive sweating, what causes it, and treatment options to control your symptoms. What is Hyperhidrosis? Also