Blog Archive

April marks Rosacea Awareness Month, a perfect time to learn more about this chronic skin condition that affects 415 million people worldwide. Rosacea causes redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts that can lead to frustration and a loss of self-confidence.  Most people with rosacea experience flare-ups and periods of remission. While...

Athlete’s foot develops from a stubborn fungus and is challenging to get rid of on your own. It’s typical to use over-the-counter antifungal creams and find that your symptoms improve, only to return sometime later, leading to a frustrating cycle.  At Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Dr. Yvonne Hines...

Compared to non-inflamed acne, inflammatory acne develops deeper beneath the skin's surface and can cause pain and permanent scarring. Patients who have inflammatory acne tend to have deeper, bigger cysts or tiny, red pimples. Although they can develop on any skin area with oil glands, the face, neck, chest, and...

If you're living with psoriasis, you've likely wondered how the condition will evolve as you grow older. Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disorder known for its red, scaly patches, can be a persistent challenge.  Many individuals who are diagnosed with psoriasis question whether time might ease the severity of their...

If it seems like your rosacea flares up during the winter, it isn’t just your imagination. When temperatures dip here on the East Coast, the cold weather can exacerbate rosacea. However, with the right care and precautions, it’s possible to control rosacea in the cooler months.  At Hines Dermatology Associates,...

If you have moles and you’re concerned about the possibility of skin cancer, it should provide a bit of relief to know that most moles are completely harmless. However, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the signs that a mole may need professional evaluation. Here at Hines Dermatology...

Living with eczema can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. The persistent itch, redness, and discomfort aren't just annoying; they can take a toll on your overall well-being and quality of life.  That's why understanding your triggers and learning how to manage them effectively is essential. Armed with the right...

Sweat is a natural part of life, but for those dealing with hyperhidrosis, it’s a daily challenge that disrupts both personal and professional interactions. If you're one of the millions who face this issue, you'll be pleased to know of a highly effective, scientifically backed treatment: Botox®. At Hines Dermatology Associates,...

It's hard to feel confident when your skin tells a different story. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by facial redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels, but it can be more than just a physical issue.  For many, it's an emotional burden that can lead to embarrassment,...

Unmasking hidden culprits is crucial to getting the right treatment when your skin goes awry.  Our skin experts at Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, can accurately diagnose skin problems and get you on the path to improved skin.  Take a moment as we explore skin conditions that mimic acne...

The sun-soaked days of summer are fast approaching. It's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities from backyard barbecues to relaxing days on the beach. Amid the fun, these activities can harm your skin when not balanced with proper sun protection measures. The team at Hines Dermatology Associates, led by dermatologist...

Dealing with hair loss can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to the emotional and psychological aspects. For those who are struggling with alopecia, it's important to remember that you're not alone, and there are plenty of encouraging facts about dealing with the condition.  As founder of Hines...

Not only do hormones have a powerful influence on your body, they control a wide range of physiological processes. Hormones influence skin pigment, hair growth (or lack thereof), and much more.  Certain hormonal problems can cause issues like hormonal acne, excess hair growth (hirsutism), dark patches or hyperpigmentation (melasma), and...

Acne and epidermoid cysts are two common skin conditions that can be easily confused. While they may share some similarities, they’re distinct from one another. It’s best to visit a skin expert if you notice lumps or bumps on your skin.  At Hines Dermatology Associates, Dr. Yvonne Hines has extensive...

Melasma is a skin disorder marked by pigment changes that cause patches of gray, brown, or red skin. It happens when melanocytes, the skin cells that create pigmentation, produce too much pigment, resulting in regions of darker skin on the face.  This condition affects both men and women, but it...

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition marked by a sunburn-like redness of the skin. For most people, this redness comes and goes initially but with time becomes persistent. Heat, caffeine, and stress are common triggers that can make your symptoms temporarily worse. At Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, dermatology...

Most people have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles, some of which change or disappear over time. The majority of moles are harmless, rarely developing into cancer.  Yvonne Hines, MD, and the team at Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, want patients to know that monitoring moles and other patches of skin lesions...

Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat skin conditions using visual examination, and relying on their specialized knowledge. However, in some cases, additional information is required to distinguish between similar-appearing processes in order to make a more specific diagnosis or to guide more effective treatment.  Instead of sending a tissue...

Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects areas of the skin that rub together. You’re more likely to develop inverse psoriasis if you are overweight, and while there isn’t a cure, treatment helps to alleviate symptoms.  At Hines Dermatology Associates, Dr. Yvonne Hines provides exceptional dermatology and dermatopathology...

Any time you notice changes to your skin, it’s a good idea to have them checked out. Seborrheic keratosis is a skin growth that isn’t precancerous but may resemble a cancerous growth. That’s why it’s vital to have a specialist evaluate your skin and rule out other causes.   Medical...

Acanthosis nigricans is an uncommon skin disorder that causes brown or black patchy areas to develop on the skin. While this condition isn’t life-threatening, many people experience psychological distress because the areas may appear similar to dirt. If you notice discolored, thick, or dry areas of your skin, it’s wise...

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an often-challenging skin condition that causes the formation of bumps that look similar to pimples. The nodules are often inflamed and painful and tend to erupt and leak fluid.  If you’re diagnosed with HS, you need a skin expert who has experience managing this rare and...

Anyone concerned about a lump under their skin should consult with a skin specialist as soon as possible. Dermatologists are specially trained to evaluate and treat conditions that affect the skin.  Lumps under the skin aren’t always a cause for concern. In fact, most lumps are harmless. Common causes include...

Athlete’s foot is highly contagious. If you pick up this common fungal infection, you can take steps to protect others, and if you don’t have it, you can decrease your chances of getting it.  Athlete’s foot develops from fungi that cause mild skin rashes between the toes and sometimes on the...

There are steps you can take to control conditions like psoriasis — an itchy and painful autoimmune skin condition. You can do some of them on your own, while others require medical supervision. You can rely on the expertise of board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Yvonne Hines, MD, at Hines Dermatology Associates to help...

Most moles are harmless, but there are exceptions. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of a suspicious mole so you can have it checked out.  Moles with certain characteristics can be a sign of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States. You should...

If you're like most people, you've probably tried to deal with your warts at home with over-the-counter treatments. But if your wart hasn't gone away after using these treatments, you may be wondering if it's time to see a doctor. The good news is there are several treatment options available...

Melasma is a stubborn skin condition that causes the appearance of brown or grayish patches on the skin of your cheeks, jawline, or nose. Don’t believe everything you hear about melasma, however. Many misconceptions have been making the rounds about this condition and its treatment. Expert dermatologist Yvonne Hines, MD,...

Winter is a challenging season when it comes to caring for your skin, and even more so if you have eczema. The chances of having a flare-up are more likely during the winter because of the cold temperatures and dry air.  With eczema, the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), which...

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In addition to impetigo, streptococcus is the same group of bacteria that causes strep throat and other types of infections. Dermatology specialist Yvonne Hines, MD, and the team at Hines Dermatology Associates have extensive experience treating...

Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark patches of skin. It’s commonly triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy. However, anyone can develop melasma regardless of pregnancy.  Melasma typically appears on sun-exposed areas of skin, most commonly the cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead.  If you notice signs of melasma and...

Cold sores can be painful, irritating, and a downright inconvenience. While they don’t usually pose a serious threat to your health, cold sores cause weepy blisters to appear on and around your lips. The virus that causes cold sores — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) — is very common....

A wart is a skin growth caused by a group of viruses called human papillomavirus. It infects the top layer of skin, causing a growth that forms a wart. Warts can grow on any part of the body. Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet.  Warts may go...

It’s important to know your skin so you can recognize when something unusual crops up, and when it does, it’s best to have a licensed dermatologist take a look. Moles are extremely common, with most people having them somewhere on their body.  While most moles will never cause a problem,...

For many, summer is the most anticipated time of the year. Sunny, warm weather and outdoor activities make summertime desirable. However, for 14 million Americans with rosacea, summer often means dealing with flare-ups. Rosacea is a skin condition that causes facial redness and visible blood vessels. Some people experience small,...

Chromhidrosis is a rare, chronic condition characterized by color in your sweat. While it isn’t life-threatening, chromhidrosis often causes emotional distress.  If you’re dealing with discolored sweat, schedule a visit with a dermatologist to get answers, rule out more serious conditions, and learn about treatment options.  Highly regarded dermatologist and...

Morgellons is a very rare, poorly understood skin disease characterized by stinging, itching, and open sores with black, white, or multicolored filaments. Patients with Morgellons disease are often misdiagnosed as having delusional parasitosis, a psychiatric disorder in which people believe they’re infested with insects or parasites.  People with symptoms of...

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a rare, inflammatory skin condition characterized by pus-filled nodules and abscesses that develop on the scalp. While DCS is more common in black men 20-40 years of age, it affects people of all races, and also women. At Hines Dermatology Associates, leading dermatologist...

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually starts with bumps that look like pimples. These bumps can grow and turn into painful lumps that break open, bleed or seep pus.  Without treatment, HS can cause serious skin complications and interfere with your quality of life. Here...

When you have severe eczema (atopic dermatitis), it can feel like nothing will relieve your symptoms. The severe itching, inflammation, dryness, oozing, and crusting can make life miserable. Pain and open sores can make it difficult to focus during the day and challenging to sleep at night.  Suffice to say,...

Epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI) is a rare skin disorder that affects 1 in 100,000 people. The condition affects males and females equally, and it’s usually apparent at birth or shortly thereafter.  The skin appears red and scaly, and may have serious blistering. Within months, the outer layer of skin usually begins...

Hair loss is common, but for adults and children with alopecia, the extent of hair loss can be devastating. This autoimmune condition is very different from typical hair loss. It occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing a loss of hair on the body, face, and scalp. Alopecia...

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a precancerous growth. In fact, it’s the most common precancerous growth that develops on sun-damaged skin. You should never wait to treat actinic keratosis because it can go on to develop into cancer. What’s more, if you have one of these precancerous...

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with close to 4 million new cases of basal cell carcinoma diagnosed each year. Finding melanoma early significantly increases the chances of beating it. Detected early, the five-year survival rate of melanoma is 99%. Dr. Yvonne Hines...

Vitiligo is loss of natural skin color, and it can affect any area of the body. The skin may lighten, appear pink or turn white. Loss of pigment is relatively rare, affecting up to 5 million people in the United States.  While vitiligo can appear at any age, the average...

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, complex skin condition that causes inflammation of the upper layers of skin. Red skin that scales and itches is a classic presentation of the condition. Patients who have oily skin are at a higher risk for seborrheic dermatitis, and because symptoms may vary from person...

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects many body systems, including the joints, lungs, digestive system, kidneys, eyes, and central nervous system.  Most people with lupus will have some skin involvement during the course of their condition. In fact, nearly 70% of people with lupus will develop some form...

Pemphigus refers to a group of rare autoimmune skin diseases characterized by blisters or pus-filled bumps. It affects the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), and can develop in men and women of all backgrounds. Children very rarely develop pemphigus. In fact, it is more likely to occur in people ages...

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness and pustules that most often affect the central part of the face. Often mistaken for other skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea affects an estimated 16 million Americans.  Although there is no cure for rosacea, treatments can reduce skin inflammation...

Even though you know that scratching a rash can make your condition worse — it’s almost impossible to ignore an itch. Knowing whether that rash is eczema or psoriasis can help you manage your condition and prevent it from recurring.  So, how can you tell if your rash is eczema...

With everything that happens socially during puberty, the last thing anyone wants to think about is acne. And pubescent teens aren’t the only ones living with acne. Sometimes painful, always annoying, chronic issues with acne can lead to minor skin infections and scarring. Despite the annoyance and pain of acne,...