A dermatologist is a medical doctor with extensive training, experience, and dedication for keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy—and healthy-looking—throughout your lifetime. SHOULD I SEE A DERMATOLOGIST? A dermatologist is uniquely trained to look at your skin with their eyes and other tools. Dermatologists

Warts are common benign growths (not cancer). Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. They are contagious and spread easily. Many people get a wart when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone else who has a wart. You also can get a wart by touching something that touched another person’s

Most people who develop vitiligo will have it for the rest of their lives. It is very rare for vitiligo to completely improve. WHO GETS VITILIGO? People of all races and skin colors get vitiligo. About half of those who develop vitiligo do so by age 20, while nearly 95 percent develop vitiligo by age

Vitamin D is an important chemical that helps your body maintain strong and healthy bones. Vitamin D helps the body to use calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are necessary for healthy bones. Your body naturally produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. You also

Birthmarks on the skin of a newborn or that develop on a child’s skin can be upsetting for parents. Most birthmarks appear on the skin when a baby is born. Some develop on a child’s skin after birth. No matter when they develop, most birthmarks are harmless and many even go away on their own or shrink

Tumescent liposuction is a surgical procedure that can safely remove stubborn pockets of fat. It is a surgical procedure. It is not a weight-loss surgery. Dermatologists recommend tumescent liposuction for patients who want to: Remove limited, small amounts of fat that remain despite dieting and exercising Treat

Although we can’t see it, we all have yeast living on the surface of our skin. When it is hot and humid, yeast tends to grow more quickly. An overgrowth of a certain type of yeast, known as pityriasis versicolor, on the skin can cause a common skin condition known as tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor

How your dermatologist can help If you are considering getting a tattoo or other body art, it is a good idea to speak with your dermatologist. Even if you already have body art and are thinking about adding more, a talk with your dermatologist is still a good idea. Your dermatologist can help you: Separate

Sun protection is important for everyone, no matter what your age. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Whether you’re enjoying a day together at the beach or watching your child participate in an outdoor sport, it’s important to develop habits that will protect the whole

If you’ve been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, you are not alone. SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer; however, it’s highly treatable when detected early. WHAT DOES SCC LOOK LIKE? SCC appears on the skin in many shapes. You may see a: Bump that feels crusty or rough. Flat patch

Board-certified dermatologists offer several treatments to improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins. The most widely used treatments are sclerotherapy and laser therapy. Your dermatologist will recommend the best treatment option for you after considering several factors, including the type

There are a variety of skin, hair and nail conditions that are common in people with skin of color, such as African Americans, Asians, Latinos, and Native Americans. Your dermatologist can help diagnose and treat these skin conditions. SKIN CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE DARKENING OF THE SKIN MELASMA This common

Your dermatologist has recommended a biopsy to help diagnose your skin disease. This tip sheet will provide you with information about what to expect before, during and after your procedure. Review this information and follow any personalized directions from your dermatologist. WHAT IS A BIOPSY? To diagnose

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases, as they used to be called, spread from one person to another during sexual contact. This contact can involve the genitals, anus, skin, or mouth and result in an infection. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF STIs? There are more than 20 types

Seborrheic keratoses are common benign (noncancerous) skin growths that can occur anywhere on the body. While it is possible to have a seborrheic keratosis, it is more common to develop many of these growths, especially with increased age. WHAT DOES AN SK LOOK LIKE? Most SKs begin as small, rough bumps

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disease that causes a red, scaly, itchy rash typically on the scalp, eyebrows, folds around mouth, and ears. Seborrheic dermatitis can last for years. It tends to clear and flare without warning. Treatment often is necessary to control it. For some people, seborrheic