What Are Corns and Calluses? Thickened Skin, Causes & Treatment Options
What Are Corns and Calluses? Thickened Skin, Causes & Treatment Options Corns and calluses are hard, thickened areas of skin that form when the skin protects itself from repeated pressure, rubbing, or friction. Pressure relief is central because the same spot can return if the cause remains active. This page covers corn-vs-callus differences, symptoms, locations, […]
What Are Cold Sores? Lip Blisters, Triggers & Treatment Options
What Are Cold Sores? Lip Blisters, Triggers & Treatment Options Cold sores are small painful blisters, usually on or around the lips, caused by herpes simplex virus that can stay dormant in the body and reactivate later. They are contagious and are not the same as canker sores inside the mouth. This page covers symptoms, […]
What Is Chondrodermatitis Nodularis? Ear Nodule Pain, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Chondrodermatitis Nodularis? Ear Nodule Pain, Causes & Treatment Options Chondrodermatitis nodularis is a benign inflammatory condition of the ear skin and cartilage that usually causes a small, very tender nodule on the helix or antihelix of the ear. It is usually benign, but skin cancers can mimic crusted or ulcerated ear nodules. This […]
What Is Chloasma / Melasma? Skin Pigmentation, Triggers & Treatment Options
What Is Chloasma / Melasma? Skin Pigmentation, Triggers & Treatment Options Chloasma, more commonly called melasma, is an acquired pigmentation condition that causes darker patches or spots, usually on the face. Melasma is chronic and relapse-prone, so treatment focuses on trigger control rather than quick bleaching. This page covers appearance, triggers, diagnosis, treatment options, sun […]
What Are Chilblains? Cold-Related Skin Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options
What Are Chilblains? Cold-Related Skin Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options Chilblains are inflamed, itchy, painful, or swollen skin patches that appear after exposure to cold, especially cold and damp conditions. They are not the same as frostbite, and they should not be rapidly heated or scratched open. This page covers symptoms, body sites, causes, diagnosis, […]
What Is Chafing? Skin Friction Rash, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Chafing? Skin Friction Rash, Causes & Treatment Options Chafing is skin irritation caused by repeated rubbing, usually from skin touching skin, clothing, shoes, sports gear, or trapped moisture that weakens the skin barrier. It is usually friction-related, not infection by default. This page covers symptoms, causes, common sites, treatment, prevention, recurrent triggers, mistakes, […]
What Is Cellulitis? Skin Infection Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Cellulitis? Skin Infection Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that spreads through deeper layers of the skin and the tissue underneath, often causing warmth, pain, swelling, tenderness, and spreading color change. It is not a simple rash, and antibiotics plus reassessment can matter. This page covers symptoms, causes, risk […]
What Are Café-au-Lait Spots? Skin Color Patches, Causes & Diagnosis
What Are Café-au-Lait Spots? Skin Color Patches, Causes & Diagnosis Café-au-lait spots are flat light-brown to dark-brown skin patches that are often present at birth or become visible in early childhood. One or a few spots are often benign, but multiple large spots or associated signs need evaluation. This page covers appearance, causes, number and […]
What Is Bullous Pemphigoid? Blistering Skin Disease, Causes & Treatment Options
What Is Bullous Pemphigoid? Blistering Skin Disease, Causes & Treatment Options Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering disease that can cause intense itching, rash, and large tense fluid-filled blisters. It is not contagious, and it should not be treated like a simple friction blister, eczema flare, or impetigo. This page covers symptoms, causes, diagnosis, biopsy, […]
What Is Bullous Impetigo? Blistering Skin Infection, Spread & Treatment Options
What Is Bullous Impetigo? Blistering Skin Infection, Spread & Treatment Options Bullous impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that causes fragile fluid-filled blisters, usually because toxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus affects the top layers of the skin. It should not be managed like a simple friction blister, and the blisters should not be popped or picked. […]