Melanoma can be a very lethal form of skin cancer. It begins in the melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of the skin, that give skin its color. Most melanomas (70%+) begin in or near an existing mole or dark…

Lipomas are compressible, soft 2 to 10 centimeter tumors of fatty tissue located beneath the skin. They may be associated with inherited syndromes or medications, but most often occur randomly. Lipomas are benign and do not require treatment unless…

As people age, unsightly blemishes, commonly called age spots, can appear on the face and on the back of the hands. The spots, also called lentigines, lentigos or liver spots, are sharply defined, rounded, brown or black, flat patches…

Keloidal scars are firm, smooth, hard growths due to spontaneous scar formation. They may arise soon after an injury, or develop months later. Keloids may be uncomfortable or itchy, and may be much larger than the original wound. Keloids…

The medical term for itching is pruritus. It is an unpleasant sensation on the skin that provokes the desire to rub or scratch the area to obtain relief. Pruritus may cause discomfort and frustration, and in severe cases it…

Hives, also known as urticaria, are welts on the skin that often itch. Typically, they do not persist for more than 24 hours.  If a bout of hives last less than 6 weeks, it is called acute urticaria. If…

There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus – I and II. Herpes Simplex Virus Type I usually causes cold sores, while Type II causes a sexually transmitted genital ulcer disease. Oral herpes begins 2 to 20 days after…

Hair loss is medically known as alopecia. Everyone loses hair. It is normal to lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair every day. Below please find a short description of the different patterns of hairloss that we most…

Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis,  is known as the “itch that rashes.” Between 10-20 percent of people in the world are affected and, in most cases, it begins to appear very early in life. In young children, atopic…

Excessive sweating is medically known as hyperhidrosis. While sweating is a normal bodily function, some people naturally sweat more or less than others. Those who sweat in excess, often experience severe and emotional distress. There are a variety of…