by Leigh Ann Otte

Pop quiz. What could it mean if you have a bump that:

• is the size of a pimple,
• has a dimple in the middle,
• and can spread quickly, including to other people?

It could mean that … drum roll, please … you have …

… molluscum contagiosum.

Say that three times fast. This skin disorder isn’t harmful, but it’s highly contagious–and, of course, you need to see your health-care provider to make sure that’s what you have. Learn more, and be prepared if one of these little suckers shows up on your body–or your kid’s. Here’s this week’s featured article: “What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?”

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Leigh Ann Otte is the managing editor of MyFamilyDoctorMag.com and a freelance writer.

This information is not meant to be individual advice. Please consult your doctor for that. See our disclaimer here.

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

From my last post, you know the skin has many functions vital for a healthy body.  It’s pretty low-maintenance, aesthetics aside.  However, there are some basics you need to follow to keep this organ in tip-top shape.

For the inner layers, you need plenty of water to keep them hydrated and lots of fruits and vegetables for healthy growth.   A healthy diet helps new cells grow properly, and oil and sweat glands function properly.  There is no supplement to take the place of this.

In addition, proper external skin-care is a must.  Why? (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Quick, what is your body’s largest organ? If you haven’t guessed by the title, it’s the skin.

Of course, the skin is aesthetic,  but it’s so much more. Maybe beauty is more than skin deep, but many functions on which you rely aren’t. The skin is multilayered, multifunctional and dynamic. Old cells continually slough off, as new cells replace them. As a doctor, I’m amazed by its restorative powers. Scrape it and it grows back. If you get a bad cut, pull the edges close, and voila, it grows together.

Here are a few of its functions you may not know about.

(more…)