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Itchy skin
Dermatologists have a lot of experience treating this common symptom. If you’re itching for relief, try these home remedies. ... Itch relief: By body area Poison ivy, oak, and sumac Rashes
Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment
Rash 101: When to seek medical treatment ... Although most rashes are not life-threatening, some can be a sign of a more serious condition. Dermatologists say you need medical treatment for rashes with the features in this video. ... Signs your rash needs medical attention ... When you see a
Dry, scaly, and painful hands could be hand eczema
How to prevent and treat hand rashes ... Hand rashes can be frustrating, especially when the cause of your rash is unknown. To help prevent a hand rash, dermatologists offer these tips. ... Is the skin on your hands dry, thick, and scaly? Do you have deep, painful cracks on
Signs your rash needs medical attention
Board-certified dermatologist’s tips ROSEMONT, Ill. (Jan. 23, 2024) — Rashes take many forms, may spread across the body, and affect people of all ages. To the untrained eye, rashes may look alike, and while some are treatable with over-the-counter medications, other rashes can be a sign of a more serious condition.
Dermatologists warn people about the reliability of online symptom checkers
Research shows that online symptom checkers inaccurately diagnose skin rashes ROSEMONT, Ill. (October 12, 2022) — Thanks to the internet, we have the world at our fingertips, and with just a few clicks, we can easily enter our medical symptoms into websites and apps to self-diagnose illnesses. However, a new
12 summer skin problems you can prevent
How to prevent and treat common summer rashes ... Summer means spending more time outdoors. However, the increased exposure to things like sunlight, insects, and poisonous plants can cause some itchy and painful rashes. ... Fortunately, there a few simple steps people can take to avoid unwanted rashes, which can
7 ways to prevent injuries while trimming pubic hair
Have you ever injured yourself while trimming your pubic hair? You’re not alone. A study found that 1 in 4 people have injured themselves while grooming their privates. In this study, the most common injuries were deep cuts, burns, and rashes. ... Prevent injuries while trimming pubic hair ... You’re
What's causing your child's itchy rash?
A dermatologist addresses the difference between eczema and allergic contact dermatitis BOSTON, MA (March 25, 2022) — Itchy rashes can be very irritating, especially when children get them, and you don’t know what is causing them. While these rashes are often caused by eczema, in some cases they are caused
Insider secrets for managing eczema
What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis? They can look a lot alike. Watch as this board-certified dermatologist explains (and shows you) the differences. ... Can anything relieve severe atopic dermatitis? Creating a treatment plan for severe atopic dermatitis often requires a dermatologist’s expertise and insight. See what such a
Learn about dermatologist tips for cleaning your makeup brushes
How to clean your makeup brushes ... To protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria that lingers in your makeup brushes, it’s a good idea to wash your brushes every 7 to 10 days. To clean your makeup brushes, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists. ... Dirty makeup brushes
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How can I prevent a rash?
Ivy blockers may help ... A study found that forestry workers who applied an ivy blocker on most days reported fewer rashes. ... It’s an oil in these plants that causes the rash. By taking some precautions, you may be able to prevent the oil from getting on your skin.
Atopic dermatitis: Symptoms
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology ... The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from ... Sanofi and ... Regeneron . ... Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is often called the "itch that rashes." This description explains what happens when the condition begins. It tends
Bullous pemphigoid: Diagnosis and treatment
Bullous pemphigoid is a disease that can cause widespread blisters, itching, and rashes on your skin. These sometimes develop inside your mouth and other areas. ... Research breakthroughs (many made by dermatologists) are giving patients more options for treating bullous pemphigoid. These options, which include FDA-approved medication, may help patients
Managing eczema in summertime
Learn how to prevent and treat flare-ups while having warm-weather fun. ... Itchy, uncomfortable eczema can be an unpredictable condition. For some people, the dry, indoor air of winter causes flare-ups. But for others, it’s warmer weather — and the sweating, outdoor allergens, and increased exposure to sunlight — that
Mpox (monkeypox) rash: Dermatologists’ tips for treating your skin
If you have ... mpox , taking care of your skin can help it heal properly and minimize scarring. Here’s what dermatologists recommend: ... While you have mpox rashes on your skin ... Don’t scratch. Skin with mpox can be itchy. To ease the itch, dermatologists recommend the following: ...
How to select a dermatologist
Whether it’s rashes, wrinkles, psoriasis, or melanoma, skin issues can have a serious impact on your life. Dermatologists understand what’s causing your issue and the best way to treat it. ... If you’re seeing a dermatologist for the first time or it’s been a while since your last appointment, the
COVID toes and other rashes COVID-19 can cause
While rare, some people develop a rash while they have COVID-19. A rash can also develop weeks or months after COVID clears. Here's what you may see when a rash occurs: ... Swollen and discolored toes, often called COVID toes ... Swollen and discolored fingers ... A rash on any
10 ways to prevent face mask skin problems
Wearing a mask can be hard on your skin ... Gentle skin care can prevent your mask from causing skin problems. ... Wearing a face mask lowers your exposure to viruses like COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which spread when people cough, sneeze, or talk. Masks can also
What is a dermatologist?
What is a dermatologist? ... A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. Whether it’s rashes, wrinkles, psoriasis, or melanoma, no one understands your skin, hair, and nails better than a board-certified dermatologist. ... The skin is an incredible organ. It
Lupus and your skin: Treatment
When lupus affects your skin, a dermatologist may be part of your care team ... A board-certified dermatologist has the expertise needed to create a treatment plan that can help manage skin, hair, and nail problems caused by lupus. ... If lupus could be affecting your skin, it’s important to
Get the dermatologist's advice about rashes and how to relieve the itch
Find out whether you can treat a rash at home or need medical care. Get dermatologists’ expertise that can help you relieve the itch. ... Chickenpox You can often treat chickenpox at home. These tips from board-certified dermatologists can help relieve your child's symptoms and prevent a skin infection. ...
Signs of Lyme disease that appear on your skin
Signs of Lyme disease ... If you see a rash or another sign of Lyme disease on your skin, see your primary doctor right away. When caught early and treated, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics and most people recover fully. ... Lyme disease is caused by a bite
How to prevent skin problems while gardening
How to prevent skin problems while gardening ... Although gardening can be an enjoyable activity for many, it can take a turn for the worse if you injure yourself, come into contact with a poisonous plant, or have an allergic reaction. To prevent skin problems from gardening or yardwork, follow
What your skin can tell you about your overall health
From general fatigue to possible Parkinson's disease, skin, hair, and nail conditions can be symptoms of a range of ailments. ... Though skin is on the outside of your body, it can be a surprisingly clear window to what’s happening on the inside. ... "You can tell a lot about
Contact dermatitis: Treatment
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology ... The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from ... Sanofi and ... Regeneron . ... By gathering the right information and studying it, dermatologists have found causes of contact dermatitis that often surprise their patients. Examples include:
How to manage wet or weeping eczema
Weeping eczema can feel uncomfortable and distressing. By partnering with a board-certified dermatologist, you can manage it at home and get relief. ... What is weeping eczema? ... When fluid leaks from eczema spots and patches on your skin, it’s called weeping eczema. Any ... type of eczema can weep.
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: What does the rash look like?
While rare, some people see black spots instead of a red rash on their skin. These spots look like black lacquer spilled onto the skin. Instead of black spots, some people develop black streaks on their skin. ... If you develop black spots or streaks, there tends to be little
Is your margarita giving you a rash?
Dermatologist shines a light on the latest research in photocontact dermatitis SAN DIEGO (March 8, 2024) — Sun sensitivity and related skin conditions are often misunderstood. Foods, medications, and skincare products can trigger symptoms like itching, redness, blistering, or burning. One of the most common conditions is photocontact dermatitis, a
Media contacts
The American Academy of Dermatology is pleased to offer reporters a variety of resources to assist with their news-gathering efforts.The Academy’s public relations staff members provide reporters with referrals to board-certified dermatologists for interviews, as well as background information about all aspects of skin, hair and nail care and treatment.
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
Plants that can make you itch While poison ivy is the most common cause of contact dermatitis in the United States, a host of other common plants are capable of producing skin reactions. ... Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: What if I touch a plant? If you think you’ve touched
Preventing skin problems
How to test a skin care product Before you add a skin care product to your routine, dermatologists recommend testing it. Here are the steps to follow. ... 12 summer skin problems you can prevent An itchy rash or sunburned skin can quickly sideline summer fun. You can help keep
7 ways cancer treatments affect your skin and how to get relief
Having cancer takes a toll on your physical and emotional health. Cancer treatments fight your disease but can also affect other parts of your body. Dermatologists say you can get relief from treatment side effects so your skin, hair, and nails can feel better, sooner, while you fight your cancer.
Lupus and your skin: Self-care
How to care for your skin if you have lupus ... While nothing can substitute for an effective treatment agreed upon between a patient and their physician, practicing certain health habits may prevent the condition from worsening and lessen the risk of long-term side effects. ... To help care for
4 skin care tips for your hands
Try these hands-down best tips to care for your digits’ delicate skin ... You use them all day, every day, but are you giving your hands the TLC they need? Much like your face, your hands are exposed to the elements more than the other parts of your body. Plus,
New monkeypox registry established
Health professionals encouraged to submit data on the skin symptoms of the disease and the vaccine to improve patient care ROSEMONT, Ill. (August 23, 2022) — The World Health Organization and the White House have declared the growing monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency, with the Centers for Disease Control
Nickel allergy: How to avoid exposure and reduce symptoms
Nickel allergy: How to avoid exposure and reduce symptoms ... If you have a nickel allergy, the best way to avoid symptoms is to avoid objects containing nickel. To avoid exposure and reduce symptoms, board-certified dermatologists recommend following these tips. ... Nickel is one of the most common causes of
Darker skin tones - Skin diseases
How a skin disease or condition affects you can vary with your skin tone. Here you’ll get insight from dermatologists about some skin conditions that affect people with darker skin tones, either more frequently or more severely. ... Acanthosis nigricans If you have thickening, darker skin on your armpits, neck,
What is telemedicine?
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology ... The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from ... Sanofi and ... Regeneron . ... What is telemedicine? ... Telemedicine allows you to have an appointment with a doctor, including a dermatologist, from the comfort and safety
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: When does the rash appear?
The amount of time it takes for a rash to appear depends on whether you’ve had a rash from one of the plants before. Here’s the general rule: ... Previous rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac: A rash usually appears within 4 to 48 hours. ... Never had a
Dermatologist explains what the mpox (monkeypox) rash looks like
A new strain of mpox has been found in Africa, Europe, Asia – and now the United States. Because this strain spreads easily and can cause health problems, dermatologists are helping us stay informed by sharing facts about the symptoms and other key information. ... Board-certified dermatologist Esther E. Freeman,
Health and wellness apps dermatologists do and don’t recommend
Question: I found an app that says it can diagnose skin conditions and diseases. Should I trust it? ... Answer: You’ll find several apps like this. None of these apps has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so you don’t know how accurate or safe they
Lupus and your skin: Overview
Lupus ... What is lupus? Lupus is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in different parts of your body. One part of the body that lupus often affects is the skin. When lupus affects the skin, it’s called ... cutaneous (skin) lupus . Board-certified dermatologists are experts in
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash
Tips for treating poison ivy ... A rash from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is caused by an oil found in these plants called urushiol. When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash. Most people can safely treat the rash at home. ...
Dry skin relief due to handwashing
Is handwashing drying your skin? ... Washing your hands can create dry skin that can flake, itch, crack, and even bleed without proper precautions. ... To reduce your risk of dry, cracked skin from handwashing, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists. ... Has frequent handwashing left you with dry, cracked
Caring for your skin in menopause
How to care for your skin during menopause ... Menopause, which officially begins one year after your last period, can bring with it some noticeable changes to the skin and hair. However, with the right care, you can lessen these effects. ... To care for your skin during menopause, ...
Thyroid disease: A checklist of skin, hair, and nail changes
Although your thyroid gland sits deep in your neck, your dermatologist may be the first doctor to notice signs of thyroid disease. That’s because many signs and symptoms of thyroid disease develop on the skin, hair, and nails. ... The thyroid gland ... The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in
Lupus and your skin: Causes
Some types of lupus are more common in Black people ... Research shows that systemic lupus erythematosus is 2 to 3 times more common in women than men and more common in Black Americans than white Americans. Discoid lupus is most common in Black people. ... What causes lupus on
Treatment options for pregnant women living with eczema and psoriasis
Board-certified dermatologist discusses considerations for pregnant women with common skin conditions NEW ORLEANS (March 17, 2023) — Psoriasis and eczema affect men and women differently, with women needing to take extra precautions when considering treatments if they’re planning for pregnancy. A board-certified dermatologist at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Annual
Skin reactions to COVID-19 and its vaccines
Board-certified dermatologist provides the latest information on how COVID and its vaccines affect people’s skin BOSTON, MA (March 25, 2022) —When the pandemic began, everything about COVID-19 was new and unknown, including the correlation between COVID and the skin. Thanks to a comprehensive COVID-19 dermatology registry, dermatologists now have gathered
Eczema types: Contact dermatitis overview
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology ... The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from ... Sanofi and ... Regeneron . ... What is contact dermatitis? ... When something that touches your skin either irritates it or causes an allergic skin reaction, you develop
Lichen planus: Signs and symptoms
Lichen planus is a condition that can cause many different signs and symptoms, including small bumps on the skin, irritated gums, splitting nails, nail loss, itchy bumps on scalp, and hair loss. ... Where does lichen planus appear on the body? ... Lichen planus can affect these areas of your
How climate change and wildfire smoke can impact the skin
Studies show California wildfires led to an increase in the number of patients visiting dermatologists for flares in skin conditions NEW ORLEANS (March 17, 2023) — New research ... 1,2,3 ... shows that as wildfires are increasing in frequency, intensity and extent, and affecting air quality across the U.S., they
6 skin biopsy wound care tips from dermatologists
ROSEMONT, Ill. (May 31, 2022) — Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. As Skin Cancer Awareness Month continues, it’s important to check your skin regularly, and if you notice a spot on
Whole body cryotherapy can be hazardous to your skin
Woman entering a whole body cryotherapy chamber. ... Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) involves exposing your body to subzero temperatures for 2 to 4 minutes while nearly naked. Temperatures can exceed -200° Fahrenheit. ... If you’re wondering why anyone would do this, most people try it for the alleged health benefits.
Five unsafe skin care trends to avoid
Advice from board-certified dermatologists to keep your skin healthy ROSEMONT, Ill. (Nov. 1, 2023) — Social media platforms are rife with skin care advice from a variety of sources, which can make it difficult to know how to approach the recommendations you find online. In recognition of National Healthy Skin
Patch testing can find what's causing your rash
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology ... The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from ... Sanofi and ... Regeneron . ... If your skin reacts to something and your dermatologist suspects you’re having an allergic reaction, your dermatologist will try to find what’s
Bullous pemphigoid: Self-care
If you think a medication may be causing a reaction, contact your dermatologist right away ... Side effects can happen soon after you start taking a medication or weeks to months later. ... Taking good care of yourself at home may help blisters caused by bullous pemphigoid to clear more
Lupus and your skin: Signs and symptoms
Where do signs of lupus appear on the skin? ... There are different types of lupus, and each can affect the skin differently. You may see a rash, sores, swelling, or other changes. These changes often appear on skin that gets sun like the: ... Face ... Lips ... Scalp
Psoriasis treatment: “Off-label” medicines that work throughout the body
Severe psoriasis: On the bottom of the feet, psoriasis can be disabling, and sometimes FDA-approved psoriasis medicines fail to work. ... Dermatologists sometimes prescribe a medicine that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved to treat psoriasis. ... This practice (prescribing a medicine for an unapproved use)
Skin reaction from targeted cancer therapy? Tell your doctor.
Are you receiving targeted therapy to treat skin cancer — or any other cancer? If so, dermatologists recommend that you pay close attention to your skin. ... Skin reactions are the most common side effect of targeted therapy. ... What is targeted therapy, exactly? ... When cancer spreads and becomes
Dermatologist-recommended skin care for people with diabetes
Moisturize your skin ... Well-moisturized skin can help you avoid skin complications due to diabetes. ... When you have diabetes, finding time for skin care can seem like a luxury. Monitoring your glucose level, sticking to a meal plan, finding time to exercise, and managing stress can definitely take priority.
When to toss your makeup and sunscreen
How often do you replace your makeup and sunscreen? If you wait until you’ve used the entire product, keep reading. Dermatologists say that to protect your health, you sometimes need to toss these products before you empty the container. ... To find out how long you should keep makeup and
How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones
Have you tried treating dark spots on your own without getting the results you want? Do you see new dark spots appear as others fade? ... If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Darks spots and patches rank as one of the most common reasons that people who have darker
How can weight loss drugs affect my skin, hair, and nails?
You’ve likely heard of GLP-1s or weight loss drugs. Possibly, your doctor referred to them as GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drug names semaglutide, liraglutide, or tirzepatide, or by brand names (including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®). These drugs affect your hormones and brain to help you lose weight and treat
Lichen planus: Diagnosis and treament
Your board-certified dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat conditions like lichen planus, which can affect your skin, hair, and nails ... Your dermatologist’s training includes recognizing the difference between lichen planus and other conditions that can look like it, such as eczema or psoriasis. ... How do dermatologists diagnose
Atopic dermatitis: Treatment
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology ... The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from ... Sanofi and ... Regeneron . ... Dermatologists recommend moisturizer for everyone who has atopic dermatitis ... Keeping your skin well moisturized helps to prevent cracks and fissures in
Nail fungus: Diagnosis and treatment
Dermatologists understand that people can be hesitant to seek care if they could have nail fungus (medical name onychomycosis). Treatment takes time. Some patients have concerns about taking medications due to possible side effects. ... When creating a treatment plan, dermatologists tailor treatment to the needs of each patient. Your
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: Treatment
Think you might have cutaneous T-cell lymphoma? ... See a doctor who has experience with it. You’ll find dermatologists who have experience with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma at ... Find a Dermatologist . Click on "Filters". Select "Any condition" and choose "Cutaneous lymphoma." ... How do dermatologists diagnose cutaneous T-cell lymphoma?
Basal cell carcinoma | AAD
Last updated: October 1, 2025 ... Dermatologist reviewed: Natalie Matthews, MD, MPhil, FAAD; Rajiv I. Nijhawan, MD, FACMS, FAAD; and Darrell S. Rigel, MD, FAAD. ... Reviewer bios . ... What is basal cell carcinoma? ... Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. It tends to grow slowly