| Common Skin Problems |
|---|
| Name: | Definition: |
|---|
| Acne | When you are in your teen years (ages 13 to 19), you may get acne. A substance called sebum can clog your pores. When they clog, they can form acne. |
| Warts | Warts are small growths on the skin. They are usually painless and harmless. They are caused by a virus. Only if a wart changes in color, shape, or begins to bleed should you see a doctor. |
| Boils | Boils are infections on the skin. You can usually tell if it is a boil if it is red and swells up on your skin. It is actually a build-up of pus. If you have a boil, you should see a doctor. Boils can spread if you scratch them. |
| Herpes Simplex | Herpes Simplex looks like a little sore on the sides of your lips. It is a blister and it can spread if scratched or damaged. Like warts, Herpes Simplex is caused by a virus, although a different virus than that which causes warts. |
| Body Odor | Body odor is simply that: a smell that your body gives off. When you sweat, it can give off an unpleasant smell. You should use a deodorant and bathe daily to prevent the smell. |
| Sunburn | Sunburn occurs when you stay out in the sun for too long. If you stay out too long too many times you may even get skin cancer. Skin cancer is very dangerous. But to prevent this and sunburn, wear suntan lotion. |
Okay Ernie. But how can we be sure our skin is healthy even when we don't have a sickness like one of the ones above?
Well, Bert, that is the easy part. All we have to do is take a bath every day. Which of course, is where my rubber ducky comes in!
