Medical Services Archives

If you have small, shiny bumps on your face that are indented in the middle or have a white or yellow border, your sebaceous glands may be clogged. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum that lubricates your skin and hair, but sometimes the sebum becomes trapped inside, causing bumps. A Forefront provider can diagnose your condition and offer...

What is seborrheic dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects areas of the skin that produce the most oil. It appears as defined patches of greasy, yellow, scaly skin. It is found primarily on the scalp but may also appear on the ears, eyebrows, back, and the upper chest or beard area in men. The condition may...

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 is squamous cell carcinoma? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It’s usually found on areas of the body damaged by UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Sun-exposed skin where SCC is usually found includes the head, neck, ears, lips, arms, legs, and hands. SCC is a fairly slow-growing skin cancer,...

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....