Contact Dermatitis: A Primer

Almost all of us develop a red, itchy rash at some point. But this seemingly out-of-the-blue phenomenon, known medically as contact dermatitis, can be triggered by a variety of causes and usually responds to several home measures.  Contact dermatitis is an umbrella term for rashes caused by skin exposure to anything from soaps to cosmetics… Continue reading Contact Dermatitis: A Primer

Benign but Annoying Skin Growths

We all want to stay alert for skin cancer. But it’s important to acknowledge that other ‘safe’ skin conditions can cause real quality-of-life-issues. And they can be treated to improve people’s day-to-day. From the discomfort of corns and calluses to the disruptive appearance of keratosis pilaris bumps, seborrheic keratosis growths and skin tags, there are… Continue reading Benign but Annoying Skin Growths

Tips on Five Common Rash-Causing Skin Conditions

None of us remembers our first case of contact dermatitis – diaper rash, that is. But it likely wasn’t our last rash. Life is full of triggers that can cause rashes. Some may be so common and transitory that we don’t consider them medical problems. Others, though, may be very serious. It’s important to be… Continue reading Tips on Five Common Rash-Causing Skin Conditions

Mislabeled Moisturizers Create Problems for Skin Disorder Sufferers

A Northwestern Medicine study found that moisturizers marked “fragrance free” or “hypoallergenic” were not, and products labeled as “dermatologist-recommended” often came with a higher price tag. The study was published September 6th 2017 in JAMA Dermatology. The inaccurate claims and higher prices make it difficult for those with skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis… Continue reading Mislabeled Moisturizers Create Problems for Skin Disorder Sufferers

Missing Skin Proteins May Hold Key to Finding Cure for Eczema

Missing proteins may be the trigger for eczema, a recurrent, inflammatory skin condition, according to the latest research. The finding could bring new hope – and, eventually, a cure – to the millions of people who now suffer from the disorder. A study, published in the journal Nature Genetics in June 2017, indicating a genetic… Continue reading Missing Skin Proteins May Hold Key to Finding Cure for Eczema

Good News: Study Casts Doubt on Link Between Atopic Dermatitis & Cardiovascular Disease

For the roughly 7% of adults who live with atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema, a study done at Brown University and published in June 2017 in British Journal of Dermatology, reports a little good news: Despite recent findings to the contrary, the skin condition is likely not associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk… Continue reading Good News: Study Casts Doubt on Link Between Atopic Dermatitis & Cardiovascular Disease

Don’t Let Hand Rashes Ruin Your Winter

Hand rashes can be frustrating, especially when the cause of your rash is unknown. Was it a new brand of hand soap? Eczema?  Or just really dry skin?  According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, it could be any of these things and more. Hand rashes, they say, commonly occur because of something… Continue reading Don’t Let Hand Rashes Ruin Your Winter

How to Manage Nickel Allergy

One of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis is nickel. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), more than 18 percent of people in North America are allergic to nickel, including 11 million children in the U.S. Although one solution to a nickel allergy is obvious – avoid objects containing nickel –… Continue reading How to Manage Nickel Allergy

The Nine Best Dry-Skin Solutions

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), following the same skin care routine year round may not work so well when the humidity drops, as it does in winter. Without a change in your skin care, dry air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. It can also itch, flake, crack, and even… Continue reading The Nine Best Dry-Skin Solutions

New Therapy for Itching

According to the National Institutes of Natural Science, itching is an uncomfortable sensation that is known to be inhibited by scratching. However, since scratching is accompanied by a pleasant feeling, a constant desire to scratch can lead to excessive scratching. In particular, in patients with chronic itching, such as those with atopic dermatitis, excessive scratching… Continue reading New Therapy for Itching

Bug Bites and Stings: When to See a Dermatologist

Although most bug bites and stings are harmless, some can be dangerous. This is especially true if you are allergic to the bug’s venom, or if the bug is carrying a disease. Here, from the American Academy of Dermatology, is advice about when to see a dermatologist. In the United States, it’s common to experience… Continue reading Bug Bites and Stings: When to See a Dermatologist