Skin cancer happens when something changes how your skin cells grow, like exposure to ultraviolet light. Symptoms include new bumps or patches on your skin, or changes in the size, shape or color of skin growths. Most skin cancer is treatable if it’s caught early. Treatments include Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease that involves the growth of abnormal cells in your skin tissues. Normally, as skin cells grow old and die, new cells form to replace them. When this process doesn’t work as it should — like after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun — cells grow more quickly. These cells may be noncancerous (benign), which don’t spread or cause harm. Or they may be cancerous.

Skin cancer can spread to nearby tissue or other areas in your body if it’s not caught early. Fortunately, if skin cancer is identified and treated in early stages, most are cured. So, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider if you think you have any signs of skin cancer.

Types of skin cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma, which forms in your basal cells in the lower part of your epidermis (the outside layer of your skin).
• Squamous cell carcinoma, which forms in your squamous cells in the outside layer of your skin.
• Melanoma, which forms in cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, a brown pigment that gives your skin its color and protects against some of the sun’s damaging UV rays. This is the most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread to other areas of your body.

Other types of skin cancer include:

• Kaposi sarcoma.
• Merkel cell carcinoma.
• Sebaceous gland carcinoma.
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

How common is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. In fact, about 1 in 5 people develop skin cancer at some point in their life.

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change on your skin — typically a new growth or a change in an existing growth or mole. Skin cancer symptoms include:

• A new mole. Or a mole that changes in size, shape or color, or that bleeds.
• A pearly or waxy bump on your face, ears or neck.
• A flat, pink/red- or brown-colored patch or bump.
• Areas on your skin that look like scars.
• Sores that look crusty, have a depression in the middle or bleed often.
• A wound or sore that won’t heal, or that heals but comes back again.
• A rough, scaly lesion that might itch, bleed and become crusty.

What does skin cancer look like?

Skin cancer looks different depending on what type of skin cancer you have. Thinking of the ABCDE rule tells you what signs to watch for:

• Asymmetry: Irregular shape.
• Border: Blurry or irregularly shaped edges.
• Color: Mole with more than one color.
• Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6 millimeters).
• Evolution: Enlarging, changing in shape, color or size. (This is the most important sign.)

If you’re worried about a mole or another skin lesion, make an appointment and show it to your healthcare provider. They’ll check your skin and may ask you to see a dermatologist and have the lesion further evaluated.

What causes the condition?

The main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to sunlight, especially when you have sunburn and blistering. UV rays from the sun damage DNA in your skin, causing abnormal cells to form. These abnormal cells rapidly divide in a disorganized way, forming a mass of cancer cells.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of race or sex. But some groups get it more than others. Before the age of 50, skin cancer is more common in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). After 50, though, it’s more common in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). And it’s about 30 times more common in non-Hispanic white people than non-Hispanic Black people or people of Asian/Pacific Islander descent. Unfortunately, skin cancer is often diagnosed in later stages for people with darker skin tones. This makes it more difficult to treat.

Although anyone can develop skin cancer, you’re at increased risk if you:

• Spend a considerable amount of time working or playing in the sun.
• Get easily sunburned or have a history of sunburns.
• Live in a sunny or high-altitude climate.
• Tan or use tanning beds.
• Have light-colored eyes, blond or red hair and fair or freckled skin.
• Have many moles  or irregularly shaped moles.
• Have actinic keratosis (precancerous skin growths that are rough, scaly, dark pink-to-brown patches).
• Have a family history of skin cancer.
• Have had an organ transplant.
• Take medications that suppress or weaken your immune system.
• Have been exposed to UV light therapy for treating skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

First, a dermatologist may ask you if you’ve noticed changes in any existing moles, freckles or other skin spots, or if you’ve noticed any new skin growths. Next, they’ll examine all of your skin, including your scalp, ears, palms of your hands, soles of your feet, between your toes, around your genitals and between your buttocks.

What tests will be done to diagnose skin cancer?

If your provider suspects skin cancer, they may perform a biopsy. In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory where a pathologist examines it under a microscope. Your dermatologist will tell you if your skin lesion is skin cancer, what type you have and discuss treatment options.

What are skin cancer stages?

Cancer stages tell you how much cancer is in your body. The stages of skin cancer range from stage 0 to stage IV. In general, the higher the number, the more cancer has spread and the harder it is to treat. But the staging for melanoma is different from non-melanoma skin cancers that start in your basal or squamous cells.

Melanoma staging

• Stage 0 (melanoma in situ): The melanoma is only in the top layer of your skin.
• Stage I: The melanoma is low risk and there’s no evidence that it has spread. It’s generally curable with surgery.
• Stage II: It has some features that indicate that it’s likely to come back (recur), but there’s no evidence of spread.
• Stage III: The melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby skin.
• Stage IV: The melanoma has spread to more distant lymph nodes or skin, or has spread to internal organs.

Non-melanoma staging

• Stage 0: Cancer is only in the top layer of your skin.
• Stage I (1): Cancer is in the top and middle layers of your skin.
• Stage II (2): Cancer is in the top and middle layers of your skin and moves to target your nerves or deeper layers of skin.
• Stage III (3): Cancer has spread beyond your skin to your lymph nodes.
• Stage IIIV (4): Cancer has spread to other parts of your body and your organs like your liver, lungs or brain.

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment depends on the stage of cancer. Sometimes, a biopsy alone can remove all the cancer tissue if it’s small and limited to the surface of your skin. Other common skin cancer treatments, used alone or in combination, include:

• Cryotherapy: Your dermatologist uses liquid nitrogen to freeze skin cancer. The dead cells slough off after treatment.
• Excisional surgery: Your dermatologist removes the tumor and some surrounding healthy skin to be sure all the cancer is gone.
• Mohs surgery: Your dermatologist removes only diseased tissue, saving as much surrounding normal tissue as possible. Providers use this to treat basal cell and squamous cell cancers and, sometimes, other skin cancers that develop near sensitive or cosmetically important areas, like your eyelids, ears, lips, forehead, scalp, fingers or genital area.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: Your dermatologist uses an instrument with a sharp, looped edge to remove cancer cells as it scrapes across the tumor. Then, they use an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Providers often use this to treat basal cell and squamous cell cancers and precancerous skin tumors.
• Chemotherapy:  Your dermatologist or oncologist uses medications to kill cancer cells. Anticancer medications can be applied directly on the skin (topical chemotherapy) if limited to your skin’s top layer or provided through pills or an IV if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
• Immunotherapy: Your oncologist gives you medications to train your immune system to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Your radiation oncologist uses radiation (strong beams of energy) to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing and dividing.
• Photodynamic therapy: Your dermatologist coats your skin with medication, which they activate with a blue or red fluorescent light. This therapy destroys precancerous cells while leaving normal cells alone.

Complications/side effects of the treatment

The side effects of skin cancer treatment depend on what treatments your healthcare provider think will work best for you. Chemotherapy for skin cancer can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hair loss. Other side effects or complications of skin cancer treatment include:

• Bleeding.
• Pain and swelling.
• Scars.
• Nerve damage that results in loss of feeling.
• Skin infection.
• Regrowth of the tumor after it’s been removed.

Can skin cancer be prevented?

In most cases, skin cancer can be prevented. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid too much sunlight and sunburns. UV rays from the sun damage your skin, and over time, this may lead to skin cancer.

How can I lower my risk?

Ways to protect yourself from skin cancer include:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UV-B and UV-A rays. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside. Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days and during the winter months.
• Wear hats with wide brims to protect your face and ears.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your arms and legs. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor label for extra protection.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Look for glasses that block both UV-B and UV-A rays.
• Use a lip balm with sunscreen.
• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Avoid tanning beds. If you want a tanned look, use a spray-on tanning product.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of the medications you take make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Some medications known to make your skin more sensitive to the sun include tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, tricyclic antibiotics, the antifungal agent griseofulvin and statin cholesterol-lowering drugs.
• Regularly check all your skin for any changes in size, shape or color of skin growths or the development of new skin spots. Don’t forget to check your scalp, ears, the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, between your toes, your genital area and between your buttocks. Use mirrors and even take pictures to help identify changes in your skin over time. Make an appointment for a full-body skin exam with your dermatologist if you notice any changes in a mole or other skin spot.

What is the outlook for people with skin cancer?

Nearly all skin cancers can be cured if they’re treated before they have a chance to spread. The earlier skin cancer is found and removed, the better your chance for a full recovery. It’s important to continue following up with your dermatologist to make sure cancer doesn’t come back. If something seems wrong, call your doctor right away.

Most skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. If you’re diagnosed with melanoma:

• The five-year survival rate is 99% if it’s detected before it spreads to your lymph nodes.
• The five-year survival rate is 66% if it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• The five-year survival rate is 27% if it has spread to distant lymph nodes and other organs.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Make an appointment to see a healthcare provider or dermatologist as soon as you notice:

• Any changes to your skin or changes in the size, shape or color of existing moles or other skin lesions.
• The appearance of a new growth on your skin.
• A sore that doesn’t heal.
• Spots on your skin that are different from others.
• Any spots that change, itch or bleed.

Your provider will check your skin, take a biopsy (if needed), make a diagnosis and discuss treatment. Also, see a dermatologist annually for a full skin review.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Questions to ask your dermatologist may include:

• What type of skin cancer do I have?
• What stage is my skin cancer?
• What tests will I need?
• What’s the best treatment for my skin cancer?
• What are the side effects of that treatment?
• What are the potential complications of this cancer and the treatment for it?
• What outcome can I expect?
• Do I have an increased risk of additional skin cancers?
• How often should I be seen for follow-up checkups?

How does skin cancer become a life-threatening cancer?

You may wonder how cancer on the surface of your skin becomes a life-threatening cancer. It seems logical to think you could just scrape off the skin with the cancer cells or even remove the cancerous skin lesion with a minor skin surgery and that’s all that would be needed. These techniques are successfully used if cancer is caught early.

But if skin cancer isn’t caught early, something that’s “just on my skin” can grow and spread beyond the immediate area. Cancer cells can break away and travel through your bloodstream or lymph system. They can settle in other areas of your body and begin to grow and develop into new tumors. This travel and spread is called metastasis.

The type of cancer cell where cancer first started — called primary cancer — determines the type of cancer. For example, if malignant melanoma metastasized to your lungs, the cancer would still be called malignant melanoma. This is how that superficial skin cancer can turn into life-threatening cancer.

Why does skin cancer occur in more non-sun-exposed body areas in people of color?

Scientists don’t fully know why people with darker skin tones develop cancer in non-sun-exposed areas like the palms of your hands and feet. They think that the sun is less of a factor, though. That said, dermatologists still see plenty of UV sunlight-induced melanomas and squamous cell skin cancer in people with skin tones ranging from fair to very dark.

Are all moles cancerous?

Most moles aren’t cancerous. Some moles are present at birth. Others develop up to about age 40. Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles.

In rare cases, a mole can turn into melanoma. If you have more than 50 moles, you have an increased chance of developing melanoma.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Skin cancer can happen to anyone. What may seem like an innocent cosmetic imperfection may not be. Performing regular skin self-checks is important for everyone. But it’s especially important if you have an increased risk of skin cancer.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. And it needs as much attention as any other health concern. Check your skin every month for any changes in skin spots or any new skin growths. Take steps to protect your skin from the sun. And don’t forget to schedule regular skin checks with your dermatologist.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks your body’s hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Medications and therapies can help your hair regrow, though severe cases may not respond to treatment.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss anywhere on your body, but it most commonly affects the hair on the skin that covers your head (scalp). “Alopecia” is a medical term for hair loss or baldness, and “areata” means that it occurs in small, random areas.

There are many different classifications of alopecia areata. The classifications depend on the amount of hair you’ve lost and where you’ve lost it on your body.

• Alopecia areata totalis: You’ve lost all your hair on your scalp.
• Alopecia areata universalis: You’ve lost all your hair on your scalp and all your body hair.
• Diffuse alopecia areata: Your hair is thinning rather than falling out in patches.
• Ophiasis alopecia areata: You’ve lost a band of hair on the bottom back sides of your scalp (occipitotemporal scalp).

Who gets alopecia areata?

Anyone can develop alopecia areata. But your chances of having alopecia areata are greater if:

• You’re a child.
• You have a family history of alopecia areata.
• You or your family members have an autoimmune disorder, including diabetes, lupus or thyroid disease.

How common is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is common. Nearly 7 million people in the United States have alopecia areata, and approximately 20% of cases involve children. Of people who have alopecia areata, 5% have alopecia areata totalis, and 1% have alopecia areata universalis.

It’s the second-most common form of hair loss, behind female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness.

What happens if you have alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata causes your hair to fall out in patches. The patches are usually small and round — about the size of a quarter — but the shape and amount of hair you lose may be bigger or smaller.

Your nails may also develop dents or pits (cupuliform depressions). They may make your nails feel coarse or gritty, like sandpaper.

Alopecia areata doesn’t typically affect your physical health. However, it can affect you psychosocially (how society and social groups affect your thoughts and emotions) and psychologically (how you think about yourself and your behavior). You may experience stress, anxiety and depression.

What are the symptoms of alopecia areata?

Common symptoms of alopecia areata include:

• Patches of hair loss, including your scalp, facial hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair.
• Nail pitting.

Your patches won’t typically have any other symptoms, but in rare cases, they may:

• Itch (pruritus).
• Change color (red, purple, brown or gray).
• Develop visible, mouth-like openings in your hair follicles (follicular ostia).
• Have black dots, which are hair shafts that are visible in the follicular ostia (cadaver hairs).
• Grow short hairs that are thicker on the top and narrow toward your scalp (exclamation point hairs).
• Grow white hairs.

What causes alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your body. Your immune system attacks your hair follicles because it thinks they’re foreign invaders — bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi — that cause infection, illness and disease.

When this happens, your hair begins to fall out, often in clumps the size and shape of a quarter. The extent of the hair loss varies. In some cases, it’s only in a few spots. In others, the hair loss may be more significant, including total hair loss.

Your genetic makeup (the parts of your cells that determine your physical traits, like eye color, height or hair color) may trigger your body’s autoimmune reaction. Or your genetic makeup combined with a virus or another substance you encounter may trigger the reaction.

Is alopecia areata contagious?

No, alopecia areata isn’t contagious. You can’t spread alopecia areata through skin-to-skin contact or airborne particles.

How is alopecia areata diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose alopecia areata through a physical exam. They’ll ask about your medical history, including when you started noticing hair loss and whether you have a family history of alopecia areata or autoimmune disorders. They may also examine your nails.

What tests will be done to diagnose alopecia areata?

If your healthcare provider can’t make a diagnosis after a physical examination of your bald spots, they may:

• Examine your scalp for signs of infection.
• Take a sample of your hair and send it to a lab for analysis.
• Take a scalp biopsy to check for skin disease.
• Conduct blood tests.

Can alopecia areata go away?

No, alopecia areata doesn’t go away. Medications and other treatments help manage your hair loss, but they won’t cure the disease. Alopecia areata totalis and alopecia areata universalis are more severe and less likely to respond to treatment.

How is alopecia areata managed?

Treatment options include:

• Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat autoimmune diseases. Corticosteroids are injected into your scalp or other areas, taken orally as a pill or applied topically (rubbed into your skin) as an ointment, cream or foam. Your body’s response to corticosteroids may be slow. Some side effects include increased appetite, weight gain, changes in mood and blurred vision.
• Minoxidil (Rogaine®): Minoxidil is a topical drug that treats male and female pattern baldness. It usually takes about 12 weeks of treatment before your hair begins to grow. Some side effects include headache, scalp irritation and unusual hair growth.
• Phototherapy: Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light from special lamps. Your healthcare provider may use a drug called psoralen combined with ultraviolet A (PUVA) or ultraviolet B (PUVB). The ultraviolet light waves in phototherapy can help certain skin and nail disorders, including alopecia areata.
• Platelet-rich plasma: A healthcare provider removes blood from your body, processes it and then injects it into your scalp to stimulate hair growth. Some side effects may include scalp pain and irritation, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
• Topical immunotherapy: Your healthcare provider rubs an allergen into your skin to create an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis), which produces hair growth. Some side effects include scalp irritation, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), eczema and skin discoloration.
• Styling techniques: If your body doesn’t respond to other treatment options, you may be able to obscure or hide your hair loss with certain hairstyles, wigs or hair weaves.

Can hair grow back from alopecia?

Alopecia areata can be unpredictable. In some people, their hair grows back but falls out again later. In others, their hair grows back and never falls out again. Each case of alopecia areata is unique. Even if someone loses all of their hair, there’s a chance that it’ll grow back. Depending on your therapy and its effectiveness, you may see new hair growth between four and 12 weeks after starting.

How can I prevent alopecia areata?

There isn’t any way to prevent alopecia areata. Treatments can reduce your symptoms. If you have alopecia areata, it may come and go throughout your life.

What can I expect if I have alopecia areata?

In mild cases of alopecia areata, you may have flare-ups and times when symptoms go away (remission). Alopecia areata totalis and alopecia areata universalis are more severe, and your body is less likely to respond to treatment options.

How do I take care of myself?

There are various cosmetic and protective techniques that people with alopecia areata can use to take care of themselves, including:

• Use makeup to hide or minimize hair loss.
• If you’ve lost your eyelashes, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and the environment.
• Wear coverings (wigs, hats or scarves) to protect your head from the elements.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Hair growth is a vitamin- and mineral-dependent process. Although not specifically related to alopecia areata, people who follow fad diets often have problems with hair loss. The Mediterranean diet includes fruits, vegetables and protein that may help strengthen your hair and minimize loss.
• Consider taking vitamin D supplements.

Things to avoid when you have alopecia areata

• The elements: Hair protects us from the sun and wind. Our eyelashes help keep debris out of our eyes. If you have alopecia areata, you’ll need to take precautions to protect your skin (and sometimes, your eyes) when you’re outside.
• A lot of stress: Although never proven through large trials or investigations, many people with new onset alopecia areata had recent stresses in life, such as work, family, deaths, surgeries, accidents and so on.
• Hair products and treatments that contain harsh chemicals: This includes chemical straighteners and permanent waves. Try to find gentle shampoos and conditioners without silicones and parabens.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Call a healthcare provider as soon as you notice hair loss. After you start treatment, contact your healthcare provider if:

• You develop new symptoms.
• Your symptoms don’t improve after treatment.
• Your affected areas look infected (red, purple, gray or white skin; irritation and swelling).

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

• How can you tell that I have alopecia areata?
• If I don’t have alopecia areata, what’s causing my hair to fall out?
• What medications or treatments do you recommend?
• What’s the complete list of side effects of the medications and treatments?
• When should I expect to see new hair growth after treatment?
• What else can I do to prevent further hair loss?
• Should I see a dermatologist?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

It can be alarming to notice hair loss. Alopecia areata is a common condition that causes hair loss anywhere on your body, but it usually affects your scalp. Everyone loses hair when they shampoo or brush, it’s part of the hair growth process. But if you have alopecia areata, you might notice more hair loss than usual. Or you might not notice until you see patchy baldness. Reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as you notice hair loss, especially if it causes stress, anxiety or depression.

Vitiligo causes your skin to lose color or pigmentation. Smooth white or light areas called macules or patches appear on your skin. It generally starts on your hands, forearms, feet and face. Globally, about 1% of the population has vitiligo. Treatment isn’t necessary, but it’s available if you don’t like the changes to your skin tone.

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo (pronounced “vit-il-EYE-go”) is a skin condition that causes your skin to lose its color or pigment. This causes your skin to appear lighter than your natural skin tone or turn white. Areas of your skin that lose their pigment are called macules if they’re less than 1 centimeter wide, or patches if they’re larger than 1 centimeter. If you have vitiligo on a part of your body that has hair, your hair may turn white or silver.

The condition occurs when your body’s immune system destroys melanocytes. Melanocytes are skin cells that produce melanin, the chemical that gives skin its color, or pigmentation.

Who does vitiligo affect?

Vitiligo affects all races and sexes equally. It’s more visible in people with darker skin tones. Although vitiligo can develop in anyone at any age, macules or patches usually become apparent before age 30.

You might be at a higher risk of developing vitiligo if you have certain autoimmune conditions like:

• Addison’s disease.
• Anemia.
• Diabetes (Type 1).
• Lupus.
• Psoriasis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Thyroid disease.

How common is vitiligo?

Vitiligo occurs in over 1% of the population throughout the world.

How does vitiligo start and progress?

Vitiligo usually starts with a few small white macules or patches that may gradually spread over your body. Vitiligo typically begins on your hands, forearms, feet and face, but can develop on any part of your body, including your mucous membranes (the moist lining of your mouth, nose, genital and rectal areas), your eyes and inner ears.

Sometimes, larger patches continue to widen and spread, but they usually stay in the same place for years. The location of smaller macules shifts and changes over time, as certain areas of skin lose and regain their pigment.

The amount of affected skin varies for each person diagnosed with vitiligo. Some people experience a few depigmented areas, while others have a widespread loss of skin color.

What are the types of vitiligo?

Types of vitiligo include:

• Generalized: This is the most common type of vitiligo that causes macules to appear in various places on your body.
• Segmental: This type only affects one side of your body or one area, such as your hands or face.
• Mucosal: Mucosal vitiligo affects mucous membranes of your mouth and/or genitals.
• Focal: Focal vitiligo is a rare type where the macules develop in a small area and don’t spread in a certain pattern within one to two years.
• Trichome: This type causes a bullseye with a white or colorless center, then an area of lighter pigmentation, and an area of your natural skin tone.
• Universal: This rare type of vitiligo causes more than 80% of your skin to not have pigment.

What are the symptoms of vitiligo?

Signs and symptoms of vitiligo include:

• Patches of skin or mucous membranes that lose color. These can appear white or lighter than your natural skin tone.
• Patches of hair on your body turn silver, gray or white.

Symptoms can be mild and only affect a small area of your body or severe and affect a large area of your skin. Some people with vitiligo experience itchy skin before depigmentation starts.

Where will I have symptoms of vitiligo?

Symptoms of vitiligo can appear anywhere on the skin of your body. The most common places to have symptoms of vitiligo include on your:

• Hands.
• Feet.
• Arms.
• Face.
• Mucous membranes (inside of your mouth, lips and nose).
• Genitals (penis).

What causes vitiligo?

A lack of pigment in your skin (melanin) causes vitiligo. The reason why this happens is unknown. Research suggests vitiligo could be the result of:

• An autoimmune condition: Your immune system mistakes healthy cells (melanocytes) as foreign invaders like bacteria that can cause harm to your body. This makes your immune system overreact and develop antibodies to destroy your melanocytes.
• Genetic changes: A genetic mutation or a change to your body’s DNA can affect how your melanocytes function. There are over 30 genes that can increase your risk of developing vitiligo.
• Stress: The amount of pigment your melanocyte cells produce may change if you experience frequent emotional stress or physical stress on your body, especially after an injury.
• Environmental triggers: Factors like ultraviolet radiation and toxic chemical exposure can affect how your melanocyte cells function.

Is vitiligo genetic?

While research is ongoing to learn more about the causes of vitiligo, studies indicate that about 30% of vitiligo cases are genetic. This means that the condition is hereditary and you could potentially inherit vitiligo from your biological family. Several possible genetic mutations affect how melanocyte cells function. If a genetic mutation targets the cells that give your skin pigment, you’ll experience symptoms of vitiligo.

Is vitiligo painful?

No, vitiligo isn’t painful. However, you can get painful sunburns on lighter patches of skin affected by vitiligo. It’s important to protect yourself against the sun with measures like using sunscreen, staying out of the sun during the hours that it’s strongest and wearing protective clothing.

Does vitiligo cause complications?

Although vitiligo is mainly a cosmetic condition, vitiligo may cause:

• Sensitive skin: Macules and patches lack melanocytes, so your skin can be more sensitive to sunlight than the rest of your skin. This can cause your skin to quickly burn instead of tanning.
• Eye abnormalities: People with vitiligo may have some abnormalities in their retinas (the inner layer of your eye that contains light-sensitive cells) and some variation of color in their irises (the colored part of your eye). In some cases, there’s inflammation of the retina or iris, but vision usually isn’t affected.
• Predisposition to autoimmune conditions: People with vitiligo may be more likely to get other autoimmune conditions that affect how their body’s immune system functions. Common autoimmune conditions include hypothyroidism, diabetes and anemia.
• Emotional challenges: People with vitiligo may feel embarrassed about the way their skin looks. Some people diagnosed with vitiligo develop low self-esteem. This could cause anxiety or depression and make someone want to isolate themselves or avoid social situations. If this happens, you should talk to your healthcare provider, a mental health professional or your family and friends.

How is vitiligo diagnosed?

A visual examination by a healthcare provider usually leads to an accurate diagnosis of vitiligo. Your provider may use a Wood’s lamp to look at your skin. This lamp uses an ultraviolet (UV) light that shines onto your skin to help your provider differentiate vitiligo from other skin conditions. In addition, your provider may ask you questions about your medical history and family medical history.

What other conditions look like vitiligo?

There are other conditions that make your skin change or lose pigmentation, including:

• Chemical leukoderma: Exposure to some industrial chemicals causes damage to skin cells, resulting in linear or splotchy white areas of skin.
• Tinea versicolor: This yeast infection can create dark spots that show on light skin, or light spots that show on darker skin.
• Albinism: This genetic condition means that you have lower levels of melanin in your skin, hair and/or eyes.
• Pityriasis alba: This condition starts with red and scaly areas of skin, which fade into scaly lighter patches of skin.

How is vitiligo treated?

Treatment for vitiligo isn’t necessary, as the condition isn’t harmful to your body and is only cosmetic. If you have widespread vitiligo or your physical symptoms affect your emotional well-being, your healthcare provider can help you find a treatment option to create a uniform skin tone by either restoring color (repigmentation) or eliminating the remaining color (depigmentation) in your skin. Common treatments for vitiligo include:

• Medications.
• Light therapy.
• Depigmentation therapy.
• Surgery.
• Counseling.

Medications

There isn’t a specific medication to stop vitiligo from affecting your skin but there are certain drugs that can slow the speed of pigmentation loss, help melanocytes regrow or bring color back to your skin. Medications to treat vitiligo could include:

• Corticosteroids.
• Topical Janus kinase inhibitors (ruxolitinib).
• Calcineurin inhibitors.

Light therapy

Light therapy or phototherapy is the treatment to help return color to your skin. Your provider will use light boxes, ultraviolet B (UVB) lights or medical-grade lasers directed at your skin for a short amount of time. It can take several light therapy sessions to see results on your skin.

Combining oral psoralen medication and ultraviolet A light (PUVA) treats large areas of skin with vitiligo. This treatment is effective for people with vitiligo on their head, neck, trunk, upper arms and legs.

Depigmentation therapy

Depigmentation therapy removes the color of your natural skin tone to match areas of your skin affected with vitiligo. Depigmentation therapy uses the drug monobenzone. You can apply this medication to pigmented patches of your skin. This will turn your skin white to match the areas of your skin with vitiligo.

Surgery

Surgery is a treatment option for people diagnosed with vitiligo. Surgical treatment could include:

• Skin grafts: Skin is taken from one part of your body and used to cover another part. Possible complications include scarring, infection or a failure to repigment. This might also be called mini grafting.
• Blister grafting: Blister grafting uses suction to create a blister on your skin and your provider will then remove the top of the blister to attach it to an area of your skin affected by vitiligo.

Your healthcare provider might not recommend surgery if you:

• Have quickly spreading vitiligo.
• Scar easily.
• Develop raised scars that grow larger than a wound (keloids).

Counseling

Some people diagnosed with vitiligo find counseling or visiting a mental health professional beneficial to help improve their self-esteem, anxiety or depression that can be associated with changes to their skin. Vitiligo can cause psychological distress and can affect a person’s outlook and social interactions. If this happens, your caregiver may suggest that you meet with a counselor or attend a support group.

How can I prevent vitiligo?

As there could be several causes of vitiligo, there’s no known way to prevent it. You can reduce your risk of developing vitiligo by:

• Practicing safe sun exposure habits.
• Taking care of your skin by using a moisturizer daily.
• Avoiding stress or injury to your body.
• Managing any underlying autoimmune conditions.

What can I expect if I have vitiligo?

Vitiligo affects your appearance and can affect how you feel about your skin in social situations. Many people find comfort in speaking with a mental health professional to help them feel more confident and build their self-esteem.

There’s no cure for vitiligo but if you’d like to get treatment, your healthcare provider will help you choose the treatment that’s right for you and your skin.

Will my natural skin color return with vitiligo?

About 10% to 20% of people who have vitiligo fully regain their skin color. This is most common among people who:

• Receive an early diagnosis before age 20.
• Experience the peak of the condition spreading within six months or less.
• Have symptoms mainly in their facial area.

It’s less likely that you’ll regain your pigment if you:

• Develop vitiligo symptoms after age 20.
• Have symptoms on your lips, limbs or hands.

How do I hide vitiligo?

If you’re uncomfortable with how vitiligo looks on your skin, you can hide macules or patches at home by:

• Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. The use of sunscreens minimizes tanning and limits the contrast between affected and normal skin.
• Wearing makeup to camouflage depigmented areas.
• Dying your hair with hair dye to help it blend in with unaffected hair on your head.
• Getting micropigmentation, which is a tattoo over your vitiligo spots. It acts as permanent makeup to hide symptoms of the condition.

Is vitiligo contagious?

No. Vitiligo isn’t contagious. It doesn’t spread from person to person through physical contact.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your skin loses pigmentation or color rapidly.
• Depigmentation spreads to a large area of your body.
• The changes to your skin affect your mental health and well-being.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

• What type of vitiligo do I have?
• Will my skin get its pigment back?
• How do I protect myself from the sun?
• What treatment options are best for my skin?
• Will my future children inherit this condition?

What’s the difference between tinea versicolor and vitiligo?

Tinea versicolor and vitiligo are different conditions that affect the pigment of your skin. Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that causes your skin to develop white, yellow, red, pink or brown spots. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where you lose pigment. It causes your skin to turn lighter than your natural skin tone or white.

Is piebaldism the same as vitiligo?

No. Both conditions cause white or light patches of skin or hair. Piebaldism occurs when a portion of your skin doesn’t have melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment (melanin). You’re born with piebaldism. Vitiligo occurs when your body has melanocytes, but they’re destroyed. You develop vitiligo during your lifetime.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Vitiligo is a condition that causes cosmetic changes to your skin. It doesn’t need treatment because it isn’t dangerous. But it’s common for vitiligo skin changes to affect self-esteem and make people feel insecure or uncomfortable. Reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss how your physical appearance affects your mental health. There’s no cure for vitiligo, but treatment is available to help you feel more comfortable.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of your skin and the tissue beneath your skin. Anyone can get cellulitis, but the risk is higher if you have a skin wound that allows bacteria to enter your body easily or a weakened immune system. Treatment includes antibiotics. A warm compress, elevation, compression and NSAIDs also help relieve your symptoms.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of your skin and the tissues beneath your skin. It most commonly affects the lower part of your body, including your legs, feet and toes. However, it can occur in any part of your body. It also commonly appears on your face, arms, hands and fingers.

Who does cellulitis affect?

Anyone can get cellulitis. However, you may be more likely to get cellulitis if:

• You’re a child.
• You have a wound such as a cut, ulcer, bug bite, animal bite, surgical incision, tattoo or piercing.
• You have a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition such as athlete’s foot, eczema or psoriasis.
• You have chickenpox or shingles.
• You have a weakened immune system.
• You have obesity.

How common is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is very common. There are more than 14 million cases of cellulitis in the United States per year.

How does cellulitis affect my body?

Cellulitis causes swelling and pain. If you have cellulitis on your hands or feet, it may be challenging to close your hands or walk.

A cellulitis infection may cause flu-like symptoms, including a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), chills, sweats, body aches and fatigue.

What are the symptoms of cellulitis?

Symptoms of cellulitis may include:

• Pain.
• Tenderness.
• Edema (swelling).
• Warmth.
• Discoloration (red, purple or slightly darker than your usual skin color) that may look like a rash.
• Fluid-filled blisters.
• Skin surface looks lumpy or pitted, like an orange skin.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Fatigue.

What is the main cause of cellulitis?

Many different bacteria can cause cellulitis. However, Streptococcus (strep) and Staphylococcus (staph) cause most cases of cellulitis.

Is cellulitis caused by poor hygiene?

Cellulitis usually appears around damaged skin, but it also occurs in areas of your skin with poor hygiene.

You can maintain good skin hygiene by:

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water.
• Cleaning and trimming your fingernails and toenails.
• Regularly showering and thoroughly drying your skin after.
• Wearing clean clothes.
• Keeping small wounds clean.

What does the beginning of cellulitis look like?

When you first get cellulitis, your skin looks slightly discolored. It may feel slightly warm to the touch. As the infection spreads, the discoloration gets darker as your skin swells and becomes tender.

Is cellulitis contagious?

Cellulitis isn’t usually contagious. Though rare, you may be able to contract cellulitis if you have an open wound and have skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s open wound.

How is cellulitis diagnosed?

To diagnose cellulitis, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination of the affected area.

What tests will be done to diagnose cellulitis?

In most cases, your healthcare provider won’t conduct any tests. However, if you’ve got a severe case of cellulitis, your healthcare provider may recommend tests to make sure the infection hasn’t spread to other parts of your body.

These tests may include:

• Blood test. A blood test will confirm whether the cellulitis infection has spread to your blood.
• Skin test. A skin test will identify the type of bacteria responsible for your cellulitis, which helps your healthcare provider prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic.
• Bacterial culture. A bacterial culture will identify the type of bacteria responsible for your cellulitis.

How is cellulitis treated?

Your healthcare provider will typically prescribe antibiotics taken by mouth (oral antibiotics) to treat your cellulitis. Oral antibiotics may include dicloxacillin or cephalexin.

Severe cases of cellulitis may not respond to oral antibiotics. You may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics — your healthcare provider will use a small needle and tube to deliver the antibiotics directly into a vein.

What is the fastest way to get rid of cellulitis?

The fastest way to get rid of cellulitis is to take your full course of antibiotics. Some home treatments may help speed up the healing process.

Home treatments include:

• Warm compress. Apply a warm compress to your affected area to help reduce swelling and other symptoms.
• Elevation. Elevating your affected area helps lower the blood pressure in the area’s blood vessels and improve blood flow.
• Compression. Compression wraps or stockings help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Don’t wrap your affected area too tightly. This can cut off circulation. Remove the compression wrap or stocking at least twice every day for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, reduce pain and inflammation. Not everyone can take NSAIDs, so it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before use.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

In most cases, you should feel better within seven to 10 days after you start taking antibiotics.

You’ll notice signs that your cellulitis infection is healing a few days after starting antibiotics. Your pain will decrease, swelling will go down and any discoloration will begin to fade.

How can I reduce my risk?

You can reduce your risk of developing cellulitis by:

• Cleaning your wounds or sores with antibacterial soap and water.
• Applying an antibiotic ointment on your wounds or sores.
• Covering your wounds or sores with a bandage to prevent dirt or bacteria from entering the area.
• Refraining from touching or rubbing your affected areas.
• Getting medical attention right away for any deep cuts or puncture wounds.

What can I expect if I have cellulitis?

With early diagnosis and treatment, the outlook for people with cellulitis is good. Most people feel better after seven to 10 days.

It’s very important to take cellulitis seriously and get treatment right away. Cellulitis can quickly progress and lead to more severe conditions. The bacteria could spread to your bloodstream (bacteremia) or heart (endocarditis), which may be fatal.

How do I take care of myself?

• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. It’s important to finish your full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. If you don’t finish your full course of medicine, your cellulitis may come back and be more challenging to treat.
• Refrain from touching the affected area. If you must touch the affected area, wash your hands before and after touching it. Don’t squeeze or puncture the area. Squeezing and puncturing won’t drain any swelling or provide relief.
• Rest. It’s a good idea to avoid any activities that may aggravate your affected areas, including walking, running or other exercises.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if:

• You notice an increase in swelling, discoloration or pain.
• Your symptoms don’t go away a few days after starting antibiotics.
• Your cellulitis infection spreads to surrounding areas of your body.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

• How do you know that I have cellulitis?
• If I don’t have cellulitis, what other condition might I have?
• How did I get cellulitis?
• What bacteria caused my cellulitis?
• For how long and at what times of the day should I take my medication?
• How should I store my medication?
• When will I start to feel better?
• Do I need to schedule a follow-up visit?
• What activities should I avoid?
• Which OTC pain relievers do you recommend?

Does cellulitis itch?

No, cellulitis doesn’t itch. However, your affected area may itch once your skin starts to heal.

Why do I keep getting cellulitis?

Many people who get cellulitis again usually have skin conditions that don’t go away without treatment, such as athlete’s foot or impetigo. Poorly controlled diabetes may also contribute to repeat instances of cellulitis.

Approximately 33% of all people who have cellulitis get it again.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Cellulitis is a common skin condition that mostly affects children and people with wounds, chronic skin conditions or a weakened immune system. If you notice symptoms of cellulitis, talk to your healthcare provider right away. They’ll prescribe you an antibiotic to quickly clear up the bacterial infection and recommend home treatments to make you more comfortable.

To prevent cellulitis, be sure to practice proper hygiene. Clean any wounds with water and antibacterial soap and cover them with a clean bandage to reduce your risk of infection.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes itchiness and discomfort. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It causes thick, scaly areas of skin. While there isn’t a cure, psoriasis treatment can help manage symptoms. Your provider may prescribe special creams or ointments for psoriasis.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in your skin. Symptoms of psoriasis include thick areas of discolored skin covered with scales. These thick, scaly areas are called plaques.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, which means it can flare up unexpectedly and there’s no cure.

What are the types of psoriasis?

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

• Plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
• Inverse psoriasis: This type appears in your skin folds. It causes thin plaques without scales.
• Guttate psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis may appear after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It looks like small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots and often affects children and young adults.
• Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of plaques.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is a severe type of psoriasis that affects a large area (more than 90%) of your skin. It causes widespread skin discoloration and skin shedding.
• Sebopsoriasis: This type typically appears on your face and scalp as bumps and plaques with a greasy, yellow scale. This is a cross between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Nail psoriasis: Nail psoriasis causes skin discoloration, pitting and changes to your fingernails and toenails.

What part of my body will psoriasis affect?

A psoriasis rash can show up anywhere on your skin. Psoriasis is common on your:

• Elbows and knees.
• Face and inside of your mouth.
• Scalp
• Fingernails and toenails.
• Genitals.
• Lower back.
• Palms and feet.

In most people, psoriasis covers a small area of their skin. In severe cases, the plaques connect and cover a large area of your body.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes joint pain and swelling. Similar to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to function abnormally and cause symptoms. About 1 in 3 people diagnosed with psoriasis will also develop arthritis due to inflammation. Early treatment of psoriatic arthritis can reduce damage to your joints.

Who does psoriasis affect and how common is it?

People of any age, sex or race can get psoriasis. Psoriasis affects millions of people. More than 3% of the U.S. population has psoriasis.

Is psoriasis the same as eczema?

Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. Both conditions cause similar symptoms like discolored skin, a rash and itching. Psoriasis plaques cause areas of thick skin covered in scales. Eczema causes a rash of dry and bumpy skin. Eczema also typically causes more intense itching than psoriasis.

What does psoriasis look like?

Symptoms of psoriasis on your skin include plaques. Plaques look like:

• A rash or a raised area of thick skin.
• The skin on the plaque is discolored.
• The plaque is scaly or flaky and sheds easily.

An early sign of psoriasis is small bumps. The bumps grow, and scales form on top. The surface of the plaque might shed, but the scales beneath them will stick together. If you scratch your rash, the scales may tear away from your skin. This can cause bleeding. As the rash continues to grow, lesions (larger areas of skin damage) can form. Symptoms of psoriasis can range from mild to severe.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

In addition to skin plaques or a rash, you might have symptoms that include:

• Itchy skin.
• Cracked, dry skin.
• Skin pain.
• Nails that are pitted, cracked or crumbly.
• Joint pain.

If you scratch your plaque, you could break open your skin, which could lead to an infection. Infections are dangerous. If you experience severe pain, swelling and a fever, you have symptoms of an infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms.

What causes psoriasis?

An over-reactive immune system that creates inflammation in your skin causes psoriasis.

If you have psoriasis, your immune system is supposed to destroy foreign invaders, like bacteria, to keep you healthy and prevent you from getting sick. Instead, your immune system can mistake healthy cells for foreign invaders. As a result, your immune system creates inflammation or swelling, which you see on the surface of your skin as skin plaques.

It usually takes up to 30 days for new skin cells to grow and replace old skin cells. Your over-reactive immune system causes the timeline of new skin cell development to change to three to four days. The speed of new cells replacing old cells creates scales and frequent skin shedding on top of skin plaques.

Psoriasis runs in families. There may be a genetic component to psoriasis because biological parents may pass the condition down to their children.

What causes psoriasis outbreaks?

An outbreak of psoriasis, or a flare up, causes symptoms of psoriasis as a result of contact with a trigger, which could be an irritant or an allergen. Psoriasis outbreaks differ from person to person. Common triggers for psoriasis flare ups include:

• Emotional stress.
• An infection (streptococcal infection).
• A skin injury like cuts, scrapes or surgery.
• Certain medications, such as lithium and beta-blockers.
• Changes in body temperature due to the weather.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No, psoriasis isn’t contagious. You can’t get psoriasis by coming into contact with another person’s psoriasis skin rash.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

A healthcare provider or a dermatologist will diagnose psoriasis after a physical exam to look at your skin and review your symptoms. They’ll ask you questions that could include:

• Do you have a history of skin conditions in your biological family?
• When did you first notice symptoms?
• Have you tried any at-home remedies to treat your skin?
• Is this the first time you’ve had an outbreak on your skin?
• What types of soaps or shampoos do you use?

The appearance of a skin plaque leads to a psoriasis diagnosis, but symptoms can relate to other similar skin conditions, so your provider might offer a skin biopsy test to confirm your diagnosis. During this test, your provider will remove a small sample of skin tissue from your skin plaque and examine it under a microscope.

How is psoriasis treated?

Several treatment options can relieve psoriasis symptoms. Common psoriasis treatments include:

• Steroid creams.
• Moisturizers for dry skin.
• Medication to slow skin cell production (anthralin).
• Medicated lotions or shampoos.
• Vitamin D3 ointment.
• Vitamin A or retinoid creams.

Creams or ointments may be enough to improve the rash in small areas of your skin. If your rash affects larger areas, or if you also have joint pain, you’ll need other treatments. Joint pain may be a sign that you have arthritis.

Your provider will decide on a treatment plan based on:

• The severity of the rash.
• Where the rash is on your body.
• Your age.
• Your overall health.

What if common psoriasis treatments don’t work?

If your symptoms of psoriasis don’t improve after treatment, or if you have large areas of involvement (10% of your skin or more), your healthcare provider may recommend the following treatments:

• Light therapy: LED lights at specific wavelengths can decrease skin inflammation and help slow your skin cell production.
• PUVA: This treatment combines a medication called psoralen with exposure to a special form of ultraviolet light.
• Retinoids: These vitamin A-related drugs can help your psoriasis symptoms but may cause side effects, including birth defects.
• Immune therapies: Newer immune therapy medications (biologics and small molecule inhibitors) work by blocking your body’s immune system so it can’t cause an autoimmune reaction.
• Methotrexate: Providers recommend this medication for severe cases of psoriasis. It may cause liver disease. If you take it, your provider will monitor your progress with blood tests. You may need periodic liver biopsies to check your liver health.
• Cyclosporine: This medicine can help severe psoriasis but it may cause high blood pressure and kidney damage.

Before starting treatment, talk to your healthcare provider about the side effects and mention any medications or supplements you currently take to avoid drug interaction.

Are there any complications of psoriasis?

For some people diagnosed with psoriasis, the skin condition causes more than itchiness, scaling skin and skin discoloration. It can lead to swollen joints and arthritis. If you have psoriasis, you may be at higher risk of:

• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• High cholesterol.
• Strokes.
• Heart attacks.

If you have psoriasis, your provider will do regular blood pressure checks and monitor the progress of your treatment to avoid complications. You can take steps to prevent potential complications by:

• Eating a well-balanced diet.
• Exercising regularly.
• Getting adequate sleep
• Not smoking.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

A flare-up of psoriasis symptoms can last a couple of weeks to a few months. Your healthcare provider can speed up your skin’s recovery with certain medications. After your symptoms go away, your psoriasis is in remission. This means that you could have another outbreak of symptoms in the future. Your remission timeline could last a few months to a couple of years. If you notice your symptoms flare up when you contact certain triggers, avoiding those triggers leads to a long remission time.

How can I prevent psoriasis?

There isn’t a way to entirely prevent psoriasis. You can reduce your risk by following your healthcare provider’s treatment, living a healthy lifestyle, taking good care of your skin and avoiding triggers that can cause an outbreak of symptoms.

What can I expect if I have psoriasis?

If you have psoriasis, it’s common to see symptoms show up during early adulthood, but the timeline of when symptoms begin is unique to every person. You may notice certain triggers in your environment that can cause a flare up of symptoms. Avoiding these triggers can lead to fewer outbreaks in the future.

Psoriasis can make you uncomfortable, itchy and self-conscious. If these symptoms are causing you physical or emotional distress, contact your healthcare provider for treatment.

Is there a cure for psoriasis?

There isn’t a cure for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means that symptoms may come and go throughout your life. Treatment can relieve symptoms so you can look and feel your best.

How do I take care of myself?

To feel your best with psoriasis:

• Take medications as instructed.
• Use moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing.
• Avoid harsh soaps.
• Use medicated shampoo for scales on your scalp.

Other steps you should take to stay as healthy as possible:

• Talk to your healthcare provider about lowering your risk for related conditions, such as heart disease, depression and diabetes.
• Lower your stress with meditation, exercise or seeing a mental health professional.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Do regular skin self-exams to notice any changes in your skin. If you have skin changes, a rash that’s not going away or a rash that gets worse, contact your healthcare provider.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

• How can I prevent outbreaks and manage symptoms?
• What medication will work best for me?
• What else should I do to improve my symptoms?
• What are my options if creams don’t work?
• Will psoriasis ever go away?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Psoriasis, an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. It’s related to an overactive immune response and isn’t contagious. If you have skin changes that aren’t going away, talk to your healthcare provider. There isn’t a cure for psoriasis, but psoriasis treatments can improve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe a special cream or moisturizer or medications. Other therapies are available if creams or medicines don’t work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It’s a common condition that isn’t contagious. Symptoms of eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen. There are treatments available to help you manage symptoms, but there isn’t a cure.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy. This condition weakens your skin’s barrier function, which is responsible for helping your skin retain moisture and protecting your body from outside elements.

Eczema is a type of dermatitis. Dermatitis is a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation.

What are the types of eczema?

There are several types of eczema. Each type has unique triggers that can affect your skin’s barrier function, including:

• Atopic dermatitis.
• Contact dermatitis.
• Dyshidrotic eczema.
• Neurodermatitis.
• Nummular eczema.
• Seborrheic dermatitis.

It’s possible to have more than one type of eczema at the same time.

Who does eczema affect?

Eczema can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms usually appear during childhood and last into adulthood. You might be more at risk of having eczema if you have a family history or a diagnosis of:

• Dermatitis.
• Allergies.
• Hay fever.
• Asthma.

How common is eczema?

Eczema is common and affects more than 31 million Americans. Infants are prone to eczema, and 10% to 20% will have it. However, nearly half of all infants diagnosed with eczema outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older.

What causes eczema to start?

The first signs of eczema are itchiness, dry skin and a rash. These signs indicate that you came into contact with a trigger in your environment that caused your symptoms to start or flare up. Identifying environmental triggers and avoiding them can reduce your risk of an eczema flare-up in your future.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry skin.
• Itchy skin.
• Skin rash.
• Bumps on your skin.
• Thick, leathery patches of skin.
• Flaky, scaly or crusty skin.
• Swelling.

What does an eczema rash look like?

Eczema can look different on each person diagnosed with the condition. If you have a dark skin tone, an eczema rash can be purple, brown or gray. If you have a light skin tone, an eczema rash can look pink, red or purple.

Where do symptoms of eczema appear on my body?

Symptoms of eczema can show up anywhere on your skin. The most common places where you’ll notice symptoms of eczema include on your:

• Hands.
• Neck.
• Elbows.
• Ankles.
• Knees
• Feet.
• Face, especially cheeks.
• In and around ears.
• Lips

While less common, eczema can also occur on your:

• Nipples.
• Breasts.
• Folds of skin near your vagina (vulva).
• Penis.

Does eczema hurt?

Eczema doesn’t usually cause pain. If you scratch your skin, you could break the surface of your skin and create a sore, which could be painful. Some types of eczema, like contact dermatitis, cause a burning sensation and discomfort.

What causes eczema?

Several factors cause eczema, including:

• Your immune system: If you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens (triggers) in your environment. When you contact a trigger, your immune system assumes that these small irritants are foreign invaders, like bacteria or viruses, that can harm your body. As a result, the triggers activate your body’s natural defense system. Your immune system’s defense is to create inflammation. Inflammation causes symptoms of eczema on your skin.
• Your genes: You’re more likely to have eczema if there’s a history of eczema or dermatitis in your family. You’re also at a higher risk if there’s a history of asthma, hay fever and/or allergies. Common allergies include pollen, pet hair or foods that trigger an allergic reaction. You could also have a genetic mutation that causes your skin’s barrier function to not work as it should.
• Your environment: There’s a lot in your environment that can irritate your skin. Some examples include exposure to smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, fabrics such as wool, and some skin care products. Low humidity (dry air) can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. Heat and high humidity can cause sweating and that can make your itchiness even worse.
• Emotional triggers: Your mental health could affect the health of your skin, which can cause a flare-up of eczema symptoms. If you have high levels of stress, anxiety or depression, you may have more frequent flare-ups of eczema symptoms.

What triggers eczema to flare up?

Eczema affects each person diagnosed with the condition differently. What causes your symptoms to flare up might not trigger someone else with the condition. Common triggers that cause eczema include:

• Dry weather (low humidity).
• Fabrics or clothing material.
• Makeup or skin care products.
• Smoke and pollutants.
• Soaps and detergents.
• Stress or your emotional well-being.
• Touching something you’re allergic to.

Do certain foods trigger eczema?

The connection between eczema and food allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid that food is that it may cause or worsen your eczema symptoms. Examples of common allergies include:

• Peanuts.
• Dairy.
• Eggs.

Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it. If you don’t have a food allergy, then there are no foods that will cause or worsen your eczema.

Is eczema an autoimmune disease?

While eczema can cause your immune system to overreact, it isn’t classified as an autoimmune condition. Research is ongoing to learn more about how eczema interacts with your immune system.

Is eczema contagious?

No. Eczema isn’t contagious. You can’t spread eczema through person-to-person contact.

How is eczema diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose eczema after a physical exam, where they can take a close look at your skin. Most often, people receive an eczema diagnosis as a child, as it’s common among children, but a diagnosis can happen at any age when symptoms arise.

Symptoms of eczema can look similar to other conditions. Your provider might offer tests to rule out other conditions and confirm your diagnosis. Tests could include:

• An allergy test.
• Blood tests to check for causes of the rash that might be unrelated to dermatitis.
• A skin biopsy to distinguish one type of dermatitis from another.

What questions might my healthcare provider ask to diagnose eczema?

Your healthcare provider might ask the following questions to learn more about your symptoms, including:

• Where do you have symptoms on your body?
• Did you use any products to try to treat your skin?
• Do you have any medical conditions like allergies or asthma?
• Do you have a history of eczema in your family?
• How long have you had symptoms?
• Do you take hot showers?
• Is there anything that makes your symptoms worse?
• Have you noticed something triggers or worsens your symptoms like certain soaps or detergents?
• Do your symptoms affect your ability to sleep or perform your daily activities?

Who diagnoses eczema?

A primary care provider may recommend you visit a dermatologist to diagnose and treat your eczema. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions.

How do I get rid of eczema?

Your treatment for eczema is unique to you and what caused your symptoms to flare up. Treatment for eczema could include:

• Using gentle or sensitive skin moisturizers throughout the day when you have dry skin. Apply moisturizer when your skin is damp after a bath or shower.
• Apply topical medications to your skin as advised by your provider, like topical steroids.
• Take oral medications like anti-inflammatory medicines, antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce itchiness and swelling.
• Immunosuppressant drugs help regulate how your immune system functions.
• Light therapy to improve the appearance of your skin and remove blemishes.
• Avoid triggers that cause symptoms of eczema to flare up.

How do you treat childhood eczema?

If your child has skin issues, such as eczema, you can:

• Give your child a short, warm bath instead of a long, hot bath, which can dry out their skin.
• Use moisturizers several times daily. In infants with eczema, moisturizing on a regular basis, like with each diaper change, is extremely helpful.
• Keep the room temperature as regular as possible. Changes in room temperature and humidity can dry your child’s skin.
• Keep your child dressed in cotton. Wool, silk and synthetic fabrics such as polyester can irritate their skin.
• Use sensitive skin or unscented laundry detergent.
• Help your child avoid rubbing or scratching at their skin.

What type of moisturizer treats eczema?

There are several options of moisturizer available to treat eczema. Choose skin care products that:

• Are hypoallergenic, fragrance- and dye-free.
• Are gentle or for sensitive skin.
• Contain petroleum jelly or mineral oil.
• Don’t include preservatives or stabilizers.
• Have lipids and ceramides to improve your skin’s barrier.

It may take several different products through trial and error before you find one that works for you. If you need help choosing a moisturizer, talk to your healthcare provider.

How do I manage my eczema symptoms?

Treating and managing eczema can be difficult if the cause is something you can’t control, like genetics. Fortunately, you may have some influence over your environment and stress levels. Do your best to figure out what triggers or worsens your eczema, and then avoid it. The goal is to reduce itching and discomfort and prevent infection and additional flare-ups.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

After treatment, it could take several weeks before your skin clears up completely. Topical medications or oral medications prescribed by your healthcare provider help your symptoms go away faster. If your symptoms get worse after treatment, or if they don’t clear up after a few weeks, contact your provider.

Are there complications from eczema?

Complications are possible with eczema and could include:

• Weeping eczema: Weeping eczema causes fluid-filled blisters to form on your skin.
• Infected eczema: Infected eczema occurs when bacteria, fungus or a virus breaks through your skin to cause an infection.

Symptoms that are a sign of complications include:

• Fever and chills.
• A clear to yellow fluid leaking out of blisters on your skin.
• Pain and swelling.

How can I prevent eczema?

There are steps you can take that may prevent eczema flare-ups and outbreaks, including:

• Moisturize your skin regularly or when your skin becomes dry. Seal in moisture after a bath or shower by immediately applying moisturizer to your skin.
• Take baths or showers with warm, not hot, water.
• Stay hydrated and drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps keep your skin moist.
• Wear loose clothes made of cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothing before wearing it. Avoid wool or synthetic fibers.
• Manage your stress and emotional triggers. See a psychiatrist for medication and a therapist for counseling if you’re experiencing symptoms of poor mental/emotional health.
• Use a humidifier if dry air makes your skin dry.
• Avoid irritants and allergens.

What can I expect if I have eczema?

Eczema and other types of dermatitis aren’t harmful to the rest of your body. The condition isn’t deadly. Nearly half of children with eczema outgrow the condition or experience improvement by the time they reach puberty. Others will continue to have some form of the condition throughout their life. For adults with eczema, the condition can be well managed with a good skin care routine.

How long does eczema last?

Eczema can be a lifelong condition. It can start in infancy and continue through adulthood. You can manage your symptoms with at-home remedies, over-the-counter medications and prescription medications.

Is there a cure for eczema?

No, there isn’t a cure for eczema. There are treatments available, but no treatment can eliminate your symptoms 100% of the time. Eczema is a chronic condition, which means it can go away and come back unexpectedly. Treatments are very effective in reducing the symptoms of itchy, dry skin.

How do I take care of myself?

Many people live with eczema, and it can be challenging. But there may be times when your eczema disappears. This is known as a “remission” period. Other times, you may have a “flare-up,” which is when your symptoms show up or get worse. The goal of treatment is to prevent flare-ups and your symptoms from getting worse. Be sure to avoid triggers, moisturize, take your medicine and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit your healthcare provider or your dermatologist if:

• You experience symptoms of eczema.
• Your symptoms get worse after treatment.
• Your symptoms don’t go away a few weeks after treatment.
• You get an infection, have a fever or experience severe pain.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

• If I don’t have eczema, what other skin condition might I have?
• Is there a specific brand of moisturizer that you recommend?
• Are there side effects to the treatment?
• How often should I see a dermatologist regarding my eczema?
• What soaps, lotions, makeup, etc., should I avoid?
• How can I take care of my skin at home?

Does the weather make eczema worse?

Yes, certain temperatures or weather patterns can affect your skin and can make eczema worse. Low humidity (dry air) in the winter months can dry out your skin. Humidity caused by high heat can make you sweat, which can make your itchiness worse.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Eczema is a very common and uncomfortable skin condition. It can affect your quality of life. At its worst, it can keep you from sleeping, distract you and make you feel self-conscious in public. See a dermatologist or healthcare provider as soon as you start to see signs of eczema. Explore at-home remedies and prescription treatments until you find the best remedy for your skin.

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness on your face. The most common places to find symptoms of rosacea include your nose, cheeks and forehead. Rosacea can flare throughout your life and usually starts after age 30. Medicines, creams and lotions help reduce symptoms.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea (pronounced “row-zay-sha”) is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes redness on your face or other parts of your body, including your eyes. Different types of the condition can cause pimples and swelling on your skin. This is a lifelong condition without a cure.

What are the types of rosacea?

Four different types of rosacea include:

• Erythematotelangiectatic: Rosacea is persistent and causes facial redness with enlarged and visible blood vessels (vascular). This type flares, where symptoms come and go unexpectedly.
• Papulopustular: Pus- or fluid-filled pimples form on your skin. Your skin could swell and symptoms are similar to acne.
• Phymatous: Symptoms cause your skin to swell and thicken. Your skin could be bumpy and it most often affects your nose. Symptoms could make your nose appear bulbous (rhinophyma).
• Ocular: Rosacea can affect your eyes, causing them to feel irritated and bloodshot or watery. Your eyes are sensitive to light and painful bumps can form on your eyelids (styes).

How common is rosacea and who does rosacea affect?

Rosacea affects more than 14 million people in the U.S. It can affect anyone, but it most often affects people who have fair skin and women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Symptoms usually arise after age 30. The condition can affect children and adolescents but it’s very rare. You’re more likely to have rosacea if someone in your family has the condition.

Studies suggest that men and people assigned male at birth have more severe symptoms as a result of delaying treatment until the condition becomes advanced.

What are the signs of rosacea?

Rosacea’s appearance can vary greatly from one person to another. Most of the time, not all of the potential signs appear. Rosacea always includes at least one of the primary signs, like:

• Flushing: Many people who have rosacea have a history of frequent blushing called flushing. Facial redness, which might come and go, is the earliest sign of the condition.
• Persistent redness: Persistent facial redness might resemble a blush or sunburn that doesn’t go away.
• Bumps and pimples: Small, red, solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop on your skin. Sometimes the bumps might resemble acne, but rosacea doesn’t cause blackheads. Burning or stinging might be present.
• Visible blood vessels: Small blood vessels that look like thin, red lines become visible on your skin.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

In addition to signs of rosacea, symptoms of rosacea include:

• Eye irritation: Your eyes might be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot. This condition can cause styes as well as redness and swelling of your eyelids. Severe cases, if left untreated, can result in cornea damage and vision loss.
• Burning or stinging: Burning or stinging sensations might occur on your face, and itchiness or a feeling of tightness might also develop.
• Dry appearance: Your central facial skin might be rough, and appear to be very dry.
• Plaques: Raised red patches (plaques) that look like a rash might develop without changes to your surrounding skin.
• Skin thickening: In some cases of rosacea, your skin might thicken and enlarge, resulting in a condition called rhinophyma. This condition occurs on your nose, causing it to have a bulbous appearance.
• Swelling: Facial swelling (edema) can occur independently or can accompany other signs of rosacea.

Where do symptoms of rosacea affect my body?

Symptoms of rosacea can affect several different parts of your body, including your:

• Nose.
• Chin.
• Cheeks.
• Forehead.
• Eyes.
• Chest.
• Ears
• Neck.
• Scalp.

What triggers rosacea symptoms?

Each person diagnosed with rosacea has triggers that cause their symptoms to flare. Possible rosacea triggers could include:

• Sun exposure.
• Hot or cold temperatures.
• Stress.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Spicy foods.
• Skin or hair products (lotions, hairspray).
• Hormonal changes.

If you’re not sure what triggers your rosacea symptoms, write down a list of foods, beverages, skincare products and activities for a few days to a few weeks and how those things affected your skin that day. This can help you narrow down what could cause your symptoms to flare. When you identify what triggers your symptoms, you can reduce the frequency of your flares by avoiding your triggers.

What causes rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is unknown. Studies suggest rosacea could be a symptom of:

• A condition that affects your blood vessels, immune or nervous system.
• Microscopic skin mites (Demodex): Your body has a natural, microscopic mite that lives on your nose and cheeks. Having too many of these mites causes symptoms of rosacea.
• An infection: The H. pylori bacteria can cause an infection. Studies suggest that people who had this infection can develop rosacea.
• A protein malfunctioning: The cathelicidin protein protects your skin from infection. If the protein isn’t working as it should, you’ll experience symptoms of rosacea.

Is rosacea an autoimmune disease?

Research is ongoing to learn more about the causes of rosacea and if it’s an autoimmune condition. Some types of rosacea occur as a result of your immune system overworking. Your immune system’s job is to protect your body from foreign invaders that make you sick, like bacteria. A certain type of bacteria (Bacillus oleronius) that’s common among people diagnosed with papulopustular rosacea can cause your immune system to overcompensate for the bacteria and attack healthy skin cells. This is an autoimmune response that causes symptoms of rosacea.

Other cases of rosacea could be the result of your immune system being highly sensitive to changes in your environment. These changes could include sunlight exposure or temperature fluctuations that trigger your symptoms. As a result, your immune system overworks to adjust to the changes in your environment, which causes symptoms.

How is rosacea diagnosed?

To diagnose rosacea, your provider will conduct a thorough exam of your signs and symptoms and will take a medical history. During your exam, you should tell your provider about any problems you’re having with your skin (redness, bumps or pimples, burning, itching, etc.). There’s no specific test to diagnose rosacea. Your provider might recommend you visit a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions.

How is rosacea treated?

Treatment of rosacea varies for each person and focuses on relieving or reducing symptoms and preventing them from getting worse. Treatment options for rosacea could include:

• Medicines: There are several types of oral and topical medicines to treat bumps, pimples and redness caused by rosacea. Medicines help you manage your symptoms and reduce the number of flares.
• Laser treatment: Your provider can use lasers to remove visible blood vessels and limit the amount of redness on your skin.
• Surgical procedures: For severe cases, your provider might recommend surgery to correct nose disfigurement that can happen with rhinophyma.

What medications treat rosacea?

Your provider might offer medications to treat your symptoms of rosacea, including:

• Antibiotics like doxycycline (pills, gel or creams) to reduce bumps and pimples.
• Brimonidine gel to reduce redness.
• Creams or gels containing azelaic acid, ivermectin or metronidazole to minimize bumps and pimples.

Before starting a new medicine, talk to your provider about the dosage, when to take it and the side effects. Also, discuss the medicines you currently take to avoid any drug interactions.

What foods should I avoid if I have rosacea?

Some studies suggest that spicy foods, like hot wings and jalapeño peppers, can trigger symptoms of rosacea. Every person diagnosed with the condition will have unique and personal triggers in their environment and there’s no guarantee that spicy foods will cause a flare of rosacea. If you have a flare of symptoms after eating spicy foods, avoid eating these types of foods to prevent future flares.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

It could take several weeks to a few months before your symptoms reduce. If your provider prescribed medicines, they’ll monitor your treatment to make sure the medicine is effective. Your provider will likely reduce the dosage as your symptoms start to clear up.

How can I prevent rosacea?

Since the cause of rosacea is unknown, you can’t prevent the condition. However, you can reduce your risk of having a rosacea flare by identifying and avoiding things in your environment that trigger your symptoms.

Always use caution when going outdoors and exposing your skin to the sun’s UV rays. Sunlight can trigger symptoms of rosacea and sun damage can make it difficult for your skin to heal after a flare. Wear sunscreen daily and reapply sunscreen often throughout the day. You can also wear UV-protective clothing and accessories to cover your skin from the sunlight.

What can I expect if I have rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic condition, which means your symptoms can come and go unexpectedly. If you know certain things in your environment trigger your symptoms, avoid those triggers to prevent a flare.

Rosacea is a harmless condition and only causes skin discomfort and appearance changes. Severe and untreated cases can lead to skin disfiguration that most often affects your nose. Surgery treats severe cases of rosacea, but many people find relief from mild symptoms with prescribed medicines or over-the-counter (OTC) creams, gels or lotions.

Does rosacea ever go away?

There’s no cure for rosacea, but treatment options are available to reduce symptoms and flares. Talk to your provider about your symptoms and they’ll help you manage your condition and keep symptoms in remission (keep them from returning).

Can I cover rosacea with makeup?

Over-the-counter makeup products can help cover rosacea. Makeup varies based on your symptoms and could include:

• Green-tinted base moisturizers can minimize redness if you have a pink-to-red tint to your skin. The color green balances the red tone.
• Concealers or foundations that are oil-free and one shade lighter than your natural skin tone.
• Mineral powders to reduce redness using fewer ingredients that could irritate your skin.
• Fragrance-free or sensitive-skin products to avoid skin irritants.
• Topical antibacterial creams to treat skin redness and small acne-like pimples.
• Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can trigger symptoms of rosacea. Many makeup products are multi-functioning and include sunscreen in addition to other ingredients.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit your healthcare provider if you have signs or symptoms of rosacea, especially if they cause pain and discomfort.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

• How do I prevent flares?
• What skincare products should I use?
• When and how often should I take the medicine you prescribed for my symptoms?
• Can I wear makeup with my symptoms?
• Do I need surgery to treat my symptoms?

What’s the difference between rosacea and lupus rash?

Symptoms of rosacea and a rash caused by a lupus diagnosis, often called a “butterfly” rash, are similar. Both conditions can affect the skin on your face, especially your cheeks and your nose. Both conditions can also flare with sun exposure. The major difference between a lupus rash and rosacea is the texture and appearance of the rash. A lupus rash causes red, scaly, itchy patches of skin. Rosacea causes your skin to appear red, swollen and bumpy. Rosacea is a harmless condition and lupus rashes can cause long-term skin damage like scarring and hair loss.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Rosacea is a harmless skin condition that causes redness, most often on your face. Some people diagnosed with this condition benefit from talking with a mental health professional if they have concerns about their self-esteem and emotional well-being based on how symptoms affect their appearance. Your provider will help you find treatment options to reduce flares and help you feel better.

Acne is a very common skin condition that causes pimples. You’ll usually get pimples on your face. Clogged pores cause acne. Teenagers and young adults most often get acne, but it can also occur during adulthood for many people. Treatment is available to clear acne from your skin and prevent scarring.

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition where the pores of your skin clog. Pore blockages produce blackheads, whiteheads and other types of pimples. Pimples are pus-filled, sometimes painful, bumps on your skin.

The medical term for acne is acne vulgaris.

What are the types of acne?

There are several types of acne, including:

• Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis): Fungal acne occurs when yeast builds up in your hair follicles. These can be itchy and inflamed.
• Cystic acne: Cystic acne causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules. These can cause scars.
• Hormonal acne: Hormonal acne affects adults who have an overproduction of sebum that clogs their pores.
• Nodular acne: Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of your skin, and tender, nodular lumps under your skin.

All of these forms of acne can affect your self-esteem, and both cystic and nodular acne can lead to permanent skin damage in the form of scarring. It’s best to seek help from a healthcare provider early so they can determine the best treatment option(s) for you.

Who does acne affect?

Acne usually affects everyone at some point in their lifetime. It’s most common among teenagers and young adults undergoing hormonal changes, but acne can also occur during adulthood. Adult acne is more common among women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). You may be more at risk of developing acne if you have a family history of acne (genetics).

How common is acne?

If you have acne, know that you’re not alone. Acne is the most common skin condition that people experience. An estimated 80% of people ages 11 to 30 will have at least a mild form of acne.

Where on my body will I have acne?

The most common places where you might have acne are on your:

• Face.
• Forehead.
• Chest.
• Shoulders.
• Upper back.

Oil glands exist all over your body. The common locations of acne are where oil glands exist the most.

What are the symptoms of acne?

Symptoms of acne on your skin include:

• Pimples (pustules): Pus-filled bumps (papules).
• Papules: Small, discolored bumps, often red to purple or darker than your natural skin tone.
• Blackheads: Plugged pores with a black top.
• Whiteheads: Plugged pores with a white top.
• Nodules: Large lumps under your skin that are painful.
• Cysts: Painful fluid-filled (pus) lumps under your skin.

Acne can be mild and cause a few occasional pimples or it can be moderate and cause inflammatory papules. Severe acne causes nodules and cysts.

What causes acne?

Clogged hair follicles or pores cause acne. Your hair follicles are small tubes that hold a strand of your hair. There are several glands that empty into your hair follicles. When too much material is inside your hair follicle, a clog occurs. Your pores can clog with:

• Sebum: An oily substance that provides a protective barrier for your skin.
• Bacteria: Small amounts of bacteria naturally live on your skin. If you have too much bacteria, it can clog your pores.
• Dead skin cells: Your skin cells shed often to make room for more cells to grow. When your skin releases dead skin cells, they can get stuck in your hair follicles.

When your pores clog, substances plug up your hair follicle, creating a pimple. This triggers inflammation, which you feel as pain and swelling. You can also see inflammation through skin discoloration like redness around a pimple.

Triggers of acne

Certain things in your environment contribute to acne or they can make an acne breakout worse, including:

• Wearing tight-fitting clothing and headgear, like hats and sports helmets.
• Air pollution and certain weather conditions, especially high humidity.
• Using oily or greasy personal care products, like heavy lotions and creams, or working in an area where you routinely come in contact with grease, such as working at a restaurant with frying oil.
• Stress, which increases the hormone cortisol.
• A side effect of a medication.
• Picking at your acne.

Foods that cause acne

Some studies link particular foods and diets to acne, like:

• Skim milk.
• Whey protein.
• Diets high in sugar.

While high-sugar diets may lead to acne outbreaks, chocolate isn’t directly linked to acne.

To reduce your risk of acne, choose to eat a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which helps reduce inflammation.

Hormones and acne

Acne is largely a hormonal condition that’s driven by androgen hormones (testosterone). This typically becomes active during teenage and young adult years. You might also notice acne forming around the time of your period as a result of hormone activity. Sensitivity to this hormone — combined with surface bacteria on your skin and substances released from your body’s glands — can result in acne.

How is acne diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can diagnose acne during a skin exam. During this exam, the provider will closely look at your skin to learn more about your symptoms. In addition, they may also ask about risk factors for acne, like:

• Are you feeling stressed?
• Do you have a family history of acne?
• If a woman or person AFAB, do you notice breakouts during your menstrual cycle?
• What medications do you currently take?

Your healthcare provider won’t need to run any diagnostic tests for acne, but they may offer tests to diagnose any underlying conditions if you have sudden, severe acne outbreaks, especially if you’re an adult.

Who treats acne?

A general healthcare provider or a dermatologist can diagnose and treat acne. If you have stubborn acne that doesn’t improve with treatment, a dermatologist can help.

How severe can acne get?

Dermatologists rank acne by severity:

• Grade 1 (mild): Mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules and pustules.
• Grade 2 (moderate or pustular acne): Multiple papules and pustules, mostly on your face.
• Grade 3 (moderately severe or nodulocystic acne): Numerous papules and pustules, along with occasionally inflamed nodules. Your back and chest may also be affected.
• Grade 4 (severe nodulocystic acne): Numerous large, painful and inflamed pustules and nodules.

How is acne treated?

There are several ways to treat acne. Each type of treatment varies based on your age, the type of acne you have and the severity. A healthcare provider might recommend taking oral medications, using topical medications or using medicated therapies to treat your skin. The goal of acne treatment is to stop new pimples from forming and to heal the existing blemishes on your skin.

Topical acne medications

Your healthcare provider may recommend using a topical acne medication to treat your skin. You can rub these medications directly onto your skin as you would a lotion or a moisturizer. These could include products that contain one of the following ingredients:

• Benzoyl peroxide: This is available as an over-the-counter product (such as Clearasil®, Stridex® and PanOxyl®) as a leave-on gel or wash. It targets surface bacteria, which often aggravates acne. Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating to your skin.
• Salicylic acid: This is available over the counter for acne as a cleanser or lotion. It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging.
• Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in various grains such as barley, wheat and rye. It kills microorganisms on the skin and reduces swelling.
• Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): Retinol, such as Retin-A®, Tazorac® and Differin®, which is available without a prescription, breaks up blackheads and whiteheads and helps prevent clogged pores, the first signs of acne. Most people are candidates for retinoid therapy. These medications aren’t spot treatments and must be used on the entire area of skin affected by acne to prevent the formation of new pimples. You often need to use these for several months before noticing positive results.
• Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin control surface bacteria that aggravate and cause acne. Antibiotics are more effective when combined with benzoyl peroxide.
• Dapsone: Dapsone (Aczone®) is a topical gel, which also has antibacterial properties. It treats inflamed acne.

Oral acne medications

Oral acne medications are pills that you take by mouth to clear your acne. Types of oral acne medications could include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics treat acne caused by bacteria. Common antibiotics for acne include tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline. These are best for moderate to severe acne.
• Isotretinoin (Amnesteem®, Claravis® and Sotret®): Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid. Isotretinoin shrinks the size of oil glands, which contributes to acne formation.
• Contraceptives: The use of certain contraceptives can sometimes help women and people AFAB who have acne. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several types of birth control pills for treating acne. Some brand names include Estrostep®, Beyaz®, Ortho Tri-Cyclen® and Yaz®. These pills contain a combination of estrogen (the primary AFAB sex hormone) and progesterone (a natural form of steroid that helps regulate menstruation).
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is helpful for some people with acne, especially if you experience acne flare-ups during menstruation or irregular periods caused by excess androgen (a hormone). Hormone therapy consists of low-dose estrogen and progesterone (birth control pills) or a medication called spironolactone that blocks the effect of certain hormones at the level of your hair follicles and oil glands.

Additional acne therapies

If topical or oral medications don’t work well for your acne or if you have scars from your acne, a healthcare provider may recommend different types of acne therapies to clear your skin, including:

• Steroids: Steroids can treat severe acne with injections into large nodules to reduce inflammation.
• Lasers: Lasers and light therapy treat acne scars. A laser delivers heat to the scarred collagen under your skin. This relies on your body’s wound-healing response to create new, healthy collagen, which encourages growth of new skin to replace it.
• Chemical peels: This treatment uses special chemicals to remove the top layer of old skin. After removal of the top layer of skin, new skin grows in smoother and can lessen acne scars.

How do antibiotics treat acne?

Antibiotics are medications that target bacteria. Some used to treat acne also can decrease inflammation. Bacteria can clog your pores and cause acne. Antibiotics are responsible for:

• Blocking bacteria from entering your body.
• Destroying bacteria.
• Preventing bacteria from multiplying.

A healthcare provider will recommend antibiotics if you have acne caused by bacteria or if you have an infection. Antibiotics get rid of an infection if bacteria gets into a popped pimple, which can swell and become painful. This medication isn’t a cure for acne and you shouldn’t take it long-term to treat acne.

How can I make my acne go away at home?

If you have acne, you can start an at-home skin care routine to help your acne go away by:

• Washing your skin at least once daily with warm (not hot) water and a gentle cleanser. Cleansers are over-the-counter skin care products that help clean your skin.
• Washing your skin after you exercise or sweat.
• Avoid using skin care products with alcohol, astringents, toners and exfoliants, which can irritate your skin.
• Removing your makeup at the end of the day or before you go to bed.
• Choosing an oil-free moisturizer to apply on your skin after cleansing.
• Avoid popping, picking or squeezing your acne. Let your skin heal naturally to prevent scars from forming on your skin.

If your at-home skin care routine isn’t effective at treating acne, visit a healthcare provider.

Is acne treatment safe for people who are pregnant?

Many topical and oral acne treatments aren’t safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, it’s important to discuss acne treatments with your healthcare provider and notify them if you become pregnant.

How long does it take for acne to go away?

On average, it can take between one to two weeks for acne pimples to clear up on their own. With medicated treatment and a good skin care routine, you can speed up your body’s healing time to make acne go away faster. For severe acne, it can take several weeks for your acne to go away, even with treatment.

How can I prevent acne?

You can’t completely prevent acne, especially during hormone changes, but you can reduce your risk of developing acne by:

• Washing your face daily with warm water and a facial cleanser.
• Using an oil-free moisturizer.
• Wearing “noncomedogenic” makeup products and removing makeup at the end of each day.
• Keeping your hands away from your face.

What can I expect if I have acne?

Acne often goes away in early adulthood, though some people will continue to experience acne throughout adulthood. Your healthcare provider or a board-certified dermatologist can help you manage this condition. Various medications and therapies are effective forms of treatment. They target the underlying factors that contribute to acne. It may take several different types of treatment before you and your healthcare provider find one that works best for your skin. The skin care products that work for you might not work for someone else with similar symptoms.

Can acne cause scars?

Yes, sometimes acne can cause scarring. This happens when the acne penetrates the top layer of your skin and damages deeper skin layers. Inflammation makes your acne pores swell and the pore walls start to breakdown, which causes skin damage. Scarring can be a source of anxiety, which is normal. Before treatment, your healthcare provider will determine what type of acne caused your scars. There are several treatment options available for acne scars.

How does acne affect my mental health?

Acne can cause disruptions in your mental health because it affects your appearance and self-esteem. Often, acne development is out of your control if hormones cause it. This can create stress, which can influence future breakouts. Acne can be challenging for teenagers and young adults. If your acne causes you to feel anxious or it prevents you from participating in social activities with your friends and family, talk to a healthcare provider or a mental health professional.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider as soon as you notice pimples so you can start treatment immediately before scarring occurs. If you’re using an acne treatment that isn’t working to clear your acne or it causes skin irritation like itchiness or skin discoloration, visit a provider.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

• What type of acne do I have?
• How severe is my acne?
• Do I need to see a dermatologist?
• What over-the-counter medications do you recommend?
• What prescription medications do you recommend?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Acne is the most common of all skin conditions and it can have an impact on your mental health and self-esteem. If you have stubborn acne, visit a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to treat your acne. Sometimes, your acne needs a little extra help to go away with a medication if at-home skin care treatments don’t work. While it may be tempting, try not to pick at your acne or pop pimples to prevent scarring. Remember that acne is temporary and will go away with the right treatment designed for your skin.

Skin diseases are conditions that affect your skin. These diseases may cause rashes, inflammation, itchiness or other skin changes. Some skin conditions may be genetic, while lifestyle factors may cause others. Skin disease treatment may include medications, creams or ointments, or lifestyle changes.

What are skin diseases?

Your skin is the large organ that covers and protects your body. Your skin has many functions. It works to:

• Hold in fluid and prevent dehydration.
• Help you feel sensations, such as temperature or pain.
• Keep out bacteria, viruses and other causes of infection.
• Stabilize your body temperature.
• Synthesize (create) vitamin D in response to sun exposure.

Skin diseases include all conditions that clog, irritate or inflame your skin. Often, skin diseases cause rashes or other changes in your skin’s appearance.

What are the most common types of skin diseases?

Some skin diseases are minor. Others cause severe symptoms. Some of the most common skin diseases include:

• Acne, blocked skin follicles that lead to oil, bacteria and dead skin buildup in your pores.
• Alopecia areata, losing your hair in small patches.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema), dry, itchy skin that leads to swelling, cracking or scaliness.
• Psoriasis, scaly skin that may swell or feel hot.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon, periodic reduced blood flow to your fingers, toes or other body parts, causing numbness or skin color change.
• Rosacea, flushed, thick skin and pimples, usually on the face.
• Skin cancer, uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells.
• Vitiligo, patches of skin that lose pigment.

What are some types of rare skin diseases?

Many rare skin diseases are genetic, meaning you inherit them. Some rare skin diseases include:

• Actinic prurigo (AP), itchy rash in response to sun exposure.
• Argyria, changes in skin color due to silver buildup in your body.
• Chromhidrosis, colored sweat.
• Epidermolysis bullosa, a connective tissue disorder that causes fragile skin that blisters and tears easily.
• Harlequin ichthyosis, thick, hard patches or plates on the skin that are present at birth.
• Lamellar ichthyosis, waxy skin layer that sheds in the first few weeks of life, revealing scaly, red skin.
• Necrobiosis lipoidica, rash on the lower legs that can develop into ulcers (sores).

What causes skin diseases?

Certain lifestyle factors can lead to the development of a skin disease. Underlying health conditions may affect your skin, too. Common causes of skin diseases include:

• Bacteria trapped in your pores or hair follicles.
• Conditions that affect your thyroid, kidneys or immune system.
• Contact with environmental triggers, such as allergens or another person’s skin.
• Genetics
• Fungus or parasites living on your skin.
• Medications, such as the ones that treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Viruses.
• Diabetes.
• Sun.

What are the symptoms of skin diseases?

Skin disease symptoms vary significantly, depending on what condition you have. Skin changes are not always due to skin diseases. For example, you may get a blister from wearing ill-fitting shoes. However, when skin changes show up with no known cause, they may be linked to an underlying condition.

Generally, skin diseases may cause:

• Discolored skin patches (abnormal pigmentation).
• Dry skin.
• Open sores, lesions or ulcers.
• Peeling skin.
• Rashes, possibly with itchiness or pain.
• Red, white or pus-filled bumps.
• Scaly or rough skin.

How is a skin disease diagnosed?

Often, a healthcare provider can diagnose a skin disease by visually examining your skin. If looking at your skin doesn’t provide clear answers, your provider may use tests such as:

• Biopsy, removing a small piece of skin to examine under a microscope.
• Culture, taking a skin sample to test for bacteria, fungus or viruses.
• Skin patch test, applying small amounts of substances to test for allergic reactions.
• Black light examination (Wood light test), using an ultraviolet (UV) light to view your skin’s pigment more clearly.
• Diascopy, pressing a microscope slide against a skin patch to see if the skin changes color.
• Dermoscopy, using a hand-held device called a dermatoscope to diagnose skin lesions.
• Tzanck test, examining the fluid from a blister to check for herpes simplex or herpes zoster.

How are skin diseases treated?

Many skin diseases respond well to treatment. Depending on the condition, a dermatologist (doctor specializing in skin) or other healthcare provider may recommend:

• Antibiotics.
• Antihistamines.
• Laser skin resurfacing.
• Medicated creams, ointments or gels.
• Moisturizers.
• Oral medications (taken by mouth).
• Steroid pills, creams or injections.
• Surgical procedures.

You may also reduce symptoms of skin conditions by making lifestyle changes:

• Avoid or limit certain foods, such as sugar or dairy, if your healthcare provider suggests it.
• Manage stress.
• Practice good hygiene, including proper skin care.
• Avoid excessive alcohol use and smoking.

Are there conditions that put me at higher risk of developing a skin disease?

Some health conditions can increase your chances of developing a skin disease. You may be more likely to experience skin changes or symptoms if you have:

• Diabetes: People with diabetes may have trouble with wound healing, particularly on their feet.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Some IBD medications can lead to skin problems such as vitiligo or eczema.
• Lupus: This chronic condition can lead to inflammation and skin problems, such as rashes, sores or scaly skin patches.

Skin changes can also be the result of pregnancy, stress or hormonal changes. For example, melasma is a common skin disease that mostly affects pregnant women. Conditions like alopecia areata, acne, Raynaud’s phenomenon or rosacea may get worse when you’re stressed.

How can I prevent skin diseases?

Some skin diseases are not preventable. For example, there is no way to change your genetics or prevent an autoimmune disorder.

You can take steps to avoid contagious or infectious skin diseases. You may prevent contagious skin diseases or reduce their symptoms if you:

• Avoid sharing utensils, personal items or cosmetics.
• Disinfect objects you use in public spaces, such as gym equipment.
• Drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious diet.
• Limit contact with irritants or harsh chemicals.
• Sleep seven to eight hours per night.
• Use sun protection to prevent sunburn and other sun damage.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

Do skin diseases usually return after treatment?

Many skin conditions are chronic (long-lasting). Treatment can reduce symptoms, but you may need to continue medication or other treatments to keep symptoms at bay.

Some skin conditions go away without treatment. You may also have periods of remission (months or years with no symptoms).

What else should I ask my doctor?

You may also want to ask your healthcare provider:

• What is the most likely cause of this skin condition?
• What lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms?
• Do I need to take medication?
• Are there any side effects of treatment?
• If I choose not to have treatment, will the condition get worse?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Skin diseases include all conditions that irritate, clog or damage your skin, as well as skin cancer. You may inherit a skin condition or develop a skin disease. Many skin diseases cause itchiness, dry skin or rashes. Often, you can manage these symptoms with medication, proper skin care and lifestyle changes. However, treatment can reduce symptoms and may even keep them at bay for months at a time. Many skin conditions never go away completely. Also, remember to check your skin for any changes, including new or non-healing spots or changes in moles. Most skin cancers can be cured if diagnosed and treated early.

A sore throat is a scratchy or burning feeling in the back of your throat. It may hurt to swallow or talk. Most sore throats happen because of a viral infection, like the common cold or flu. Sore throat symptoms typically go away in a few days.

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat is a scratchy painful feeling in the back of your throat. If you have a sore throat, it may hurt to swallow or to talk. Many things cause sore throats, from bacterial and viral infections to allergies and sleeping with your mouth open. Most sore throat symptoms go away in a few days. You should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a week, gets worse or you develop symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes.

What does a sore throat feel like?

A sore throat may start with a raspy feeling in your throat, as if your throat is dry. It may also feel like your throat is on fire. If your sore throat gets worse, you may feel a sharp pain in your throat when you swallow or talk. You may feel pain in your ears or down the side of your neck.

Is a sore throat a serious issue?

It can be. For example, a sore throat that lasts more than two weeks may be a symptom of throat cancer. A sore throat is one symptom of COVID-19. Most of the time, however, a sore throat is a symptom of less serious conditions.

What are sore throat symptoms?

Apart from throat pain, sore throat symptoms may include:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
• Runny nose.
• Cough.
• Fatigue.
• Hoarseness.

What causes sore throats?

Most sore throats happen because you have a viral infection, like the common cold or flu. Sore throats may be a symptom of the following conditions or issues:

• Bacterial infection: Strep throat and bacterial sinus infections are examples of bacterial infections that may cause sore throats.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, pets or mold can make your throat dry and scratchy. Sore throat from allergies results from postnasal drip (when mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat). The mucus irritates your throat and causes pain.
• Tonsillitis: Tonsils are the two small lumps of soft tissue at the back of your throat. They trap the germs that make you sick. Tonsillitis occurs when your tonsils become infected and inflamed. Bacteria and viruses can cause tonsillitis.
• Acid reflux: People with a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) feel burning and pain in their throat. This pain, called heartburn, happens when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus. Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach.
• Overuse or irritants: You can strain your throat by yelling or screaming. You may also develop a sore throat if you eat spicy food, smoke or drink very hot liquids.
• Mouth breathing: You may have a sore throat if you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose when you’re sleeping.

How do healthcare providers diagnose sore throat?

Healthcare providers diagnose sore throats by examining your throat, tongue and possibly your ears. They may do a strep test to rule out strep throat.

How do healthcare providers treat sore throat?

Treatment depends on what caused your sore throat. For example, if your throat is sore because you have a cold, a healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medication to ease your cold symptoms and for your sore throat. If you have strep throat, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. Other treatments for specific causes may include:

• Over-the-counter antihistamine medication: Postnasal drip from allergies may cause sore throats. Antihistamines may dry postnasal drip.
• Over-the-counter antacids: Antacids may help with acid reflux that causes heartburn and sore throats. Other steps, like avoiding big meals right before bedtime, may help.

What can I do for my sore throat?

Sucking on throat lozenges or hard candies may ease sore throat symptoms. Other suggestions include:

• Drink warm liquids: Drinking tea with lemon and honey, broth or bouillon may help dry, scratchy throats.
• Apply ice: Sucking on ice chips or popsicles may help sore throat pain.
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer: Adding moisture to your environment, especially your bedroom when you’re sleeping, helps dry throats.
• Rest: If your throat is sore from shouting, screaming, singing or even talking a lot, resting your voice may help.
• Even more rest: Try to get as much rest as you can, including eight hours of sleep at night.
• Avoid irritants: Second-hand smoke, smoking, spicy foods and very hot liquids may irritate your sore throat. If you smoke, please try giving up cigarettes or cigars for a few days.

What can I do to make a sore throat go away quickly?

First, find out why you have a sore throat. If a healthcare provider finds a cold or flu is the culprit, ask for recommendations for getting better as quickly as possible.

How do I prevent developing a sore throat?

Viral infections like colds and flu often cause sore throats. You can reduce your sore throat by protecting yourself against colds and flu. Some ways to do that include:

• Washing your hands often, using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoiding people who are sneezing and coughing.
• If you do spend time with people who are sneezing and coughing, avoiding sharing food, drink or utensils.
• Being vaccinated against the flu.

What can I expect if I have a sore throat?

Most of the time, a sore throat isn’t a serious medical issue. Most sore throats go away within a few days. You should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a few days or if you have a sore throat and the following issues:

• Severe throat pain.
• Trouble breathing or swallowing.
• A fever, especially if it’s over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
• A visible bulge in the back of your throat.
• Blood in your saliva or phlegm.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Rash anywhere on your body.

How do I take care of myself?

Most sore throats happen because you have a viral or bacterial infection. Taking care of the infection will help your sore throat. You can ease sore throat symptoms by:

• Drinking a lot of fluid.
• Getting as much rest as possible.
• Using humidifiers or vaporizers.
• Avoiding irritants like second-hand smoke.
• Resting your voice.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Maybe your sore throat started with a tickle in the back of your throat. Now that tickle is a pain — literally — and it hurts a lot when you swallow or talk. Most sore throats happen because you have a viral infection that will run its course in a week or so. But you may need antibiotics if your sore throat stems from a bacterial infection. Fortunately, there are many home remedies to ease sore throat pain. There are instances, however, when a sore throat may be a symptom of serious medical issue. If you have a sore throat that lasts for more than two weeks, talk to a healthcare provider.