Skin Problems and Treatments

WebMD

Acute Skin Conditions

Cold SoresCold sores -- also called fever blisters -- are a painful infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Plantar Warts and Palmar WartsPlantar warts and palmar warts are common, especially in children. These warts are named for where they appear on the body.

BlistersA single blister is usually the result of friction or a minor burn, typically on the hands or feet.

ChafingChafing can occur anywhere on your body, but the thighs, groin, underarms, and nipples are particularly vulnerable.

Cold SoresCold sores -- also called fever blisters -- are a painful infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Plantar Warts and Palmar WartsPlantar warts and palmar warts are common, especially in children. These warts are named for where they appear on the body.

BlistersA single blister is usually the result of friction or a minor burn, typically on the hands or feet.

ChafingChafing can occur anywhere on your body, but the thighs, groin, underarms, and nipples are particularly vulnerable.

Corns and CallusesCorns and calluses can be annoying, but your body actually forms them to protect sensitive skin.

SunburnHere's what you need to know about how to keep your skin safe and where to find sunburn relief.

Ingrown HairSometimes dead skin can clog up a hair follicle. That forces the hair inside it to grow sideways under the skin.

Muehrcke's Lines of the FingernailsMuehrcke's lines appear as double white lines that run across the fingernails horizontally.

GangreneGangrene is a condition that occurs when body tissue dies. It is caused by a loss of blood supply.

RashesA rash indicates an abnormal change in skin color or texture. Rashes are usually caused by skin inflammation.

DermatitisIn most people, the early stages of dermatitis are characterized by red, dry, and itchy skin.

BedbugsBedbugs are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans.

PruritusPruritus simply means itching. It can be associated with a number of disorders.

Causes of ItchingYou might have an itch that must be scratched. Or a tickle on your back that you can’t reach.

ScratchingAn itch can be triggered by something outside your body, such as poison ivy, or by something on the inside, such as psoriasis.

Cysts and Skin LumpsThere are a number skin conditions that cause lumps and bumps to appear on the surface or just below the skin.

HivesUrticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly.

Alopecia AreataAlopecia is the medical term for baldness; there are various types of alopecia, including alopecia areata.

IntertrigoIntertrigo is a fancy name for a rash that shows up between the folds of skin. It is a very common skin rash.

LiceThe thought of lice might give you the creepy crawlies -- and with good reason. When these tiny mites infect the scalp and skin.

ScabiesScabies -- or human itch mites -- are eight-legged critters that burrow into the upper layer of your skin.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and SumacPoison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause a temporary rash when they come in contact with your skin.

BruisesA bruise is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin.

Epidermoid and Sebaceous CystsMany people often call any small, painless lump under the skin "sebaceous cysts." But those are most often epidermoid cysts.

Scaly SkinDoes scaly skin have you itchy and uncomfortable? It may just be ordinary dry skin.

Chronic Skin Conditions

Skin Infections

LeprosyLeprosy is caused by a slow-growing type of bacteria called Mycobacteriumleprae (M. leprae).

CarbunclesA carbuncle is a red, swollen, and painful cluster of boils that are connected to each other under the skin.

Staph InfectionA staph infection often begins with a little cut, which gets infected with bacteria.

CellulitisCellulitis is a common infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath.

LeprosyLeprosy is caused by a slow-growing type of bacteria called Mycobacteriumleprae (M. leprae).

CarbunclesA carbuncle is a red, swollen, and painful cluster of boils that are connected to each other under the skin.

Staph InfectionA staph infection often begins with a little cut, which gets infected with bacteria.

CellulitisCellulitis is a common infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath.

ImpetigoImpetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It can appear anywhere on the body but usually attacks exposed areas.

BoilsA boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland.

Pilonidal Cyst and AbscessA pilonidal cyst occurs at the bottom of the tailbone and can become infected and filled with pus.

Fungal Skin InfectionsFungal infections of the skin are very common and include athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.

RingwormWorms don't cause ringworm. Rather, this superficial skin infection, also known as tinea, is caused by fungi called dermatophytes.

Athlete's FootAthlete's foot is a common fungal infection, and you don't have to be an athlete to get it.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)Candidiasis is an infection caused by a group of yeast. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies.

SporotrichosisThis mold is found on rose thorns, hay, sphagnum moss, twigs, and soil. Therefore, the infection is more common among gardeners.

Fungal Nail InfectionsA fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus attacks a fingernail, a toenail, or the skin under the nail, called the nail bed.

Molluscum ContagiosumMolluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes either single or multiple raised, pearl-like bumps on the skin.

Skin Discolorations

Red Birthmarks, Hemangiomas, and Your SkinBirthmarks are colored skin spots that either are present at birth or develop shortly after birth. They can be different colors.

Moles, Freckles, and Skin TagsThere are many skin lesions that are common and benign. These include moles, freckles, skin tags, and many more.

Red Birthmarks, Hemangiomas, and Your SkinBirthmarks are colored skin spots that either are present at birth or develop shortly after birth. They can be different colors.

Moles, Freckles, and Skin TagsThere are many skin lesions that are common and benign. These include moles, freckles, skin tags, and many more.

Appointment Prep

Get wellness tips to help you live happier and healthier

By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the

WebMD Terms & Conditions

and understand that I may opt out of WebMD subscriptions at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google

and

apply.

You can also search by physician, practice, or hospital name