Q. Can stress really cause a rash and itching? What is the condition called when a person obsessively scratches himself or herself due to stress?

Answer: Yes, there are several skin conditions that can be brought on by stress and also many conditions that may be flared by stress.

The condition of obsessively scratching at the skin is called neurodermatitis.

Q. About 5 days ago I broke out in a rash of little bumps on my arms and legs. They aren't real red.

I thought that they might be dry skin so I began using Cocoa butter and other good lotions. I also had to start using Cortisone cream just to have 15 minutes of relief from itching. Any ideas?

Answer: See your dermatologist. There are many different conditions that can cause the symptoms that you describe.

A dermatologist would be the best type of doctor to evaluate your skin and make a diagnosis and give you the proper treatment.

Q. I have some skin tags on my neck that have to come off. How long does it take to heal? I have a wedding in 2 months and I don't want scars.

It isn't urgent to have them removed - is it?

Answer: Skin tags are benign growths. They don't have to be removed but they can be quite easily by simply numbing them up and snipping them off and cauterizing the base if they bleed.

Give yourself at least 2-3 weeks to let them heal.

Q. I have acne scares (not deep ones) on my face and discoloration from tweezing and I often get ingrown hairs.

I saw a product made by "Bliss" called a soft laser healer, that says it takes care of these things, but it costs $219. If you are familiar with it, does it work?

Answer: I am not familiar with this product, but I would be very cautious about spending this kind of money on a product, which has no medical basis.

I think you might be better off seeing a dermatologist and being prescribed medications that really work.