Medical Services Archives

A chemical agent that reacts to light is applied to the growths and absorbed by the abnormal cells. Hours later, those medicated areas are activated by a strong light and the treatment selectively destroys abnormal cells while causing minimal damage to normal tissue. This treatment is best for pre-cancerous and some types of superficial skin cancers.

What Is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a common skin condition that leads to patches of dry, scaly, itchy skin. It isn't contagious and can't be spread from person to person. What Are Psoriasis Symptoms? Psoriasis symptoms can vary for each person and depend on the specific type. Most people with this condition have red, inflamed patches of skin that are covered...

What Is Ringworm? Ringworm is a common skin condition that appears as an itchy, circular rash. Despite the name, no worms are involved – ringworm gets its name from its circular shape. What Causes Ringworm? Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection that spreads in various ways. You can catch ringworm if you touch another person or animal (primarily cats,...

What Is Rosacea? Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the face and sometimes the eyes. It's common to mistake this inflammatory skin problem as acne, an allergic reaction, or eczema because of the redness and acne-like bumps it causes on the skin. What Does Rosacea Skin Look Like? Rosacea causes your face and neck to blush or...

What Are Scabies? Scabies is a common, highly contagious skin condition that affects millions of people each year. Scabies is an infestation of the skin caused by a microscopic bug called the human itch mite. This tiny mite burrows into the outer layers of skin where it lays eggs. The body develops an allergic reaction to the mites, causing a...

Are you suffering from scleroderma? Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects your skin, connective tissues, muscles, bones, blood vessels, joints, and organs. It occurs when the immune system triggers your body to produce too much collagen. Collagen is a protein that strengthens skin and provides firmness and elasticity. When you have scleroderma, it causes your skin to become...

This technique is usually reserved for small lesions generally not on the face. Local anesthesia is administered, the growth is gently scraped off with a tool with a sharp, ring-shaped tip, and then the tumor site is burned with a small needle.

What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia? And What Causes It? Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles all over your body. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum onto the surface of your skin. Sebum creates a slightly greasy layer on your skin to help keep it flexible and hydrated. Sometimes, sebum becomes trapped inside the sebaceous glands, causing them to...

What Is Seborrheic Keratosis? Seborrheic keratosis is a non-cancerous (benign) skin growth. Due to their wart-like appearance – and the fact that most people get them when they’re middle-aged or older – seborrheic keratosis growths are often called the “barnacles of aging.” But because seborrheic keratosis often looks like a pre-cancerous skin growth (actinic keratosis) or even skin cancer, finding...

What Causes Shingles? Shingles is a nerve infection that triggers a painful rash on your skin. A shingles rash can appear anywhere, but typically appears on only one side of your face or body. The rash consists of small blisters that typically scab over in 7-10 days. Most shingles rashes clear up in a few weeks, but the pain can...

What Is Skin Cancer? Skin cancer is the uncontrolled overgrowth of abnormal skin cells. This abnormal growth of cells is caused by unrepaired DNA damage, which triggers a mutation that causes skin cells to multiply quickly, forming cancer cells. Anyone can get this type of cancer, and it can occur anywhere on the body, but it's more likely to develop...

What are skin tags? Skin tags are noncancerous growths that develop on the folds of your skin. They look like a flap of skin tissue that hangs from a tiny stem connected to the skin. Skin tags are usually the same color as the rest of your skin, but they can also appear slightly darker in color. The medical term...

What are the signs of sun-damaged skin? If you use tanning beds or frequently go outside without wearing sunscreen, you are exposing your skin to the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. Photoaging and sun damage are popular terms used to describe how the sun prematurely ages your skin. Photoaging can make your skin look years older, as well as...

This procedure uses highly advanced technology to destroy cancer cells or to prevent them from growing. This type of treatment typically requires treatments three days a week for a month.  Similar to excision, this procedure radiates the surrounding skin to help ensure the complete removal of the cancer.  Skin will heal with minimal to no scarring. Radiation therapy is generally...

What Is Vitiligo? Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes skin to lose its pigmentation. In place of color, your skin develops smooth, white areas called macules (if less than 5 millimeters in size) or patches (if 5 millimeters or larger). If you have vitiligo in a place on your body that has hair, the hair may also turn white....

What Are Warts? Warts are raised, skin-colored growths that can develop almost anywhere on the body and may resemble a cauliflower or solid blister. Most warts are completely harmless, but people often consider wart removal for a variety of reasons, including embarrassment and wanting to avoid spreading them to others. What Causes Warts? A group of viruses called the human...