Hair and skin conditions are those that affect the hair and skin. They include acne, eczema, fungal nail infections and alopecia. 


You may find it tricky to make time for breakfast every day – but a bit of planning can make it easy. Try these healthy breakfast ideas and enjoy a tasty and nutritious start to the day.

10 healthy breakfast ideas

Wondering about taking protein powder? Learn about the possible benefits of protein powder for weight loss as well as protein powder for building muscle.

Should you be using protein powder?

Wondering how – or if – massage therapy really works? Find out about the different types of massage therapy, which type of massage therapy might work for you and the potential benefits of massage therapy.

What is massage therapy and how does it work?

There are still lots of myths and misconceptions about tampons. Discover the facts, so you can use them safely.

Can you sleep with a tampon in? Your tampon questions answered

Rosacea is a common skin condition, but the redness and irritation it causes can be difficult to live with. Get tips for finding the best moisturiser to help to soothe and calm your skin.

What is the best moisturiser for rosacea?

Rosacea can cause redness and irritated, dry skin – but the right skincare routine can help. Discover the best products for soothing and reducing the appearance of rosacea.

What are the best products for rosacea?

When your baby arrives, you might be surprised to find that you start to lose more hair than usual. Discover why this happens and when your hair will get back to normal.

What is postpartum hair loss?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some experts have recommended buying a pulse oximeter to use at home. Find out what a pulse oximeter is and what it can tell you about your health.

What is a pulse oximeter and can it tell if I have COVID-19?

Losing weight after pregnancy and birth can take time, and it’s important to do it safely. Discover when and how to lose your baby weight.

Postpartum weight loss – how to lose weight safely after giving birth

It's a good idea to keep an eye on how much we drink, but how many of us really know what a unit of alcohol is?

Alcohol units

A skin rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. It can be caused by many things, including infections and an allergic reaction. Most skin rashes can be treated by avoiding contact with whatever caused it or with medication.

conditions

Woman Applying Healing Moisturising Cream On Hand Skin

Woman Applying Healing Moisturising Cream On Hand Skin (credit - Prostock-Studio)

skin-rash

Goose bumps - human skin reaction on the cold stock photo

hair-skin-conditions

Some skin changes, like dry skin, wrinkles and age spots, are common and happen with age. Others, like dark patches or lumps and bumps, can be unexpected. Most are nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition.

skin-changes

Eczema is a group of skin conditions that can make the skin dry and irritated. There are many types, including atopic, discoid and contact eczema. The symptoms of eczema can usually be managed by using moisturisers, steroid creams and avoiding contact with things that trigger the symptoms.

eczema

Senior woman making up at home with mid-adult woman 

Senior woman making up at home with mid adult woman (credit - monzenmachi)

Atopic hand dermatitis. Eczema on the fingers. 

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of eczema. It mainly affects children, but can continue into adulthood.

Atopic eczema

An abscess is a pus-filled swelling or lump. Abscesses are often caused by a bacterial infection, and can appear under the skin (skin abscess) or inside the body (internal abscess). 


Cranberry Background stock photo

A skin abscess is a painful collection of pus found under the surface of the skin. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Close up of infected skin, skin abscess concept

Abscess

abscess

Acne is a skin condition that affects many people, and is especially common in puberty. It causes spots and oily skin on the face, chest, back and/or other parts of the body. Acne usually can't be cured, but it can often get better with treatment.

Acne

Teen Girls Having Fun at Training stock photo

Acne vulgaris (mild) is a common skin condition that causes various types of spots, including blackheads, whiteheads, papules (red bumps) and pustules (pus-filled spots), on the face, chest and/or back. 

Cropped shot of a young woman looking at her skin in the bathroom mirror

acne

Many animals bite, including rats, cats, dogs and snakes. If a bite breaks the skin, it can become infected and will need medical treatment to stop the infection from getting worse. 

Labrador dog playing outdoors stock photo
Credit: SanyaSM

Image of a dog pulling a rope

Find everything you need to know about human and animal bites including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with links to other useful resources.

Running wooden mannequin fear of dog

Animal bites

animal-bites-stings

A blister is a fluid-filled bubble that develops under the skin when that area of the skin has been injured. The blister protects the damaged skin and helps it heal. They're often caused by friction, burns or skin reactions, such as allergies.


Wound at woman toe healed with band aid for medical care stock photo

A blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms in the upper layers of the skin.

Blisters

blisters

A boil is a hard, red lump or bump on the skin that’s filled with pus. They usually form when hair follicles become infected, usually by bacteria.


Caucasian male with skin problems. acne check. skin care concept. stock photo

A boil is a red, painful lump on the skin that develops at the site of an infected hair follicle. They are also called furuncles.

Boils

boils

A burn is an injury to the skin. It's commonly caused by heat, but can also be caused by cold, chemicals, electricty or radiation. 


Hand with actual second degree burns

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat. Both are treated in the same way. Burns can be very painful and cause blisters and charred, black or red skin.

Burns and scalds

burns

A cut is a tear or break in the skin. It may be shallow or more deep. Bruises develop when small blood vessels (capillaries) split under the skin. Cuts and bruises are typically caused by injury to the skin. 


 Childhood injuries stock photo

Find everything you need to know about cuts and grazes, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with links to other useful resources.

Cuts and grazes

cuts-bruises

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form under the skin or inside the body. Most cysts are harmless and don't need treatment. 


Credit: Doctor Diagnosis of the Sebaceous on Woman's Back

Doctor Diagnosis of the Sebaceous on Woman's Back

cysts

Dandruff is a skin condition that causes the scalp to shed bits of skin. You may see these pieces (or flakes) of skin in your hair. Dandruff is common and can be treated at home with special shampoo. 


 Women having dandruff in the hair and shoulder

Dandruff is a common skin condition that causes flakes of dead skin to appear in the hair and makes the scalp feel itchy.

Dandruff

dandruff

Gangrene occurs when a lack of blood flow to a part of the body causes tissue there to die. This may happen because of injury, infection or due to a condition like Raynaud's phenomenon that affects blood flow to parts of your body. It’s important to treat gangrene quickly. 


Doctor handling infected man's foot, gangrene

Gangrene is a serious condition in which a loss of blood supply causes body tissue to die. It can affect any part of the body, but typically starts in the toes, feet, fingers and hands.

Gangrene

gangrene

Gangrene occurs when a lack of blood flow to a part of the body causes tissue there to die. This may happen because of injury, infection or due to a condition like Raynaud's phenomenon that affects blood flow to parts of your body. It’s important to treat gangrene quickly. 

Hair loss is common and caused by many things. Some types, like male-pattern baldness, are permanent, but others are temporary and caused by factors, such as stress, low levels of iron, weight loss or certain cancer treatments. 


Woman holding hair loss falling on comb

Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss.

Hair loss 

hair-loss

Insect bites often cause an itchy, red lump to form on the skin. Most insect bites clear within a few days. Insects that commonly bite humans insects include mosquitoes, gnats, ants, bedbugs and fleas.

Close up of a red mosquito bite on a person's arm, rubbing and scratching it outdoor in the park


## Symptoms

Insect bites are quite common and often cause a small, itchy lump to develop. They can become red and inflamed, and fluid sometimes develops in the area around the bite.

Insect bites can usually be treated at home, and should get better in a short period of time. 

Different insect bites cause different symptoms.  

### Midges, mosquitoes and gnats

If you have been bitten by a midge, mosquito, or gnat then you will usually develop a small, itchy lump where you’ve been bitten. 

Some people also develop fluid-filled blisters (bullae), or fluid-filled areas that develop circularly around the bite (weals). 

In some tropical areas, mosquito bites can cause [malaria](/condition/malaria/).  

### Fleas

Flea bites are small red bumps and they usually appear in clusters. They can be very itchy and sometimes itchy red lumps can appear. This is known as papular urticaria, or [hives](/condition/nettle-rash/). 

Often flea bites come from cats and dogs, so they are common around your ankles or your forearms after you’ve been stroking or carrying a cat or dog. 

### Horseflies

Horsefly bites tend to be more painful than other types of bites. They cause a circular, fluid-filled area to develop around the bite (weal). 

They can sometimes cause hives, [dizziness](/condition/dizziness/), weakness, wheezing, and itchy pink or red swellings around the lips and eyes (angioedema). 

Since horseflies cut the skin when they bite, they can take more time to heal and also carry the risk of infection. 

### Bedbugs

You can’t usually feel bedbug bites, and symptoms can take a few days to develop. 

If it’s the first time you have been bitten by [bedbugs](/condition/bed-bugs/) then you may not have any symptoms, but if you have been bitten before you may experience itchy weals or bumps. 

### The Blandford fly

Blandford fly bites can cause more severe reactions than other bites.

If you have been bitten by a Blandford fly then you can develop swelling, blistering, a high temperature, and joint pain in the affected area. 

## Treatment

Insect bites usually don’t cause severe reactions and they can be treated at home. But if your symptoms are severe, or you are worried about your bite, then you should see a doctor.

You can treat an insect bite by:

* washing the area where you were bitten with soap and water
* placing a cold flannel or cloth on the affected area to help reduce swelling
* avoiding scratching the bite because this can lead to infection 

If your reaction to the bite is more severe and you experience pain and swelling you can also:

* place an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) on the bite
* take painkillers — speak to a pharmacist or doctor on whether to take painkillers and how to get and use them
* use a [local anaesthetic](/condition/anaesthetic-local/), [antihistamine](/condition/antihistamines/) or mild hydrocortisone (1%) cream or spray
* take an antihistamine tablet — speak to a pharmacist or doctor for further guidance on whether to take antihistamines and how to get and use them

See a doctor if the swelling is severe, and seek immediate medical help if you experience a generalised allergic reaction. 

## Prevention

It’s not always possible to prevent insect bites, but you can minimise your risk of being bitten by:

* wearing long sleeves and long trousers 
* not wearing bright colours, or strong-smelling cosmetics which might attract insects
* using an insect repellent 
* wearing a complete head covering - this is mainly used in areas where midges are common 

## Complications 

### Infection

One of the most common complications of an insect or bug bite is infection. Secondary bacterial infections can either occur when you are bitten or as the result of scratching a bite.

Secondary bacterial infections that happen as a result of an insect or bug bite include:

* [impetigo](/condition/impetigo/) 
* [cellulitis](/condition/cellulitis/) 
* folliculitis
* lymphangitis

### Complications from tick bites

Tick bites can sometimes transfer a bacterial infection at the time of the bite, which can lead to [Lyme disease](/condition/lyme-disease/). 

Learn more about the [signs of Lyme disease and how to treat it](/condition/lyme-disease/). 

### Complications from mosquito bites

In Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, mosquito bites can spread [West Nile virus](/condition/west-nile-virus/). 

Find out how to [prevent being bitten, and the serious symptoms of West Nile virus](/condition/west-nile-virus/). 

Mosquitos can also spread [malaria](/condition/malaria/) in certain tropical locations. If malaria is not treated properly it can be fatal, so it’s important to know how to prevent malaria if you are travelling to a tropical region. 

### Generalised allergic reaction

A small number of people will have a generalised allergic reaction after being bitten. This type of reaction needs to be treated immediately. 

Symptoms of a generalised allergic reactions include:

* itchy skin which is followed by an itchy, blotchy rash
* facial swelling, including the lips, tongue, throat, and upper airway
* a feeling of impending doom, anxiety, confusion or agitation
* abdominal cramps
* nausea 
* blood vessels dilating, which may cause: your skin to become red, your heart rate to increase, your blood pressure to drop (which may cause dizziness or fainting)
* wheezing or difficulty in breathing 
* difficulty swallowing

Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms of a generalised allergic reaction. 

## When to worry

See a doctor if your bite looks infected, or you have a skin reaction that doesn’t go away and seems to be getting worse.

You should seek immediate medical help if you develop symptoms of a generalised allergic reaction. If you already have an EpiPen, use it immediately. 

Visit [insect bites and stings](/condition/bites-insect/) for more information.


Insect bites are quite common and often cause a small, itchy lump to develop. Insect bites can usually be treated at home, and should get better in a short period of time. Find information on the symptoms, treatment, and complications of different types of insect bites.

Insect bites

Insect bites can usually be treated at home, and should get better in a short period of time. But it's useful to know what has bitten you, based on your symptoms.

insect-bites

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes flaky patches to develop on the skin. It's an ongoing condition that comes and goes. Psoriasis can't be cured, but its symptoms can be kept under control with treatment.

Credit:ozgurdonmaz 
Stock photo ID:1179600270
Upload date:October 07, 2019

Man with psoriasis on his elbows

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

Psoriasis

psoriasis

A scar is a mark on the skin that's caused by an injury. It forms as part of the body's natural healing process. Scars tend to become less noticeable with time, but they don't usually disappear. Different types of scars exist, including keloid, fine-line and pitted scars


Close up of scar on skin (credit - Андрей Клеменков)

A scar is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or an injury to the surface of the skin has healed.

Scars

scars

Skin care involves looking after your skin by keeping it clean and well moisturised. It also include managing any skin conditions you have, such as acne or eczema. 

Young women applying moisturiser to her face

Young women applying moisturiser to her face (credit - kate_sept2004)


Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ and that there are hundreds of conditions that can affect it?  

So what are the most common skin conditions, and how can you treat them? Here you will find information on the following common skin conditions:

* Moles
* Psoriasis
* Eczema
* Acne
* Warts and verrucas
* Cold sores

If your skin is inflamed or changes texture and colour, it can be concerning. Whilst some of these symptoms are completely harmless, others can be a sign of something more serious. 

So if you’re worried about a skin problem, see a doctor.  

## Skin mole 

### What are moles?

Normal [moles](/skin-changes/moles) are small, evenly coloured spots on the skin.

Most people have moles and they are usually harmless. But it’s important to recognise when a mole might be something more serious, like cancer. 

You should see a doctor if you notice any changes to a mole including differences in size, shape, or colour. 

A useful guide to follow is the ABCDE rule and you should see a doctor if you notice any of the following:

* A - Asymmetry: One half of a mole does not match the other
* B - Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
* C - Colour: The colour is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue
* D - Diameter: It is larger than 6 millimeters across
* E - Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour

### What causes cancerous moles?

Cancerous moles tend to occur when some cells in the skin start developing abnormally. 

And although the exact cause is unknown, there are certain risk factors that increase your chances of [skin cancer](/skin-cancer/malignant-melanoma). These include having:

* Pale skin that burns easily
* Red or blonde hair
* Lots of moles or freckles
* A family member who has had melanoma

### Skin cancer treatment

Treatment is dependent on the type of skin cancer you have, but more often than not surgery is the first line of action. 

In more severe cases additional treatments may be needed to get rid of the cancer, or to stop it from returning. 

You can’t always prevent melanoma but you can reduce your risk by:

* Not getting sunburnt
* Avoiding the sun when it’s at its strongest
* Covering skin with clothes 
* Regularly applying a high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF15)

[[Info]]
|##### Info
|You should be checking your skin once a month for any new or abnormal moles because an early diagnosis increases the chances of a successful treatment

## Psoriasis

### What is psoriasis?

[Psoriasis](/psoriasis) is a common skin condition that affects [over 125 million people worldwide.](https://ifpa-pso.com/our-cause/) 

The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis - it actually accounts for 80-90% of all cases. 

This type of psoriasis can appear anywhere on your body and it results in red lesions covered in silver scales. 

You can also develop psoriasis in specific areas of your body, for example scalp psoriasis, where you may notice flakes in your hair and on your shoulders. 

Some people also develop conditions in association with psoriasis, such as psoriatic arthritis. This is the inflammation of joints affected by psoriasis, and it’s estimated that [30% of people with psoriasis will also develop this condition.](https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis)

### What causes psoriasis?

It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune response, which is when your immune system attacks your own healthy cells. 

This reaction results in the rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes a scaling on the skin’s surface. 

However, no [autoantigen](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/autoantigens) that could be responsible has been found yet. 

Other risk factors of psoriasis include smoking, obesity, certain medications, infections, and genetics. In fact, you are [10% more likely to develop psoriasis if one of your parents has it, and your risk increases to 50% if both parents have it.](https://www.psoriasis.org/parents/about-psoriasis)

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments to reduce the skin inflammation it causes. 

### Psoriasis treatment 

The best treatment varies by individual but the three types available are:

* Topical treatments
* Light treatments
* Systemic medications

#### Topical treatments

Topical treatments tend to be the first response to treating psoriasis because they slow down the growth of excessive skin cells.

Steroid topical treatments are most commonly prescribed and they reduce the redness and swelling. 

Other treatments that you can use include: anthralin, synthetic vitamin D3, and vitamin A. 

Some people find that this is all they need to control the condition but others find the condition returns soon after treatment ends. 

#### Light treatments

Exposing skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis, under medical supervision, can help to treat psoriasis. 

This is not the same as a sunbed. Sunbeds are not recommended and can increase your risk of getting melanoma by 59%. 

Usually ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is used, but in more severe cases psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) phototherapy might be prescribed instead. 

Often a combination of light therapy and other treatments is the most effective. 

#### Systemic medications

These are oral and injected medications that work throughout the entire body, and they are often prescribed when other forms of treatment haven’t worked. 

There are lots of options available, and some have serious side effects, so it’s best to speak to your doctor about whether systemic treatments are right for you. 

[[ATZ]]
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## Eczema

### What is eczema?

[Eczema](/eczema) is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy skin. 

It affects people of all ages, but most commonly children - in fact 10-20% of children in the United States have eczema. 

The two most common types of eczema are atopic eczema, or atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. 

Atopic eczema makes your skin itchy, red, dry and cracked. It usually occurs around your knees and elbows, but it can also appear on your face, neck, hands, and scalp. 

Whilst contact dermatitis has the same symptoms, it only occurs when your skin comes into contact with an irritant. 

### What causes eczema?

Eczema occurs when your skin is unable to retain moisture and so becomes very dry. Since it's so dry it can be irritated by certain triggers, which causes it to become red and itchy. 

A few common triggers include:

* Detergents and soaps
* Antiseptics and antibacterials
* Perfumes and preservatives in toiletries or cosmetics
* Solvents
* Oils used in machines
* Chemicals, such as disinfectants
* Acids and alkalis
* Cement
* Powders
* Water, especially hard, chalky, or heavily chlorinated water
* Dust
* Soil
* Some plants, such as clematis, hellebore and mustard

Your likelihood of developing eczema is probably genetic. You are more likely to have it if your parents, or one of your siblings has eczema.

### Eczema treatment

The most common treatment for eczema is [moisturisers](/skin-care/emollients), as well as creams and ointments that contain corticosteroids. 

You might also need to take antihistamines to help reduce itching, and in more severe cases bandages and special body suits can be used to help your skin to heal. 

There are also some self-care tips you can follow to help reduce your symptoms. These include avoiding triggers, such as certain soaps and detergents. You should also avoid scratching your skin. 

Whilst there is no cure for eczema, there are ways to manage your flare ups. These include avoiding triggers, implementing a daily bathing and moisturising routine, and applying prescription creams consistently and as prescribed.   

[[ATZ]]
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## Acne

### What is acne?

[Acne](/acne) is a skin condition that causes spots and blemishes to occur on your face, forehead, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms.

Most people will experience acne at some point in their lives, in fact there are currently 50 million people suffering from acne in the United States alone. 

### What causes acne?

Acne develops when:

* There is an overproduction of oil in your skin
* Hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells
* There is a certain type of bacteria in your skin
* There is an increased production of androgen hormones - typical during puberty

### Acne treatment

Although acne can’t be cured it can improve with treatment. Depending on the severity of your acne, different options are available. 

For mild acne speak to your pharmacist; they will be able to recommend over the counter products such as benzoyl peroxide. 

For more severe acne, and acne that appears on your chest or back, you can see a doctor. 

If necessary they will be able to prescribe you with some acne medication such as antibiotics or a stronger topical cream. 

There are also some useful tips for treating your acne at home:

* Wash your face with lukewarm water and mild soap or cleanser
* But don’t wash your face more than twice a day or use very hot or very cold water 
* Use water-based cosmetics that are labelled as non-comedogenic
* Remove all your makeup before bed
* Use fragrance free, water based moisturisers for dry skin

[[ATZ]]
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## Warts and verrucas

### What are warts and verrucas?

Warts are small, rough growths that can occur on your palms, knuckles, knees, or fingers. You can also get warts on the soles of your feet and these are called verrucas.

They can appear individually or as a cluster and most people will have warts at some point in their life. 

In addition to common warts and verrucas, other types of warts include: 

* Plantar warts or plane warts
* Genital warts

Unlike common warts, plane warts tend to be smooth and slightly yellow in colour. They are most likely to occur on your face, neck, the backs of your hands, and legs.

Genital warts, on the other hand, only appear on or around the genital or anal area. 

They are a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and whilst they are usually painless and don’t pose a risk to your health, you should see a doctor in case they need to be treated.  

### What causes warts and verrucas?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and the different strains of the virus cause different types of warts. 

You can get HPV virus through close skin-to-skin contact with someone with the virus, as well as by coming into contact with contaminated objects, such as shoes, towels, floors in communal changing rooms or surrounding swimming pools. 

That said, the risk of catching a wart is fairly low. They are more likely to be spread to others if the skin is wet, soft, or has been scratched. 

You can also spread warts to other parts of your own body, for example when you shave, or if you bite your nails, or scratch a wart. 

You are also more likely to develop a wart or verruca if you have a weakened immune system. 

### Treatment for warts and verrucas

More often than not warts and verrucas go away on their own. 

In fact, for children, about half go away within a year, and two-thirds disappear within two years. It may take up to ten years for warts to clear up in adults, though.

Therefore if you’re an adult suffering from warts you may want to try over the counter medicines, cryotherapy, or surgery to remove your wart. 

A pharmacist can provide you with creams, plasters, and sprays to get rid of warts and verrucas. 

Unfortunately, these treatments can take up to three months to complete, and they don’t often work. 

So another option is cryotherapy which is freezing the wart off. This form of wart removal uses liquid nitrogen to get rid of the wart. 

Surgery might also be suggested in some situations.

Unfortunately in about three out of ten cases warts or verrucas return after treatment, so to try to prevent this your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments. 

[[ATZ]]
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|[Visit Health A-Z](/skin-changes/warts)

## Cold sore

### What is a cold sore?

Cold sores, also known as ‘fever blisters’ or ‘mouth herpes’, are tiny blisters that develop around your mouth. 

Sometimes they appear on your chin, cheeks, inside the nostrils, and less frequently on the gums or the roof of the mouth. 

Usually they cause a slight burning sensation or tingling before they erupt and crust over. 

### What causes cold sores

It is caused by a virus called the herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), or sometimes by herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2).  

It is [estimated that two thirds of the population under 50 have HSV-1](http://www.who.int/news-room/detail/28-10-2015-globally-an-estimated-two-thirds-of-the-population-under-50-are-infected-with-herpes-simplex-virus-type-1) and once you have the virus it remains in your skin for the rest of your life. 

More often than not it will remain inactive in your skin, but some people find that they have frequent flare ups. These are usually triggered by infections, stress, periods, fevers, and overexposure to sunlight. 

Cold sores are transmitted by skin to skin contact, so if you have a cold sore you should wash your hands immediately after touching it. 

You should also avoid kissing or skin contact with others, and don’t share towels, lipstick, cutlery. 

### Cold sore treatment

More often than not a cold sore will disappear after 7-10 days. To encourage the healing process make sure you are staying hydrated, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding acidic and salty foods. 

You can also try antiviral creams, which should be dabbed on the cold sore as soon as it appears. Or you can try a cold sore patch that helps heal the wound and covers it during the process. Both of which can be found at a pharmacy. 

In more severe cases, for example if your cold sore is very large and painful, or if you have a weakened immune system your doctor may prescribe antiviral tablets. 

In addition, pregnant women and newborns may require hospital treatment.

[[ATZ]]
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|[Visit Health A-Z](/mouth-lip-health/cold-sore)

## Conclusion

There are lots of different skin conditions responsible for skin inflammation, redness, or changes in texture and here we have just outlined a few. 

Skin moles can be concerning, but if a cancerous mole is caught early, there are treatment options available. So make sure you see a doctor if you are worried about one of your moles

Psoriasis, eczema, acne, warts and verrucas, and cold sores can also be frustrating conditions, but as annoying as they can be, there are lots of treatment options available.

But if you are worried speak to a doctor. They can ease your concerns and they might be able to prescribe you a stronger treatment, if necessary. 


Your skin is the body's largest organ, and there are hundreds of conditions that can affect it. Here you can find out about moles, psoriasis, eczema, acne, warts and verrucas, and cold sores - what causes them and how you can treat them.

6 common skin conditions: What causes them and what you can do

skin-care

Skin infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They can lead to skin changes, like a rash, redness, pain and swelling. Some skin infections clear up on their own, while others need treatment.


Woman scratching a red patch of skin on her hand

Woman scratching a red patch of skin on her hand (credit - ipopba)

skin-infections

Your skin's pigment is its colour. Some medical conditions, like vitiligo or melasma, can make areas of your skin lighter or darker than normal. Sometimes this change is short-lived and goes away with treatment, while other skin pigmentation conditions are life-long and can be managed but not cured. 


Close up of woman's face with freckles and pigmentation

Close up of woman's face with freckles and pigmentation (credit - Alona Siniehina)

skin-pigmentation

Your skin's pigment is its colour. Some medical conditions, like vitiligo or melasma, can make areas of your skin lighter or darker than normal. Sometimes this change is short-lived and goes away with treatment, while other skin pigmentation conditions are life-long and can be managed but not cured. 

A skin ulcer is an open sore on the surface of your skin. It often happens when your skin can't heal itself normally. Many types of skin ulcer exist and the treatment needed depends on the cause. 


Skin ulcer on foot (credit - JaruekChairak)

skin-ulcers

Spending time in the sun is good for the body, but it can also cause skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. Practicing good sun safety by using a good suncscreen and covering up at peak times can help reduce this risk.


Woman applying sun cream on her arm with a spray at the beach on a sunny day

Woman applying sun cream on her arm with a spray at the beach on a sunny day (credit - JosuOzkaritz)

sun-safety

Healthy living means having a lifestyle that looks after your physical and mental wellbeing. This includes eating a balanced diet, not smoking, getting regular exercise and not drinking too much alcohol. 


Happy senior couple taking a break in forest stock photo

healthy-living

Sweating is your body’s way of staying cool. When the water in your sweat evaporates, it helps to cool the surface of your skin. Excessive or uncontrollable sweating can be caused by a health condition or certain medications.

Water drops on a leg, sweat on skin (credit - Erich Karnberger)

sweating

Swelling is where parts of your body grow bigger than normal. It’s caused by many things, including insect bites, injury or illness. Swelling usually gets better if you treat the cause.


Elderly woman swollen feet putting on shoes

swelling

Swelling is where parts of your body grow bigger than normal. It’s caused by many things, including insect bites, injury or illness. Swelling usually gets better if you treat the cause.

Tongue pain is often caused by biting or burning your tongue while eating or drinking. But in some cases, a sore or swollen tongue may be caused by something else, like an infection or vitamin deficiency. 


Throat Infections stock photo

A sore tongue is usually the result of a burn, bite or ulcer but can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem

Sore or painful tongue

tongue-pain

Digestive disorders affect the gullet, stomach and gut, which are responsible for breaking down the food you eat into nutrients your body absorbs. Common digestive disorders include constipation, diarrhoea and heartburn. 


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Hair and skin

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Eczema

Abscess

Acne

Animal bites and stings

Blisters

Boils

Burns

Cuts and bruises

Cysts

Dandruff

Gangrene

Hair loss

Insect bites

Psoriasis

Scars

Skin care

Skin infections

Skin pigmentation

Skin ulcers

Sun safety

Sweating

Swelling

Tongue pain

Hair and skin

Hair and skin

Skin rash

Skin changes

Eczema

Abscess

Acne

Animal bites and stings

Blisters

Boils

Burns

Cuts and bruises

Cysts

Dandruff

Gangrene

Hair loss

Insect bites

Psoriasis

Scars

Skin care

Skin infections

Skin pigmentation

Skin ulcers

Sun safety

Sweating

Swelling

Tongue pain

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