dermatology

New research finds that a common microbe may be directly causing itchiness on the skin it colonizes.

What can trigger an itch? Scientists have found a new culprit

11:09am November 22, 2023

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

This itchy microbe really touches a nerve. A common skin bacterium can directly interact with a nerve cell to trigger an itch, new study shows, suggesting possible new therapies for itchy conditions.

This photomicrograph depicts Leishmania donovani parasites contained within a canine bone marrow cell. One of the more dangerous of 20 different species of Leishmania, L. donovani is endemic to parts of India, Africa, and South-West Asia.

Flesh-Eating Parasites May Be Expanding Their Range As Climate Heats Up

5:00am June 25, 2021

by Agostino Petroni

Scientists caution that as the planet warms, more Americans could be exposed to disfiguring varieties of the Leishmania parasite. Overtreatment can be a problem, too, experts warn.

Google "rash" online, and you'll mostly turn up photos of inflamed bumps on white skin. That's not so helpful for people of color, says a mom who's pushing for more realistic diversity in images.

Health & Safety

Diagnostic Gaps: Skin Comes In Many Shades And So Do Rashes

12:10pm November 04, 2019

by Deena Prichep

Google "rash" online, and you'll mostly turn up photos of inflamed bumps on white skin. That's not so helpful for people of color, says a mom who's pushing for a more realistic diversity of images.

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Janet Winston stands in her rose garden in Eureka, Calif. Testing revealed she is allergic to numerous substances, including linalool. Winston still can handle roses, which contain linalool, but she can't wear perfumes and cosmetic products that contain t

Health & Safety

Bill Of The Month: A $48,329 Allergy Test Is A Lot Of Scratch

10:54am October 29, 2018

by Barbara Feder Ostrov

A California college professor never imagined that trying to figure out what was causing her rash could wind up costing so much.

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The bill for a toenail fungus remedy came as big surprise.

Health & Safety

Financial Side Effects From A Prescription For Toenail Fungus

5:06pm March 16, 2018

by Shefali Luthra

A prescription for a drug called Kerydin depleted one woman's health reimbursement account without her even knowing it. When should health care providers broach costs with patients?

Some creams sold for skin lightening can contain high levels of steroids.

Health & Safety

Imported Skin Creams Can Pose Unexpected Risks

4:25pm November 02, 2017

by Greta Jochem

Doctors were surprised to find a patient using a powerful steroid cream bought without a prescription at an African store in Washington, D.C. It was also easy to buy online.

A recent test by dermatologists found that 83 percent of the top-selling moisturizers that are labeled "hypoallergenic"contained a potentially allergenic chemical.

'Hypoallergenic' And 'Fragrance-Free' Moisturizer Claims Are Often False

1:01pm October 02, 2017

by Patti Neighmond

People with skin conditions like eczema need moisturizers to treat their dry, cracked and reddened skin. But research suggests many moisturizers are mislabeled and can make the skin conditions worse.

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Problems with hair care products are among the most common in the FDA's database.

Here's Looking Achoo! Debunking The Sneeze

6:16pm August 24, 2016

by Laurel Dalrymple

Let's look deeper into your nose and all of its mysteries, shall we? Are you a snatiator? And does tweezing your eyebrows really make you sneeze?

You might be able to get fungus-free toenails, but it could cost you.

It's Costing A Lot Of Money To Make Those Toenails Fungus-Free

5:02pm December 23, 2015

by Angus Chen

The health care system could save millions of dollars on treating toenail fungus by cutting out one test, researchers say. But that means that some people might take medication they didn't need.