Articles

Lentigo is a benign skin growth that resembles a freckle. It is usually a tan or brown spot that is flat or slightly raised. It can vary in size and shape and can occur as a singular lesion or as multiple lesions (lentigines). Lentigines have been classified into several types depending on their characteristics,

Lice are tiny insects that live on human hair and clothing fibers and can be seen with the naked eye. These tiny bugs attach to the hair and feed on human blood, causing intense itching in the affected areas. People can suffer from 3 different types of infestation: head lice (pediculosis capitis), body

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (such as the mouth and genital region). On the skin, it presents as small, pink to purple, itchy, flat-topped papules. Though the rash can appear anywhere (including on the genital skin), favored sites

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition most commonly affects the genital skin. The affected areas become thin, white, crinkled, irritated, and/or intensely itchy. Blisters and sores can also form. Left untreated, the condition can lead to scarring and increase an individual’s risk for skin cancer,

Lichen simplex chronicus is a condition where repeated scratching or rubbing of a site creates a localized, itchy, thickened, leathery patch of skin. Lichen simplex chronicus can present as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions—usually in areas that are easy to reach. The most commonly involved

Lipomas are common fatty tumors that present as soft or rubbery lumps or bumps underneath the skin that are easily moved. They can occur as a solitary lesion or multiple lesions (often occurring in families). Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body where fat tissue is present, but are most common on the

Lupus is a group of autoimmune diseases where the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue leading to inflammation and damage in the affected organs. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood cells. Types of lupus include: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)This

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick (commonly the deer tick). Early symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer originating from the pigment producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. Though not as common as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is more deadly because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas can have various appearances.

Melasma is a common skin condition where affected individuals develop splotchy, irregularly shaped, brown patches on the face. Common areas of involvement include the forehead, cheeks, nose, jawline, chin, and upper lip. It typically affects women between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common in

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but very aggressive form of skin cancer. It commonly presents as a rapidly growing nodule or bump on a sun-exposed site such as the face, head, or neck. Merkel cell carcinomas can range in color from flesh colored to red, purple, or blue. This type of aggressive skin cancer

A mole, also known as a nevus (plural: nevi), is a very common skin growth. Moles develop as a result of clusters of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin. Although a mole can be present at birth (called a congenital nevus), most nevi appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have

Molluscum, or molluscum contagiosum, is a common viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). This benign condition typically presents with pink, round bumps with a central indentation. The number of bumps can range in number (few to hundreds) and in size (1-6mm). The bumps can

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a rare condition that causes scar-like changes to the skin. Morphea commonly presents as oval lesions on the trunk (chest, abdomen, and/or back). It can also present as a linear stripe on the arms, legs, and even the forehead or scalp. In its initial inflammatory

A neurofibroma is a benign, non-cancerous, nerve tumor that presents as a soft, flesh colored, bump on or under the skin. It can occur in isolation as a non-worrisome skin growth or rarely, when numerous lesions are present, as an association with a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis. Most