Keratosis pilaris, also called "chicken skin," is a common skin condition that makes rough-feeling bumps appear in patches. These tiny bumps or pimples are actually hair follicles that are blocked by dead skin cells. They can sometimes look red or brown. Keratosis pilaris is usually found on the upper arms,...
What is chickenpox? Chickenpox, also called varicella, is a disease that causes red blisters all over the body that are itchy. This disease is caused by a virus. It happens to kids a lot, and it used to be so common that it was seen as a rite of passage. Rarely...
What are warts? human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts, which are raised bumps on your skin (HPV). People have had warts for a long time. They were discovered on a mummy that was 3,000 years old, and Shakespeare wrote about them. Even though warts aren't usually dangerous, they can be painful, embarrassing,...
Vitiligo is a condition of the skin that happens when the cells that give your skin its colour die. These cells, which are called melanocytes, no longer make melanin, which gives your skin its colour. This makes some parts of your skin lose their colour or turn white. A 2020...
Overview Have you ever tried a new skin care product or detergent and found that it made your skin red and itchy? If that's the case, you may have had contact dermatitis. When chemicals you come in contact with cause a reaction, this is what happens. Most reactions to contact dermatitis...
Understanding lupus The Lupus Foundation of Americasays that more than 1.5 million Americans have lupus, which is an autoimmune disease. Usually, the immune system protects the body from viruses and bacteria that come from outside. In a disease like lupus, the immune system attacks the body by accident and hurts...
Melanoma is a type of cancer of the skin. It starts in cells called melanocytes in the skin. Melanocytes are cells that make melanin, which is what gives your skin its colour. Melanomas only make up about 1 percent of skin cancers. Melanoma is also called malignant melanoma or cutaneous...
Squamous cell cancer (SCC) is a type of cancer that is also called squamous cell carcinoma. It starts in the thin, flat cells called squamous cells that make up the top layer of your skin. You also have squamous cells in your lungs, mucous membranes, digestive tract, and urinary...
What is basal cell carcinoma? A type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC) starts in the basal cells. The epidermis is made up of healthy basal cells. They are the skin cells that get rid of old ones and make room for new ones. When basal cells get...
What is rubeola (measles)? Rubeola (measles) is a virus infection that grows in the cells that line the throat and lungs. It's a very contagious disease that spreads through the air when someone with it coughs or sneezes. When someone gets the measles, they might get a fever, a cough,...
