Our two-minute guide to what you shouldn't pick at, as well as pro regimens on improving true skin emergencies, with advice from derms Dr. Kenneth Beer, Dr. Jeanine B. Downie and Dr. Kathryn Frew.

Symptoms: A cluster of red or white miliaria, small pus-filled bumps typically found on the cheeks, forehead and chin. These bumps are clogged pores -- the result of crystallized (dried) sweat trapped under the skin.
Treat it: Get out of the heat. Then cleanse, dry and pat your skin with baby powder to soothe the zone. After a few minutes, apply an over-the-counter cortisone or anti-itch cream, like Aveeno 1 Percent Hydrocortisone Anti-itch Cream, $5.99, to reduce inflammation and redness. Reapply every three hours as needed.
Prevent it: Stay in cool, dry, air-conditioned environments as much as possible. When outside in the heat, cleanse skin immediately after sweating. Carry disposable wipes when you're on the go to sweep sweat off your face and other rash-prone zones And finally, avoid oil-based products, says Frew. Photo: Courtesy of y2khealthanddetox.com

Symptoms: Red, chafed skin with a burning sensation. It's usually the combination of cold and sunburn (think skiers at high altitudes).
Treat it: Cleanse and dry skin, then combine one dime-sized drop each of moisturizer with over-the-counter cortisone cream (like Cortaid Maximum Strength Anti-itch Cream, $5.49). This mixture calms irritation and reduces redness. Reapply every four or five hours as needed for up to one week only. Between applications, use an aloe-based, cooling moisturizer (like Kiss My Face Olive and Aloe Fragrance Free Moisturizer, $10.95). Downie suggests doing a patch text first as some people can be allergic to aloe.
Prevent it: Whether you're hitting the slopes or heading outdoors during a blustery, clear day, use a heavy-duty dry skin lotion with a high SPF (like Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion, SPF 30, $8.59) to keep skin hydrated and protected.

Symptoms: A large nodule that looks like a pus-filled whitehead, but is substantially bigger. Cystic acne is typically caused by a triad of bacteria, hormones and sebum (oil).
Treat it: To unclog the pore, wash the area with a cleanser containing acne-fighting glycolic or salicylic acids, (like Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, $7.39). A warm compress can also help to steam "open" the pore and loosen trapped oil and bacteria. More severe cystic acne should be treated with oral antibiotics, oral isotretinoin like Accutane, lasers or other pro-grade medicine. See your dermatologist if cystic acne appears more than once a month.
Prevent it: Wash daily with a salicylic acid-based cleanser to exfoliate the top layer of skin, thus keeping pores clear -- and use an oil-free moisturizer (like Olay Total Effects Moisturizing Vitamin Complex, SPF 15, $18.99) or (Lexli Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer with SPF 15, $58).

Symptoms: Raised, red bumps on the skin's surface. Hives happen when you have an allergic reaction to food, the environment or something that touches your skin. Your body releases chemicals to fight the outside source, and itchy, stinging or burning welts result on your skin.
Treat it: Try an over-the-counter oral antihistamine like Benadryl or Claritin. As a rule, if hives last more than four days, see a doctor. If you experience shortness of breath in conjunction with an outbreak of hives, go immediately to an emergency room.
Prevent it: The best prevention is avoidance. Once you have an outbreak, take note of the elements that may have triggered the initial reaction, whether it's a new laundry detergent, a certain type of flower that's in bloom or the lobster you had for dinner.