Cold Sore vs. Pimple: What's the Difference?

Waking up with a spot on your lip is never a good feeling. Often cold sores or pimples are to blame, though telling the difference isn't always easy. They can look similar on the surface, but their root causes (and treatments) differ. Luckily, you don't need an advanced degree to differentiate the two.

Keep scrolling for our dermatologist-led guide on how to tell the difference between a pimple and a cold sore and how to treat each.

Pimples are a common skin condition with many different types

Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli Thinks Everyone Should Own This $15 Body Product

Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli is, by all definitions, social media's skincare sweetheart. Through her podcast, Naked Beauty, DeVard Ozaydinli fosters engaging conversations about all things beauty and wellness. Over the last five years, she's interviewed dozens of industry gurus and celebrities (like Donni Davy, Charlotte Palermino, Pharrell, and Gabrielle Union) about their careers, routines, and industry trends.

"I started Naked Beauty because I couldn't find in-depth conversations about beauty tha

Fulani Braids Are the Fire Protective Style You'll Want to Rock This Spring

When it comes to braids, there are hundreds of options. I feel like every day I see a new style on Instagram – and I love it! The most recent style the Internet put me on to? Fulani braids.

Once I discovered them, I was immediately obsessed. So, not only did I do a deep dive on these braids, but I also spoke to three hairstylists who are well-versed in all things braiding, including everything about Fulani braids, from installation to maintenance.

These braids originated from the Fulani people

More Children Are Living in Poverty in the United States, and It’s Only Getting Worse

It is no secret that the number of people living in poverty in the United States has consistently reached shocking and deplorable numbers. Food and housing insecurity is an issue that plagues many families, and the programs available often aren’t enough to help those who need it.

New numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau show poverty is still high, but even more so when it comes to children. In fact, the number of children living in poverty more than doubled between 2021 and 2022.

The Cen

Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths on the Rise Among Black Babies

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us. We witnessed unprecedented times, and the impact of the virus itself has had lasting effects on our physical and mental health. But, the pandemic also affected the health of our children. We're seeing more and more evidence of this as research is being done.

According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there was a 15% increase in the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) from 2019 to 2020. The results were especi

Pregnant People with Sickle Cell Disease Have Higher Mortality Rate

From pregnancy to delivery, and postpartum, birthing people go through physical, emotional, and mental changes that are a lot for anyone to adjust to—but adding a preexisting condition can make a pregnancy high risk and scary.

According to a new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, there is a substantially increased risk of maternal mortality in pregnant people with sickle cell disease (SCD). It showed the maternal mortality rate for people with SCD was 26 times greater than other pregnant people.

Self-Care for Black Moms Who Considered Breaking When The Pandemic Was Enuf

As Black Lives Matter protests swept across the nation, photographs of beautiful Black women flooded my social media timelines. There were visibly pregnant Black women hoisting signs that called for actionable change; Black mothers accompanied by children who marched alongside them, rallying for those who have been unheard for far too long. All of them standing in their power to promote an equitable future and change the world.

Black mothers have always turned up and spoken out in defense of Bl

How to Self-Advocate During Childbirth as a Black Parent

For decades, there have been racial disparities within maternal and infant health in the United States. With Black birthing people three times more likely to die during and after childbirth than their White counterparts, and Black babies two times more likely to die, the system is clearly broken.

There are numerous reasons why these numbers are so high, and they are all rooted in racism, systemic medical bias, and discrimination. In order to combat the effects of these socioeconomic inequalitie

First Day of School Photo Safety—What You Need to Know

First day of school pictures are a tradition for many parents. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten, fifth grade, or junior year, documenting these big moments in children's lives and sharing it with an online community has become a commonplace ritual.

“I do take first day of school pics. I think it’s an exciting day to remember," says Melissa Ramage, a mom of two. "It’s fun to look back and see the different ways they changed each year. This year is the first time ever I’m using a chalkb

If You're New to Wigs, Here's What You Should Know

Wigs have been a part of beauty culture for centuries. In Ancient Egypt, the elite wore wigs (made from human hair, vegetable fibers, or wool) to signify their social status, protect shaved scalps from the sun, and reduce the chances of head lice. During the Roman empire, affluent women commonly wore wigs as a fashion accessory. The hairpieces then made their way to Europe in the 16th century, notably worn by royalty like Queen Elizabeth I.

Over time, wigs have transitioned from symbols of soci