Ask An Expert: Skin Health

I have a recurrent problem with the skin at the corners of my mouth. The skin gets irritated with small cracks. It gets better, then for no apparent reason returns. What could be causing this condition? Can I prevent it from recurring?

I have been suffering from a skin rash for about 10 years. A large patch of my skin constantly itches, and the skin is thick and feels like leather. I have gone through almost every ointment on the market, and none works. I went to a new doctor and he said that my rash was neurodermatitis, and the best treatment would be an antidepressant to stop the scratching. I am a little skeptical. Have you ever heard of using a mood-altering medication to treat a skin rash?

I get itchy rashes on my belly, arms, and legs. They look like mosquito bites at first, but after some time, the itch becomes less intense, and the color turns dark, leaving little dark dots on my skin. Sometimes a bit of fluid comes out of them. I have tried different kinds of medicines and ointments, but they never really solve the problem. What can these rashes possibly be? What can I do to get rid of them?

My skin sometimes gets dark patches, even those areas not exposed to the sun, like my underarms, behind my knees, and inner thighs. It usually happens after an itchy irritation. Sometimes the dark color stays and will not fade. Why does this happen? Is there anything I can do to get the dark area back to its normal color?

When I got a splinter last year, I didn't think too much of the situation at first. But a couple of weeks later, my elbow started to swell up. I went to the hospital and was told I had a Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) infection. After a month of taking Zyvox (linezolid), I was told I no longer had MRSA. Recently, I stepped on a bathroom rug that still had a staple in it and a red pimple started to appear. I went to a foot doctor who said it was the beginning of staph infection. Once you have had MRSA does it always stay in your body — or am I just having a bunch of bad luck?

I found out my friend's daughter has a sore on her back infected with MRSA. I had also noticed a sore on the head of one of their dogs, but only after I pet the dog. I don't believe I touched the sore on the dog and when I got home I washed my hands thoroughly. Should I be concerned?

Are there any home remedies that I can use for eczema?

What type of over-the-counter medication or home treatment could be used for psoriasis?

Is shingles contagious? If so, how long do I have to stay away from people? I've had the virus for one week.

I have little lumps on the bottom of my foot which are very itchy. What is this?