Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are experienced by over 20% of US adults over age 21. More common in women than men, this condition is often nothing more than a cosmetic nuisance. Deep "heel fissures" however, can develop and be quite painful. In rare cases, heel fissures may lead to infection.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. And although malignant melanoma only accounts for about 1% of all skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. Malignant melanoma can be found anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the backs of men and on the legs of women. Do monthly self-skin examinations and examine your entire body surface including in between your toes.
Use the ABCDE checklist to evaluate your moles:
Stretch marks (striae distensae) are pink, red or purple indented streaks that most commonly appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs. They are not a significant medical problem but can cause emotional distress in those affected. Although they eventually fade to a white or gray color, it is rare that they completely dissappear.
Poison Ivy, also known as rhus dermatitis, is caused from an allergic reaction to the oil resin, urushiol, found in the leaves, stems and roots of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It is very common in the summer months.
COVID ARM: A NEWLY REPORTED DELAYED REACTION RASH
Common reactions after receiving the Moderna vaccine include injection site soreness, general fatigue and headache. These symptoms usually resolved within 2 to 3 days.
Hangnails are not nails at all, but little triangular pieces of skin at the edge of a fingernail that occassionally bleed and, are often, quite irritating. They are more common in the winter due to dry skin from the cold winter air but harsh chemicals, nail biting, and excessive hand washing can also cause the development of hangnails. If not properly cared for, hangnails can be the site at which bacteria enters the skin and causes an infection around the nail cuticle.
Millions of Americans will take to the outdoors this winter. The health benefits of winter sports are numerous. The release of endorphins elevate mood and help ward off "cabin fever." Engaging in winter sports burns more calories than equivalent warm weather activites as it takes more energy for the body to maintain its body temperature in colder environments. But exposure to cold temperature, wind and wet weather may lead to freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, a condition called "frostbite."
Skin tags are outgrowths of normal skin. They are usually smaller than a pencil eraser in diameter and grow on a pedicle or stalk. They are sometimes called fibroepithelial polyps or acrochordons. Whatever you call them, they are harmless skin growths that typically do not hurt or itch. Almost 50% of the adult population has at least one skin tag and the chance of developing one increases with age.
You put on your sunscreen, but clearly not enough. Maybe you missed a spot, or maybe just forgot the sunscreen altogether. Your skin is red and painful. It feels hot to the touch. You have it, sunburn!
DO:
· Stay out of the sun to prevent further damage.
· Take a pain reliever. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Advil or Motrin will relieve some of the discomfort and swelling.
· Cool the skin with frequent cool compresses or take a cool shower or bath.
The dry winter days are here. There are beautiful snowflakes. And with them come lots of skin flakes as well. Your skin is dry, scaly and may even show signs of cracking.
