Medical Services Archives

What is acne? As one of the most common skin disorders, acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin’s hair follicles and oil glands. The acne symptoms you develop are determined by the type of acne you have, and it can form on many areas of the body, including your face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. While some...

What is actinic keratosis? Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a skin disorder that causes rough, scaly patches of skin. Actinic keratosis forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning beds. Approximately 58 million Americans have one or more spots of actinic keratosis. Non-cancerous actinic keratosis is not...

What Are Age Spots? Age spots are small, flat dark areas on your skin that can vary in size. They usually appear on parts of your body that are more exposed to the sun, such as your face, shoulders, hands, and arms. Age spots are also called sunspots or liver spots, although they have nothing to do with your liver....

What is Alopecia Areata and How Does it Cause Hair Loss? Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease that results in the loss of hair on the body. The autoimmune process is characterized by the body’s own immune system attacking hair follicles. The three types of alopecia areata are: Alopecia areata: Skin loses hair in round sections of varying size....

What is “athlete’s foot?” Athlete’s foot is a contagious, fungal infection caused by the same fungi as ringworm and jock itch. It gets its name because the infection often spreads in places like locker rooms, pools, and showers, but can impact anyone.

What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers? Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the most common types of skin cancer. Both start in the top layer of your skin (the epidermis). These cancers are usually found in areas exposed to the sun—such as your head, face, neck, and arms—but can occur anywhere on the body. If you or...

What are bed bugs? Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects. Adult bugs measure approximately 1/5 of an inch (about the size of an apple seed) and are red/brown in color and wingless. Nymphs, or young bed bugs, are translucent or white/yellow and are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Bed bugs are usually nocturnal and prefer a dark, warm location, like...

What is a Birthmark? A birthmark is a generally harmless irregularity on the skin caused by overgrowth of blood vessels, cells that contain pigment, smooth muscle and fat cells. Birthmarks can be flat or raised, have regular or irregular borders, and have different shades of coloring. Birthmarks earned their name as they appear at or shortly after birth. The two...

What is Hyperhidrosis, and how does Botox® help? Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excess sweating regardless of temperature or activity level. It exists in two forms: Primary focal, and secondary generalized. Primary focal is a genetic condition affecting 2.8% of the U.S. population, while secondary hyperhidrosis is causal and its symptoms can be treated. Botox® reduces sweating in qualifying...

What is CellFX®? CellFX® is an advanced treatment that removes skin lesions, growths, and bumps. CellFX® providers use the procedure to treat a variety of lesions on most areas of the body, including the face, neck, shoulders, back, legs, feet, and hands.

What is contact dermatitis? Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with an allergen or irritant. The rash isn’t contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Many substances can cause such reactions, including soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry and plants.

Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth with a spray device or cotton-tipped applicator. This freezes the tissue without requiring any cutting. This treatment is usually for pre-cancerous lesions and for the very earliest most superficial skin-cancer lesions. This treatment will result in some short-term blistering, and occasionally, long-term permanent discoloration leaving the skin white.

What are cysts? Cysts are closed, sac-like capsules that can develop anywhere on the body, including the skin or inside the body. Common areas where a cyst might develop include the face, neck, genitals, and internal organs. They’re typically filled with fluid but can also be full of air, tissue, or another type of substance. A cyst is kind of...

What is dandruff? Dandruff is a scalp condition that causes the shedding of the skin on the scalp. A very common condition, Dandruff affects approximately 50% of the population. What are the most common dandruff symptoms? An itchy scalp and flakes of dead skin on your scalp are the most common signs that you have dandruff. The flakes of skin...

Do you have dry skin? Dry skin is a common condition that can happen to anyone at any age. Signs of dry skin include: Tightness Roughness Itching Patches that appear flaky or ashy Peeling Fine lines and cracks Broken skin due to continued scratching Dry skin is usually temporary and is often seasonal. By itself, dry skin rarely represents a...

What is eczema? Eczema is a common skin condition that affects more than 31 million people in the United States, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). It causes dry, scaly skin with redness and itching, and blisters or tiny bumps with a rash-like appearance. In severe cases, the skin may form painful cracks that bleed and form a crust....

What Does Electrodesiccation Treatment Do? Electrodesiccation is a fast, simple procedure that uses electric current delivered via a needle-shaped device to superheat your skin in pinpoint precise areas.

What is Electronic Skin Brachytherapy? Electronic skin brachytherapy is used in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer. A small surface applicator is applied to the skin, delivering low energy x-rays depending upon the tumor size, depth, patient age, prior treatments or other criteria as determined by a skin care professional.

What are the most common signs of aging skin? Wrinkles are the lines, folds, and creases that form in your skin over time. The first noticeable signs of fine lines and wrinkles usually develop where your skin is the thinnest and least elastic. Since we all age differently, not everyone will experience the same signs of aging. These are some...

Genital warts are transmitted through sexual contact with someone who is infected with the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. While genital warts are not cancerous, they can cause extreme discomfort, and have potential for complications. If you suspect you have genital warts, a Forefront provider can offer solutions for treatment. What are genital warts? Genital warts are warts that...

A hemangioma, also known as a strawberry mark, is a type of birthmark that is almost always benign. While they rarely require medical attention, hemangiomas can be treated if they are cosmetically bothersome, interfere with vital functions, or indicate another medical concern. A Forefront provider can discuss your concerns and tell you what your options are. What are hemangiomas? A...

What are cold sores? If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you know how painful, annoying, and embarrassing they can be. A cold sore is an oral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Also known as fever blisters or oral herpes, cold sores appear as fluid-filled blisters on, around, or inside your mouth. After the blisters break, scabs...

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, systemic condition where an overactive immune system contributes to inflammation below the skin.

What are hives? Hives are itchy skin rashes that are usually caused by stress or an allergic reaction. Initially, hives appear as raised, red bumps. Hives can appear anywhere on the body, including the tongue or throat, and they range in size from as small as ¼ inch to 10 inches. The duration of an outbreak of hives may be...

What is Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)? Perspiration is the body’s way of regulating the temperature in cases of extreme heat. Hyperhidrosis occurs when the perspiration is excessive and when temperature regulation triggers do not exist. Hyperhidrosis most often affects the: Palms Soles of the feet Groin area Underarms Hyperhidrosis can cause nuisances such as the need to change clothing, but can...