Health Information

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It protects you, heals itself and lasts a lifetime. Find out how to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Trichotillomania is a condition where a person feels compelled to pull their hair out. They may pull out the hair on their head or in other places, such as their eyebrows or eyelashes.

Scleroderma is an uncommon disease that results in hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with internal organs and blood vessels. There's no cure, but most people can lead a full, productive life.

A scar is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or an injury to the surface of the skin has healed. Scars are very common – most people have at least one on their body. They are a natural part of the healing process.

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. The main symptom of scabies is intense itching that's worse at night. It also causes a skin rash on areas where the mites have burrowed.

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that causes small patches of red and swollen tissue, called granulomas, to develop in the organs of the body. It most often affects the lungs and skin. Typical symptoms include tender, red bumps on the skin, shortness of breath and a persistent cough.

Warts are small lumps that often develop on the skin of the hands and feet. Warts vary in appearance and may develop singly or in clusters. Some are more likely to affect particular areas of the body.

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can cause a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin. Ringworm commonly affects arms and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body. Despite its name, ringworm doesn't have anything to do with worms

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare skin condition that causes painful ulcers. It's usually treatable, but may take some time to heal and may leave some scarring.

Pityriasis versicolor, sometimes called tinea versicolor, is a common condition that causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discoloured.

Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition that causes a temporary skin rash of raised, red scaly patches on the body. The rash can be very itchy and usually clears within 2-12 weeks, but on rare occasions can last up to 5 months.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare and serious condition that causes painful blisters to develop on the skin as well as inside the mouth, nose, throat, anus and genitals. The blisters are fragile and can easily burst open, leaving painful areas of raw unhealed skin.