The skin is an important barrier for the body. It protects against dehydration and acts as a first line of defense against invading organisms. Healthy and attractive skin is a large part of our physical appearance, which can have a powerful effect on how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with others.

The following are questions you can ask your health care provider about skin disease:

1. Why is my skin very thin and breaks easily?
2. I bruise easily. What should I do?
3. My whole body itches. Do I have skin problems? Should I take shower daily to prevent the itchiness?
4. What are these marks on my arms and forearms?
5. How many types of skin cancer are there?
6. Is skin cancer serious in older adults?
7. I have skin tags in my face and neck. Can these change to cancer?
8. My spouse is in a nursing home and is being treated for scabies. Do I need treatment as well because I visit him?
9. How do I know if a mole has cancer? What kind of changes should I look for?
10. How is shingles treated? Is shingles contagious?
11. I was told that I have stasis dermatitis. What can I do to prevent the swelling in my legs from getting worse? How do I treat the small ulcers I develop?