Canker and Cold Sores
Cold Sore on the lips. Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons A canker or cold sore is a distinct oral lesion characterized as a painful ulceration inside the mouth. The cause is unknown, but infectious causes such as the herpes simplex virus, measles and Helicobacter Pylori, the same microbe causing peptic ulcer disease, has been implicated. These oral lesions may last for 10 days to 2 weeks and...
Read MoreCellulitis
Cellulitis on a leg Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the dermis and the underlying subcutaneous tissue of the skin. It is characterized by pain, swelling, redness and warmth on the affected area. The infection is caused by bacterial invasion through a break in the skin caused by a cut, laceration, a puncture wound, insect bites or a fissure. A break in...
Read MoreCradle Cap
Cradle cap on a 2 month old child Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons Cradle cap is a localized or diffused scaling and crusting of the scalp common among infants. It is also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis that is localized at the scalp area. This condition is common in the first month of a child and may persist until the child reaches one year. The cause is unknown but it is...
Read MoreDry Skin
Dry Skin on an arm Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons Dry skin (xerosis) is a condition which is characterized by rough, dry skin. The skin lesion may appear scaly, cracked and is mildly pruritic (itchy). The skin is our fist-line of defense and it needs moisture to maintain its integrity as a barrier. When we lose excessive moisture, our skin will crack and dry up. There are multiple factors...
Read MoreOutdoor Skin Care – Dangers of Sun Exposure
Crazy Tan Line Photo by: Evil Erin, Creative Commons Are you thinking about heading down to the beach to get catch some sun and surf? Well, you might want to reconsider the sun part. Why? This is because of the fact that too much can sun can be harmful to your skin. In fact, you can get more than just a sunburn if you stay under the sun for extended periods of time. Dangers of Sun Exposure Short...
Read MoreBirthmarks
Birthmarks are common to many people. In fact, one out of ten newborn babies carries a birthmark. Birthmarks are imperfections on the skin. They are usually spots formed in a fetus. They are actually skin lesions which are embossed on the skin. Usually, these spots have are red which prompts another coined word for birthmarks—strawberry naevi. Birthmarks have several types. Among these types,...
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