Medical Services Archives

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...

What is SRT? Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a treatment option that may be considered for low-risk basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma in patients who prefer to avoid surgery. This technique uses highly advanced technology to radiate cancer cells, destroying them or preventing them from growing. SRT is delivered in small doses, usually three days weekly for seven...

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....