What Does Ringworm Look Like? And Other Ringworm Answers
A red, itchy rash isn’t just uncomfortable — in some cases, it’s mystifying. For instance, ringworm is one possible cause, but what does ringworm look like? Does it always cause a red circle rash? How can you tell this fungal skin infection apart from common skin rashes, including rashes that look like ringworm but aren’t?
Read on to learn about ringworm symptoms and how the rash is treated.
What are the symptoms of ringworm?
The symptoms evolve during different stages of ringworm. In early-stage ringworm, you’ll see a round, flat, irritated patch of skin. It may be reddish in people with light skin and brown-gray in people with darker skin. Sometimes the patch may simply be very dry or scaly. It typically shows up four to 14 days after you come in contact with the ringworm fungus and can appear on almost any area of the skin.
The patch enlarges during the second stage of the infection. This is when you’ll see the telltale red circle rash. The skin at the center of the patch may look relatively normal, but the skin surrounding it is raised, discolored and scaly.
You may notice other symptoms depending on what body part is affected.
- Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis): Itchy dry and scaly patches, inflamed red patches, bald spots.
- Ringworm on the face and neck (tinea barbae): May be crusted over or contain pus.
- Ringworm on the rectum, groin or inner thighs (tinea cruris or “jock itch”): Itching and, in some cases, blisters.
- Ringworm on the hands (tinea manuum): Dry, cracked palms.
- Ringworm on fingernails and toenails (onychomycosis and tinea unguium): Thick, discolored and deformed nails.
- Ringworm on feet (tinea pedis or athlete’s foot): Starts between the toes and causes stinging, burning, blistering and peeling skin.
Rashes that look like ringworm but aren’t
If you’re not sure if your rash is ringworm, it’s important to see your dermatologist to rule out other skin conditions that cause similar symptoms. These include:
- Lyme disease
- Psoriasis
- Nummular eczema
- Granuloma annulare, an inflammatory condition with no known cause
- Pityriasis rosea, which is thought to be caused by a viral infection
How do you get ringworm?
The ringworm fungus commonly lives on the surface of the skin. If exposed to warm, humid, dark conditions, it can multiply and turn into an infection.
A ringworm infection spreads easily from person to person via skin-to-skin contact and by sharing clothing, bedding or towels with someone who’s infected. Touching ringworm fungus lurking in showers or locker rooms can infect you.
You can get ringworm from a dog or cat if it has ringworm. Rarely, ringworm can be spread through prolonged contact with soil that contains the fungus.
Factors that make you more vulnerable to ringworm include playing high-contact sports, sweating excessively and working with animals who may have the infection. You’re also more likely to get ringworm if you have nail or skin injuries, diabetes, obesity or a compromised immune system.
Does ringworm go away on its own?
It’s unlikely the rash will vanish without treatment, so don’t ignore it. A mild case of ringworm might go away on its own if you scrupulously follow self-care measures, such as keeping the area clean and dry, but you might spread it to other body parts while you wait for it to heal.
How to treat ringworm
Ringworm can typically be treated by applying an over-the-counter topical antifungal product such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin) for two to four weeks. See your dermatologist if you don’t see improvement or the rash has gotten worse. More serious ringworm infections may need a prescription antifungal and can take up to two months to heal.
If treatment doesn’t work, it could mean that the fungus is resistant to the antifungal medicine you used, whether it was over-the-counter or prescription. If that’s the case, you may need a stronger or newer antifungal cream.
The toughest ringworm cases may require an oral antifungal medicine. The doctor will perform a biopsy first to confirm that you have a fungal infection.
Ringworm on the scalp won’t go away on its own and requires treatment with oral medication.
During treatment, take steps to prevent the ringworm rash from spreading. Even after the rash is gone, reduce your chance of getting infected again with these tips:
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Don’t walk barefoot in public showers and locker rooms.
- Change your underwear and socks at least once a day.
- Don’t share clothing, linens or personal items.
- Clip your nails short and keep them clean.
- If you play a high-contact sport, shower immediately afterward and wash/clean your clothing and sports gear.
- Use disinfectant sprays or bleach to clean surfaces that might harbor the ringworm fungus, such as the shower, doorknobs and bathroom countertops.
- Take your pet to the vet if it has signs of ringworm.
Ringworm stages of healing
Ringworm can take at least two weeks to heal. The rash will gradually fade and the skin will become smooth. If you stop using the antifungal treatment before the rash is gone, the infection might return and be harder to treat, so be sure to follow the treatment instructions.
If the rash is warm to the touch, contains pus or leaks fluid, it’s likely infected. See your doctor right away.
Once the rash is gone, you may have post-inflammatory skin discoloration that remains for months. The skin could be lighter, darker or redder than the surrounding skin. Through the natural process of exfoliation, it will eventually return to its normal color.
Ringworm pictures
See the photos below for examples of what ringworm looks like. Keep in mind that ringworm looks different at different stages, on different parts of the body and in different people.
Medically reviewed by Daniel Gutierrez, PA-C
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
Botox for Sweating: Your Questions Answered
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Wong, DO
Everyone sweats, but sweating beyond normal amounts, known as hyperhidrosis, can be stressful and embarrassing. If it seems like no amount of antiperspirant can keep your armpits dry, or you have a sweaty face or head even when it’s not that hot out and you’re not exercising, you’re probably wondering how to stop excessive sweating. Botox is a hyperhidrosis treatment to consider.
Yes, the popular wrinkle treatment can reduce excessive armpit sweating and even sweating from other parts of the body. If you’re curious about Botox for sweating, read on for answers to common questions doctors hear from patients who are interested in the procedure.
How does Botox for hyperhidrosis work?
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections reduce sweating by paralyzing the nerves that activate your sweat glands.
When your body temperature rises, the nervous system tells the glands to release sweat, which cools you down. It’s a healthy and necessary process, but in people with hyperhidrosis, these nerves are overactive, causing sweating that soaks parts of the body.
Why do my armpits sweat so much?
The cause of excessive sweating depends on the type of hyperhidrosis you have. Primary hyperhidrosis, which starts in childhood and gets worse in the teen years, is genetic. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be caused by certain diseases (including diabetes, neurologic syndromes, gout and alcoholism), certain medications (including some antidepressants, corticosteroids and opioid pain relievers) and menopause.
What other sweaty parts of the body can be treated with Botox?
While the underarms are a popular target — and the only area for which Botox is FDA-approved to treat hyperhidrosis — you can get Botox for sweaty hands, Botox for face sweating and Botox for excessive sweating of the feet, the head and the underside of the breasts.
How effective is Botox for sweating?
For excessive armpit sweating, Botox is highly effective. One study showed a nearly 90% decrease in sweat two weeks after treatment in people with primary hyperhidrosis, and a decrease of about 65% at 24 weeks.
Studies evaluating how well Botox works on other body parts are limited, but one investigation found a 90% decrease in sweating of the palms (primary palmar hyperhidrosis). In a study in teens with excessively sweaty feet (juvenile plantar hyperhidrosis), 73% of participants said they were pleased with the results.
What to expect when getting Botox for sweating
Botox treatment is quick. Injecting the underarms, for example, can be performed in as little as 10 minutes. It doesn’t take long to see results, either. Most people notice a difference in excessive sweating four to five days after treatment, and the full effects are seen in about two weeks.
Though many Botox injections are required in a session—about 25 injections in each armpit, for example—the needles used are tiny. Some people don’t feel them. Others experience a mild rubber-band-snap sensation. You may feel more discomfort if you have Botox injections in your palms or the soles of your feet.
Are there safety concerns?
Botox for excessive sweating is considered generally safe when the injections are given by a licensed healthcare professional. Side effects may include pain or bruising at the injection site, skin irritation, bleeding, headache and flu symptoms. Botox injections in the face can potentially cause eye dryness and temporary eyelid drooping or facial paralysis.
Very rarely, Botox can cause trouble breathing or seeing, loss of bladder control or muscle weakness throughout the body. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any serious side effects.
How long does Botox for hyperhidrosis last?
The effects typically last at least four to six months and sometimes up to a year, gradually decreasing over time. When excessive sweating returns, you can go back to your dermatologist for another round of treatment.
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
Leprosy Symptoms to Watch For
Medically reviewed by Ted Schiff, MD
You probably never thought you’d have to be on the lookout for leprosy symptoms in the 21st century. But this ancient disease never went away completely, and over the past decade, cases have doubled in the southeastern states. Leprosy in Florida — especially Central Florida — is making headlines. Given the media coverage, you may be wondering, “What does leprosy look like?” and “What causes leprosy?”
Leprosy is still very rare in the U.S., including in Florida, and 95% of people are immune to it, so there’s no cause for alarm. Still, understanding what causes leprosy and how it spreads can help put your mind at ease.
What is leprosy?
Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can attack the skin, nerves, eyes and lining of the nose. The bacteria grow very slowly, and leprosy symptoms may not develop for up to 20 years after a person is exposed. The delay in the onset of symptoms can make the disease hard to diagnose.
Long before the days of antibiotics, leprosy used to inspire panic and fear. People who had it became disfigured and were shunned by society. Today, the condition is treatable.
What does leprosy look like?
Leprosy symptoms vary from person to person and look very different in the early stages vs. the late stages. Symptoms don’t appear for at least a year following infection, and most people don’t see the signs until five to seven years have passed.
The most common early leprosy symptoms are patches of skin that are either lighter than the surrounding skin or reddish. They may be numb.
Other leprosy symptoms
Nerve damage can cause weakness or paralysis of the muscles, especially in the hands and feet. If leprosy affects the lining of the nose, it can cause a stuffy nose and nosebleeds.
Additional leprosy symptoms include:
- Thick, stiff or dry skin
- Painless ulcers on the soles of the feet
- Painless swelling or lumps on the face or earlobes
- Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
- >Enlarged nerves that bulge under the skin, often on the sides of the neck and around the elbows and knees
- Eye problems
If leprosy isn’t treated, it can eventually lead to blindness or disfigurement of the hands, feet or face.
Is leprosy contagious?
Leprosy is contagious, but it’s much harder to catch than previously thought. You’d have to spend extended periods of time — think months, not days — in close contact with someone who has untreated leprosy to be infected. Shaking hands or talking with someone who has it won’t make you sick. And remember: If you’re among the 95% of people who are immune to the bacteria that causes leprosy, you can’t catch it.
How do you get leprosy?
People who aren’t immune to leprosy can catch it through prolonged close contact with someone who has it and isn’t being treated. They can also contract it by handling a species of armadillo found in the Southern U.S. and Mexico, some of which carry Mycobacterium leprae.
How do armadillos spread leprosy to humans? The bacteria can be passed from animal to human through touching the armadillo. Working with soil in places where infected armadillos are found can also transmit the bacteria.
Is there a cure for leprosy?
If it’s caught early, leprosy can be cured with a combination of two or three antibiotics. It typically takes six months to two years of treatment to kill the bacteria. If you have any symptoms of leprosy, chances are it’s something else entirely—but see a doctor promptly to be sure.
Leprosy pictures
These photos show what leprosy can look like in the early stages.
Credit: Shutterstock
Credit: Shutterstock
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
How to Exfoliate Your Skin and When
Medically reviewed by Keria Tia Bean, APRN
Exfoliation can turn dry, dull skin into softer, smoother skin. But how to exfoliate your skin? And how often to exfoliate? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best way to exfoliate your face or body and the best exfoliating products to use depend on your skin type and the condition of your skin.
Benefits of skin exfoliation
Normally, dead skin cells are shed every 30 days as part of the skin’s natural turnover cycle, but sometimes dead cells refuse to budge, making the skin dry, rough and dull. They can also clog your pores, contributing to acne or hard, tiny cysts called milia.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which can make it feel smoother and look brighter and clearer. It also helps skincare products like moisturizer penetrate the skin more easily, making them more effective.
How to exfoliate: Chemical vs. manual exfoliation
There are two ways to exfoliate your skin at home: chemical exfoliation and mechanical (physical) exfoliation.
Chemical exfoliation products contain enzymes and/or acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), that loosen or dissolve dead skin cells so they slip off readily. They are sold in many forms, including exfoliating face washes, exfoliating body washes, peels, masks, serums and pads.
Mechanical exfoliation removes the dead cells through friction. Exfoliating body scrubs, exfoliating sponges, loofahs, exfoliating gloves, exfoliating brushes and washcloths act as mechanical exfoliants.
If you use an exfoliating scrub, apply only a small amount using small, light, circular motions. If you opt for an exfoliating tool such as a sponge or brush, use short, gentle strokes. Scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin, and you may create tiny tears that leave you vulnerable to infection.
Skin exfoliation guide by skin type
Your skin type will point you in the direction of either chemical exfoliation or mechanical exfoliation. It also dictates how often to exfoliate.
In general, people with oily skin may want to exfoliate more often than people with dry or sensitive skin. But here’s an important caveat no matter your skin type: Start slow. If you’re new to exfoliating, try exfoliating once a week and, if you need to exfoliate more often, work your way up to it. And recognize that your skin’s exfoliation needs may change with the seasons.
The best time to exfoliate is at night, after you’ve removed your makeup. Exfoliating in the morning will temporarily make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
For oily skin
How to exfoliate: Either mechanical exfoliation or chemical exfoliation with a product that contains salicylic acid will work for your skin. Salicylic acid is a type of BHA that’s particularly effective at removing excess oil and debris along with dead cells.
How often to exfoliate: Two to three times a week.
For acne-prone skin
How to exfoliate: Chemical exfoliation with beta-hydroxy acids is your best bet. Mechanical exfoliation can be too irritating for blemishes.
How often to exfoliate: Exfoliating two to three times a week may be appropriate, but it may be too much if you use retinols, retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Ask your dermatologist for advice.
For normal skin
How to exfoliate: Both chemical and mechanical exfoliation are effective for normal skin, so the choice is yours.
How often to exfoliate: Two to three times a week.
For combination skin
How to exfoliate: Alternate between chemical and mechanical exfoliation (don’t use both on the same day).
How often to exfoliate: Twice a week.
For dry, sensitive skin
How to exfoliate: Chemical exfoliation is best for dry, sensitive skin. A product that contains lactic acid, one of the mildest forms of AHAs, is ideal for dry skin and skin that’s easily irritated. Bonus: Lactic acid attracts moisture to help keep your skin hydrated.
How often to exfoliate: Up to once or twice a week.
When not to exfoliate
Not everyone will benefit from exfoliation. You may end up with irritated, inflamed skin if you exfoliate too often or if you:
- Use a product that makes your skin more sensitive and prone to peeling. These products include benzoyl peroxide, over-the-counter retinols and prescription retinoids. Exfoliating if you use one of them could worsen flakiness and lead to acne breakouts.
- Have sunburned or damaged skin. Have a sunburn, rash or cuts? Don’t exfoliate until your skin heals.
- Have a skin condition such as rosacea. If you have rosacea, exfoliating may worsen redness and irritation.
Professional skin exfoliation options
For deeper exfoliation customized to your skin type, see your skin care provider.
Exfoliating facials can remove dead skin skills and brighten dull skin. A more powerful, medical-grade treatment appropriate for all skin types is HydraFacial MD. This multi-step resurfacing procedure includes mechanical exfoliation, a chemical peel, extractions and an infusion of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to plump, hydrate and protect skin. It’s perfect for smoothing and brightening as well as for reducing the appearance of fine lines, brown spots and acne scars.
Schedule an appointment today at one of our Florida offices.
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
Medically reviewed by Keria Tia Bean, APRN
Chlorine Rash: What Causes It and How to Treat It
Medically reviewed by Haley Andress, PA-C
Chlorinated pools do a good job of drying out your skin because chlorine strips away its natural oils. But if you develop a rash after swimming in a pool, you may be dealing with more than dry skin: It’s possible you have a chlorine rash. Any pool rash can take away a lot of the fun of going swimming, but there are ways to treat a chlorine rash and lower the risk of getting another one the next time you jump in.
Can You Be Allergic to Chlorine?
A chlorine rash may look a lot like an allergic skin reaction, but there’s no such thing as a chlorine allergy. Rather, a chlorine rash is a type of irritant contact dermatitis—skin irritation caused by contact with a substance your skin is sensitive to.
Disinfectants such as chlorine are common triggers of irritant contact dermatitis. If you already have another form of dermatitis, such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, chlorine exposure can aggravate it.
In people who are frequently exposed to chlorine, it may play an indirect role in the development of respiratory allergies, such as asthma, by irritating the respiratory tract and making it more sensitive..
What Does a Chlorine Rash Look Like?
A reaction to chlorine can cause redness, inflammation and bumps or patch-like lesions. The skin may be dry, scaly or crusty. Unfortunately, the rash doesn’t feel much better than it looks: Itching can be severe, and the skin may be tender. Symptoms usually develop a few hours after a swim in a chlorinated pool or a soak in a hot tub.
A chlorine rash is sometimes confused with swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis), but swimmer’s itch is caused by tiny parasites found in freshwater and saltwater. Unless a pool is poorly maintained or the level of chlorine is too low, it’s unlikely you’ll run into any parasites.
Who Gets Chlorine Rashes?
Anyone can be hypersensitive to chlorine, but it’s more likely to be an issue for people who spend a great deal of time in chlorinated pools, such as lifeguards and professional swimmers, or who work with chlorine. The risk is higher if you swim in heavily chlorinated pools, but even pools treated with lower levels of chlorine can cause a rash. That’s because chlorine creates an even harsher chemical called chloramine when it mixes with sweat or urine that may be in the pool or on your body.
You’re more vulnerable to chlorine rashes if you have a condition such as psoriasis or eczema that weakens the skin barrier. This outermost layer of skin normally protects against irritants and invaders. When it’s not functioning properly, it gives chlorine easy entry into the more delicate layers of skin beneath. (Using a barrier cream can help restore its function.)
Chlorine Rash Treatment
You can usually treat chlorine rash symptoms at home with over-the-counter creams. You will have to avoid chlorinated pools and hot tubs until the rash heals, but in most cases, it takes only a few days for symptoms to disappear. Do your best to avoid scratching the rash, which can make it painful and could result in scarring.
To get relief, dermatologists recommend using one or more of these:
- CeraVe Itch Relieving Moisturizing Cream. Both a moisturizer and an itch-stopper, this cream contains 1% pramoxine hydrochloride for long-lasting relief of itching.
- Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream. This cream contains 1% diphenhydramine hydrochloride, a topical painkiller that relieves itching. Oral Benadryl can help if you develop hives.
- Hydrocortisone cream. These creams soothe redness, itching and inflammation. Don’t use one for more than a week or on your face unless your doctor advises you to.
- A thick, fragrance-free body cream. Thick creams, such as Eucerin Original Healing Cream and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, relieve dryness by locking moisture into the skin.
See a dermatologist if your symptoms are severe, are getting worse or persist despite at-home treatment. The doctor may prescribe a stronger steroid cream.
Ways To Prevent Chlorine Rash
When you’re ready to get back in the pool, you can take some steps to avoid a chlorine rash or at least get a milder one.
Shower first to wash away any sweat and oil so it doesn’t interact with chlorine and form chloramine. Next, slather on petroleum jelly or a pre-swim lotion or chlorine rash cream to help reduce chlorine absorption. After your swim, shower immediately and use a body wash designed to remove chlorine, such as TRIHARD After Swim Body Wash. Apply a moisturizing cream, then change into loose, dry clothes.
Chlorine rashes caused by chlorine sensitivity are itchy and unpleasant. If the preventive steps above don’t help enough, consider switching to a saltwater pool (they require less chlorine) or even the ocean.
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like and How Should You Treat Them?
Does pulling back the sheets of a hotel room bed give you pause and make you wonder, “What do bed bugs look like?” Have you woken up with clusters of small red bumps and asked yourself, “What do bed bug bites look like?”
Bed bug bites are usually more annoying than dangerous, but finding bed bugs — or even thinking about being bitten by them in the night — can give you a serious case of the creeps, not to mention insomnia. Read on to learn the answers to the most common questions people have about bed bugs and bed bug bites, plus what to do if these insects infest your home.
Can You See Bed Bugs?
You can sometimes spot adult bed bugs, but they hide during the day, and they are small enough — about the size of an apple seed — that you may not notice them unless you look carefully.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are small, flat, brown and oval shaped. They have six legs and two antennae. If they’ve fed recently, they will be longer, less flat and reddish-brown. They can’t jump or fly, but they can crawl fast.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
Everyone reacts differently to bed bug bites. Some people show hardly any signs they’ve been bitten, but 70% develop raised bumps (welts) that are red in lighter skin tones and purple in darker skin tones. You may see a darker spot in the center where the bed bug pierced your skin. Welts often appear in clusters of three to five and follow in a zigzag pattern.
It's easy to confuse bed bug bites with mosquito bites or chigger bites, so see your Water's Edge dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
How Big are Bed Bug Bites?
Bed bug bites may be small, ranging from 2 mm to 4 mm, or larger depending on how sensitive you are to the bites and the amount of inflammation that occurs around the center. Some bed bug bites develop into itchy, fluid-filled bumps (weals) that may be 2 inches in diameter or larger.
Bed Bug Bites Photos
Here are examples of what bed bug bites can look like.
Do Bed Bug Bites Itch?
Severe itching is a common symptom of bed bugs bites, but it may not occur right away the first time you’re bitten. It usually takes a few days or even up to two weeks for the body to develop a reaction to the bites. As the infestation persists and the bugs continue to bite you, your skin becomes more sensitive to the bites and symptoms may appear in a matter of seconds.
Where Do Bed Bugs Bite?
Bed bugs usually bite areas of skin that are exposed when you sleep. Common sites include the arms, hands, face and neck, but more areas may be affected if you wear skimpy pajamas or sleep naked.
Can Bed Bugs Bite Through Clothes?
Bed bugs can’t bite through fabric. However, you may find bites on covered areas of skin if your pajamas are loose enough for the bugs to crawl under them.
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
Can bed bug bites make you sick? The answer in most cases is no, though if you scratch the bites excessively, you can damage the skin and make yourself vulnerable to a skin infection.
Uncommonly, bed bug bites can cause a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical care right away if you have signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction to them. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these include:
- Blisters, especially large ones
- Difficulty breathing
- A fever
- A swollen tongue
- An irregular or forceful heartbeat
How To Check For Bed Bugs
To find bed bugs, try this at night: Turn off the lights, wait several minutes, the shine a flashlight in places they like to hide, including:
- Your mattress and box spring, particularly near piping, tags, seams and buttons
- Cracks in your bed frame and headboard
If the infestation is heavy, the bugs may lurk in other places, including:
- Under wallpaper and wall hangings
- In the folds of curtains
- In chairs or couches, including under or between cushions
- Where the wall and ceiling meet
- In drawer joints
- Under carpet edges
- Behind electrical outlet covers
Since bed bugs can be hard to spot, the best way to check for them is to look for the signs they leave on bedding. Watch for reddish and rust-colored stains, which could be the remains of crushed bed bugs, and dark spots slightly larger than a period, which could be bed bug feces. If you use a magnifying glass, you may also see very tiny bed bug eggs, eggshells or the pale-yellow skins shed by baby bed bugs.
Even the scent of the room may suggest you have a severe bed bug infestation. The bugs communicate with each other by producing chemicals that have a musty, sweet odor.
How To Treat Bed Bug Bites
In most cases you can treat bed bug bites at home simply by cleaning them with soap and water to help prevent infection and applying a cream or lotion with 1% hydrocortisone, calamine lotion or a thin paste of baking soda and water. Cool compresses can also help with the itching.
If you have many bites, a skin infection, an allergic skin reaction to the bites (swollen skin or hives) or blisters, see a Water's Edge dermatologist. You may need to be treated with:
- Prescription antihistamines or corticosteroids to control itching
- Injectable medication such as an antihistamine, corticosteroid or epinephrine if you have a severe allergic reaction
- An antiseptic medication if you have a mild infection
- Antibiotics for a more severe infection
How To Prevent Bed Bug Bites While Sleeping
Your best bet is to contact an exterminator, since it’s nearly impossible to completely rid your home of bed bugs without professional help. Meanwhile, you can take these steps to avoid being bitten at night:
- Wear pajamas with pants, long sleeves and snug-fitting ankles and wrists.
- Vacuum your bed, floors, molding and other potentially infested areas and use an attachment to reach crevices. Discard the vacuum bag when you’re done. Another option is to use a handheld steam cleaner to kill the bugs with heat.
- Place a bed bug interceptor (a special plastic dish sold online) under each bedpost to trap bugs that try to climb into the bed from the floor.
- Buy a covering for your mattress and box spring that zips.
- Regularly wash your bedding. Use hot water and dry it on the highest temperature.
How Long Do Bed Bug Bites Last?
It usually takes one to two weeks for bug bites to heal. While they’re healing, do your best not to scratch. Not only does a hands-off approach lower the risk of infection, it can help you avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if you have dark skin.
Medically reviewed by Daniel Gutierrez, PA-C
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
Is It Bad to Pop Pimples? (And How Else to Get Rid of Acne)
Medical review by Tia Bean, MSN, APRN
Pimple popping is having its day. In fact, it’s become a spectator sport. Videos featuring close-ups of whiteheads erupting like Lilliputian volcanoes under pressure from an extractor tool or (sometimes ungloved) fingers get millions of views on YouTube and TikTok. Blackhead popping and cyst popping videos draw plenty of eyeballs, too. But is it bad to pop pimples?
When asked, “Should you pop pimples?”, most dermatologists firmly say no. You might think it will help the pimple heal faster, but the experts note that pimple popping at home probably won’t help and may hurt.
5 perils of popping pimples
DIY pimple popping is a bad idea for at least five reasons:
- Pressing on and squeezing an acne blemish can push the oil, dirt and bacteria that’s clogging the pore deeper into your skin and make your acne worse. If the crud gets deep enough, nodules or painful cysts can form. Cystic acne is especially hard to treat and likely to lead to scars.
- Dirt, bacteria and oils can travel from your fingers into your pores and nearby hair follicles.
- The opening left behind after you pop a pimple could turn into an acne scar.
- The pressure you put on your skin could lead to a small, possibly permanent spider vein on your face.
- If you really go to town on a blemish, the force can cause the skin to tear enough to create an open wound that can bleed, scab over and scar, as well as open the door to infection.
What to do instead of pimple popping
Just because it’s unwise to pop a pimple doesn’t mean you’re entirely at its mercy. If you leave it alone, it will go away on its own, typically within three to seven days unless it’s a deep cyst. But if you want to help it along, you have some safe options. Here’s how to get rid of acne faster according to the American Academy of Dermatology:
- Turn up the heat on whiteheads. A warm compress can help coax a pus-filled pimple along. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water, wring it out and apply it to the area for 10 to 15 minutes three or four times a day.
- Put it on ice. To ease pain and inflammation from a pimple deep in the skin, wrap an ice cube in a clean washcloth or paper towel and apply it for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat after a 10-minute break.
- Battle bacteria with benzoyl. Dabbing on a 2% benzoyl peroxide product once or twice a day will help dry up pimples and prevent infection.
Acne extraction and more: What a dermatology provider can do
Is it bad to pop pimples? At home, yes—but your dermatologist may be able to do it safely. For stubborn zits or times when you need to get rid of a pimple fast for a special event, a dermatology provider can use one of several techniques depending on the size and type of blemish:
- Acne extraction. Acne extraction is performed with sterile instruments designed for this purpose to safely remove blackheads and whiteheads.
- A corticosteroid injection. Injecting a corticosteroid into a large, deep pimple or a painful cyst reduces inflammation and starts to shrink the breakout within 24 to 72 hours. Shrinking the blemish in this way can reduce the chances of scarring. Corticosteroid injections are typically used for single cysts or nodules, not multiple zits.
- Incision and drainage. If you have a particularly large cyst or nodule, the dermatology provider can open it using a sterile needle or surgical blade and then clean out the contents.
Pimple popping can be hard to resist, but treating a bothersome breakout is best left to a professional. A dermatology provider can also develop an acne treatment plan to keep pimples and other blemishes from forming in the first place. Learn when to seek a dermatologist’s care for acne vs. trying to treat it at home.
Ready to make an appointment for acne treatment? Schedule one today.
Written by Maura Rhodes, a New Jersey-based writer and editor specializing in health and well-being.
The Best Barrier Cream for a Damaged Skin Barrier
Medical review by Haley Andress, PA-C
Have you heard the buzz about barrier creams? If so, you might have dismissed these products as yet another skincare item you don’t need. You’re already using moisturizer, so why would you need to add another cream to your routine? And who needs to repair a damaged skin barrier, anyway?
The answer is: plenty of people, including people with dry, sensitive skin or eczema.
“Barrier cream has real benefits, and it does more than moisturize your skin,” said Haley Andress, PA-C, a certified physician assistant at Water’s Edge Dermatology. Read on to learn why a barrier cream may be important to the health of your skin and how to find the one that’s best for you.
What is barrier cream?
A barrier cream is a cream or ointment containing several ingredients that work together to restore and repair the skin barrier. What is the skin barrier? It’s the outermost layer of skin, called the stratum corneum. Under a microscope, it resembles a brick wall. It’s made of hardy cells called corneocytes (the bricks) and fats that glue them together (the mortar).
Think of the skin barrier as your skin’s protective shell. Its job is to lock in the water your skin contains and shield you from invaders such as bacteria and environmental irritants, including chemicals, pollution and harsh weather.
“You wouldn’t be able to survive without a skin barrier,” said Andress.
Many barrier creams contain ingredients that are found naturally in the skin barrier, such as cholesterol and ceramides. They shore up the “mortar” that holds skin cells together, creating a stronger “wall” of protection.
Why would I need barrier cream?
Some people have a weakened skin barrier due to genetics. Scientists have identified a handful of gene mutations that compromise this protective shell. They may play a role in eczema and other types of dermatitis.
Washing and exfoliating your skin too often can weaken the skin barrier, as can frequent exposure to:
- Wind
- Very dry or humid weather
- Pollution
- UV rays
- Harsh chemicals, including detergents
- Irritants and allergens
Finally, stress and aging also weaken the skin barrier.
If you’re prone to skin infections, skin that is dry, itchy or scaly, or dark, rough patches, using a barrier cream might help. Barrier cream can also help reduce eczema flares.
No matter how healthy your skin is, it’s a good idea to keep barrier cream on hand. It serves other useful purposes, such as protecting against chafing caused by friction and promoting wound healing. (Don’t apply it to broken skin unless a doctor instructs you to.)
Should I also use a moisturizer?
Why would you need a barrier cream if you’re already using a moisturizer? Andress explains.
“A moisturizer addresses the symptoms of a damaged skin barrier, temporarily rehydrating the top layer of skin. The effects are short lasting,” said Andress. “A barrier cream, on the other hand, addresses the causes of those symptoms, helping to reduce dryness and irritation by strengthening the barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out.”
Most moisturizers need to be applied multiple times per day, while barrier creams should be applied no more than once or twice a day. If you use both, be sure to apply the barrier cream on top, or use them at different times.
Finding the best barrier cream
Shopping for a barrier cream can be tricky because there isn’t always a mention of the skin barrier in the product name or description. A good barrier cream contains a combination of ingredients that includes some of the following:
- Ceramides
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Squalane or squalene
- Petrolatum
- Dimethicone
- Cholesterol
No matter what type of skin you have or what your needs are, there’s a barrier cream for you.
For acne-prone skin and redness caused by dry skin: Elta MD Skin Recovery Serum
Key ingredients: glycerin, dimethicone, sodium hyaluronate (a version of hyaluronic acid)
For aging skin: wederm Restorative Lipid Replenishing Cream
Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, cholesterol
For very dry and cracked skin: CeraVe Healing Ointment
Key ingredients: ceramides, petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone
For adult eczema: Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream
Key ingredients: Shea butter, Ceramide NP, dimethicone, glycerin
For added sun protection: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin, dimethicone
How often you use a barrier cream depends on the product and your skin type. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to use it no more than once a day. Because it's so thick, make it the last thing you apply in your skincare routine so it doesn’t block the effects of other, thinner products you use.
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
Is Your Sun Rash from a Sun Allergy or Phototoxicity?
Medically reviewed by Ted Schiff, MD
Does the sun disagree with your skin? If you got an itchy sun rash or an especially painful sunburn after soaking up some rays, you may have photosensitivity, which simply means your skin is extra sensitive to the sun. That sensitivity could be caused by a sun allergy or by an antibiotic or other medicine you take.
Your dermatologist can help solve the mystery of what type of photosensitivity you have and what’s causing it, as well as prescribe treatment to relieve your symptoms.
Types of photosensitivity: Sun allergy vs. phototoxicity
Most sun rashes are phototoxicity rashes. These happen when ultraviolet (UV) rays interact with a drug you’ve taken or a product you’ve put on your skin. The rays transform one of the ingredients into a skin-damaging chemical. A phototoxic reaction often includes an unusually painful sunburn with itching and swelling. It may or may not include a rash.
Sun allergy rashes are much less common. “Sun allergy” is a catch-all term for reactions to the sun that involve the immune system. In one type of sun allergy, a product you apply to your skin interacts with UV rays, causing changes in the skin that prompt the immune system to launch an attack. “Sun allergy” can also mean an allergic condition you inherited in your genes. Polymorphic light eruption, or PMLE, may be one example, though its cause isn’t clear.
You may be more likely to develop photosensitivity if you have lupus, psoriasis, rosacea or another sun-sensitizing disease.
What does a photosensitivity rash look like?
Phototoxic and photoallergic (sun allergy) reactions share some symptoms, such as skin redness, so it can sometimes be tricky to tell them apart. But there are a few differences.
Phototoxic reactions include red, inflamed, painful skin, and in some cases, brown or blue-gray skin discoloration as well as a rash.
A sun allergy reaction can cause itching, scaling, blisters and bumps that look like hives. Unlike phototoxic reactions, a sun allergy rash can appear on parts of the body that weren’t exposed to the sun.
How quickly the rash appears can help determine its cause. Sun allergy reactions appear several days after UV exposure, while phototoxic reactions typically show up within a few minutes or hours.
List of sun-sensitive medications
Many types of medications can cause photosensitivity in some people. If a medication causes a sun rash or sunburn once, it’s doesn’t necessarily mean it will cause more reactions in the future.
Topical medications
Topical medications including the ones below can cause a sun allergy rash or phototoxic reaction.
- Prescription retinoids and over-the-counter retinols, found in acne and anti-wrinkle products
- Alpha-hydroxy acids, found in products that brighten and smooth the skin
- Benzoyl peroxide, found in acne products
- Products that contain vitamin C
- The sunscreen ingredients avobenzone and oxybenzone
- Topical psoralens used in PUVA, a form of light therapy used to treat vitiligo and other skin conditions
Oral medications
These oral medications may cause sun sensitivity and serious sunburn.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen
- Antihistamines including cetirizine, diphenhydramine and loratadine
- Oral contraceptives
- Certain antidepressants, including paroxetine (Paxil) and amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Cholesterol-lowering statins
- The antibiotics ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline and trimethoprim
- Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voriconazole)
- Many diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, furosemide and triamterene
- Sulfonylureas, used to treat type 2 diabetes
- Phenothiazines, used to treat psychotic disorders and severe vomiting
- Oral psoralens (methoxsalen), used in PUVA therapy to treat conditions such as vitiligo
- Sulfonamides including acetazolamide, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine and sulfisoxazole, often used to treat bacterial infections
How to treat a sun rash
How you treat your sun rash or burn depends on the severity and cause of your symptoms. Staying out of the sun (and tannings beds) for a day or two while your rash or burn heals is a must. For mild photosensitivity reactions, sun avoidance and cool compresses may be all the treatment you need. Other photosensitivity rash treatments include the ones below.
If you aren’t sure what’s causing your photosensitivity, or you have a severe reaction, see a dermatologist. You should also make an appointment if your skin blisters or if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever and nausea, which may be signs of a second-degree sunburn.
Sun rash medicines
In mild cases, applying an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream can help relieve symptoms such as itching. For a more severe sun rash, your dermatologist may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid cream, or a brief course of an oral corticosteroid such as prednisone. Hydroxychloroquine, a drug used to treat malaria, may be prescribed in certain circumstances, such as if you have PMLE.
Phototherapy
If you have PLME, you probably have the worst symptoms the first time you go out in the sun when the weather turns nice. After that, the reactions become milder as your skin gets used to the UV rays. To help prevent the initial reactions, your dermatologist may recommend phototherapy. In this in-office procedure, your skin is exposed to UV rays generated by a special lamp. Repeated, controlled exposures can help your skin adapt to sunlight.
How to avoid a sun rash
If your sun rash or burn is caused by a medication or skin care product, the simplest way to avoid another one is to stop taking the drug or using the product, if that’s possible. Of course, it often isn’t. (Never skip taking an antibiotic or birth control pill.)
When it isn’t possible, stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you must be in the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (one that doesn’t contain avobenzone or oxybenzone) and wear sun-protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat.
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
Acne Treatment: When to See a Dermatologist for Acne
Medical review by Ted Schiff, MD
Acne can be frustrating, whether you get major breakouts or a few pimples here and there. Most people’s first instinct is to head to the drugstore and buy whatever looks promising — acne cream, acne spot treatment, acne face wash. But acne is a more complex condition than you might think, and even mild cases can be challenging to treat without drying out or irritating your skin. Knowing when to see a dermatologist for acne can help you get better results and avoid permanent acne scars.
Here are six times when it makes sense to make an appointment with a dermatologist. Your skin care provider will design a custom acne treatment plan, which may include prescription acne medication, other types of medication and in-office procedures such as laser therapy, chemical peels and HydraFacial MD.
1. Over-the-counter products haven’t improved your complexion
In some cases, drugstore cleansers and acne spot treatments are enough to send acne on its way. If they haven’t started to improve your skin after four to six weeks of consistent use, however, or they’ve made your skin worse, make an appointment. You may need more powerful medicines or even different types of medicines.
For example, if your dermatologist determines that you have hormonal acne, you’ll likely get better results by taking prescription medication that targets the hormonal imbalances and fluctuations that cause it, such as spironolactone (for women only).
2. You have moderate to severe inflammatory acne
This type of acne rarely responds to over-the-counter medication, so it’s best to go straight to your dermatologist for treatment. Inflammatory acne can be painful, causing red, pus-filled blemishes, nodules (firm lumps beneath the skin) and cysts (deep, fluid-filled lumps). It can appear on your face as well as your back, chest and shoulders.
While some over-the-counter products can help reduce inflammation, dermatologists often have to prescribe stronger treatments to clear the skin and reduce breakouts. One highly effective cystic acne treatment is isotretinoin, also known as Accutane. Oral antibiotics are also commonly prescribed. To shrink a large, painful cyst, the dermatologist might inject a corticosteroid into the cyst.
3. You develop scars as your acne clears
If blemishes have left permanent marks on your skin, it’s critical to work with a dermatologist to prevent or reduce further breakouts that could lead to more scarring.
Acne scars can be challenging to treat, and some can be disfiguring. Anyone with acne can develop scars, but the risk is higher if you pick at your acne, you have inflammatory acne and don’t treat it promptly or you have relatives who have acne scars.
4. Your acne affects you emotionally
Studies have shown that living with acne can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and a poorer quality of life — and not just in teens who may be bullied because of their appearance. In a study published in JAMA Dermatology of 50 women ages 18 and 40 who had acne, many of the women reported depression, anxiety and social isolation.
If having acne has changed your mood, social habits or relationships, see a dermatologist ASAP. Studies show that successfully treating acne can help relieve blemish-related emotional distress.
5. You developed acne after starting a new medication
A number of medications can cause acne or acne-like eruptions in some people, including certain steroids, barbiturates (sedatives), birth control pills and lithium. Drug-induced skin eruptions are hard to treat, so unless you’re able to safely stop taking the medication that’s causing them, you’ll need a dermatologist’s help to clear your skin.
6. You have body acne
Blemishes that appear on areas such as the back, chest, shoulders and buttocks may be more difficult to treat than those on the face because they’re often located deeper in the skin. Over-the-counter acne products may be helpful if your body acne is mild, but moderate to severe cases typically need to be managed with prescription medication.
It's smart to see a dermatologist for body acne because some bumps that look like acne aren’t acne. Small, pimple-like bumps under the skin in the groin, buttock or armpit area could be signs of hidradenitis suppurativa, an inflammatory skin condition that can worsen without treatment. And rough, scaly bumps that look like small pimples may signs of keratosis pilaris, which happens when pores become clogged with dead skin cells. If you think you have arm acne, butt acne or armpit acne, let a skin care professional give you an accurate diagnosis.
Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.