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Diseases & conditions
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Molluscum contagiosum: How to safely treat itBoth the CDC and the FDA warn against treating this common childhood condition on your own with non-prescription treatments. See what they recommend.
JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.
Everyday care
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Practice Safe SunEveryone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin.
Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.
Darker Skin Tones
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Fade dark spotsFind out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.
If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.
Cosmetic treatments
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Laser hair removalYou can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?
If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.
It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.
Public health programs
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Free materials to help raise skin cancer awarenessUse these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.
Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.
Find a dermatologist
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Find a DermatologistYou can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.
Hair removal: How to wax
At-home waxing can be an affordable method for hair removal, but it’s important to take precautions. For the best technique and results, dermatologists recommend following these tips.
At-home waxing can be an affordable method for hair removal, but it’s important to take precautions. Never wax sunburned or very sensitive skin, and don’t wax if you have taken isotretinoin in the last six months. It may also be a good idea to leave Brazilian waxes to the professionals, since the skin in that area is particularly delicate.
For the best technique and results, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
Ensure optimal hair length. Before waxing, make sure your hair is about one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long. If hair is longer, trim it to a shorter length using safety scissors so that waxing will be less messy and painful.
Avoid retinoid creams before waxing. Avoid using over-the-counter skin care products containing retinol and prescription retinoids two to five days prior to waxing your face to avoid removing skin along with your hair.
Reduce discomfort. Since waxing can be painful for some people, consider ways to reduce discomfort. Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, or applying cold packs to the skin about 30 minutes before waxing, may help.
Wash and dry the area. Before waxing, gently wash the area you’re about to wax to remove dirt, dead skin cells and skin care products. Afterwards, dry your skin thoroughly. Clean, dry skin allows the wax to adhere properly.
Warm the wax. Follow the directions on the package, and always test the temperature of the wax by applying a small amount to the inside of your wrist. It should be warm, but not hurt or burn.
Apply the wax. Apply the wax to a small section of your skin with unwanted hair. For the best results, always spread the wax in the direction of hair growth.
Apply the cloth strip. Once the wax is applied, place the cloth strip over the wax and press down firmly. Leave the cloth on for two to three seconds.
Remove the cloth strip. To remove, hold your skin taut with one hand and use your other hand to quickly pull off the cloth in the opposite direction of hair growth. If you’re waxing a tricky spot to reach, such as the underarms, consider asking a friend or relative to help you.
Soothe your skin. After waxing, soothe your skin by applying cold packs if you have pain, avoiding hot baths and showers, wearing loose clothing and applying moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Look for moisturizers labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.”
If you follow the instructions, at-home waxing is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted body hair. However, if you experience redness or swelling after waxing that lasts more than two days, see a board-certified dermatologist.