While the skin disorder vitiligo isn’t harmful or life-threatening, it can certainly change your life. Not only do you have to manage its physical symptoms—patches of smooth white skin known as macules—you may experience a significant emotional and psychological toll.
Living with vitiligo, as with any condition that affects physical appearance, means finding healthy and positive ways to cope.
Luckily, there are a number of strategies to help you cope. Lifestyle changes and protective measures can help with the symptoms. In addition, many patients address the mental health and social impact by seeking counseling and by finding in-person and online communities and supportive patient advocacy organizations.
Emotional
Since vitiligo affects how you look—and because it’s often chronic and irreversible—it can significantly impact your mental health and overall quality of life. Those with the condition may experience a range of often interrelated issues, including:
- Lowered self-esteem: Because most cultures and societies around the world prize physical appearance, people with skin disorders, such as vitiligo, alopecia, and psoriasis, often have lower self-esteem and increased feelings of self-consciousness.
- Depression and anxiety: Related to self-esteem, people living with this condition have higher rates of depression and anxiety disorder. Increasingly, treatment of these issues is seen as central to taking on vitiligo.
- Quality of life: Those experiencing vitiligo are also likely to feel isolated and stigmatized. They may view their pigmentation as devastating, which impacts both social behavior and career prospects. This can further impact mental health.
It’s important to remember that these feelings and effects are natural, and they can be managed.
Facing Mental Health Challenges
If you’re struggling emotionally due to this condition, let your doctor know. Medical professionals can help you develop a means of managing these issues. Counseling in individualized or group settings, talking to friends and family, and seeking support from others with the condition (online or in person) also can help.
Physical
While lifestyle changes and other measures can’t reverse the effects of vitiligo on skin pigmentation, they certainly can help manage them. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the key to healthy skin is preventing sun exposure.
Tanning or sunburns can cause discolored patches to become more prominent and to spread.
Preventing sun exposure entails:
- Daily sunscreen use: The AAD recommends you apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by your clothing about 15 minutes before you go out. Use products that offer protection from both ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays, have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and are waterproof.
- Protective clothing: Clothing, of course, also prevents sun exposure, with certain fabrics (such as denim) offering more protection than others. It’s good to wear long sleeves, as T-shirts—especially light-colored ones—are less effective at keeping the sun out.
- Seeking shade: Avoiding direct exposure to sunlight being key, it’s always good to seek out shade when you’re outdoors. Also, try to avoid sunlight during the middle of the day.
- Safe skin coloring: If you’re considering adding color to your white patches of skin, make sure you’re using safe, nontoxic self-tanners, concealing creams, dyes, or makeup. Waterproof self-tanners containing dihydroxyacetone and dyes are best for longer-lasting results.
- Other tips: Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and getting tattoos, which can cause new patches of discolored skin within 14 days, a condition called Koebner’s phenomenon.
Additionally, your dermatologist (a medical specialist in skin, hair, and nails) or other doctor may recommend light therapy (also known as phototherapy). This involves regular exposure of depigmented skin to UVB rays from specialized lamps.
This therapy can be done at home or in clinics.
Light therapy may be paired with the application of topical steroids or vitamin D analogue creams, such as calcipotriol and tacalcitol.
Social
In addition to managing the physical symptoms of vitiligo, it is essential for those with this condition to find social support. Finding connection and community is essential when facing the low self-esteem, stigmatization, and other factors caused by this condition. Luckily, there are many helpful resources out there, and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Who and what can help? Here’s a breakdown:
- Family and friends: It’s a good idea to talk to your family and friends about your condition and how you’re feeling. They can be an excellent source of emotional and practical support.
- Support groups: Especially if you’re struggling with the stigma and isolation associated with vitiligo, talking to others with this or other chronic skin conditions can be invaluable.
- Online communities: Social media groups and online discussion forums, by connecting you to the global community of people with the condition, can also be sources of connection and support.
- Advocacy organizations: Organizations, such as Vitiligo Support International and the American Vitiligo Research Foundation (AVRF) connect patients with resources and help advocate for research and awareness of the condition.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids both form due to excess collagen during wound healing. But hypertrophic scars stay within the confines of the wound, while keloids can grow beyond. Keloids are also much more difficult to treat.
What Are Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids?
- Hypertrophic scars and keloids are types of scars resulting from an injury to the skin. They are more obvious than typical scars that are flat and relatively invisible. They are both the result of too much scar tissue developing near the site of a skin injury.
- Hypertrophic scars grow right after your wound has healed and stay within the injury site. Keloids take longer to appear and can spread beyond the injury.
- Hypertrophic scars should resolve over time with or without treatment. Keloids may remain on your body long term despite efforts to reduce them.
Keep reading to learn more about what keloids and hypertrophic scars have in common and how they differ.
What is a Hypertrophic Scar?
Hypertrophic scars are thickened scars that appear after you experience a skin injury. They may be raised or flat, and stay within the boundaries of the wound.
Hypertrophic scars occur when your body makes too much collagen while trying to repair the wound. This could be due to infection or increased tension on the wound. Collagen is thicker than your skin, which is why these scars may appear raised or feel rough.
Any of the following can trigger a hypertrophic scar to form:
- Cuts
- Acne
- Insect bites
- Burns
- Skin infections
What is a Keloid?
Keloids are raised scar-like skin growths. Unlike hypertrophic scars, the connective tissues in keloids continue to grow beyond the wound site. While hypertrophic scars have about three times as much collagen production as is typical, keloids have about 20 times as much.
The collagen fibers also arrange themselves differently in keloids. In hypertrophic scars, the collagen fibers have a regular pattern. But in keloids, they seem to arrange themselves randomly.
Doctors consider keloids to be benign tumors on your body. This means that they are not harmful to your overall health.
Keloids may appear after a major injury to the skin or from just a minor wound. The same things that trigger a hypertrophic scar can also trigger a keloid.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, up to 10% of people develop keloids.
Genetics may be a risk factor, per the American Academy of Dermatology, as about one-third of people with keloids have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who develops keloids. They occur more frequently in people who have darker skin.
Both men and women can develop them at equal rates.
How to Distinguish Between Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
At first glance, these scars may present in the same way. They may:
- Be raised above your skin
- Cause discomfort
- Be itchy
Here are some differences between the two scars:
- Hypertrophic scars:
- Size: stay within the area of the initial wound
- Onset: begin within a month or two after the initial wound and continue to grow for many months
- Outlook: shrink after a year
- Color: may be a lighter pink or red color
- Effect on movement: can stiffen joint movement because the scar shortens tissues
- Incidence: more common
- Location: can develop anywhere on the body but often near sites where a wound is infected, irritated, or untreated or where a joint moves the skin
- Keloids:
- Size: grow beyond the initial wound
- Onset: begin a few months or several years after the wound and grow over time
- Outlook: do not shrink in size
- Color: may be a darker purple-red color
- Effect on movement: do not affect joint movement
- Incidence: less common
- Location: develop on certain areas of the body, including the upper torso, earlobes, and cheeks
Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars in Skin of Color
It’s important to note that according to research, there are some distinctive differences in how these hypertrophic scars and keloids develop and look on skin of color. Differences can include:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scars covering wider areas
- Scars developing over a shorter time, including reports of spontaneous development
Insect bites are a common nuisance that can cause discomfort and itching. Whether you’ve been bitten by mosquitoes, ants, bees, or other pesky bugs, finding the right treatment is essential to alleviate the symptoms and prevent potential complications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various effective remedies and provide valuable tips on preventing insect bites in the first place.
1. Identify the Culprit
The first step in treating an insect bite is to identify the insect responsible for the bite. Different insects can cause varying reactions, and knowing the culprit will help you choose the most suitable treatment. Common biting insects include mosquitoes, ticks, ants, bees, wasps, and spiders.
2. Cleanse the Area
When you’ve been bitten, it’s crucial to clean the affected area with mild soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
3. Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the bite area can help reduce swelling and provide relief from itching. Be sure not to apply ice directly to the skin.
4. Over-the-Counter Remedies
Many over-the-counter creams and ointments containing ingredients like hydrocortisone, calamine, or antihistamines can provide instant relief from itching and inflammation. Always follow the directions on the packaging or ask our team of friendly Pharmacists and Health Care Assistants.
5. Natural Remedies
For those who prefer natural remedies, options like aloe vera gel, witch hazel, or diluted apple cider vinegar can be applied to the bite area to soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Please ensure you follow tips 1-3 first!
6. Essential Oil
Certain essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, and chamomile are thought to possess anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and apply to the bite area. You can ask our registered aromatherapist for more advice on this.
7. Oral Antihistamines
Over-the-counter oral antihistamines can help alleviate itching and discomfort from insect bites. Consult our team of Pharmacists and prescribers before taking any medication if you have existing health conditions or take prescribed medicines.
8. Prevention Tips
- Use an approved Insect Repellent for the area you live or travel in.
- Wear Protective Clothing: When in areas with high insect activity, wear long sleeves, trousers, socks, and closed-toe shoes to minimize skin exposure.
- Avoid peak Insect Hours! usually early morning and evening. Limit outdoor activities during these times.
- Eliminate Breeding Grounds: Remove standing water around your home to reduce breeding sites.
- Use Bed Nets: When sleeping outdoors or in areas with a high insect population, use bed nets to prevent bites during the night.
- Keep Areas Clean: Regularly clean your living spaces to avoid attracting insects.
9. Emergency Situations
If you feel unwell or it is outside of normal working hours, you can call 111 or get help from 111 online. If, however, you are experiencing a severe reaction, including breathlessness, swelling of the face, tightness in the throat, call 999.
Insect bites are an inevitable part of spending time outdoors, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can effectively treat bites and minimize their impact on your comfort. By identifying the insect, practicing proper hygiene, and utilizing various remedies, you can find relief from itching and discomfort. Remember, prevention is key, so take the necessary steps to protect yourself from future bites and enjoy your time outdoors to the fullest.
Skin discoloration can deal a blow to your self-esteem.
Many people experience brown spots and pigment changes at some point in their lives. These blemishes appear when too much melanin is produced by the skin in a concentrated area. Age, medication, genetics, and sun exposure are just a few of the triggers associated with hyperpigmentation.
Getting to the root of the issue
Before we can recommend the best option for brown spot removal, we need to first establish the pigmentation type. Spots can come in many different forms:
- Freckles – Small, flat, circular, and usually uniform in colour. These spots may be genetic, or appear with sun exposure before fading in winter.
- Sun Spots – These may look like freckles, and in some cases appear to be raised itchy warts. They’re caused by overexposure to the sun, and while usually harmless, they may be early warning signs of skin cancer.
- “Liver Spots” or Age Spots – Large, dark and flat brown spots on the face and hands, also known as solar lentigo or lentigines. They most commonly appear in middle age, but can also form earlier from sun exposure.
- Moles – Small dark brown spots that range in colour, size and protrusion. They can be caused by sun exposure, pregnancy, skin type and genetics.
- Melasma – Brown or tan patches on the face, typically in women of childbearing age. May be related to sun exposure, medications, genetics, and/or hormonal changes.
- Actinic Keratosis – Scaly, thickened, and/or warty lesions on the skin, either brown or reddish in colour. This condition may be an early indicator of skin cancer.
Finding a treatment for your brown spots
When you find a brown spot on skin that was once clear, talk to a dermatologist. Since pigmentation changes on the skin can be a sign of something more serious, we suggest you always seek a specialist for advice before starting brown spot removal treatment.
Strategies to help you get past the most frustrating and bothersome symptom of atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes patches of dry, red, and itchy skin. Itch is frequently reported as the most bothersome symptom of the condition—so much that the condition is sometimes called “the itch that rashes.”
When atopic dermatitis itches, it will be tempting to scratch the affected areas of the skin. Scratching can damage the skin, make symptoms worse, and lead to infections. Scratching can also trigger more itchiness, which is known as the “itch-scratch cycle.”
Here are some strategies to help cope with itching and scratching:
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- Work with a healthcare provider
If you are living with atopic dermatitis, the number one thing you can do to improve any symptom is to seek treatment from a healthcare provider. Treatment may be overseen by a primary care provider, but many people will be referred to a dermatologist, a medical doctor that specializes in skin conditions.
Treatment for atopic dermatitis varies from person to person, and the treatments that your dermatologist recommends will take into account a number of different factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the areas of the skin that are affected.
Every treatment plan for atopic dermatitis will involve avoiding triggers and keeping the skin moisturized. Many treatment plans also involve medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroid pills, and biologic medications (which act on pathways in the immune system). Some of these medications are topical—meaning they are applied directly to the skin—while others are taken as pills.
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- Strategies to cope with itch
In addition to working with a healthcare provider and following a treatment plan, you want to have some strategies on hand for those times when you’re itchy. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.
Applying a cold compress to the skin can help relieve itching. You can make a cold compress with a washcloth soaked in cold water and an ice pack (reusables work well, ice cubes and a plastic bag also work well). Wrap the washcloth around the ice pack and apply to the itchy area of the skin. Apply for no more than 10 minutes and make sure to apply moisturizer afterward.
Applying pressure to the itchy areas with a massage roller can also help relieve itch. Use the roller over your clothing instead of placing it directly against the skin.
Some scratching may be unavoidable. Even people who are able to control the urge during the day may not be able to avoid nocturnal scratching while they sleep. Keeping your fingernails trimmed can help prevent scratching from damaging the skin. Wearing cotton gloves to bed can also help prevent fingernails from damaging the skin.
Find something to keep your hands occupied for those times when you’re struggling not to scratch. This can be a game on your phone, a toy that you fidget with, or a hobby like knitting. It can also be a chore or task, like doing dishes or folding laundry.
Distract yourself by finding something else to focus on—read, watch TV, go for a walk, call a friend. Scheduling time to relax can also be helpful because it can reduce stress (which can trigger itch).
Some people with atopic dermatitis recommend scratching something else—like a patch of Velcro for instance, which can help satisfy and reduce the urge to scratch.
One final note of importance—scratching can sometimes lead to infections, as skin becomes broken or damaged. If this occurs, see your healthcare provider, who can prescribe an antibiotic medication to treat the infection.
Extra pieces of skin that stick out beyond the surface of the body are very common, and they seem to show up out of nowhere. Learn what they look like, what causes them, and your options for treatment.
Skin tags are extra pieces of skin that stick out beyond the surface of the body. They are harmless and more of a cosmetic issue than anything else, but understanding what they are, and aren’t, can be reassuring. And though what causes skin tags isn’t always known, skin tag treatment is pretty straightforward — they are easily removed.
How to Identify a Skin Tag: What They Look Like
Skin tags can be as small as 1 millimeter and as large as 1 centimeter, occasionally even larger, says Rebecca Baxt, MD, a dermatologist in Paramus, New Jersey. Skin tags, also called acrochordons, are mostly flesh-colored growths, although some may be darker in color, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). They can be right on the skin’s surface or seem to sprout from a thin stalk of skin and hang off the body.
They are common on the neck, under the arms, in the groin, and on the eyelids, says Dr. Baxt, as they tend to grow in parts of the body with folds, but they can appear elsewhere as well. Once formed, they typically don’t get any bigger. You may have just one or two, or you may have many; they might be in isolated spots or in a group with many skin tags. They are usually asymptomatic, and they are diagnosed by visual inspection. However, since it can be difficult to self-diagnose skin tags, it’s important to see a dermatologist if anything is growing, changing, bleeding, itchy, crusty, flaky, or changing color on your skin, says Baxt.
A Common Condition: Skin Tag Causes and Risk Factors
Skin tags are very common. It is estimated that almost half of adults have at least one skin tag, according to the AOCD. They are common as people age, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
No one knows what causes skin tags, but they are more common with pregnancy and weight gain, says Baxt. There is no way to prevent skin tags other than staying a normal weight, she adds. They are also more common among people with diabetes and a family history of skin tags, according to the AOCD. One theory is that the friction created by skin rubbing against skin, a side effect of being overweight, causes skin tags in certain people, which would explain why skin tags often grow in body folds, according to the AOCD.
In rare cases, skin tags could be a symptom of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), which is a complex genetic disorder in which individuals are predisposed to developing a type of skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Skin-tag-like basal cell carcinoma in childhood may represent a marker for NBCCS, according to one study.
Skin Tag Treatment Options: Simple Surgical Procedures
Sometimes skin tags fall off on their own as they get pulled and irritated, according to the AAFP. The only way to get rid of skin tags is to have a dermatologist remove them with a minor surgical procedure, says Baxt.
Depending on where your skin tags are located, you might not choose any skin tag treatment — out of sight can lead to out of mind. However, you might want to seek skin tag treatment for cosmetic reasons if, for instance, you have one on an eyelid and it detracts from your appearance. Another reason to have skin tags removed is if they are in an area that gets a lot of friction, even just from wearing clothes or jewelry, causing irritation and bleeding.
Options for treatment include cryosurgery to remove skin tags by freezing the skin or electrocautery to burn off the skin tags or destroy the tissue with heat. If the skin tags are hanging, cutting them off with medical scissors is another option. These are simple surgical procedures that cause minimal discomfort, minimal recovery time, and minimal scarring, says Baxt. However, in rare cases, skin tags can grow back, and new ones can form.
While not at all dangerous, skin tags can be a nuisance or cosmetic woe. But it’s also perfectly fine to ignore them. One word of caution: As with any changes on your skin, if the appearance of a skin tag changes, have your doctor or dermatologist take a look at it.
As temperatures dip, check your products for these skin-saving ingredients.
Cold air outside, hot air inside, and dry air everywhere can disrupt the skin’s barrier in the winter. And that can mean dry, itchy skin for everyone, but especially for those who deal with conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Here are some products that can help your skin look and feel its best throughout the colder months. Some of the ingredients are tried-and-true skin superstars, while others are relatively new additions to the winter skin care arsenal.
Facial cleanser
“You want to make sure your cleanser puts moisture into the skin, rather than taking it out,” says Joyce Davis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.
Look for: Products that specifically say “gentle” and “moisturizing” on the label. Avoid products that contain alcohol, as these can dry your skin.
Body cleanser
Your skin below your neck needs just as much care as your face.
Look for: Cleansers—liquid, gel, or mousse—the creamier the better. “Also look for products labeled ‘fragrance-free,” advises Benjamin Barankin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto.
For patients with eczema, Dr. Davis says products that contain petrolatum, shea butter, and silicones are good choices.
Facial moisturizer
Lighter lotions may not be enough to protect your skin from the elements in colder, drier climates.
Look for: Creams, oils, or balms. “Hyaluronic acid is popular lately,” says Robert Anolik, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in New York City. This ingredient is moisturizing rather than exfoliating, like other acids such as glycolic or salicylic acid. “Jojoba oil is another good hydrating ingredient. Notably, some lactic acid moisturizers are able to walk the fine line of exfoliating dry, flaky skin while helping to maintain skin hydration.”
Body moisturizer
Moisturizing your body while your skin is still damp after a shower or bath is an effective way to keep skin hydrated. This is because moisturizer traps existing moisture in skin. Why not use the same moisturizer on your face and body? Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive, so many face moisturizers are designed to be a bit thinner and less likely to cause acne. They may also have more expensive anti-aging ingredients added to them. Keep in mind that more expensive skin care products are not necessarily more effective.
Look for: Ointments and creams that you squeeze from a tube or scoop from a tub, as opposed to ones you pump from a bottle, as thicker formulations typically pack more moisture. Hyaluronic acid is recommended, because it works as well for the body as it does for the face. “Using hyaluronic acid in body products is new,” says Dr. Davis. “Hyaluronic acid absorbs 1,000 times its weight in water, but until recently it was primarily used in products for the face.” Other ingredients that work well for dry skin are glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and shea butter.
Rejuvenating products
Many dermatologists recommend minimizing the use of products containing anti-aging ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol in winter. “You can use them less often, or at a lower concentration,” says Dr. Barankin.
Look for: Products or brands you like with a lower concentration of harsh ingredients. “If you use prescription retinoids regularly, but find them too drying in the winter, you can consider over-the-counter retinols before going back to your prescription in the spring,” suggests Dr. Anolik.
Sunscreen
Yes, you should be wearing sunscreen year-round on areas not covered by clothing, like the face, neck, ears, and hands.
Look for: More moisturizing sunscreen products, such as creams instead of lotions or sprays. “Or use a moisturizer and then apply sunscreen on top,” recommends Dr. Barankin. Your sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and have an SPF of at least 30. You can also protect your skin from the sun in the winter by seeking shade and donning smart accessories, such as gloves and sunglasses with UV protection.
Losing your hair can affect your confidence. While most men do not have a problem seeking help for hair loss, women tend to keep it to themselves, often leading to feelings of isolation and depression.
But hair loss is quite common in females, affecting more than 50% of women at some point in their lives and approximately 80% of women by age 80. The most significant cause of hair loss in women is female pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, which affects about 30 million women in the U.S.
How Does Female Hair Loss Differ from Male Hair Loss?
Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this condition is also known as male pattern baldness. Hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above the temples. Over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic “M” shape. Hair also thins near the top of the head, often progressing to partial or complete baldness. In women, the hair becomes thinner all over the head, and the hairline does not recede. It’s also not as common for women with androgenetic alopecia to experience complete baldness.
Signs of female pattern hair loss include:
- Hair falling out or breaking off in large amounts daily
- Noticeable patches of thinner or missing hair, including on the crown of the head
- Seeing scalp skin through your hair
Why Am I Losing My Hair?
Like men, as women age, they experience changes in their androgen levels. Androgens are sex hormones that contribute to growth and reproduction. They also regulate hair growth. Over time, these hormones cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, new hair no longer grows in those areas, leading to the appearance of sparse or thinning hair. Ironically, you may simultaneously develop more hair on other areas of the body, such as the face or chin. This is because the receptors that bind to androgens are different in distinctive areas of the body.
In some cases, female pattern hair loss can be caused by:
- Genetics (Women who have mothers or close relatives with female pattern baldness are at higher risk of developing baldness.)
- Certain medications or supplements, such as blood pressure medicine, gout medicine, and high doses of vitamin A
- Prior surgeries, which can cause extreme physical stress or shock to your body
- Certain health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disease, precocious puberty, and anemia
- Hormone changes caused by pregnancy, menopause, or birth control pills
Certain health conditions may also cause other symptoms, such as a rash, redness, pain, peeling of the scalp, hair breakage, patch hair loss, or an unusual pattern of hair loss. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may be a sign of a more serious condition.
How Can I Treat Female Hair Loss?
Hereditary hair loss is often unavoidable. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, such as:
- Avoiding smoking
- Keeping vitamin A intake low
- Limiting sun exposure
- Eating a healthy diet or taking supplements that are high in biotin, a B-vitamin that helps stimulate hair growth
If you experience female pattern hair loss, it’s a good idea to mention it to your doctor, who can refer you to a dermatologist. Dermatologists are specifically trained in the diagnosis and treatment of hair, skin, and nail conditions, including hair loss.
Depending on your specific symptoms, the dermatologist may recommend:
- Minoxidil – Approved for treating female pattern hair loss, the over-the-counter treatment is available to purchase as a 2% or 5% liquid or foam solution
- Finasteride – A hormone-blocking prescription medication to treat hair loss
- Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP – Consists of a series of in-office blood draws and injections
- Hair transplant – The most effective and aggressive option, this procedure is done under local anesthesia to remove stronger hair follicles (e.g., the back of the scalp where hair is not thinning) and place it where you are thinning to help substantiate those areas
Acknowledging and addressing female hair loss is crucial for both physical and emotional well-being. The stigma surrounding women’s hair loss often leads to silent suffering, yet it affects a significant percentage of the female population. Recognizing the signs, understanding the causes, and seeking professional help from a dermatologist can make a substantial difference. Whether it’s genetic factors, certain medications, or underlying health conditions, there are treatment options available. From topical solutions like minoxidil to hormone-blocking medications and advanced procedures like platelet-rich plasma or hair transplants, consulting with a dermatologist is a pivotal step. Remember, your hair is a part of your identity, and taking proactive steps with the guidance of healthcare professionals can restore not just your hair but also your confidence and sense of self. Don’t hesitate—reach out to your doctor and take the first step towards reclaiming a fuller, healthier mane.
How often should I check my moles?
Everyone with moles should conduct self checks at home regularly. Ideally, it is recommended that moles be checked every month. One of the best ways to stay on top of your moles is to integrate regular checks into a routine. For example, some people find it helpful to check their moles when they get out of the shower or bath.
When to get a mole checked professionally?
There are a number of reasons why someone might need to get their moles checked by a professional. First, if they are at higher risk of developing skin cancer than other people, it’s advisable to get regular professional screenings.
- They have fair hair, eyes, or pale skin that burns easily
- They have a lot of freckles
- They have used sun beds
- They have a lot of moles (100+)
- They have large moles (more than 6mm in diameter)
- They or a close relative has previously had a melanoma
- They take medications that compromise the immune system
Another indication that it’s time to schedule a mole check-up is if a mole changes in appearance. New marks, discoloration, changes of shape or outline should be checked by a professional. These are potential signs of a malignant melanoma and will require a mole assessment and possible biopsy. Catching a melanoma early offers the best prospects. In this early stage the melanoma can be surgically removed to prevent further spread.
It’s important to remember that not all moles are found in visible locations – the back, for example. Individuals, particularly those with a lot of moles, may have moles that they cannot see – even in the mirror. These moles are much harder to monitor, and it is advisable for these individuals to schedule a periodic mole screening with a professional.
Signs that a mole is dangerous and how to check for melanoma
The ABCDE protocol is designed to help detect possible melanoma. Healthy moles should appear symmetrical in shape, of uniform colour, with smooth edges, and a diameter of 6mm or less. Any mole that lies outside of these parameters should be checked by a Dermatologist who will assess whether or not biopsy is required.
A biopsy involves the surgical removal of a suspicious mole for examination. By conducting a biopsy, the Dermatologist will be able to assess whether or not the pigmented lesion is cancerous and, if so, whether the melanoma has spread to the lymph glands (sentinel node biopsy).
The regular checking of moles on your body is fundamental to maintaining skin health and preventing the spread of melanoma. As well as checking your moles at home once a month, it’s important to reach out to a professional if you notice a suspicious mole or pigmented lesion.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Our expert, Saira George, M.D., takes on some common myths about this disease, and has some tips to reduce your risk.
Think you’re safe from skin cancer? It’s the most common cancer in the United States. It’s also one of the most preventable. The primary cause is too much sun or tanning bed exposure.
More than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. Most skin cancers, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable. But one form – malignant melanoma – is much more serious.
The good news is you can reduce your risk for skin cancer. It helps to understand your risks and how to protect yourself. Get the truth behind some of these skin cancer myths.
Myth 1: Dark-skinned people don’t get skin cancer.
No one is immune to skin cancer. People of all skin colors, including people who are African-American, Hispanic and Asian, can develop skin cancer.
While skin cancer occurs more frequently in lighter-skinned people, the death rates are higher in darker-skinned people.
“It is often diagnosed later, at a more advanced stage, because both doctors and patients may not even be considering the possibility of skin cancer developing on darker skin until it’s too late” says Saira George, M.D., MD Anderson dermatologist.
Myth 2: I need to get sun exposure to get vitamin D.
You don’t need to bake in the sun to get the vitamin D you need to stay healthy. You get enough of this essential nutrient from typical daily exposure and from food.
“Vitamin D is very important, and we’d be in a bind if the only way to get our levels up was through prolonged sun exposure,” says George. “Luckily that’s not the case. We can get Vitamin D from our diet, and avoid the increased skin cancer risks that come with excessive sun exposure.”
Myth 3: Only sun exposure causes skin cancer.
Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, but there are other causes:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from tanning beds and occupational equipment
- Family history of skin cancer and other genetic factors
- Increasing age
- A weakened immune system
- People with fair skin and freckles, and multiple or unusual moles also face a higher skin cancer risk.
Myth 4: When it comes to sunscreen, the higher the SPF the better
SPF protection doesn’t increase proportionately with the designated SPF number. SPF 30 absorbs 97% of the sun’s burning UV rays, while SPF 50 absorbs just slightly more – 98%. And, SPF 100 absorbs 99%. So, choose a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30.
“A higher SPF does give you a little extra protection, but it’s still not a perfect block, especially in the real world where we all tend to apply too little and not reapply,” George says. “Your best protection is to stay out of the sun, especially between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and to wear protective clothing if you have to be in the sun.”
Myth 5: Sunscreen contains harmful chemicals.
The Food and Drug Administration regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs. The FDA considers sunscreens to be safe and effective.
“We have lots of evidence that shows that too much sun can cause skin cancer and very little that shows current sunscreen ingredients cause any significant harm,” George says. “But I understand the concern people have about chemicals used in everyday products.”
For those who are wary, George says to consider simple mineral sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium oxide.
And remember, you can still be sun smart by covering up, avoiding peak hours of sun exposure, and limit time in the sun.
Myth 6: Only older people get skin cancer.
Prevention counts at any age. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults age 25-29 and the second most common form of cancer in people 15-29 years old.
And the younger you are exposed to the sun, the higher your risk for getting skin cancer later in life. This is especially true if you have had a blistering sunburn at a young age.
“When it comes to skin cancer, there’s a lot more at play than just age. The biggest factor seems to be your UV exposure over the course of your lifetime, including childhood and young adulthood,” George says.
Myth 7: A base tan prevents sunburns.
There’s no such thing as a safe tan or a tan that prevents sunburns. When ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning booth hit your skin, they damage the DNA of your skin cells. To protect your cells, your body sends melanin, or pigment, to the surface of your skin. So, your skin gets color at the expense of your health.
“Tanning starts when the body senses that UV damage is occurring. Your body’s skin cells are trying to do the best they can to minimize any further damage but it’s not enough if you get more sun.” George says.
The minor protective effect a tan provides can be easily wiped out by additional UV exposure, leading to more damage. Sunburn happens when the UV rays are more than the skin can handle and repair.
Myth 8: You don’t need to wear sunscreen in the winter or on a cloudy day.
You should protect your skin from UV radiation even when it is not warm or sunny. Harmful UV rays are present year-round and can reach your skin and cause damage even through clouds.
Myth 9: Tanning beds don’t pose a skin cancer risk.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Tanning beds emit the same harmful UV rays as the sun, and in greater amounts.
Using tanning beds increases your skin cancer risk. That includes your risk for the deadliest form of skin.
Schedule a skin cancer screening today.
