A mole (nevi) usually develops after the skin is exposed to bright sunlight which affects the natural melanin and the melanocytes that make up the skin pigments. The usual outcome is that the skin tans or becomes darker. When melanocytes (pigment-forming cells) grow together in a cluster – this is called a mole. Moles are…
Moisturizers are among the most recommended products in dermatology today. Many skin conditions benefit from moisturizers, notably including the common, but debilitating, eczema and psoriasis. There are many benefits to using moisturizer, but the main three include: preventing dry skin, treating wrinkles (especially important for our aging population!), and preventing worsening of any skin conditions. …
Skin care 101 Taking care of your skin is one of the most noticeable ways to prevent signs of aging and sun damage. It can also reduce dark spots and acne. To be your best self, it is important to start taking care of your skin early and managing any chronic issues with it. But…
Skin rashes are a common chief complaint in many ERs, urgent cares, and primary care clinics. Luckily, due to the advent of vaccines, many diseases that cause rashes, such as measles and rubeola, are almost never seen anymore. In the elderly population, it is also less likely to see the “sandpaper” pink rash that can…
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A – a nutrient in the body that is important to vision, growth, reproduction, immunity, and cell division. That last point is why it is considered so desirable to use retinol creams on the skin. They increase cell turnover on the face, which reduces the incidence of acne, scarring,…
Studies show that most Americans gain weight in between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve every year. However, it is possible to enjoy the holidays and still maintain some self-control and your current weight. One major thing to remember is that it is okay to cheat in moderation. Allow yourself a small serving of a holiday…
Your abdomen is home to several different organs and processes that take place in order for your body to function, so it can be common to have abdominal pain, and it may or may not be serious. Abdominal pain can occur for a variety of reasons, and sometimes it is easier to classify it based…
Screening for skin cancer is a type of preventative care that helps detect areas of concern that may turn into cancer or spread to other areas of the body. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone have a full-body professional skin examination performed by a dermatologist at least once a year, and sooner if they…
According to MayoClinic, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can include reduced sexual desire, as well as having trouble keeping an erection or trouble getting an erection. There are many different causes of erectile dysfunction, listed below from ClinicalKey: Psychogenic → anxiety, depression, stress…
Constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, however it can vary slightly between patient to patient as to what they define as their normal (MayoClinic). The signs and symptoms of constipation include straining during a bowel movement, passing fewer stools than normal, having lumpy or hard stools or feeling as if…
The common flu is a viral illness caused by the virus influenza types A, B, or C. The flu is a contagious illness, which means that it can be spread from person to person if a sick person causes droplets to get onto another from coughing, sneezing, or physical contact like kissing. The flu is…
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm muscle is a large muscle in your abdomen that plays a large role in breathing. With each contraction of the diaphragm, the vocal cords close causing the “hic” sound. Hiccups can be caused by alcoholic or carbonated beverages, sudden excitement, or large meals. Rarely, hiccups…
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial virus, which is a viral infection affecting the lungs and respiratory tract. RSV is a very common viral illness that infects most children by the time they turn two years old. RSV can also occur in adults and older children. The symptoms in older children and adults may be less…
Kidney stones are deposits of hard minerals and salts that form in the kidney. They can form because of diet, obesity, and certain medical conditions. A kidney stone may form in any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the ureter. A stone will typically form when urine gets concentrated, which allows the…
