Dermatology 101
Dermatology 101 offers essential information on skin health, common conditions, treatments, and skincare routines, helping individuals understand and care for their skin effectively.
-
How and When to Use a Pressure Bandage
(Wavebreak Media/offset) A pressure bandage (sometimes called a pressure dressing) is a dressing intended to exert pressure on a specific area of the body. Generally, a pressure bandage does not have adhesive and is placed over a wound that’s been covered with an absorbent layer. That absorbent layer may or may not be secured with […]
-
How to Deal with a Tattoo Blowout
Many people encounter tattoo blowouts, and sometimes they’re unavoidable. Fortunately, there are ways to address them afterward. You got a fresh tattoo a few days ago, but something seems off: the ink has spread beyond the intended lines and now the design appears fuzzy. If you’re not familiar with tattoos, you might be unsure what’s […]
-
The Butterfly Needle: What to Expect
A butterfly needle is an instrument used to reach a vein for obtaining blood samples or administering medications. (img by KRUUSE) Some clinicians refer to a butterfly needle as a “winged infusion set” or a “scalp vein set.” The name comes from the small plastic “wings” on each side of the hollow needle that help […]
-
Is a Hairy Mole a Sign of Cancer?
Moles develop on your skin when groups of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, cluster in concentrated spots. They typically show up as colored bumps or patches that differ in shape and size and are darker than the surrounding skin, ranging from tan to brown to black. Most moles, often referred to as common moles, are noncancerous. […]
-
Is Tar Soap an Effective Treatment for Psoriasis?
Tar soap is a traditional remedy believed to possess notable antiseptic properties. It’s commonly applied to help manage skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. People sometimes turn to tar soap to relieve psoriasis-related complaints like itching, inflammation, and flaking. The two main varieties used for psoriasis are pine tar soap and coal tar soap. […]
-
How to Heal and Prevent Dry Hands
Keeping your hands moisturized often eases dryness and shields them from irritants. If an underlying issue like eczema is to blame, you might need medical treatment. Though it may seem minor, dry hands can be quite bothersome. Most commonly, dry hands result from environmental factors. Weather changes, for instance, can dry out the skin. Repeated […]
-
Xerosis Cutis
Xerosis cutis is the clinical term for excessively dry skin, more intense than ordinary dryness. The word derives from the Greek “xero,” meaning dry. (img by Curel) Dry skin affects many people, particularly older adults. Often it’s a mild, temporary issue, but it can cause irritation and discomfort. Skin requires moisture to remain supple. With […]
-
Shingles vs. Poison Ivy: How to Tell the Difference
Although both shingles and poison ivy can produce blistering skin eruptions, shingles often brings systemic signs like flu-like symptoms and a burning sensation that poison ivy does not. About 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime, making it a frequent viral condition among older adults. Poison ivy reactions […]
-
Shingles vs Eczema: How To Tell the Difference Between Them
Shingles and eczema are both skin disorders that produce inflamed patches. These irritated areas can vary in size and may be itchy or painful. Because they share some visual similarities, one condition can sometimes be confused with the other. However, shingles and eczema are distinct disorders with different root causes and treatment approaches. Because both […]
-
The 30 Dermatomes Explained: A Complete Nerve Map of The Body
A dermatome is a patch of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve. Although the human body has 31 pairs of spinal nerves branching from the spinal cord, there are only 30 dermatomes. Your spinal nerves serve to transmit sensory, motor, and autonomic signals between the rest of your body and your central nervous system […]