Skin and hair health Archive

Poison ivy rash is a red, blistering, itchy skin reaction caused by contact with the oily resin of the poison ivy plant. Quickly washing any exposed skin and contaminated clothing, tools, pets, or gear may help reduce the risk of a reaction. For a mild rash, home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help soothe symptoms; stronger prescription drugs can help heal more severe cases.

Misconceptions about poison ivy are common - from when you can get it to how you might get it, and the best ways to treat it. Knowing the facts can help you avoid it, or treat it properly if you are exposed to it.

Severe protein malnutrition can trigger hair shedding, but most thinning of hair stems from genes, hormones, illness, or medications rather than daily protein intake.

Small bald spots can result from stress, but not always. Patchy loss can reflect hereditary patterns, alopecia areata, fungal infection, or scalp disease.

These small, firm skin bumps are usually benign and often appear on the legs. Learn why they form, how they’re removed, and sun‑safety basics to help prevent another one.

Years of relentless itching and thickened skin may reflect an itch‑scratch cycle. Creams alone may fall short and broader treatment may be needed.

Treatment for hair loss depends on the type of hair loss a person is experiencing. Sudden hair loss often gets better on its own once an underlying condition is treated. Gradual hair thinning caused by aging or genetics may stop or start to reverse with topical medications, oral medications, supplements, laser light treatments, or injections of platelet-rich plasma. And for any of these approaches, the key is starting them as soon as hair loss is detected. Once hair follicles stop working, the only option to restore hair is hair transplant surgery.

Painful, itchy bumps that appear on the chest or back with sweating may signal a heat-related skin reaction that often improves with simple care.

Two drugs-minoxidil (Rogaine, sold over the counter as a foam or liquid to be applied to the scalp) and finasteride (Propecia, a prescription pill)-are approved for treating male-pattern baldness. Several promising new drug options are in the pipeline.