There are two main types of rosacea: 1) redness with small visible blood vessels, and 2) pimples and pustules. Avoiding triggers is very important, and good over-the-counter options are available if you know how to use them.

Acanthosis nigricans is thick, dark, velvety skin usually in the armpits, on the neck, in the groin area, and under the breasts. Because it is often noticeable and either annoying or embarrassing to those who have it. A combination of eating healthier, topical retinoids, and mild acids are often helpful.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a temporary darkening of the skin that has been inflamed or injured. It doesn’t itch or hurt, but most people with it do not like how it looks. It gets worse with sunlight. The sun is hard to avoid, but a combination of over-the-counter options + daily sun protection can really help.

Melasma is a blotchy brown darkening of the skin on the face. It is called the “mask of pregnancy” because it tends to occur during or after pregnancy. It gets worse with sunlight. The sun is hard to avoid, but a combination of over-the-counter options + daily sun protection can really help.

Stasis dermatitis (a.k.a., venous eczema) is very common in older adults. It is dry, itchy skin on the shins, ankles, and tops of the feet. Our leg veins get tired, lose their strength, and get leaky. Leg swelling stretches and makes gaps in the skin causing eczema. Treatment includes compression, leg elevation, moisturizing, and topical medications.

Bruises happen all the time. They happen when we have small bleeds under the skin but the skin doesn’t break, so the blood is trapped under the skin. They can be unsightly. Lots of things can make you easier to bruise - sun damage, age, chronic diseases, medicines, not enough Vitamin C or Vitamin K, etc. Learn how to deal with bruises with over-the-counter options.

Tinea versicolor is very common. You may have seen it without knowing its name. The rash doesn’t itch, but it some people don’t like its appearance. Tinea versicolor (or pityriasis versicolor) is caused by a yeast we all have on our skin. Common in hot and humid areas. Clear it with a combination of dandruff shampoo and antifungal creams.

Ringworm is a rash caused by fungus. It can be itchy. Ringworm usually comes from two sources: 1) another person with ringworm (usually athletes like wrestlers), or 2) an animal with ringworm (usually a pet). Ringworm starts as a single, ring-shaped spot that tends to grow bigger over time. A combination of over-the-counter treatment options usually works.

Jock itch is an itchy rash caused by fungus. It is red or dark, dry patches of skin in the groin, usually on both sides. It can come up onto the lower belly or down onto the inner thighs. It tends to happen in people with athlete’s foot. A combination of over-the-counter treatment options usually works.