Psoriasis is a chronic condition triggered by abnormal accelerations in the life cycle of affected skin. These accelerations create a buildup of dead skin cells and promote the formation of thick scales and red patches that may itch or cause...
Age spots, also referred to as liver spots, can be a telltale sign that you are getting older. The medical term for age spots is lentigines. These usually harmless flat, brownish marks appear on the face, back, feet and hands. Lentigines may go...
While most people are familiar with the dangers of spending too much time in the sun, some feel as though tanning beds are a safe way to gain an attractive tan, and may even think that there are some health benefits to using tanning beds. When...
Squamous cells are in the epidermis, or topmost layer of skin, and they lay just beneath the outer skin surface. Most cases of squamous cell carcinoma develop when the DNA in the cells becomes damaged by exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of...
The skin, also known as the integument, is the largest organ of the body. The integumentary system includes the skin, hair and nails. The skin is the body's first line of defense against infection and protects the internal organs. Many disorders...
Vitamin D is sometimes called the "sunshine vitamin," since this essential nutrient comes primarily from the skin's reaction to sun exposure. People who liberally use sunscreen, which is helpful in preventing sunburns, skin cancer and sun-related...
Cipro is the trade name of ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It is active against a wide range of bacteria. Doctors commonly prescribe ciprofloxacin for the treatment of urinary tract infections, prostatitis, pneumonia and other...
Since their introduction in the 1970s, tanning beds have increased in popularity in the United States and other industrialized countries. Traditionally, you had to go to a tanning salon in order to use a tanning bed. Now, however, tanning beds are...
Tanning beds are used as a way for an individual to darken her skin color without the need to be out in the direct sunlight. They have grown in popularity, despite warnings from the medical community of their potential danger due to skin cancer...
If you like to tan often, then you might consider purchasing a home tanning bed. Home tanning beds are smaller and less expensive models of commercial brands. Before you decide to own a home tanning bed, you should review the health risks...
Liver spots--also called age spots or solar lentigines--are brown, irregular patches on the skin. They are most common on sun-exposed areas, including the shoulders, back, arms, forehead, cheeks, nose and the backs of the hands. Age spots range...
Any tan is a sign of skin damage, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A tan results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, forcing the skin to produce more melanin, the pigment that darkens skin. This process can lead to aging of the...
A tan can grace your complexion with a healthy, sun-kissed glow, but maintaining a "real" tan isn't always practical or safe. Individuals living in cool or cloudy climates may lack the sun exposure necessary to darken the skin, and damage from the...
Tanning beds are popular at salons and private homes around the world. Most people seek to tan in a tanning bed because of the many benefits and ease of use they bring. Because tanning beds control the amount of UV rays that a person can receive,...
Americans are notorious for buying into the latest fitness and diet craze. Whether it's cutting out carbohydrates completely or consuming only a lemonade drink for days at a time, Americans are all too eager to hand over hard-earned money and...
Although ultraviolet light bulbs were discovered early in the 20th century, it was not until the 1970s that Friedrich Wolff, a German scientist, effectively used them for tanning purposes. Wolff wanted to see if exposing athletes to indoor UV...
Suntan lotion is frequently different from sunscreen and sunblock. All are applied as a topical lotion, oil, cream or gel, but only sunscreen and sunblock actually inhibit the sun's rays from reaching the skin. Suntan lotions may have added...
Sugar is sweet, but too much refined white sugar can add unnecessary empty calories to foods, creating a risk of over-consumption that can lead to weight and health problems. An excess of organic sugar can also create health problems, but organic...
