Skin Tags: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

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.

YOUR WINTER SKIN SURVIVAL KIT

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.

Female Hair Loss: What Causes It and How to Stop It

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

The Importance of Checking Your Moles

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.

9 Skin Cancer Myths Debunked

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.

4 Ways to Make Melasma Less Noticeable

Melasma is a skin condition that causes darker spots to appear when the cells that give your skin color — melanocytes — are more active. This can happen because of sun exposure, pregnancy, stress, a medical condition, or after taking medications, such as oral contraceptive pills. Your melasma may be more noticeable if you have darker skin.

Although melasma may go away on its own, for some people, it can last for years. If your melasma bothers you, a board-certified dermatologist can create a treatment plan. Dermatologists also recommend following these tips to help make melasma less noticeable:

Protect your skin from the sun every day. One of the most common treatments for melasma is sun protection.

Since sunlight triggers melasma, it is important to protect your skin every day, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Whenever possible, seek shade when outdoors and wear sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. For more effective protection, select a hat that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

Apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing. Choose a sunscreen that offers:

1. 1. • Broad-spectrum protection
      • Water-resistance
      • SPF of 30 or more

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply it at least every two hours.

Along with protecting your skin from the sun, you need to stay out of tanning beds and never use sunlamps.

Indoor tanning devices can worsen melasma and prevent treatment from working.

• Protect yourself from visible light with tinted sunscreen. Visible light has been shown to worsen melasma, especially for people with darker skin tones. Use a tinted sunscreen that contains iron oxide in addition to having an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Choose gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. If a skin care product burns or stings when you use it, the product is irritating your skin. This may darken dark spots.
• Cover up with makeup. It takes time for melasma treatments to work. Covering an uneven skin tone caused by melasma may boost your self-esteem if the appearance bothers you. If you choose to cover your melasma, a dermatologist can give you tips for getting natural-looking results.

How to Live Better With Eczema

Treating Eczema Flare-Ups

Work with your doctor to find the right treatments for you. Your symptoms, age, family history, other health problems, and lifestyle help you find treatments that work. Most eczema treatments give you short-term relief. Your doctor can prescribe a steroid cream to stop the itch and clear your rash, or topical creams called calcineurin inhibitors like pimecrolimus (Elidel) or tacrolimus (Protopic) that protect your skin and prevent eczema outbreaks. Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter (OTC) and eases mild itching. Eucrisa ointment is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory topical treatment that may help reduce redness and itchiness in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. For a severe outbreak, apply steroid cream and then wrap a wet bandage around the area to keep it moist. Light therapy from the sun or with a UV ray device at your doctor’s office may ease outbreaks, too. For strong eczema itching that keeps you up at night, try oral antihistamines. Diphenhydramine can stop itching and help you sleep. Cetirizine, fexofenadine, and other antihistamines can ease flares and itching but don’t make you drowsy. They’re all available OTC. Your doctor may also prescribe oral corticosteroids or give you a steroid shot for a strong eczema flare. If you scratch your itchy rash and break the skin, you might need antibiotics to prevent an infection. For moderate to severe eczema that is not controlled by topical medications, or when topical medicines cannot be used, dupilumab (Dupixent) or tralokinumab (Adbry), both injectables, may be prescribed. These drugs are given every few weeks as shots under the skin. Another medication, upadacitinib (Rinvoq), is a pill taken once daily that helps reduce itchiness quickly. Work with your doctor to treat your eczema. Some drugs or remedies for eczema, like steroids, can cause side effects if you use them too long or too often.

Prevent Flares, Feel Better

Many things could set off an eczema flare. You may not have the same triggers as someone else. It pays to figure out what causes your skin to react.

Dry skin
If your skin gets too dry, it can become rough and itchy. It might even crack. That can let bacteria or allergens inside. Dry skin is a common eczema trigger for many people. Extreme changes in temperature can stress your skin, too. Tips: Keep your skin moist — especially in winter, when the air can be very dry. Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your bedroom when you sleep. Apply cream or ointment after you get out of a shower or bath. Soak in a warm bath with small amounts of bath oil, or add colloidal oatmeal to ease eczema itching and moisten your skin. See what’s the best lotion for eczema.

Irritants
Products you use every day may bother your skin. Soap, cleansers, body wash, laundry detergent, lotions, or even some foods you touch can trigger eczema rashes. Tips: Talk to your doctor to pinpoint what may irritate your skin. They can test how your skin reacts to certain products. Keep track of anything you use that seems to trigger a flare after you touch it. Choose soaps, cleansers, and laundry detergents without added perfumes or dyes. These are common eczema triggers.

Clothing
Fabrics that are rough, too tight, or itchy can trigger eczema. Clothes that are too warm or heavy can make you sweat and cause a flare, too. Tips: Opt for soft clothes that are gentle on your skin and keep it cool. If wool or other fabrics seem to bother you, don’t wear them. Find wool-free garments to keep you warm in winter. Wear loose items that don’t rub against your skin.

Dust, smoke, pet dander, and sand
Tiny particles in the air can cause a rash or irritate your skin. You might be allergic to pet dander from cats or dogs. Maybe cigarette smoke or a dusty house is to blame. Tips: Keep your home or office area clean. Dust often. Don’t smoke or hang out with people who do. If you think you’re allergic to pet hair or dander, talk to your doctor or see an allergist, a doctor who specializes in treating allergies.

Stress and anxiety
Worry can make your eczema flare up. Plus, itchy, sore skin can also stress you out. It can be an endless cycle if you don’t break it. Tips: Find ways to relax in times of stress. Make sure you get enough sleep at night so you feel refreshed the next day. Aromatherapy, massage therapy, and soaks in a warm bath may help you ease tension. Get help if you can’t keep your stress under control.

Stress and Psoriasis

Stress and psoriasis often go hand in hand. Stress can make psoriasis worse, and psoriasis can make you feel stressed. But there are ways to ease stress that may help your psoriasis, too.

Learn techniques to relax. Try one of these stress-busters:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Yoga

They can lower stress and may even help your treatment. One study found that people who listened to meditation tapes while they got light therapy did twice as well as those who only got light therapy.

Long walks and long baths are also good ways to ease stress.

Get a massage. A good massage can:

• Ease muscle tension
• Lower stress
• Help you relax

If you can, find a massage therapist who has worked with people who have psoriasis.

• Trust your doctor. To ease stress, you need to have faith in your doctor to work out the best plan for your treatment. You are partners. If you don’t feel like you are, or if you have doubts about your treatment plan, see another doctor.

DID YOU KNOW?
People who listened to meditation tapes while they got light therapy did twice as well as those who received light therapy alone.

• Get professional help. If you find stress and psoriasis hard to handle or feel very anxious or depressed, think about seeing a mental health therapist.
• A therapist can help you manage some of the hard emotional issues that can be part of your life with psoriasis. A therapist can also teach you useful ways to calm stress.
• Get better treatment. Psoriasis treatment itself can sometimes be stressful. But it can also be the best cure for both your stress and psoriasis. If you have good control of your condition, you get rid of the core cause of your stress.

How Psoriasis Causes Stress

Experts aren’t sure how psoriasis and stress are linked. It may have to do with an effect on the immune system. Some people have their first flare of psoriasis during a very stressful time in their life.

So what aspects of psoriasis may cause stress?

• Stigma. Living with psoriasis can make you self-conscious and ashamed. Any aspect of being social can be stressful, from going on a date to shaking someone’s hand.
• Finances. Psoriasis treatments can be costly. A year’s supply of biologic drugs can cost more than $25,000. And even cheaper treatments add up.
• Pain. Psoriasis can cause chronic pain, which adds a constant level of stress in your life. Sometimes the pain can make day-to-day actions hard. If you have arthritis in your joints, this is more likely.
• Treatment. Some treatments don’t work, which can lead to stress. Other treatments can take up a lot of your time. For instance, you might need to get light therapy 3 times a week for up to a year. Fitting that into your schedule can be tricky. And drug side effects can also be a strain.
• Life with a chronic condition. Sometimes psoriasis can wear you down. You may also sometimes find yourself anxious about the future.

Warts: Treatments and Home Remedies

Skin warts are common, and there are many treatments. If home remedies for warts don’t work, you can try over-the-counter wart removers. If your warts still don’t disappear, you can turn to treatment by a doctor, who can freeze or cut off the wart.

Home Remedies for Warts

Here are some home remedies and treatments for common warts, such as plantar warts on the soles of the feet or palmar warts on the hands. For the most part, these remedies do not work very often.

• People try countless home remedies for warts, but most do not help. They rub warts with garlic, or apply a paste made of baking powder and castor oil. They crush vitamin C tablets into a paste to cover the wart. They even soak warts in pineapple juice. Prolonged application of duct tape also has its fans, although evidence does not support its use.

Over-the-Counter Wart Removers

Most dermatologists say it’s safe to try drugstore wart removers — as long as you’ve confirmed that it’s really a wart. Sometimes calluses or corns are mistaken for warts. If in doubt, ask your doctor.

• Many over-the-counter wart treatments contain salicylic acid. The success rate is about 50% over 6 weeks or so. Other treatments work by “freezing” the wart. After two or three treatments, each lasting about 10 days, the success rate is about 40% to 50%.
• There is also the option of over-the-counter freezing sprays which can kill the wart by freezing the tissue. The spray has to be applied directly to the wart area in an effort to freeze deep enough into the affected tissue. For this reason, these sprays are only really effective on smaller warts. If successful, the wart should disappear in a few days.
• Over-the-counter treatments aren’t recommended for common warts on the face or lips and should not be used on genital warts. See your doctor about treatments for those warts.

Warts Treatments From a Doctor or Dermatologist

If you go to a doctor, you can choose from many wart treatments. Some focus on destroying the wart and others on boosting your immune system so your body clears the wart. Among the options:

• Liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart off
• Prescription-strength salicylic acid applied at home to get rid of the wart
• Trichloracetic acid applied in the doctor’s office
• Laser or surgery to cut the wart off
• Topical immune system stimulants such as squaric acid, which is applied to the skin for several weeks to help fight the virus that causes the wart

Immune therapy for warts can take 6 to 12 weeks to work. Removing warts with a laser or surgery is the fastest treatment, but is also the most expensive and invasive. It also may cause scarring.

The Top 12 Acne Myths And Why They Aren’t True

There are many misconceptions about acne floating around the internet. You’ve heard plenty of stories about what causes acne, but how do you know if it’s true? We’re here to clear things up starting with debunking the top 12 acne myths.

• Only teens get acne. Acne is the most common skin disease. People of all races and ages get acne. 30% of adults, both men and women, experience acne. Although 85% of teens get some form of acne, they aren’t the only ones who can suffer from it.
• You need to wash your face more. Washing your face more often won’t cure your acne. Try to wash your face twice a day, but more than twice daily may do more harm than good. Washing your face is helpful to decrease the bacteria, but you shouldn’t overdo it.
• It’s OK to pop your pimples safely. This is never a good idea. Squeezing your pimples triggers inflammatory responses and can introduce even more bacteria to your zit. It also can cause acne scars which don’t go away.
• The sun and tanning beds clear up acne. Although it may feel like it’s drying your skin, the sun is not helpful in healing acne. The sun can inflame and dry your skin which causes your skin to produce more oil, ultimately making it worse.
• Toothpaste can clear a pimple. Toothpaste and other household items are not safe on your skin. The fluorides in toothpaste can even worsen acne. Opt for a spot treatment instead that contains salicylic acid. Your skin will thank you in the long run.
• Pores open and close. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Since pores don’t have muscles, they can’t open and close. Steam can loosen the oils built up in pores and once clear, they can appear smaller.
• Dirty skin causes acne. Acne isn’t caused by uncleanliness. Washing your face twice a day is more than enough to remove bacteria and surface oil.
• Greasy food causes acne. Chocolate, french fries and other junk food have little to no effect on acne. There is no scientific evidence that these foods cause acne, so indulge all you want!
• Exfoliate as much as possible. Scrubbing your face really hard doesn’t just wash acne away. If you end up scrubbing too hard, it can inflame your acne, making it even worse.
• Acne only affects people with oily skin. People with all different skin types suffer from acne. All skin types can develop whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
• Makeup causes acne. Makeup can only irritate your skin if you’re using the wrong products. Foundations that are oil-free and lightweight won’t cause any issues, unless you forget to remove them at night. Don’t forget to wash your face before bed to remove any makeup and oil.
• Acne will go away, so you don’t need to treat it. Acne is chronic, meaning it can last a long time. It’s a condition which means it exists on your skin beneath the surface. You should always be concerned with managing your acne, and we can help.