What Is Favus? Scalp Fungal Infection, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Favus? Scalp Fungal Infection, Causes & Treatment Options Favus is a chronic fungal infection of the scalp and hair that can form yellow cup-shaped crusts around hairs and cause patchy hair loss. Also called tinea favosa, favus capitis, or tinea capitis favosa, it is most often associated with Trichophyton schoenleinii. This page covers […]
What Is Excoriation Disorder? Skin Picking Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Excoriation Disorder? Skin Picking Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options Excoriation disorder is repeated skin picking that causes skin damage and becomes difficult to stop, even when the person wants to stop. Also called skin-picking disorder or dermatillomania, it can involve automatic or focused picking and may cause wounds, scabs, scars, dark marks, infection, […]
What Are Exanthems? Widespread Skin Rash, Causes & Treatment Options
What Are Exanthems? Widespread Skin Rash, Causes & Treatment Options Exanthems are widespread skin eruptions that often appear with body symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache, sore throat, cough, or general illness. Exanthem is the singular term. It describes a rash pattern rather than one disease: viral infections are common causes, but bacterial illness, medicines, […]
What Is Erythrasma? Bacterial Skin Rash, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Erythrasma? Bacterial Skin Rash, Causes & Treatment Options Erythrasma is a superficial bacterial skin infection that usually develops in warm, moist skin folds and causes well-defined brown, red-brown, pink-brown, tan-brown, or darker patches with fine scale. It is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, not fungus by default. This page covers its appearance, common fold […]
What Is Erythema Nodosum? Tender Skin Lumps, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Erythema Nodosum? Tender Skin Lumps, Causes & Treatment Options Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory reaction in the fat layer under the skin that causes tender, deep lumps, most often on the front of the lower legs. Also called EN, it is a form of panniculitis rather than a surface rash. This page covers […]
What Is Erythema Multiforme? Target-Like Rash, Triggers & Treatment Options
What Is Erythema Multiforme? Target-Like Rash, Triggers & Treatment Options Erythema multiforme is an immune-mediated skin reaction that causes target-like lesions and can sometimes involve the lips, mouth, eyes, or genital skin. Often shortened to EM, it may follow herpes simplex infection, another infection, or a medicine exposure. This page covers appearance, locations, EM minor […]
What Is Erythema Annulare Centrifugum? Ring-Shaped Rash, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Erythema Annulare Centrifugum? Ring-Shaped Rash, Causes & Treatment Options Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a reactive skin rash that forms expanding ring-shaped, arc-shaped, or connected circular patches, sometimes with central clearing and a fine inner rim of trailing scale. A ring shape does not identify one disease. This page covers EAC appearance, locations, […]
What Are Ephelides / Freckles? Skin Spots, Sun Triggers & Prevention
What Are Ephelides / Freckles? Skin Spots, Sun Triggers & Prevention Ephelides are freckles: small, flat, tan-to-brown pigment spots that commonly appear on sun-exposed skin and often become more visible after ultraviolet exposure. An ephelis means one freckle, while ephelides means multiple freckles. These spots are usually benign, but this page also explains appearance, locations, […]
What Is Epidermolysis Bullosa? Fragile Skin, Blistering & Care Options
What Is Epidermolysis Bullosa? Fragile Skin, Blistering & Care Options Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare conditions that make the skin fragile, so blisters, wounds, or tears can form after minor friction, rubbing, heat, pressure, or injury. Most EB is inherited, while epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a separate acquired autoimmune disorder. This page […]
What Is an Epidermal Cyst? Skin Lump, Causes & Removal Options
What Is an Epidermal Cyst? Skin Lump, Causes & Removal Options An epidermal cyst is a usually benign skin lump that forms when skin cells and keratin become trapped beneath the skin surface inside a cyst wall. Epidermal cysts are often called epidermoid cysts or epidermal inclusion cysts, while “sebaceous cyst” is often inaccurate. This […]