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Neuromodulators
Category: Cosmetics
Neuromodulators (Botox, Daxxify, Dysport, Jeaveau, Myobloc, Xeomin) are nonsurgical, cosmetic injectables that are used to temporarily lessen or eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Commonly treated areas include frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. These cosmetic injections
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Neurofibroma
Category: Skin Growths
A neurofibroma is a benign, non-cancerous, nerve tumor that presents as a soft, flesh colored, bump on or under the skin. It can occur in isolation as a non-worrisome skin growth or rarely, when numerous lesions are present, as an association with a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis. Most
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Morphea (Localized Scleroderma)
Category: Skin Conditions
Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a rare condition that causes scar-like changes to the skin. Morphea commonly presents as oval lesions on the trunk (chest, abdomen, and/or back). It can also present as a linear stripe on the arms, legs, and even the forehead or scalp. In its initial inflammatory
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Moles (Nevi)
Category: Skin Growths
A mole, also known as a nevus (plural: nevi), is a very common skin growth. Moles develop as a result of clusters of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin. Although a mole can be present at birth (called a congenital nevus), most nevi appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have
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Microneedling
Category: Cosmetics
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure used for skin rejuvenation. During treatment, a pen-like device studded with tiny needles are used to make precise, microscopic punctures in the skin. The tiny wounds do not leave scars but instead trigger the
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Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion
Category: Cosmetics
Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure where micro-crystals are used to gently exfoliate and remove the outermost layer of skin. As the procedure treats only the top layer of the skin, it is relatively painless and requires minimal recovery time. It is commonly used to treat dull complexion, discoloration,
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Lupus
Category: Skin Conditions
Lupus is a group of autoimmune diseases where the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue leading to inflammation and damage in the affected organs. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood cells. Types of lupus include: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)This
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Lichen Sclerosus
Category: Skin Conditions
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that most commonly affects the genital skin. The affected areas become thin, white, crinkled, irritated, and/or intensely itchy. Blisters and sores can also form. Left untreated, the condition can lead to scarring and can increase an individual’s risk for
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Lichen Planus
Category: Skin Conditions
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (such as the mouth and genital region). On the skin, it presents as small, pink to purple, itchy, flat-topped papules. Though the rash can appear anywhere (including on the genital skin), favored sites
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Lice
Category: Infections & Infestations
Lice are tiny insects that live on human hair and clothing fibers and can be seen with the naked eye. These tiny bugs attach to the hair and feed on human blood, causing intense itching in the affected areas. People can suffer from 3 different types of infestation: head lice (pediculosis capitis), body
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Lentigo/Lentigines
Category: Skin Growths
A lentigo is a benign skin growth that resembles a freckle. It is usually a tan or brown spot that is flat or only slightly raised. It can vary in size and shape and can occur as a singular lesion or as multiple lesions (lentigines). Lentigines have been classified into several different types depending
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Laser Hair Removal
Category: Cosmetics
Laser hair removal is a procedure used to remove unwanted facial and body hair. Lasers deliver concentrated beams of light which are absorbed by the pigment in hair follicles. The light energy is converted into heat, which ultimately damages the hair follicles, leading to decreased or absence of hair
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Impetigo
Category: Infections & Infestations
Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that typically affects young children. It is most often caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Affected individuals present with sores that break open leading to honey-colored crusts and scabs. Though lesions can be found
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Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Category: Skin Conditions
Hyperhidrosis is another name for excessive sweating. It is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is usually inherited and begins in childhood or adolescence. The excessive sweating is typically symmetrical and localized to a specific area such as the armpits, palms, soles,
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How to Use Topical Retinoids
Category: Skin Care
Topical retinoids are available in many over the counter skin care products as well as prescription strength medications. They work to treat a variety of skin care problems ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to acne breakouts and psoriasis. Common side effects of using topical retinoids include: dryness,
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Genital Herpes
Category: Infections & Infestations
Gential herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the herpes simplex virus- herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Either type can cause genital herpes, but HSV-2 is responsible for
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Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Category: Hair Loss
Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a relatively new hair loss condition that was first described in the 1990s. Though initially thought of as a rare condition, frontal fibrosing alopecia has become increasingly more common with the reported incidence increasing worldwide. The cause remains unknown. Classically,
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Fillers
Category: Cosmetics
Fillers (examples: Belotero, Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Sculptra, Voluma) are injectable treatments that help diminish the signs of aging. Fillers are composed of soft, gel-like substances that can either be synthetic or naturally occurring in nature. They can be temporary (absorbable) or permanent
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Dyshidrotic Eczema
Category: Skin Conditions
Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of eczema that manifests as intensely itchy blisters that develop on the sides of the fingers, toes, palms, or soles. It can be caused by atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or an id reaction (reaction to a skin infection or skin rash at another site). The condition is
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Dermatomyositis
Category: Skin Conditions
Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes a skin rash and muscle weakness. The skin rash can present reddish to purplish, dusky discoloration and swelling of the eyelids, particularly the upper eyelids (heliotrope rash). A red rash may also appear on the chest, shoulder, neck or back. Affected individuals
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Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Category: Skin Conditions
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes recurrent, intensely itchy blisters to form on the elbows, knees, back, buttocks, and/or scalp. It is linked to ingestion of gluten found in wheat. It can also occur with celiac disease and has been associated with thyroid disease. The
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Dermaplaning
Category: Cosmetics
Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure where a small blade is used to remove the outermost layer of skin and fine hairs on the face. As such, the procedure provides both exfoliation and hair removal yielding a brighter complexion and softer, smoother skin. Disclaimer: The information
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Cherry Angiomas
Category: Skin Growths
Cherry angiomas are benign, non worrisome, vascular growths which typically appear in adults over the age of 30. These blood vessel growths can range in color from pink to red to purple. They can range in size from pinhead sized to 1cm in diameter. Most commonly, they appear as red, dome shaped papules
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Chemical Peels
Category: Cosmetics
Chemical peels are cosmetic procedures that use various chemical solutions to exfoliate or peel away the outer layer of the skin. They are commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, skin discoloration, dull complexion, age spots, or sun damaged skin. Typically, chemical peels are
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Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Category: Hair Loss
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a scarring alopecia - a condition which leads to destruction of the hair follicle and permanent hair loss. It predominantly affects middle aged Black women. Affected individuals experience a gradually expanding, circular area of hair loss that starts
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Cellulite Treatment
Category: Cosmetics
Cellulite is an extremely common condition affecting most women. It refers to the “cottage-cheese,” dimpled appearance commonly seen on the buttocks, thighs, and hips. Cellulite occurs when the fibrous bands that connect the skin to the muscle tighten irregularly. The tightening pulls down on the
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Bullous Pemphigoid
Category: Skin Conditions
Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune skin condition. Affected individuals complain of significant itching and can develop an eczema-like rash, a hive-like rash, or large, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. Common areas of involvement include the groin, axillae (armpits), trunk, thighs, and forearms. The
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Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Category: Skin Conditions
Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic inflammatory condition which affects mainly Black men. Affected individuals develop pink to flesh colored, dome shaped papules and pustules around the hair follicles on the posterior scalp and neck. These firm, scar-like bumps can gradually enlarge and coalesce to
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Venous Lakes
Category: Skin Growths
Venous lakes are bluish, purplish, vascular papules that occur on sun exposed areas such as the ears and lips. They are a result of long-term sun exposure and sun damage. As they are harmless, no treatment is necessary. However, they can be treated or removed if bothersome or symptomatic. Disclaimer:
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