The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that 500,000 Americans experience their first bout of fever blisters every year. Fever blisters, also called cold sores, usually occur outside the mouth -- on the lips, chin, cheeks or nostrils. They are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus.

A dry, flaky scalp can be the result of a number of conditions. Psoriasis, eczema, poor nutrition, dehydration and too much shampoo are just a few of factors that contribute to poor scalp health.

Your hair grows in a cycle. Ninety percent of your hair is growing at any given time, and the other 10 percent is resting. After the resting period, the hair usually falls out and is replaced by new strands.

Skin tags are harmless, and you don't need to remove them unless they bother you. Skin tags on the breast might pose an irritation risk because they commonly occur along bra lines or under breasts where there's regular friction. Doctors most commonly cut off skin tags.

Almost any department store has at least one cream claiming to fade stretch marks. Many of these products contain shea butter or cocoa butter as an active ingredient. Both are considered emollients, which help to moisturize the skin by replacing lost fatty acids.

The average person loses about 100 hairs per day through the natural shedding process. Anything more than 100 hairs is considered excessive. While some hairs get stuck to clothing and furniture, most get tangled up in the hair until they are freed, resulting in a small mass of loose hair each time you brush.

Rogaine (topical minoxidil) is approved by the FDA to treat androgenic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, which is caused by hereditary factors.

Hair loss, or alopecia, can be a side effect of toxic chemicals and metals. Hair loss does not usually occur with acute poisoning, which can be lethal. But in cases of chronic poisoning, when the poison is taken in small doses over a long period of time, hair loss is a common symptom.

If your child has a dry, itchy scalp, it is important to address the issue. Excessive scratching could introduce bacteria, but choosing a harsh, medicated shampoo could make the situation worse as well. Wisely choosing a shampoo for dry, itchy scalp can bring your child relief without compounding the problem.

Pistachios are small tree nuts that belong to a mango nut family together with cashews. Pistachio allergies typically develop early in life and often persist throughout a person’s lifetime. Even the smallest amount of pistachios can cause symptoms. Itchy skin and rash is a common reaction associated with food allergy.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is stored in the liver and is responsible for calcium absorption. Chronically low vitamin D levels can lead to brittle bones in adults and children. Direct sunlight is crucial for natural vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

The chemicals used in sanitary pads, tampons and diapers raised concerns throughout the world -- particularly near the turn of the 21st century -- due to questions about the safety of certain chemicals used in their manufacture, as well as the environmental issues of disposing of them.