Skin and hair health Archive

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

Nonmelanoma skin cancers are unlikely to be life-threatening, but they can cause disfiguration and other problems. The cancers should be removed.

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.

Eczema flare-ups often trace back to everyday products and habits. See which irritants to skip and how simple swaps may help calm itchy skin.

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.

A 2025 study suggested that people with certain chronic conditions were more likely to experience side effects after cosmetic injections with botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin).

People's lips may appear thinner with age due to several factors, including lower production of collagen and elastin, proteins that provide plumpness to skin. Genes also play a role, as do habits such as smoking and excessive sun exposure.

About half of Americans have herpes simplex virus type 1, which causes cold sores that can recur periodically. The virus can't be eliminated, but topical and oral treatments can help. In addition, people can avoid cold sore triggers such as stress or fatigue.