Daily Archives: January 1, 2021

As It Happens vs. artificial intelligence: Can you tell which 2020 headlines are real? – CBC.ca

Posted: January 1, 2021 at 9:51 am

Frommysterious monolithsto invasivemurder hornets, 2020 hasbeen a weird year, with even weirder headlines.

So weird, in fact, that when Colorado research scientist Janelle Shane fed a batch of actual 2020 headlines to a language-mimicking artificialintelligence called GPT-3, it generated some truly bizarre news of its own, including:"Massive Radioactive Sinkhole Continues to Grow in Russia" and"When Killer Orchids Attack: How the Deadly Corpse Orchid Is Turning Up in U.S. Backyards."

These AI-generated headlines soundexactly like the kind of quirky stories we love to cover on our program. So we asked Shaneto feed the AI some real 2020 headlines from As It Happens, and see what it would come up with.

The computer-generated headlines were so perfectly As It Happens-esque that even our own senior producer and assistant director couldn't always tell the difference.Watch them try it:

"I think we're seeing this kind of convergence between the world is very weird, and also AI has now seen enough weird headlines that it can, to some extent, figure out the right amount of weird to be," Shane said.

Want to try it yourself? Take our quiz below and see if you can spot the difference between real As It Happens headlines, and fake onesgenerated by an artificial intelligence. (If you're having trouble accessing the quiz below, try clicking here.)

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The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Video Games – Analytics Insight

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With a new generation of consoles at the door, the video game industry shows that it continues to work with the objective of offering its users better graphics and advanced technologies related to image and sound, but above all, to a factor that has had a constant evolution and that is key in the development of games from the beginning: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We can understand artificial intelligence as the technology that, through so-called machine learning, allows a machine, system or software, to learn to analyze certain information from the environment in order to obtain a more human behavior. And although a few years ago this might seem like an aphorism taken from one of Asimovs works, it is a reality that has ended up reaching us as humans and that no longer belongs to the field of science fiction and speculation.

Within the world of video games, we could summarize and define artificial intelligence as the techniques used by developers to design the behavior of famous NPCs (Non Playable Characters). However, this is a definition that has become increasingly concise in the face of a technology that has been growing along with the video game industry itself, and that now not only focuses on determining the behavior of adversaries, but which is capable of designing increasingly demanding maps, levels and challenges for players. In some online casino list, they offer some games equipped with AI technology.

The origin of Artificial Intelligence in video games occurs before the industry itself became an essential part of popular culture worldwide. One of the best known precedents for the use of this technology in a game dates back to the 1950s, with computer chess titles that were developed based on the MiniMax algorithm. This software had the ability to analyze the position of the pieces on the board to choose the best possible move. Starting in the seventies, with video games revolutionizing the market and the entertainment experiences of users, Artificial Intelligence began to play a key role in the conception and development of the titles of major brands.

In 1972 Pong, your opponent was already able to move based on the movement of the ball you hit to return the impact, while Space Invaders gave clear signs of how the enemies evolved and were increasingly intelligent, challenging the players who they spent hours in the arcade trying to pass each of the levels.

For its part, in the eighties Pac-Man took another step, since it was the first video game that featured a route search system for enemies, who were able to more easily decipher the path that the player took under certain circumstances. In the same years, Donkey Kong boasted how much Artificial Intelligence had advanced, with a level of difficulty that pushed gamers of the time to the limit of their abilities. However, Artificial Intelligence was still precarious enough to realize that the machine was not capable of learning from its mistakes, nor of adapting to the behavior of the player, so the latter had to decipher certain patterns in order to get ahead of the most demanding challenges.

A big jump Artificial Intelligence in video games continued to evolve alongside products that increasingly had a more avid consumer base, and therefore, more demanding. It was thus that new possibilities began to be explored and in 1987 the Golden Ax video game innovated by allowing enemies to run after the player with the intention of attacking him from behind, something surprising if we take into account that at the time the adversaries did not stand out for their mobility.

Little by little, the big developers began to explore more complex terrain, and by 2011, the algorithms of Artificial Intelligence generated simple but unique missions by randomly configuring places, enemies and objectives in the ARPG, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, thus taking a huge workload off the title designers.

Designing video games, the future of AI The role of Artificial Intelligence in the world of video games is increasingly decisive, and has gone from providing a higher level of realism to them, to designing them completely from scratch.

What is the most challenging Artificial Intelligence you have faced in all these years of evolution in video games?

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Analytics Insight is an influential platform dedicated to insights, trends, and opinions from the world of data-driven technologies. It monitors developments, recognition, and achievements made by Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Analytics companies across the globe.

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Artificial Intelligence of the Future Could Reveal the Incomprehensible (2020 Most Viewed) – The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel

Posted: at 9:51 am

(For the Holiday Season, from Christmas through New Years Day. well post 2020s most viewed articles as ranked by Google Analytics.)

The research study of Spanish clinical neuropsychologist Gabriel G. De la Torre, Does artificial intelligence dream of non-terrestrial techno-signatures?, suggests that one of the potential applications of artificial intelligence is not only to assist in big data analysis but to help to discern possible artificiality or oddities in patterns of either radio signals, megastructures or techno-signatures in general.

Our form of life and intelligence, observed Silvano P. Colombano at NASAs Ames Research Center who was not involved in the study, may just be a tiny first step in a continuing evolution that may well produce forms of intelligence that are far superior to ours and no longer based on carbon machinery.

We Have Absolutely No Idea Whats Out There

The result of De la Torres intriguing visual experiment calls into question the application of artificial intelligence to the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI) where advanced and ancient technological civilizations may exist but be beyond our comprehension or ability to detect.

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Effective Governance Requires Implementation of Artificial Intelligence – Analytics Insight

Posted: at 9:51 am

The quick advancement of artificial intelligence can possibly revamp how the government provides an expansive range of core services to citizens in a significant manner. When implemented effectively, these innovations can assist the government with delivering decisions quicker, utilizing better information, at a far lower cost in essential areas going from granting disability advantages to granting patents to arbitrating migration applications and healthcare insurance benefits.

With quick digital technological change, it is inescapable for the government to advance its customary techniques to accomplish better citizen engagement, responsibility, and interoperability; and this should be possible by adapting to complex changing environment and getting tough with the utilization of intelligent technologies that can go about as the facilitators of development, competitiveness, sustainability, and liveability.

Artificial intelligence has a colossal potential in various government areas, for example, transportation, data security and management, education, healthcare, physical infrastructure, and so forth; and it is imperative for the government to perceive for implementing the same to improve the quality of life for the residents and efficiency of governance.

The Indian government has said that it will use artificial intelligence tools to set up better guidelines and ensure citizens privacy and ownership of data. The Minister of Commerce and Aviation said that the nation is moving more information than the United States and China put together. The main six organizations on the planet are utilizing this data with value addition and monetisation.

Further, India is fortifying its overall set of laws and administrative system to manage this universe of digital information.

Research on AI in the government sector is as yet in its incipient stage and just covers the normal effects of AI, which is speculative in nature and, there is a monstrous scope for empirical research on the AI applications alongside its difficulties as accepted by the partners working in the government area.

Numerous analysts and professionals have only referenced the technological parts of AI applications which sounds ambiguous without a robust public administration model that depicts the implications for governance of the administrative state. Corresponding to this contention, there is as yet a growing need for understanding the reach and impact of AI-based applications and related challenges in a holistic manner.

Automated decision support utilizes AI to apply hundreds or even a large number of discrete regulatory, technical, and business rules that are pertinent to an exact circumstance and place them at the fingertips of the knowledge worker. Complex issues that may have required the intercession of a CPA, engineer, or different experts can be envisioned and settled in advance. The organization can update business logic parameters to new regulatory interpretations or legislation without the requirement for extensive retraining.

As per the Policy Commissions National Strategy for AI, AI innovation provides safety through smart command centres with refined surveillance frameworks that keep checks on peoples movement, potential wrongdoing episodes, and general security of the inhabitants.

Social media intelligence platforms give help to public security by assembling data from social media and anticipate potential exercises that could disrupt public peace.

Artificial intelligence has a significant potential in climate sustainability-related issues as it has the abilities in the area of machine translation, natural language processing, data analytics and pattern recognition, or in computer vision and the latest advances being utilized is the modern machine learning and deep learning. The potential territories covered under the climate where AI can be applied range from applications in energy and utilities, agribusiness, to environmental protection.

Rigid business rules oversee what data sets can be accessed, the security of sensitive data, and how results are shared. Artificial intelligence can quickly recognize any policy deviations to intercede early and give remediation or retraining before a human blunder turns into a fundamental issue.

Artificial intelligence likewise gives an incredible tool to fight against business actors or fraudsters to seek to game the framework of government benefits and regulatory enforcement. Neural networks can consistently search out arising patterns that demonstrate another scheme of abuse or signal that a private entertainer may have reverse-engineered government procedures to acquire more good results. Automated risk scoring utilizing machine learning helps focus enforcement resources and guarantee program trustworthiness.

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2020: A Year Full of Amazing AI papers- A Review Machine Learning Times – The Predictive Analytics Times

Posted: at 9:51 am

Originally published in GitHub.com.

A curated list of the latest breakthroughs in AI by release date with a clear video explanation, link to a more in-depth article, andcode

Even with everything that happened in the world this year, we still had the chance to see a lot of amazing research come out. Especially in the field of artificial intelligence. More, many important aspects were highlighted this year, like the ethical aspects, important biases, and much more. Artificial intelligence and our understanding of the human brain and its link to AI is constantly evolving, showing promising applications in the soon future.

Here are the most interesting research papers of the year, in case you missed any of them. In short, it is basically a curated list of the latest breakthroughs in AI and Data Science by release date with a clear video explanation, link to a more in-depth article, and code (if applicable). Enjoy the read!

The complete reference to each paper is listed at the end of this repository.

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LETTER: Yukon the Libertarian friend of a reindeer? – The News Herald

Posted: at 9:50 am

The News Herald

Two years ago, the CBS broadcast of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"was attacked by cancel culture. Somecalled for its removal, due to Rudolph being bullied. Yet, they fail seeing Rudolph overcomes it and becomes Santa's lead reindeer.

There's also a libertarian message, in a subplot.

More: Have an opinion? Submit a Letter to the Editor

My favorite characterof this specialis Yukon Cornelius. He struck meas the main comedy relief. As I watched him in my adulthood, I discovered a hidden fact. Yukon is a libertarian.

Libertarianism always existed in the U.S.While the Libertarian Party beganin 1971, libertarianism was well before then. This includes our pop culture. Yukon's character, is a libertarian personificationin a Christmas icon.

He owns the land Rudolph and Herbiemeet him in. He originally prospectsfor silver and gold, which libertarians say is real/solid wealth. He voluntarily asks Rudolph and Herbieto join himin his prospecting. After escaping from Bumbles, he changes his mind and decides to prospect silver.

When going through the fog, Yukon calls it "thick as peanut butter."Herbie tries correcting him, saying, "You mean pea soup." Yukon replies, "You eat what you like and I'll eat what I like." After rescuing Rudolph and friends from Bumbles, he helps Bumbles reform. Bumbles voluntarily changes and accepts Yukon's help. He learns new skills and takes a job, helping Santa decorate tall Christmas trees.

At the special's end Yukon discovers a peppermint vein. Knowing he's now in Christmas Land he decides to open a peppermint mine and sell the mineralfor future Christmases. He makes Bumbles his partner and they go into business together.

His story continuesin the DVD sequel, "Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys."

He and Bumbles' peppermint vein runs out and he'sfacing closing the mine. Underneath the final vein, Yukon discovers gold. His hard workpays off.

On a final note, Yukon carries a pistol, but he never uses it. The fact he carries itshows he believes in private gun ownership.

Overall, Yukon Cornelius proves he's a libertarian and shows the long-term successesthat come from it. See it yourself, next time you watch it.

David Agosta, Secretary Bay County Libertarian Party

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21 Things That Kept Me Going In 2020 – kottke.org

Posted: at 9:50 am

For the past few years, Ive been keeping track of everything I read, watch, listen to, and experience in my media diet posts. As a media diet wrap-up, heres the most compelling content & experiences from 2020, stuff that helped stimulate and sustain me in a year of isolation and pandemic.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This was the final movie I saw in a theater before the pandemic hit; I chose well. Not a week has gone by this year that I didnt think about some aspect or another of this film.

Youre Wrong About. By far my favorite episodic podcast. The joy with which the hosts delight each other with insights and humorous asides is the engine that drives the show. Literally my only complaint: I wish they hadnt changed the theme music.

The Queens Gambit. Seems like everyone watched this miniseries this fall and I loved it just as much as anyone.

The Rain Vortex at Singapores Changi Airport. An enchanting oasis in the middle of an airport indicative of Singapores incorporation of natural elements into urban spaces.

MASS MoCA. For my birthday, I treated myself with a road trip to this superb museum. The Sol LeWitt, James Turrell, and Jenny Holzer exhibitions alone were worth the trip. I sorely miss museums.

Ted Lasso. Mister Rogers Neighborhood + Major League. Who knew you could make radical empathy funny? Everyone Ive recommended this show to has loved it.

The Land That Never Has Been Yet from Scene on Radio. An essential series on American democracy. Like, do we even have one? Its hard to choose, but the episode on how the libertarianism of the contemporary Republican Party was the result of a deliberate campaign by just a few people that increasingly came to dominate American politics is my favorite.

Carol. I remember liking this back when it came out, but my rewatch a couple of months ago was a revelation. A remarkable, sparkling film.

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Wilkerson has a gift for finding new ways for her readers to think about entrenched systems and behaviors.

Devs. This show got neglected a little in the end-of-year lists because of an early-in-the-pandemic release, but it was one of my top 2-3 shows this year.

The Great. I really enjoyed this Hulu show as I watched it and its grown in my esteem in the months since. Its one of the first shows I recommend when friends ask what Ive been watching lately. Huzzah!

Nintendo Switch. To distract themselves from the pandemic, did America spend more hours playing video games or watching TV? I did both. Mario Kart 8, Super Mario 35, Rocket League, Fortnite, Minecraft, Among Us, and all the old NES games were popular in our household this year.

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney. I found reading difficult for most of the year I only finished three books in the past 10 months. But this one I couldnt put down; finished it in two days.

Exhalation by Ted Chiang. Perfect little stories expertly told. Dont miss the endnotes, where Chiang reveals where the ideas for each of his stories came from.

AirPods Pro. The best augmented reality device yet devised the music feels like its actually in your head more seamlessly than ever before.

Little Women. Fantastic casting, performances, and direction. Waiting patiently for whatever Gerwig does next.

My Brilliant Friend (season 2) & Normal People. I didnt think anyone could effectively adapt either of these authors, but somehow the shows nearly equalled the books.

The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson. Everything from Larson is great and this book about the Battle of Britain and the triumph of leadership resonated throughout this pandemic year.

Future Nostalgia. I listened to this more than anything else in 2020. Also notable because IMO there are no skippable songs on this album.

Tomidaya shoyu ramen. This tiny ramen shop in the Little Tokyo section of Saigon is supposed to closely resemble Japan shops. One of the best bowls Ive ever had.

The Mandalorian. I was lukewarm on season one but loved season two. Of all the recent Star Wars things, this show best channels the sometimes goofy/campy magic that made the original movie so compelling.

The image above is an overhead view of my home office, where all the kottke.org magic happens.

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Kerry Washington Swears by a $6 Cleanser to Keep Her Eczema-Prone Skin Glowing at 43 – Prevention.com

Posted: at 9:48 am

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Thanks to face masks, constant stress, and being stuck inside all day, pretty much everyone has had some trouble with their skin this year. But Little Fires Everywhere star Kerry Washington says you dont need to shell out the big bucks to find products that keep your complexion in check. In fact, her favorite drugstore face wash is made specifically for sensitive skin and leaves her looking like, well, Kerry Washington.

In a recent Vogue Beauty Secrets video, the 43-year-old actress revealed that shes long dealt with skin issues. Ive always had to think a lot about my skin because I have eczema, she said. I started going to dermatologists when I was a kid and really paying attention to what works and what doesnt.

Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser

$5.49

The first product in her skincare routineand the one she credits with helping keep her eczema in checkis Neutrogenas Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. And unlike most other celeb skincare picks, this one only costs $6.

Im really obsessed with this Ultra Gentle Cleanser, Washington said in the video. For me, its not just about looking cute; its also really about being able to have skin thats healthy and not too itchy and cracked, and all that stuff that happens with eczema. (Worth mentioning: Shes been a Neutrogena spokesperson for years, but were inclined to take her word for itespecially since the product is so beloved by online reviewers and dermatologists alike.)

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The Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser has nearly 7,000 reviews on Amazon, where shoppers rave that it lives up to its name. I have dry, sensitive skin, and am allergic to many facial products, including many labeled hypoallergenic and for sensitive skin, one reviewer wrote. This cleanser is fantastic. It removes make-up, but leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Best of all, Im not allergic to it.

After cleansing, Washington follows up with a moisturizer shes addicted to: Neutrogenas Hydro Boost Water Gelwhich also goes for just $16. The product is packed with hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to the skin to plump and hydrate. Moisture, for me, is the key to it all, she said.

Well, shes clearly doing something right!

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The Best Beauty Instagrams of the Year: Janaya Future Khan, Megan Thee Stallion, Ashley Graham, and More – Vogue

Posted: at 9:48 am

Beauty-wise, this past year on Instagram was filled with head-turning hair moments. Megan Thee Stallion stunned with a thick spiral braid that paired well with a cherry red lip and major glow, per her caption. Model Tsunaina got up close and personal with double-looped pigtails and swirls of blush that arched from her lids to her cheekbones. And speaking of pigtails, Cardi B rocked bubblegum pink heart-shaped buns of her own.

Makeup artist Ali continued to wow followers by sharing a bedazzled blue makeup look with a powerful message about protecting Black women. Just because we are strong doesnt mean you cant be there for us, she wrote. Then, Danielle Mareka got creative in quarantine with rhinestone-speckled lash lines and iridescent lids. Her beautiful Afro tied everything together. On the nail front Mei Kawajiri churned out an array of looks, but it was her mile-long, anime-inspired manicure that stopped the most scrollers in their tracks.

A plethora of reminders to love the skin youre in blessed feeds as well. Elle Fanning reclaimed the eczema on her lids by embracing it as a beauty look. A glowing Lizzo leaned in with the message: You can do life your way. Remember, despite anything anyone says or does, do what you want with your body. Then, in a widely celebrate post, Keke Palmer opened up about her journey with acne and Polycystic ovary syndrome. My platform has always been used for things greater than me, she wrote. To all the people struggling with this please know youre not alone and that you are still so fine! Finally, model-activist Gabrielle Richardson, a.k.a. Frida Cash Flow, shared her gua sha ritual and thoughts on how to keep our healing from being performative.

Black Lives Matter organizer Janaya Future Khan showed off their Afro and glistening skin while reflected on their journey to self-confidence. I was called ugly for a long time, they wrote. Long enough that I believed it. So much of being an adult is unlearning how you were taught to see yourself We must also unlearn the way we were taught to see others. Our assumptions about race, gender, class etc are informed by the teachings of a flawed people and a deeply flawed and astonishingly unequal society. If we are not doing the work of seeking each other out, we have accepted those conditions as our own.

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Dr. Markus Boos Discusses Rashes: What’s Normal and When to Worry – On the Pulse

Posted: at 9:48 am

When it comes to rashes, Seattle Childrens dermatologist Dr. Markus Boos is like a detective. When he meets with patients and families who are concerned about a rash, Boos first listens to their story, looks at their skin for clues and then works with them to determine the cause.

Dr. Markus Boos, Seattle Childrens dermatologist, is grateful to be entrusted by parents to care for their children, and to have the opportunity to do something that he loves every day.

When I meet with families, there are two important things I always want to emphasize in order to help allay any anxiety they may have, Boos said. The first is that we see rashes all the time literally every day. Their child often has a condition that many other children do as well. Secondly, I reaffirm that Im glad they came to see me, no matter how mild or severe their skin condition is. Im a parent and I get it. Its distressing when something is wrong with your child, and Im here to help.

Most of the rashes Boos sees are manageable with topical medications or observation and there is usually no cause for concern, but there are some cases when parents should seek treatment more urgently.

What should make you worry about a rash is when there are symptoms that involves systems outside the skin, like high fever, vomiting or lethargy, Boos said. Those things definitely make me more concerned. For the most part, the majority of common skin rashes wont have those.

Rashes caused by medications are another type of rash that Boos says require early identification and treatment.

Drug rashes are things you wouldnt want to miss, Boos said. The ones we worry about are the ones that blister, cause skin pain, and that involve the eyes, mouth or other mucosal surfaces. Children with severe drug reactions often are very ill-appearing and may have a fever, as well. Id be quicker to involve experts in the emergency room in those cases.

Typically, Boos says drug rashes occur about 1 to 2 weeks after starting a new medication.

Below, Boos breaks down the most common rashes he sees at Seattle Childrens.

Atopic dermatitis is a genetically based form of eczema. It can cause scaly and itchy skin that is localized to flexural areas and is often accompanied by darkening or redness of the skin. Boos says atopic dermatitis is the most common rash he sees. Atopic dermatitis usually occurs around the elbows, behind the knees, behind the neck, wrists and ankles. In infants it also presents on the cheeks.

Other types of dermatitis that can mimic or be seen alongside atopic dermatitis include contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis is the most common type of contact dermatitis, and it occurs when the skin comes in contact with a substance or chemical that irritates the skin.

Common ingredients including preservatives in baby soaps and cleansers can be really irritating to a childs skin, Boos said. Detergents could also cause red, bumpy and itchy rashes.

When Boos suspects irritant dermatitis, he puts on his detective hat and asks families a series of questions.

There could be something in the home causing the rash, Boos said. If thats the case, treatment consists of both removing anything that might be inciting the rash and treating the symptoms.

Boos vividly remembers a time when he saw a patient family in clinic who was suffering from irritant dermatitis.

I couldnt figure it out, but I knew there had to be something, Boos said.

Thats when the family mentioned using Febreeze on their couch, which ended up being the cause. After removing the Febreeze from their home, the child got better.

Atopic dermatitis is treatable, Boos said. For the majority of patients, probably 85%, we use topical steroids. Although there is no cure, its manageable. Some patients will even grow out of it by 4 or 5 years old.

Boos says eczema tends to flare early on in spring when pollen levels increase.

He adds that usually eczema is itchy, but if it becomes painful and spreads, parents should seek advice from their doctor.

We worry about infections when there are blisters and pus, Boos said. If there are any rapid changes to the rashs appearance, thats a sign that something else might be going on, including a superinfection of the childs atopic dermatitis, and you should let your doctor know immediately.

Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is another common rash Boos sees with some regularity. He has even had it himself.

Its awful, Boos said.

But like many other rashes, Boos reassures patients and families that there is usually no cause for alarm.

As the name suggests, children will typically have small circular red or hyperpigmented/darker spots and tiny water blisters on their hands, feet and mouth.

Boos said children might also drool more and not eat as well. He says the blisters typically follow skin cleavage lines, like if someone were reading your palm.

HFMD is caused by an enterovirus. The buttock is usually also involved, and children may get blisters or scaly rashes around their buttock as well.

It really should be called Hand-Foot-Mouth-And-Buttock Disease, Boos said.

Boos said hand washing is very important when a child has HFMD, since the virus can be transmitted orally. He recommends children stay away from other people until the blisters crust over and the child no longer has a fever.

If there is a high fever or a child also has symptoms outside of the usual discomfort that typically accompanies HFMD, Boos recommends calling a childs doctor as severe cases have been associated with lung and brain problems, as well.

Boos also says that children who have HFMD may also lose their fingernails 4 to 6 weeks after they have the virus. He says not to worry, as this is a common reaction and the nails will grow back normally.

Psoriasis is another common skin condition Boos sees.

Psoriasis usually occurs around the knees, elbows, buttocks, belly button, eyelid and scalp. The most common symptom is broad plaques of thickened skin with white scales over them. In fair skin, psoriasis is often bright red in color, but in darker skin tones affected areas may appear hyperpigmented or red-brown in color. Psoriasis can also be itchy, though it is usually not as severe as in atopic dermatitis. The condition is treatable, but there is no cure.

There is a genetic component, Boos said. Its something youll have for your entire life, but the important thing to recognize is that we think of it more as a skin manifestation of a systemic inflammatory disorder. We know that adults who have psoriasis are more likely to have metabolic disorders, which can also at times be seen in children, and so part of the management is to also have patients evaluated for blood pressure and glucose monitoring. The inflammation isnt just skin deep, it goes deeper than that.

To treat the whole patient, Boos also works closely with other experts in the hospital. Other team members could include healthcare providers in gastroenterology, rheumatology, ophthalmology and immunology.

Psoriasis is typically managed with a topical steroid and Boos reassures families the condition is very manageable, though sometimes oral or injectable medications are needed to control the condition.

Boos says there is a lot of misinformation out there, and so he encourages families to reach out if they have questions. Especially when it comes to products, Boos advises that natural doesnt always mean safe.

As a father, Boos understands that when a child experiences a rash, it can be distressing. As parents, we only want to help our children thrive, and so when something goes wrong, Boos says it can be easy to feel guilty.

Its easy to second guess yourself, Boos said. The thing Im most passionate about is making parents feel okay about themselves. Illnesses happen for reasons we dont always understand and for reasons beyond our control, like genetics. The best you can do is the best you can do. My job is to be a resource for families and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. I want you to know, youre doing an awesome job. I dont want you to feel like your child is ill because of you. Together, we can get through this.

Emergency or Urgent Care?

Dermatology Clinic Patient and Family Resources

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