Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes flaking and sometimes itching. It can be mild and occasional, or it may be more persistent and noticeable. Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, and it is not usually dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable, frustrating, or embarrassing. Dandruff may overlap with a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff may be considered the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis, and both can cause white-to-yellowish scaling. Wh

Insect Bites or stings Mosquitoes, ticks, bees, wasps, spiders, ants, chiggers, and other insects can leave behind itchy, painful, or swollen skin reactions. Most bites and stings improve with simple home care, but some can cause infection, allergic reactions, or illness that needs prompt medical attention. What is an insect bite or sting? An insect bite occurs when an insect feeds or irritates the skin, often causing itching, redness, and a small bump. A sting occurs when an

Sunburn Sunburn can happen faster than many people realize, especially during summer, outdoor sports, vacations, pool days, yard work, or even cloudy weather. While many mild sunburns can be cared for at home, some burns need medical evaluation — especially if there is blistering, severe pain, fever, dehydration, or signs of infection. Here’s what helps, what to avoid, and when it may be time to get checked. What is it? Sunburn is skin damage caused by too much ultraviolet li

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of the skin. The mites are too small to see easily with the naked eye, but they can cause intense itching and a rash. Scabies spreads through close skin-to-skin contact and can also spread through shared bedding, towels, or clothing in some situations. It can affect people of any age and is not caused by poor hygiene. What is scabies? Scabies happens when a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei

Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that can affect the toenails or fingernails. It is more common in toenails because shoes can create a warm, moist environment where fungus can grow. Nail fungus is usually not an emergency, but it can be persistent, slow to improve, and sometimes difficult to tell apart from other nail conditions. Changes in nail color, thickness, texture, or shape should be evaluated if they are worsening, painful, spreading, or o

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection. Despite the name, it is not caused by a worm. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that can infect the skin, scalp, feet, groin, or nails. Ringworm can spread through direct skin contact, contaminated surfaces, shared personal items, pets, or damp environments. It is usually treatable, but some cases need medical evaluation, especially if the rash is spreading, recurrent, involves the scalp or nails, or does not improve. What

Poison Ivy Poison ivy is a common cause of an itchy skin rash, especially after outdoor activities such as yard work, gardening, hiking, camping, or playing outside. The rash is caused by contact with an oily plant resin called urushiol, which can be found on poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. For many people, poison ivy can be managed at home. However, some rashes become severe, widespread, infected, or involve sensitive areas of the body. In those cases, medical care

Impetigo Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that often causes red sores, blisters, crusting, or honey-colored scabs. It is usually caused by bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Group A Streptococcus. Impetigo is more common in children, but adults can get it too, especially when bacteria enter through irritated, scratched, or broken skin. What does impetigo look like? Impetigo may cause: Red sores or patches Blisters that break open Honey-colored crusting Itching

Hives, also called urticaria, are raised, itchy welts on the skin. They may look red, pink, skin-colored, or slightly swollen. Hives can appear suddenly, move around the body, change shape, disappear, and then come back in a different area. Many cases of hives are mild and temporary, but hives can sometimes be part of a serious allergic reaction. It is important to know when hives can be managed with supportive care and when urgent help is needed. What do hives look like? Hiv

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Eczema is a common skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, red, irritated, cracked, or inflamed skin. It may affect small patches or larger areas of the body, and symptoms can come and go over time. Some people have mild occasional flares, while others have more persistent symptoms that interfere with sleep, comfort, confidence, or daily life. Eczema is not simply “dry skin.” It often involves inflammation, a sensitive skin barrier, immune system

Cellulitis, skin infection Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissue. It often causes an area of skin to become red, warm, swollen, painful, and tender. Cellulitis can start after bacteria enter through a cut, scrape, insect bite, cracked skin, athlete’s foot, eczema flare, wound, or other break in the skin. It can happen anywhere on the body, but it is common on the legs, feet, arms, and hands. What does cellulitis lo

Athlete's Foot Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It often starts between the toes but can also spread to the soles, sides, or tops of the feet. The fungus grows best in warm, moist areas, which is why sweaty socks, tight shoes, locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas can increase the risk. Athlete’s foot is usually not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable, itchy, and contagious. If untreated, it may

Acne Acne is one of the most common skin concerns. It can affect teens and adults, and it may appear on the face, chest, back, shoulders, neck, or jawline. While acne is often mild, it can become painful, persistent, inflamed, or emotionally distressing. Acne is not simply a hygiene problem. It can be related to oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, inflammation, hormones, medications, skin products, stress, and other factors. The right treatment depends on the type of acn