Skin & Hair topics
Skin problems and conditions
Learn all about the various problems you might encounter with your skin, from acne to warts.
Acne
The underlying cause of acne is an increase in production of androgen hormones and increased sensitivity of androgen receptors.
Acne overview
Acne, a condition in which your skin gets greasy, its pores get blocked and you get blackheads, pimples or cysts, usually gets better over time but can be treated with various medicines.
Acne treatments
There are a number of acne medications available through your doctor or pharmacist that can help treat and prevent acne.
Acne: skin care while using acne treatments
Dryness is expected when using many acne treatments, and usually means that the treatments are working. Find out about correct skin care when you are using acne treatments.
Acne: teens with severe acne more prone to suicidal thoughts
Teenagers with severe acne were 2-3 times more likely to think about suicide than those with little or no acne, researchers found.
Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that is also known as tinea pedis. It commonly causes skin itch, especially between the toes.
Bedbug epidemic grips US and Canada
Bedbug encounters were reported by almost all US and Canadian pest control companies, a survey found, and caused Nike’s New York store to close.
Bedbug insecticides linked to poisonings
Insecticides used against bedbugs caused 111 cases of poisoning, including one death, in the US over 8 years.
Bedbugs can carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Bedbugs may transfer antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a study suggests.
Bedsores
Bedsores, or pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are skin ulcers caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Find out about risk factors, treatment and prevention.
Blisters
A blister is a lump filled with fluid that appears when the skin's outer layer is injured. Find out the common causes and what to do when you have a blister.
Boils
Boils or skin abscesses are inflamed and pus-filled areas of skin that look like oversized pimples. Find out about symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Botox injections
Botox injections are used as a treatment for wrinkles, crows feet and facial lines, and also for certain medical conditions.
Chilblains
The basic cause of chilblains is sensitivity to cold. Find out more about the symptoms and how to treat chilblains.
Childhood rashes
Distinguish between the common childhood rashes of rubella, measles, chickenpox and fifth disease and find out how long your child is infectious for.
Cold sore infections
Cold sore infections are caused by herpes simplex type 1 virus, a virus that remains in your body once you have been infected by it. It can be triggered by stress, fatigue or exposure to sun.
Cold sore treatments
Cold sores can be treated using antiviral medications, and the pain relieved by using analgesic products.
Cold sores
Cold sores usually appear around the mouth and are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex type I.
Cold sores overview
A cold sore is a skin infection that is caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is the result of of direct contact with a trigger substance, such as a chemical or produce such as a detergent.
Corns and calluses
Among the most common causes of sore feet are calluses and corns.
Dermatitis prevention
Dermatitis is characterised by redness and itching of the skin. It can result from direct irritants (contact dermatitis) or it can have a genetic basis (atopic dermatitis).
Dry skin
The ageing process, prolonged bathing or showering in hot water, excessive use of soap, and low humidity, all increase the risk of dry skin.
Dry skin treatments
Soap substitutes, moisturisers, barrier creams, anti-itch preparations and bath and shower substitutes can all help to alleviate problems associated with having dry skin.
Eczema
Find out about the symptoms, causes and triggers of eczema, a common skin problem affecting many people, particularly children.
Eczema Awareness Week
Eczema Awareness Week is held each spring to highlight this common skin disease and its treatment.
Eczema: fish reduces child eczema risk
Eating oily fish in the first year of life may play a role in reducing the risk of childhood eczema, a study suggests.
Eczema: prevention and treatment
Avoiding irritants to the skin and using moiturising and medicated ointments and creams are the main treatments for eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Eczema: Q and A
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an itchy inflammation of the skin, often found in association with dry skin.
False fingernails an important source of infection
False fingernails can be an important source of infection.
Fungal infections treatment
Tinea and thrush infections can be treated quickly and effectively with fungicidal products available from your chemist.
Fungal problems
There are 2 common types of fungal skin infections tinea and candida.
Heat rash or prickly heat
Heat rash or prickly heat is caused by blockage of sweat glands during times of high heat or humidity, causing itching or prickling of the skin.
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Hyperhidrosis is the condition of excessive sweating. It affects about one per cent of the population.
Impetigo
Impetigo - sometimes called school sores - is a very contagious skin infection. It is most common in children and infants.
Itch
Itching (medical term pruritus) can be one of the most distressing physical sensations we experience.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is used as a treatment for a wide range of skin and cosmetic conditions, including signs of ageing, tattoo removal and hair removal.
Lasers
Lasers are devices that produce an intense beam of light and can be used in many forms of medical treatment.
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is an uncommon cause of vulval itch that occurs mainly after the menopause, and can be treated with steroid creams.
Nappy rash treatments
Nappy rash can be treated using a number of different over the counter medications, depending on the cause. These include barrier creams, anti-fungal preparations and products containing hydrocortisone.
Neurofibromatosis type 1
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a relatively common inherited condition affecting approximately one in 3000 people. It is also known as von Recklinghausen`s disease.
Port wine stains
Port wine stains are birthmarks made up of tiny blood vessels. They are relatively common, occurring in 3 out of every 1000 babies.
Psoriasis risk not increased by coffee
Psoriasis risk is not increased by coffee or caffeine.
Psoriasis: what you need to know
Psoriasis is characterised by red scaly patches on the skin that may be sore or itchy.
Rosacea
Find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments for the skin condition known as rosacea.
Scabies
Scabies is a condition caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin and cause intense itching and sometimes a rash.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a generalised disease which produces fibrosis, degeneration and inflammation of skin and other tissue.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Initial symptoms can be intense pain, burning or tingling on an area of skin on the face or trunk.
Skin biology and structure
View this anatomical image of the structure of your skin layer by layer. See the epidermis, stratum corneum, sebaceous glands, collagen, elastin and dermis.
Sweating: excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis
Botulinum toxin is now being suggested as a treatment for excessive sweating.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic lupus erythematosus, (SLE or simply lupus) is one of the illnesses known as auto-immune diseases.
Tattoo safety concerns after rare skin infection
A rare skin infection that occurred as a result of tattooing has raised safety concerns.
Urticaria (hives)
Urticaria, which is also known as hives, is an itchy rash or skin eruption that usually only lasts from 24 to 48 hours.
Urticaria (hives) treatment
Find treatments for urticaria (hives), an itchy rash characterised by raised, red welts on the surface of the skin.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder that shows up as smooth, white, painless spots or patches. Find out about symptoms, causes and treatment.
Warts
Warts are most commonly found on the hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, knees, face and the skin around the nails.
Wound care
Different types of wounds require different types of care, depending on whether they have resulted from surgery, punctures, burns, tears or ulcers.
The underlying cause of acne is an increase in production of androgen hormones and increased sensitivity of androgen receptors.
Acne overview
Acne, a condition in which your skin gets greasy, its pores get blocked and you get blackheads, pimples or cysts, usually gets better over time but can be treated with various medicines.
Acne treatments
There are a number of acne medications available through your doctor or pharmacist that can help treat and prevent acne.
Acne: skin care while using acne treatments
Dryness is expected when using many acne treatments, and usually means that the treatments are working. Find out about correct skin care when you are using acne treatments.
Acne: teens with severe acne more prone to suicidal thoughts
Teenagers with severe acne were 2-3 times more likely to think about suicide than those with little or no acne, researchers found.
Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that is also known as tinea pedis. It commonly causes skin itch, especially between the toes.
Bedbug epidemic grips US and Canada
Bedbug encounters were reported by almost all US and Canadian pest control companies, a survey found, and caused Nike’s New York store to close.
Bedbug insecticides linked to poisonings
Insecticides used against bedbugs caused 111 cases of poisoning, including one death, in the US over 8 years.
Bedbugs can carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Bedbugs may transfer antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a study suggests.
Bedsores
Bedsores, or pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are skin ulcers caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Find out about risk factors, treatment and prevention.
Blisters
A blister is a lump filled with fluid that appears when the skin's outer layer is injured. Find out the common causes and what to do when you have a blister.
Boils
Boils or skin abscesses are inflamed and pus-filled areas of skin that look like oversized pimples. Find out about symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Botox injections
Botox injections are used as a treatment for wrinkles, crows feet and facial lines, and also for certain medical conditions.
Chilblains
The basic cause of chilblains is sensitivity to cold. Find out more about the symptoms and how to treat chilblains.
Childhood rashes
Distinguish between the common childhood rashes of rubella, measles, chickenpox and fifth disease and find out how long your child is infectious for.
Cold sore infections
Cold sore infections are caused by herpes simplex type 1 virus, a virus that remains in your body once you have been infected by it. It can be triggered by stress, fatigue or exposure to sun.
Cold sore treatments
Cold sores can be treated using antiviral medications, and the pain relieved by using analgesic products.
Cold sores
Cold sores usually appear around the mouth and are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex type I.
Cold sores overview
A cold sore is a skin infection that is caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is the result of of direct contact with a trigger substance, such as a chemical or produce such as a detergent.
Corns and calluses
Among the most common causes of sore feet are calluses and corns.
Dermatitis prevention
Dermatitis is characterised by redness and itching of the skin. It can result from direct irritants (contact dermatitis) or it can have a genetic basis (atopic dermatitis).
Dry skin
The ageing process, prolonged bathing or showering in hot water, excessive use of soap, and low humidity, all increase the risk of dry skin.
Dry skin treatments
Soap substitutes, moisturisers, barrier creams, anti-itch preparations and bath and shower substitutes can all help to alleviate problems associated with having dry skin.
Eczema
Find out about the symptoms, causes and triggers of eczema, a common skin problem affecting many people, particularly children.
Eczema Awareness Week
Eczema Awareness Week is held each spring to highlight this common skin disease and its treatment.
Eczema: fish reduces child eczema risk
Eating oily fish in the first year of life may play a role in reducing the risk of childhood eczema, a study suggests.
Eczema: prevention and treatment
Avoiding irritants to the skin and using moiturising and medicated ointments and creams are the main treatments for eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Eczema: Q and A
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an itchy inflammation of the skin, often found in association with dry skin.
False fingernails an important source of infection
False fingernails can be an important source of infection.
Fungal infections treatment
Tinea and thrush infections can be treated quickly and effectively with fungicidal products available from your chemist.
Fungal problems
There are 2 common types of fungal skin infections tinea and candida.
Heat rash or prickly heat
Heat rash or prickly heat is caused by blockage of sweat glands during times of high heat or humidity, causing itching or prickling of the skin.
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Hyperhidrosis is the condition of excessive sweating. It affects about one per cent of the population.
Impetigo
Impetigo - sometimes called school sores - is a very contagious skin infection. It is most common in children and infants.
Itch
Itching (medical term pruritus) can be one of the most distressing physical sensations we experience.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is used as a treatment for a wide range of skin and cosmetic conditions, including signs of ageing, tattoo removal and hair removal.
Lasers
Lasers are devices that produce an intense beam of light and can be used in many forms of medical treatment.
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is an uncommon cause of vulval itch that occurs mainly after the menopause, and can be treated with steroid creams.
Nappy rash treatments
Nappy rash can be treated using a number of different over the counter medications, depending on the cause. These include barrier creams, anti-fungal preparations and products containing hydrocortisone.
Neurofibromatosis type 1
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a relatively common inherited condition affecting approximately one in 3000 people. It is also known as von Recklinghausen`s disease.
Port wine stains
Port wine stains are birthmarks made up of tiny blood vessels. They are relatively common, occurring in 3 out of every 1000 babies.
Psoriasis risk not increased by coffee
Psoriasis risk is not increased by coffee or caffeine.
Psoriasis: what you need to know
Psoriasis is characterised by red scaly patches on the skin that may be sore or itchy.
Rosacea
Find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments for the skin condition known as rosacea.
Scabies
Scabies is a condition caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin and cause intense itching and sometimes a rash.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a generalised disease which produces fibrosis, degeneration and inflammation of skin and other tissue.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus. Initial symptoms can be intense pain, burning or tingling on an area of skin on the face or trunk.
Skin biology and structure
View this anatomical image of the structure of your skin layer by layer. See the epidermis, stratum corneum, sebaceous glands, collagen, elastin and dermis.
Sweating: excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis
Botulinum toxin is now being suggested as a treatment for excessive sweating.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic lupus erythematosus, (SLE or simply lupus) is one of the illnesses known as auto-immune diseases.
Tattoo safety concerns after rare skin infection
A rare skin infection that occurred as a result of tattooing has raised safety concerns.
Urticaria (hives)
Urticaria, which is also known as hives, is an itchy rash or skin eruption that usually only lasts from 24 to 48 hours.
Urticaria (hives) treatment
Find treatments for urticaria (hives), an itchy rash characterised by raised, red welts on the surface of the skin.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder that shows up as smooth, white, painless spots or patches. Find out about symptoms, causes and treatment.
Warts
Warts are most commonly found on the hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, knees, face and the skin around the nails.
Wound care
Different types of wounds require different types of care, depending on whether they have resulted from surgery, punctures, burns, tears or ulcers.
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