Acne Actinic Keratoses Alopecia Areata Dermatitis Dry Skin Eczema Foundation
Make-Up Hives Moisturizers Peels Pityriasis Rosea Poison Ivy Psoriasis Rosacea Sunscreens Tinea Versicolor Vitiligo Warts Skin Cancer
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ACNE
Cause
Acne is primarily a condition of young people and virtually all adolescents will get it to some degree. Rising hormone levels during puberty result in an increased size of the skin oil glands. Growth of oil glands in areas where acne is common (the face, upper back and chest) is activated by the hormone testosterone. Both males and females have this hormone in large enough quantities to activate the oil glands. If all the oil formed in these glands comes to the surface there is no problem. However, the openings of these glands may become plugged and as the oil continues to be produced in the gland, black and skin-colored bumps (blackheads and whiteheads) are formed. If the oil continues to be produced in the plugged gland it may burst underneath the skin, spilling its contents. This causes the inflammatory reaction with the accumulation of pus and is called a pustule or, if larger, a cyst.
The tendency to have acne is to a large extent inherited. The seriousness may vary in different children in the same family. Upon reaching adulthood acne usually gradually stops, but it sometimes can persist or not start until adulthood. Acne tends to persist until the tendency to have it is lost. Food almost never causes or aggravates acne. Chocolate or greasy food should be avoided if felt to be a factor. Acne often has periods of improvement and flare-up. Females may notice a flare-up prior to menstrual periods. Boys may also notice a cyclic variation.
Treatment
There is no cure for acne, but it can usually be
well-controlled until treatment is no longer necessary. Acne
should be treated continually until the tendency is lost to
prevent permanent scarring. Treatment will be tailored to the
type and severity of the acne. Remember, it is important to be
compliant with the treatment program and not get discouraged if
improvement does not occur immediately.
1. Do not apply oily substances to the face (moisturizing
skin creams, oil-based makeup, hair spray). If a moisturizer is
needed use Cetaphil, Nutraderm or Moisturel. Use oil-free makeup.
2. Never "scrub" the face. This may cause the acne to
worsen. Wash with hands or a very soft washcloth. Avoid soaps
containing cold cream.
3. For oily hair, use a shampoo for oily hair daily or
every-other-day. Applying oil to the hair may also worsen facial
acne; if necessary, leave hair nearest to the face oil-free.
4. Keep hands off of the face. Break the habit of resting the
face in the hands.
5. Do not tamper with the acne lesions. This will only cause the
lesions to show up more and often causes infection and scarring.
6. It is better to have skin somewhat on the dry side. If
treatment causes too much drying, changes in
therapy will be suggested.
7. If Tetracycline is prescribed, it must be taken on an empty
stomach; otherwise it is neutralized by food, especially dairy
products. Do not eat or drink anything other than water one hour
before and two hours after taking the Tetracycline.
8. If a menstrual cycle is missed or pregnancy is desired,
discontinue any oral medicine prescribed such as antibiotics.
Tetracycline and other antibiotics possibly lessen effectiveness
of birth control pills. Consult your gynecologist. Oral
antibiotics occasionally may cause yeast infections. Please call
the office if you develop an infection.
9. Wait 15-30 minutes after washing before applying acne creams
or lotions. Apply to all involved areas, not just individual
lesions. Avoid the skin around the eyes and close to the mouth.
ACTINIC
KERATOSES
Sun Exposure
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly spots on the skin caused by
many years of sun exposure. They are usually not seen until after
age 40-50. However, very fair-skinned persons who have had
excessive sun exposure may get them earlier, as they are more
susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun.
Cancer Risk
Actinic keratoses are "premalignant." This means
that if they are not treated properly there is a significant
chance one or more of them will develop into a skin cancer.
Sun Protection
The most effective sun protection is avoidance of the sun
during the peak hours of intensity One should wear a
broad-brimmed hat and suitable covering for other exposed areas
and apply a sunscreen lotion or gel daily to exposed areas. We
recommend at least an SPF 15 sunscreen, such as Neutrogena,
PreSun or Photoplex. This should be applied in the morning and
every four hours during swimming or excessive perspiration.
Treatment
1. If only a few keratoses are present they may be lightly
frozen with liquid nitrogen.
2. If a large number of keratoses or large areas of advanced sun
damage are present, a cream may be applied twice per day for 2-4
weeks. This treatment will cause the face to become very red and
sore. This method is preferred only in severe cases, as it is an
uncomfortable and slow process.
3. If it is suspected that the condition has progressed to the
point where skin cancer may be
present, a biopsy will be taken and the keratoses will be scraped
and burned with an electric needle. Even if microscopic
examination of the biopsy is positive for skin cancer, the
scraping and burning is usually sufficient treatment.
4. People who are prone to sun-damaged skin and actinic keratoses
should be checked by a dermatologist annually.
ALOPECIA
AERATE
CAUSE
Alopecia aerate is a disorder in which bald patches occur on
an otherwise normal scalp. The cause is not known. Sometimes hair
in other locations may be affected (eyebrows, lashes, beard,
etc.). It is not contagious, precancerous or harmful to health.
It is not inherited in the strictest sense, but approximately 20%
of people with alopecia aerate have had relatives also with the
condition. It is not caused by nerves but in some people
emotional upset or stress seems to trigger an episode.
SYMPTOMS AND COURSE
There are usually no symptoms such as pain, swelling, itching,
etc. Its course is erratic and, in any one individual, impossible
to predict. Hair may start to regrow within a few weeks, months,
years or in rare cases loss may be permanent. Eighty percent of
patients will have full regrowth within a year. Recurrences are
common. A second episode will occur in about 50% of patients.
Children and patients with extensive hair loss have a greater
chance of having permanent loss.
TREATMENT
Alopecia aerate may go away on its own but there is presently
no cure. There are a number of ways to control it until it does
go away. The most common treatment is an injection of
Triamcinolone under the bald patches. In many cases this causes
the hair in those areas to regrow. The beneficial effects of the
injection last 6-12 weeks. For this reason, periodic reinjections
are often necessary.
DERMATITIS
ATOPIC DERMATITIS
CONTACT DERMATITIS
PERIORAL DERMATITIS
Definition and Cause
Perioral dermatitis is a condition characterized by red bumps
or areas of redness and scaling around the mouth. It is a
condition usually seen in young women. It is often confused with
acne, chapping or contact allergies to soap or lipstick. Its
cause is unknown but in some people it is associated with the use
of high potency fluorinated steroid creams such as Kenalog,
Valisone, Lidex, Halog, Aristocort, etc.
Treatment
Treatment generally involves four steps:
1. Stop using fluorinated creams if presently using them.
2. Tetracycline tablets for several months. This medication
should be taken on an empty stomach (one-half hour before or two
hours after meals). Do not take Tetracycline if on birth control
pills, pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
3. Use a non-fluorinated steroid cream 2-4 times per day to the
face as prescribed.
4. Do not apply prescription creams obtained from friends,
relatives, etc.
Length of Treatment
If the cause of the perioral dermatitis is a fluorinated--steroid cream, expect the condition to worsen for 1-2 weeks after the cream is stopped. There may be a temptation to start using the cream again but doing so will only prolong the problem. This initial flare-up usually lasts only 1-2 weeks. Improvement should be noticed in 2-12 weeks. As the improvement process continues, gradually start decreasing the frequency of the non-fluorinated steroid cream prescribed but continue to take the Tetracycline as instructed.
SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
A Common Disorder
Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common disorder of the skin.
In its mildest form it is merely the peeling and flaking of the
scalp referred to as dandruff. In more severe cases there may be
redness and scaling of the eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, and
chest as well as the scalp. The most active periods tend to be in
the seasons approaching winter and in the early spring. Summer
often brings natural improvement, with flare again in the fall.
Cause
The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known. There are,
however, several factors which seem to contribute to its
development. These include heredity, mental and physical stress,
and increased oiliness of the skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is not
contagious, is not an allergic reaction, and is not related to
cancer. It will not affect general health.
Treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition. This means that
although it cannot be cured, it can be adequately controlled.
Proper use of medicated shampoo, and if necessary a prescription
lotion or cream, will usually provide excellent control.
The most important thing to understand about treatment and
control is the variability of the process. There are active
phases when the shampoo may be necessary on a daily basis and
inactive phases when weekly use of the shampoo will be adequate.
DRY SKIN
Cause
Dry skin is due to inadequate moisture. Medical terms for dry
skin include xerosis, asteatotic eczema and winter itch.
Factors
Environmental factors are extremely important. Repeated
exposure to solvents, soaps and disinfectants will remove oils
from the skin, thus damaging the skin barrier and greatly
increasing water loss. Low humidity and exposure to dry, cold
winds will "pull" water from the skin. Increased room
heat and ventilation with cold, dry winter air will decrease
humidity inside and also dry the skin. -
Bathing too often contributes to dry, itchy skin, especially
in the winter months. Bathing every day is not usually needed
unless perspiration or working conditions make it necessary.
Treatment
Skin is dry not because it lacks oils but because it lacks
water. All therapeutic efforts are aimed at replacing the water
in the skin and the immediate environment.
1. Room temperature should be kept at the lowest comfort level.
2. Bathe or shower only when necessary. Keep the water lukewarm,
not hot.
3 Discourage the use of soap in dry areas. If a skin cleanser is
necessary, a bath oil such as Alpha Keri, Cameo, Domol, Surfol or
Lubath may be applied to a soft wash cloth and rubbed gently over
the skin.
4. Use a humidifier if possible. Humidifiers may be either
portable or part of a forced-air heating system. The bedroom is
the most important room to keep well-humidified.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
PATIENTS WITH IRRITANT HAND ECZEMA
PRECAUTIONS
PLASTIC GLOVES: The heat and sweat inside a
plastic glove may be as bad for the hands as irritation from soap
and cleansers. Wear white cotton gloves inside the plastic
gloves. Loose-fitting gloves may be more comfortable and less
irritating. Do not wear plastic gloves for more than a half-hour.
Do not put your hands into very hot water when plastic gloves are
worn, as the heat may penetrate the gloves and irritate the
hands. COTTON GLOVES: With
housework, wear cotton gloves to prevent the hands from getting
excessively soiled. Such protection reduces the need for
excessive cleansing of the hands. If the fingertips are free of
dermatitis, the tips of the gloves may be cut off to allow air to
circulate about the hands to prevent excessive heating and
sweating. Wear cotton gloves over plastic gloves when bathing
your baby so the baby can be handled without the danger of
slipping out of the wet plastic gloves.
IRRITANTS
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS: Do not use household
cleansers on the hands. Avoid the use of "waterless"
cleaners which are essentially organic solvents and often
irritate and inflame the skin. Use brushes and tongs for
dishwashing. The proper use of brushes may make the use of
protective gloves unnecessary. When pouring or measuring
detergents or bleaches, be careful they do not splash on hands
and forearms. The use of bleaches in tablet form or those which
are "pre-measured" and packaged in plastic containers
is recommended. Handling diapers which contain a great deal of
ammonia may irritate the hands.
FOOD: Contact with fruit and fruit juices,
vegetables and raw meats may be irritating to the skin. Until the
hands are better the use of canned or frozen products may be
helpful. Avoid direct contact of the inflamed skin with the
irritating juices of onions and garlic.
FABRIC: Wool causes itching and irritation in
many individuals, and contact with wool should be kept to a
minimum.
HAIR CARE: Avoid exposure of the hands to
hair care products. Use a brush or a "Q-tip" to apply
such preparations to the scalp.
CLEANSING
Avoid prolonged or too frequent washing of the skin. Gently
pat the skin dry with a soft washcloth or tissues. Avoid rubbing
vigorously. Some people tolerate unlimited washing of the hands
with soap and water, while in others the skin gets dry and
irritated even with a minimum of washing. Do not use soaps that
"sting" and are excessively drying. Dove soap is less
irritating than most soaps.
Even the mildest soap must be gently and thoroughly rinsed off
the hands.
In the acute stage when the hands are swollen and red, avoid
cleansing the skin with any soap. The hands may be bathed in a
solution composed of three tablespoons of vinegar per quart of
tap water. If the skin feels dry after this procedure, gently
swab the skin with olive oil and apply the prescribed medication.
Whenever possible remove the rings from fingers when washing
hands.
Look for Non-Comedogenic on the label
Some Examples include:
Allercreme - oil-free matte finish make-up
Almay
Elizabeth Arden
Clinique
Cornsilk - oil absorbent liquid make-up
Coty - oil-free make-up
Cover Girl - oil control make-up
Max Factor - Maxi Unshine oil-free
Lancome - oil-free make-up
Estee Lauder - Demi matte oil-free
Maybelline - Sheer Essentials water base
Revlon - Natural Wonder shine stopper
URTICARIA (Hives)
Cause
The sudden occurrence of hives is usually due to a contact
allergic reaction to food, drugs, etc. Hives usually last only
days to weeks. When they last more than 2-3 months the cause is
often not associated with an allergy and can be difficult to
determine. Thus, a cause may never be found, regardless of the
number of tests performed.
Symptoms
Hives are characterized by itchy welts which come and go
sporadically. There may also be swelling of the tongue, lips,
eyelids and occasionally joints. Hoarseness may occur because of
swelling of the vocal cords. In rare cases, swelling in the
throat may inhibit the ability to breathe and immediate medical
attention is required.
Treatment
If possible, the cause is determined first. If the cause is
not apparent, an attempt will be made to suppress the hives with
medication until they resolve. This usually happens within a few
weeks. If the hives persist past two months tests may be
performed to rule out a serious underlying illness.
The medications usually used to suppress hives are
antihistamines. In order to work properly these medications must
be taken as directed. They may need to be taken even when the
hives are not present as they tend to suppress hive formation and
reduce the itchiness of existing hives. The primary side-effect
from antihistamines is drowsiness. Thus, caution must be
exercised when driving a car, operating machinery, etc. The
drowsiness tends to lessen with continued use and often ceases
altogether.
Remember
Hives are only rarely caused by a serious underlying problem.
They generally last no more than a few weeks and can usually be
effectively suppressed until they resolve.
Look for Non-Comedogenic on the label
Some Examples include:
Neutrogena
Cetaphil
Nutraderm
Complex 15 for face
Moisturel
Purpose
Curel
Doak 405
Candermyl
WHAT THEY CAN AND CANNOT DO
The chemical peel technique has been modified and improved by
dermatologists during the years since it was first invented.
Light peels which correct mild defects, medium-depth peels which
correct moderate defects and deep peels desired to correct severe
defects may be used alone or as a combination on the face and
neck area. Today, with rejuvenation of the skin and reversal of
the aging process paramount in the minds of many. chemical
peeling has emerged as an exciting option to a total skin care
program.
Most chemical peels today are supplemented by the daily use of
creams (such as retinoic acid or Retin-A), which generate a
constant turnover of the top layers of the skin.
WHAT CHEMICAL PEELS CAN DO
1 Correct sun damage (actinic degeneration) and precancerous
lesions.
2. Flatten mild scarring.
3. Remove rhytides (wrinkles)
4. Improve irregular hyperpigmentation.
5. Improve acne with alpha-hydroxy acid peel.
The mild and moderate peels are called freshening peels
because they improve the quality of the skin without altering its
normal architecture. The skin's ability to tan can retain normal
color after peeling or sunlight exposure is unchanged.
With deeper peels usually involving phenol, the color of the skin
is lighter after peeling and may freckie but never tan again.
WHAT CHEMICAL PEELS CANNOT DO
1. Chemical peels cannot change basic pore size, but in some
cases may temporarily increase pore size. 2. Chemical peels
cannot improve lax skin; removal of fine wrinkling and
cross-matching may not make any difference if there is profound
lax skin. 3. Chemical Peels cannot improve deep scarring.
Dermabrasion, punch grafting, punch elevation or excision of
scarring is much more effective.
4. Chemical peeling cannot always totally remove
hyperpigmentation in dark-skinned Caucasians, Orientals or Blacks
and may not be indicated.
5. Chemical peeling cannot remove broken blood vessels on the
face.
PITYRIASIS
ROSEA
A Common Problem
Pityriasis rosea is a common and harmless skin problem. It is
usually seen between the ages of 16 and 40 but can be seen at any
age. It generally starts with one red, round and scaly patch
which gives the appearance of ringworm. Within a week or so after
this large patch appears, many other smaller pinkish spots
develop over the body. The face and arms are usually not involved
but they may be in some cases. The rash only rarely causes
significant itching.
Characteristics
As stated above, pityriasis rosea may look like ringworm but
it is not ringworm. It is not contagious. It does not cause or
have anything to do with cancer and it does not affect general
health. It almost never leaves marks or scars. It will usually go
away by itself in about 6-12 weeks without needing any treatment.
It is very rare for a second attack to occur, but there have been
a few reports of recurrence.
Treatment
No treatment is usually necessary, but if itching is
bothersome, an appropriate medication will be prescribed. Hot
baths or showers usually make the itching worse and the spots
look brighter red but will not make the condition worse.
Sometimes treatment with natural sunlight (just enough to make
the skin pink) will shorten the duration of the disease. However,
you should be careful to avoid a sunburn.
Remember
Pityriasis rosea is a nuisance but it is not serious or
contagious.
DEFINITION
Poison ivy is a plant which grows in every state in the U.S.
except California and Nevada. It grows as vines attached to
trees, walls, telephone poles, other vines, along walks, fences
and paths.It also grows as small ground shrubs. The plant may be
of different size and shape, but always has the same distribution
of leaves - "one leaf comprised of three leaflets. Remember,
"Leaves of three, let it be. Berries white, danger in
sight."
CAUSES
All parts of the plant contain the "poison". This is
not really a poison but rather a substance which many people
become allergic to after exposure. The first time a person is
exposed he is not yet allergic so no rash will develop or if it
does it will not be until 7-10 days after exposure (time enough
for the person to have developed the allergy). Once the allergy
is present, later exposures will produce the rash within 2-48
hours. Some people do not become allergic to poison ivy, even
after repeated exposures.
CHARACTERISTICS
The rash develops as itchy red areas which may form blisters.
The extent of the rash depends on what areas the plant has
contacted and the severity depends on the amount of
"poison" deposited on the skin as well as the degree of
allergy the person has. Neither the redness nor the blister fluid
causes the rash to spread. The eruption appears to spread because
of differences in the time of appearance of the lesions. This
depends on the amount and duration of contact with the plant.
Thus, areas with greater contact with the plant will react
earlier than areas of lesser contact, giving the impression that
the later-appearing lesions result from a spread of the earlier
ones.
ACTION
It is very important to wash all parts of the skin which may
have come into contact with the plant with soap and water as soon
as possible. Also, all clothes and other items which may have
touched the plant should be washed. Once the washing of the skin
has been done there is no further benefit from further washing
and scrubbing. Use only cold compresses over the areas of
involvement. Poison ivy remedies bought in the drug store or
supermarket often compound the problem. Many contain substances
to which many people will become allergic. If the eruption is not
severe enough to require the attention of a physician, it is best
to avoid all but cold compresses in self-treatment. Treatment by
a physician will bring even very severe cases under control.
PSORIASIS
Cause and Characteristics:
Psoriasis is not contagious, cancerous or scarring. It may
start at any age, With onset most commonly between ages 15 and
30. With psoriasis, the activity of certain cells in the outer
portion of the skin is greatly increased. These cells may form
and divide as much as seven times faster than normal skin cells.
This leads to the production of thick scales filled with air
which have a silvery appearance. Treatment is aimed at decreasing
the reproduction of these skin cells.
Psoriasis may affect fingernails and toenails. The nails most
commonly show tiny pits on the surface. Less commonly they may
become discolored, thickened or separated from the underlying
nail bed. Psoriasis may affect the scalp locally or diffusely
with thick, silvery scales on red lesions. Occasionally arthritis
may develop due to psoriasis. In some cases stress and emotional
upset are thought to be triggers for flare-up.
Psoriasis is an irtherited disorder affecting approximately two
percent of the U.S. population. OneAhird of psoriasis disorders
occur in the immediate family. The tendency to develop psoriasis
may be passed from parent to child without the parent exhibiting
evidence of the disorder.
Future progression of psoriasis cannot be predicted with any
certainty. Very mild cases may take a turn for the worse without
warning and severe cases may clear spontaneously. With vigorous
treatment all or most of the affected areas in an average case
may be cleared or greatly improved within six weeks. In the vast
majority of the cases the disorder is controllable.
Treatment:
There is no cure for psoriasis. Treatment is aimed at control
rather than cure. Available treatment will usually make psoriasis
improve and even disappear completely, but the tendency for
recurrence will remain. The treatment will depend on several
variables, such as the severity and extent of the problem, past
treatment, available treatment time and expense.
Sunlight:
In most cases sunlight has a very beneficial effect on
psoriasis. With a sunburn, however, a marked flare may occur a
week or two afterwards. Precautions should be taken to avoid
overexposure. Occasionally, in selected cases, sunlight seems to
make psoriasis worse. If sunlight has a beneficial effect, a
"sunlamp" may be purchased for winter use.
Tars:
Crude coal tar applied to the skin is usually quite effective.
Recently "tar gels" have also been developed which are
easier to use but not as effective and are more expensive. Tar
shampoos are the mainstay of therapy for psoriasis of the scalp.
Tar works very well in conjunction with sunlight or sunlamps. The
tar should be applied at least 2 hours prior to sun exposure and
should also be washed off prior to exposure.
Topical steroids (Kenalog, Aristocort, Lidex, Valisone,
etc.):
These medications work very well and are easy to use. This
treatment is further enhanced by covering the treated areas with
moist towels or Saran wrap. The disadvantages to topical steroids
include expense, decreased effect with continued usage, and
thinning of the skin when potent preparations are used for
extended periods. If topical steroids are selected for continued
use, the goal is to use the least potent preparation as
infrequently as possible to control the psoriasis.
Skin Injections
For isolated areas, the simplest and most effective approach
is often injection of steroids just underneath the patch of
psoriasis. This is often done in areas responding poorly to
topical therapy. The beneficial effects usually last weeks to
months.
Medication
Cortisone intramuscular injections and cortisone pills are
rarely used in psoriasis because of the frequent occurrence of
severe flare-ups when they are discontinued. Other medications
such as Methotrexate are occasionally used for very severe
psoriasis unresponsive to other forms of therapy. This medication
is effective but has potential severe side-effects.
Puva
Puva is a new method of treating psoriasis. It involves taking
pills which make the skin extremely sensitive to light and then
exposing the body to a special type of light for a variable
period of time. It is extremely effective but requires continued
treatment two to three times per week for two to three months per
course of therapy.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT:
DIET MAY AGGRAVATE ROSACEA
Dinner was delicious - spinach salad smothered in hot bacon
dressing, a juicy sirloin steak grilled to perfection, a baked
potato swimming in sour cream, vanilla ice cream dripping with
hot fudge, and a steaming cup of coffee. It tasted wonderful. You
feel great. Wait a minute. Your face is starting to flush.
A cardinal rule for anyone with rosacea is to avoid flushing.
Rosacea has a tendency to flare up and then subside. And certain
factors are known to aggravate the condition in many individuals.
Experts believe that stimuli which precipitates frequent flushing
may play a role in flare pathophysiology of rosacea. Therefore,
controlling your rosacea not only involves appropriate medical
therapy, it also requires lifestyle
changes.
That delicious dinner you just ate may aggravate your rosacea. In
fact, there is a long list of foods you may need to avoid to help
keep your condition in check. These include spicy foods, very hot
beverages, and anything fermented, pickled, marinated or smoked.
Since rosacea is a chronic disorder, controlling and living with
the disease requires daily lifestyle monitoring. Because each
rosacea sufferer will rarely be affected by every possible
factor, many find it useful to keep a diary to help determine
which foods and other causes aggravate their particular case. By
altering your diet, you may be able to minimize flare frequency
and effects of rosacea flare-ups.
Foods That May Aggravate Rosacea:
Marinated meat
Yogurt
Sour cream
All cheeses (except cottage cheese)
Coffee
Tea
Chocolate
Vanilla
Soy sauce
Yeast extract (bread is ok)
Raisins
Vinegar (except white)
Eggplant
Avocados
Spinach
Pods of broad leaf beans (including
lima, navy, or pea)
Citrus fruits
Tomatoes
Bananas
Red plums
Figs
Also:
All -wines and liquors, especially red wine, beer, bouton, gin,
vodka and champagne
Look for Non-Comedogenic on the label
Some Examples include:
Almay - sun block cream #15
Elizabeth Arden - #15 oil-free ultra block
Clinique
Lancome - #23 oil-free
Estee Lauder - #25 non-comedogenic
PreSun for Faces - not oil-free
Paba-Free Non-Comedogenic
Neutrogena - Paba-free #15
Sol bar PF Cream base #15 Paba-free
All Estee Lauder sunscreens are Paba-Free
Characteristics
Tinea Versicolor is a superficial infection of the skin. It ordinarily causes no symptoms but does produce light and dark spots on the chest, back and arms. The fungus which causes Tinea Versicolor is widespread. Some otherwise healthy people may be more susceptible to it than others.
Treatment
Tinea Versicolor is easy to treat. However, recurrences of the
problem are common. The dark spots usually resolve with
successful treatment but the light spots may remain until the
skin is re-tanned or until the tan of the surrounding skin fades.
VITILIGO
DEFINITION
Vitiligo is a disorder in which pigment is lost from certain
areas of skin. Any part of the skin may be involved but the more
common areas are the face, neck, back of hands, areas around the
mouth, eyes, nostrils, nipples, navel and genitalia. Sites of
injury (i.e. cuts, scrapes, burns) may also become depigmented.
Hair in involved areas may become gray.
The disorder affects about 1 % of the population. Half of these
people are affected before the age of 20. Often other members of
the family also have vitiligo or early graying of hair.
Vitiligo has no effect on one's general health. People who have
vitiligo, however, may have a slightly increased chance of having
certain types of thyroid problems, hair loss or anemia.
CAUSE
The cause of vitiligo is not certain. There are several
theories as to why the skin in involved areas no longer contains
melanin (the substance which gives skin its color) but no theory
has been totally substantiated.
COURSE
In dark-skinned individuals, pigment loss may be noticed
immediately and remain prominent during all seasons.
Light-skinned people tend to notice the condition first during
the summer months when the contrast between light areas and the
suntanned areas is more marked.
Most people first experience a rapid loss of pigment followed by
a prolonged period during which there is no further change. Later
more pigment may be lost. This combination of pigment loss
followed by periods of stability may go on for many years. There
is no way to predict how much pigment an individual will lose.
Most patients, however, have only small areas affected.
Only rarely does a patient with vitiligo repigment or regain
color spontaneously. On most occasions when a patient claims to
no longer have vitiligo, examination reveals the patient to have
become totally pigmented and is therefore no longer bothered by
contrasting light and dark areas.
WARTS
Virus
Warts are caused by a virus. Adults are less likely to have warts than children. One may be immune to warts after having them as a child.
Transmission
Warts are contagious. They can be transmitted from one person to another. They may be spread by scratching or shaving an affected area.
Location
Warts may occur on any location but are most common on the fingers, hands and bottoms of the feet. Warts on the bottom of the feet are aggravated by moisture from excessive perspiration and occlusive footwear. They are often painful because they are pushed inward with every step. Warts of the genital area are often, but not always, spread by sexual contact. Small, skin-colored "flat warts" are often seen on the face and may be spread by shaving.
Treatment
There are numerous methods to treat warts. The method which best suits the particular situation will be used. For instance, in an adult or an older child the wart may be frozen, but in a younger child this may be too painful. The details of treatment will be discussed.
Treatment is successful about 70%-80% of the time, depending upon the site treated. It is important to return for the follow-up appointment (usually 3 weeks) to make sure the warts are gone or to retreat if evidence remains.
LIQUID NITROGEN (Cryosurgery) TREATMENT OF
WARTS
Your wart has been treated by freezing with a very cold substance. The pain associated with the freezing usually stops in 10-15 minutes. You may, however, experience some dull aching throughout the day. You may soak the affected part in cold water and take aspirin or Tylenol, if necessary, for this discomfort.
Often a blister will form in about 24 hours. This may develop into a purple blood blister." If the blister is large and painful, you may puncture the base of the blister with a sterilized needle to allow the fluid to escape. Leave the roof of the blister in place while the underlying skin heals.
As the blister dries, the wart becomes waxy, hard and will
usually peel off in 7-10 days.
If redness, red streaks or pus develops in the treated area, infection may be present and you should notify the office.
Aggressive Topical Wart Treatment
1 Soak area for 3 minutes in warm water.
2. Dry area
3 Use emery board or pumice stone to remove dead/dry skin.
4. Apply Vaseline around wart.
5 Apply topical wart medication (Occlusal-HP) -
6. Cover with duct tape x 24 hours.
Next day:
1 Remove duct tape.
2. Repeat above steps
Soaking up the sun's rays used to be considered healthy...before we learned about the dangers of ultraviolet rays.
Sunlight can be used to treat some skin diseases, but we all need to avoid overexposure to the sun. Too much sun can cause wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels and skin cancers. It may also cause other problems.
The Sun's Rays
The sun produces both visible and invisible rays. The invisible
rays, known as ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB), cause
most of the problems. Both cause suntan, sunburn and sun damage.
There is no ''safe' UV
light.
Harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes and closer to the equator. For example, Florida receives 50% more UV than Main. The sun's harmful effects are also increased by wind and reflections from water, sand and snow. Even on cloudy days UV radiation reaches the earth.
Protection from the Sun
Using sun protection will help prevent skin damage and reduce the
risk of cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends
that you avoid deliberate sunbathing, wear a wide-brimmed hat,
sunglasses and protective clothing and if you must be in the sun,
use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least
15, even on cloudy days.
Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun's rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions and wax sticks. All are labeled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn, caused mostly by UVB rays. Some sunscreens, called "broad spectrum," block out both UVA and UVB rays. These do a better job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun including rashes. Sunscreens are not perfect, however. Sun protection should always start with avoiding peak sun hours and dressing sensibly.
Sunscreens should be applied about 20 minutes before going outdoors. Even water-resistant sunscreens should be reapplied often, about every two hours after swimming or strenuous activities.
Beach umbrellas and other kinds of shade are a good idea, but they do not provide full protection because UV rays can still bounce off sand, water and porch decks-remember, UV rays are invisible.
Most clothing absorbs or reflects UV rays, but white fabric like loose-knit cotton and wet clothes that cling to your skin do not offer much protection. The tighter the weave, the more sun protection it will offer.
Effects of the Sun
Sunburn - Your chances of
developing a sunburn are greatest between 10am and 4pm, when the
sun's rays are strongest. It's easier to burn on a hot day,
because the heat increases the effects of UV rays.
Sun protection is also important in the winter, Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun's rays, causing sunburn and damage to uncovered skin. Winter sports in the mountains increase the risk of sunburn because there is less atmosphere to block the sun's rays.
If skin is exposed to sunlight too long, redness may develop and increase for up to 24 hours. A severe sunburn causes skin tenderness, pain, swelling and blistering. Additional symptoms like fever, chills, upset stomach and confusion indicate a serious sunburn and require immediate medical attention. If you develop a severe sunburn or begin to develop a fever, your dermatologist may suggest medicine to reduce swelling, pain and prevent infection.
Unfortunately, there is no quick cure for minor sunburn. Wet compresses, tub baths and soothing lotions may provide some relief.
Tanning - A tan is often mistaken as a sign of good health. Dermatologists know better. A suntan is actually the result of skin injury. Tanning occurs when UV rays enter the skin and it protects itself by producing more pigment or melanin.
Indoor tanning is just as bad for your skin as sunlight. Most tanning salons use ultraviolet-A bulbs and studies have shown that UVA rays go deeper into the skin and contribute to premature wrinkling and skin cancer.
Aging - People who work outdoors or sun bathe without sun protection can develop tough leathery skin, making them look older than they are. The sun can also cause large freckles called "age spots" and scaly growths (actinic keratoses) that may develop into skin cancer. These skin changes are caused by years of sun exposure. Protecting children from the sun is especially important, since most of our lifetime exposure occurs before the age of 20.
Skin Cancer - More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on sun-exposed skin. The face, neck, ears, forearms and hands are the most common places it appears.
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on the face, ears, lips, and around the mouth of fair-skinned individuals. It can start as a red patch or shiny bump that is pink, red or white. It may be crusty or have an open sore that does not heal or heals only temporarily. This type of cancer can be cured easily if treated early.
Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a scaly patch or raised, warty growth. It also has a high cure rate when found and treated early. In rare cases, if not treated, it can be deadly.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It usually looks like a dark brown or black mole-like patch with irregular edges. Sometimes it is multicolored with shades of red, blue or white. This type of skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body and when found early, can be cured. If ignored, it spreads throughout the body and can be fatal.
Allergic Reactions - Some people develop allergic reactions to the sun. These reactions may show up after only a short time in the sun. Bumps, hives, blisters or red blotches are the most common symptoms of a sun allergy. Sometimes these reactions are due to cosmetics, perfumes, plants, topical medications or sun preparations. Certain drugs, including birth control pills, and blood pressure, arthritis and depression medications can cause a skin rash with sun exposure. If this occurs, a dermatologist can help.
Diseases - Some diseases can be made worse by the sun, including cold sores, chickenpox and a number of less common disorders such as lupus erythematosus. UV rays also can cause cataracts, a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye.
Tips for Sun Protection
Everyone should be able to enjoy sunny days. By using a little common sense, as well as the guidelines developed by the American Academy of Dermatology, you can safely work and play outdoors without worrying too much about skin cancer or wrinkles.
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