Posts Tagged ‘skin’

What Are The Different Kinds of Hyperpigmentation Treatment?

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

There are many types of hyperpigmentation treatment available because skin pigmentation conditions can be found in a wide range of forms. Hyperpigmentation is defined as a darkening of areas of skin or fingernails caused by an excess of melanin in the body. Skin pigmentation on face can cause a lot of upset for those with this condition. As there are several forms of hyperpigmentation, so to are there many causes – overexposure to the sun, acne, inflammation, and Addison’s disease to name just a few. As for the type of hyperpigmentation treatment you can use, there are many options. But effective treatment in any case depends on a correct diagnosis and the skilled application of any given therapy.

Dermal hyperpigmentation is the form that is most stubborn and resistant to medical intervention. In many cases, the use of concealing cosmetics tend to be the best remedy, but there have been hopeful advances in dermal treatment using alexandrite and ruby lasers. However, research is still ongoing in this area and no firm conclusions have been reported. Laser treatment does not get rid of any pigmentation on a permanent basis, it only hides the problem for a time.

Laser therapies may also have side effects in the form of atrophy and hypertrophic scarring as well as irritation and increased pigment production. If you have melasma, generally speaking, this condition tends to be resistive to lasers anyway. In the case of epidermal treatment, there are a few more alternatives. Hydroquinone is applied topically and works by inhibiting the enzymes that change the dopa into melatonin. However, hydroquinone does require a prolonged course of treatment to be effective. Mequinol, tretinoin, alpha-hydroxy acids, azelaic acid and salicylic acid are also used as topical solutions.

Some of the most effective therapies, have been combination treatments, such as low concentrations of hydroquinone and tretinoin. Combination treatments can be continued for a longer time and may strengthen epidermal layers of skin as well.

More invasive forms of treatment take the form of chemical peels, dermabrasion, and cryosurgery. Chemical peels can be helpful for photodamaged skin and cryosurgery is handy for the treatment of lentigines. However, it can lead to an increase in the levels of pigmentation if this is not properly applied. It is suggested that the best results come from brief, intermittent freezing of the lesion, which must be very specifically targeted to avoid affecting normal tissue. Even then, the use of other therapies such as skin creams will complement these therapies and ameliorate any possible side effects.

It cannot be emphasized enough, that early diagnosis and intervention is essential to ensure the correct choice of treatment. The sooner it is discovered, the greater the range of hyperpigmentation treatment options that will be available to you whether you have skin pigmentation on face, body or both.

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Mole Removal

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

There are many people, from Hollywood stars and gorgeous models, to politicians and athletes, who have, and are proud of, their moles, because moles, in the right place, can be add to the person’s appearance. Sometimes though, they can end up being unattractive, and even a hazard to one’s health, especially moles that are constantly being irritated, and are prone to infection. To avoid these problems, people can use products like a mole removal cream, or get a procedure done to remove the mole.

Today, there are a number of methods available that can remove moles, some are done by professionals, while others are products people can use on their own. But before doing anything to a mole, it is important that people who have them, go to a doctor first. This is because moles are not just simple annoyances that can be removed any time, and would have to be checked first to find out if it’s a melanoma or not.

As soon as the doctor clears the mole as not a melanoma, it can then be removed through methods like the laser mole removal procedure, a technique that uses lasers to burn off the mole, leaving only a scab that, over time, will fall off. Another procedure is electrocautery, which is similar to laser mole removal, but uses electricity instead of a beam of light. These two methods are popular, fast, and very safe, but they are also expensive, making it very hard for the average person to get.

There are alternatives though, for people who are not willing to part with a lot of money, like creams. These removal creams are able to remove moles through a different process, one that makes the mole dry up slowly, over time, until it just drops off of the skin. But while these creams are easily available, affordable, and very easy to use, it’s important to make sure that the creams are safe first, by having a doctor check them beforehand.

As a last note, it is important for people interested in having their moles removed to make sure they get a doctor to check it first. And then, get the same doctor to evaluate the procedures, or cream, they are looking to use. It’s best to cover all bases and eliminate dangers!

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Various Products To Prevent The Sun From Causing Harm To Your Skin

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

We all love the sun during the summer days but exposing yourself for long periods of time under the heat of the summer sun can damage your skin that will take months or even years for it to return to its normal state. You can even develop skin cancer. That is how serious exposing yourself under the sun can get. Here is how you can protect your skin from the wear and tear the sun brings.

Prevent your skin from turning darker by applying sunscreen and help keep it moisturize by applying moisturizers. Sunscreen prevents the sun from ultimately reaching the deep end of your skin which is where it is most vulnerable. Applying moisturizers prevent your skin from drying out.

Skin care products that are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants help prevent free radicals from destroying your skin cells. Free radicals are the result of stress and are usually the cause of wrinkles and lines on your skin.

Stay indoors during the time when the sun is at its brightest. Between the hours before noon and the hours before sunset is the usual time when the sun working full time in destroying your skin. This should be the time for you to hide under the comforts of your home.

Moisturize your skin by supplying it with enough water throughout the day. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water or even more will provide your skin with proper hydration to prevent it from drying out under the heat of the sun. This can make you look years younger as well with this simple work.

Aloe vera is great when applied to broken skin. It is the best treatment for sunburns. It hastens the healing process of the body as well as provides the body with the all natural antioxidant.

Emu oil also has the same natural properties that protect the skin from the sun. Emu oil is quickly absorbed by the body as it is a natural occurring substance which makes it more ready for the body to absorb.

Other than Vitamins A and E, your body should also get its daily dose of Vitamin D by having minimum amounts of exposure to the sun. Other than the sun, you can also get your dose of Vitamin D from vegetables and fruits.

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A Primer About A Common Skin Condition

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Imagine the scenario you are bathing and you notice small bits of skin just hanging there. It may be under your armpit or on your eyelid or even on your neck.

If you have noticed hanging skin in either of these places you do not need to unduly worry. These brown wrinkled pieces of loose hanging skin are just Acrochordon or more commonly skin tags. You can actually find these in lots of places on your body.

These are more commonly found on the sensitive parts of your body such as the aforementioned eyelids, armpits or neck. Normally they are found in places that are prone to rubbing or some kind of friction such as your clothes rubbing against your body. They can also be found in creased skin areas hence the armpit.

Some younger people can find skin tags on their bodies although it is mainly attributed to the older age or middle age group. They do not appear at birth as people tend to acquire skin tags as they grow.

Small children and toddlers are still prone to getting skin tags though especially if their actions create skin friction.

Many different types of people are subject to skin tags. They range from diabetics to overweight people and also pregnant women. The pregnant women are thought to get skin tags due to the hormonal changes that their bodies go through.

Skin tags are regarded as a sort of tumor but they have been proven not to cause cancer if they remain untreated. Mainly skin tags are not painful things but they can sometimes irritate if they are subjected to prolonged friction or rubbing.

There have been cases where some skin tags have grown big enough to pop. If this should occur and they start to bleed it is advisable to see your doctor as you would not want to get them infected.

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Discussing All Information Pertaining To The Malignant Neoplasm Of The Skin

Sunday, November 21st, 2010

The words that you have always dreaded hearing are coming out of your doctor’s mouth. “I’m sorry, you have skin cancer.” The conversation can now go two ways. Your doctor may say, “I’m glad you came in when you did. We caught it in time, this shouldn’t be fatal.” Or your doctor might say, “I’m so sorry. There isn’t much I can do. If only we had caught this sooner.”

There are several signs and symptoms that can be warning signs of cancer. These can be extremely helpful in diagnosing the disease. A person needs to be on the lookout for these signs as they may save his or her life.

Skin cancer is one of the most widely treated cancers in America. There are two categories of skin cancer. The first is melanoma and the second is non-melanoma. While both are definitely scary to have they are both treatable.

Melanoma is not as common as non-melanoma cancer, and that is a good thing. Melanoma cancer spreads very quickly through the body and is therefore very difficult to treat. Early diagnosis of melanoma is crucial if you are wanting to lead a normal, long life.

Skin cancer is usually easier to spot than other cancers because it leaves marks on the skin. It is also one of the easiest cancers to ignore. It may dawn on you after several months that the spot on the side of your face still hasn’t healed yet. This is a sure sign that a doctor should take a look at it.

Other signs may include but are not limited to, lumps that seem to be shiny, red, or smooth. Or they could be rough and scaly patches of skin. Just because there is a change in your skin doesn’t necessarily mean that you have skin cancer, but you need to stay on the safe side and have it checked out.

Take heart! There are cures for both types of cancers, but you MUST see a doctor as soon as you suspect any problem. If you wish to avoid this problem altogether, limit your unprotected exposure to the sun. Make sure you wear adequate clothing and use sunscreen.

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Tanning Lotions And How To Pick The Right One?

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

Everyone wants to have that perfect look. It’s just in our blood. We want to look attractive always and everywhere. Self tanning solutions like creams or lotions are one of these sweet pleasures. Who doesn’t want to look beautifully and naturally tanned all year long? For us dark skin seems healthier, more natural and simply more attractive. Often it helps to even get better jobs, like white smile, great haircut or many other small things we do to improve ourselves. In other parts of the world it’s the opposite, people are trying to look pale in every possible way. Funny isn’t it.

Let’s try to see how to choose the right tanning lotion for ourselves. With so many different products on the market, many get lost. Where to start, who to listen to, what to look for in a tanning cream and so on. And we’re not even talking about tanning beds here. Everyone knows that tanning salons produce almost as much direct ultraviolet sunlight. It’s the reason many smarter people now avoid tanning salons. Researches proved that it causes cancer. So what options do we have?

Best Self Tanning Lotion

Now in the beginning of a shopping marathon for the best tanning lotion, you need to figure out your skin type. If you have light skin, then lotion type of one is the right choice for you. If your skin is dark, then 5th category lotion will work best. If lets say your skin burns in the sun even if you lay for less than an hour, choose a lotion with cooling capabilities.

Women who love to lay in a beach and enjoy natural sunlight, can select from a range of specially formulated tanning creams that protect from radiation. Although it’s not recommended to stay for a long time in the sun, but at least you can damage your skin as little as possible. Lotions that at the same time flake your dead skin cells are very good too. No matter what you choose, make sure the product natural, made by a popular brand (unknown firms can put anything into their creams, trust me) and gives you that sexy skin color you’ve been waiting for.

Some people wonder how these tanning products work and whether they damage the skin in some way or not. Here’s a quick explanation for you. Tan products applied on the skin create a chemical reaction. I know it sounds bad, but isn’t scary at all. It’s completely natural and has no side effects. Many of the tanning solutions contain dihydroxyacetone, which when applied on the skin, react with amino acids and creates this brown skin look. It lasts as long as the top skin layer. When it peels away, you reapply the cream or lotion again.

Lastly, for specific skin types which can’t get the wanted brown color, and instead burn red creams are the only and best solution for that matter. You prevent skin cancer, and can look attractive all year long with an inexpensive solution like tanning lotion.

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Grand Rapids Dermatologists And Skin Cancer Facts

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

What would you guess is the most common form of cancer? Lung, colon or perhaps liver? Surprisingly the answer is skin cancer. Facts clearly show that over one million people are diagnosed with this disorder annually. Many organizations both government and private health organizations find these numbers alarming, particularly since skin cancer is but one of many forms of this deadly disease.

Another thing that is highly alarming the fact that anybody can be diagnosed with the disorder, young, old or otherwise. Grand Rapids dermatologists will tell you that skin cancer is a very treatable form of the disease, provided you catch it early. Skin cancer facts state that it is actually the more preventable and treatable cancer.

Skin cancer has several different causes; the most common of course is overexposure of delicate skin to the suns UV rays. All sunlight contains ultra violet rays, which studies show can mutate the genetic composition of cells, particularly those in the skin. These same rays can be encountered from other sources as well such as x-rays, sunlamps and tanning booths; however, Grand Rapids dermatologists state these are not nearly as damaging as the suns direct rays.

At an early stage, symptoms of skin cancer are not distinctive. The most common symptom of skin cancer is change in the appearance of the skin. Your skin may start to darken in some parts while in some cases, a new growth or sore may develop. Such signs do not disappear quickly. If you find yourself with such a situation – a spot, a sore or a growth that is not healing – Grand Rapids dermatologists advise that you consult a physician immediately.

The Grand Rapids dermatologists concur that skin cancer exists in three forms.
These are:
1. Basal Cell carcinoma
2. Squamous Cell carcinoma
3. Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are, according to most skin cancer facts, the most common of the three types. That being said melanoma is the most deadly as it will spread quickly. This type of cancer is also called Basal Cell Epitheioma, the two Basal Cell forms of the disease generally start in the upper levels of your skin, but can and do go deeper than any other form of skin cancer. This fact makes it a good deal harder to detect. If you are from Northern European countries or Latino, you are likely fair skinned and more prone to this skin disease.

According to the Grand Rapids dermatologists, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also very common nowadays. It affects 20% of all skin cancer patients. Squamous Cell Carcinoma normally has an effect on the top layer of the skin. Different from Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma spreads quickly and is quite fatal, accounting for 5% of skin cancer deaths. Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually forms on the edge of the lips, ears, face or back of the hands.

Grand Rapids dermatologists advise that you can keep yourself from getting skin cancer by wearing sunscreen, hats and caps, using umbrellas to shield yourself from direct sunlight and staying in the shade whenever possible especially during sunny mid-days.

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer and Metastasis

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer or SCC is one of the very common forms of skin cancers that exist today. The skin cancer of this type has said to affect more than 200,000 Americans almost every year. Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer is also categorized as non-melanoma type skin cancer together with Basal Cell Carcinoma. The skin cancer of this type is very nasty which can slowly become fatal while 1 or 2% of such cases even metastasize.

Metastasis is a considered as the main decisive factor for malignancy. Here the cancerous tumor of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer enter the dermis layer of the skin from the epidermis layer and multiply quickly to lymph nodes and blood vessels as well as some remote sites within the human body.

The cancerous tumor of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer usually concentrates in the sun-exposed region and its occurrence is mostly cited on the head region especially around the nose, or temples and rim of both ear and lip. Sometimes the cancerous cells are also found in the neck region and on the surfaces of either hand or forearm. You will also notice such dangerous cells in the regions where you had previous burns or scars or sites where the chronic ulcers existed. Even the mucous membranes inside the mouth can show the nest of the tumor of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer.

In the initial stage, a red, scaling appears which slowly grow into a scaly crust ulcer and spread deeper into the surrounding tissues. The ulcer is often itchy and painful and sometimes starts to bleed and even ulcerate. Patients with such skin cancer often see its recurrence which occurs within the first two years immediate to its removal.

The tumor of such Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer occurs due to excessive exposure to sunlight or patients who tend to more X-ray exposure. The other reasons are arsenic ingestion, along with occupational carcinogens which can be vital contributing factors.

The basic treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer is said to be successful in most patients and they show no side effects in the primary stage. The symptoms are seen in the skin and its detection in the initial developmental stage is treatable easily. Surgical removal is necessary in the primary stage and aggressive therapy is avoided. The symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer should be recognized immediately by visiting to a doctor otherwise it will lead to nasty Metastasis.

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Can Sunshine Possibly Prevent Thousands Of Cases Of Breast And Colon Cancer?

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

As a chiropractor in San Diego, I feel like I need to set the records straight. If you are like many people, you probably think the sun causes skin cancer. Our chiropractic patients in San Diego regularly bring up this issue and ask about prevention. And why shouldn’t you? Some news coverage has demonized the sun as unsafe. It has sent many running from it like Vampires at dawn.

The truth is that overexposure to the sun can cause problems. What you probably don’t know – underexposure can be dangerous to your health. Here’s why: A new study looking at the relationship between vitamin D serum levels and the risk of colon and breast cancer across the globe has estimated the number of cases of cancer that could be prevented each year if vitamin D3 levels met the target proposed by researchers.

Cedric F. Garland, Dr.P.H., is a cancer prevention specialist at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Colleagues estimate that 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented worldwide by increasing intake of vitamin D3. This is particular in countries north of the equator. Vitamin D3 is available through diet, supplements and exposure of the skin to direct sunlight.

The research paper which looks at the dose-response relationship between vitamin D and cancer will be published in the August edition of the journal of Nutrition Reviews. It stated that for the first time, we are saying that 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancer may possibly be prevented each year worldwide, including nearly 150,000 in the United States alone,” said study co-author Garland.

The study combined data from surveys of serum vitamin D levels during winter from 15 countries. It is the first such study to look at satellite measurements of sunshine and cloud cover in countries where actual blood serum levels of vitamin D3 had also been determined. The data was then applied to 177 countries to estimate the average serum level of a vitamin D metabolite of people living there.

The data revealed an inverse association of serum vitamin D with risk of colorectal and breast cancer. The protective effect began at levels ranging from 24 to 32 nanograms per milliliter of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in the serum. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is the main indicator of vitamin D status. The late winter average 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the U.S. is about 15-18 ng/ml. The researchers maintain that increasing vitamin D levels in populations, particularly those in northern climates, has the potential to both prevent and possibly serve as an adjunct to existing treatments for cancer.

It was stated that the suitable dose of vitamin D in order to reach this level could be very small in a lifeguard in Southern California. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it can be quite a lot for someone in Northern Europe who tends to remain indoors most of the year. This could be best achieved with a combination of diet, supplements and short intervals of 10 or 15 minutes a day in the sun. It could be less for very fair-skinned individuals.

The serum level recommended by the study would correspond to intake of 2000 International Units per day of vitamin D3 for a meaningful reduction in colorectal cancer. The researchers recommend 2000 IU/day, plus, when weather allows, a few minutes in the sun with at least 40% of the skin exposed, for a meaningful reduction in breast cancer incidence, unless the individual has a history of skin cancer or a photosensitivity disease. Garland also recommends moderate sun exposure and use of clothing and a hat when in the sun longer than 15 minutes.

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Can Sunblocks And Sunscreen Lotions Cause Skin Cancer?

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

As a chiropractor in San Diego, I see more than just cases of back pain. Patients ask all kinds of health questions. For many years, we have known two things in regards to the sun to be true. First, the sun is bad for you. Therefore, exposure should be limited. Most people don’t know this, but the sun has three types of sun rays, not just two. The first is ultraviolet C light. This is also known as UVC. This ray usually does not reach our planet’s surface and this is good because it is believed only brief exposure to UVC rays is fatal to our body. Next is ultraviolet B radiation. This is also known as UVB rays. These have long been considered the tanning rays of the sun. They are strongest during the summer months when the Earth’s orbit is closest to the Sun. UVB rays are what produce a sun tan to our skin.

For many years, sunblocks and sunscreens only attempted to block UVB because science was unaware of the effects of UVA rays (the third type of sun ray) on the body. UVA was believed to be the safe ray in the 1980s, which spawned the growth and popularity of the artificial sun bed industry – some dermatologists even backed this artificial tanning! But, science now believes UVA rays actually do more damage than UVB rays! UVA rays are not dependant on how far the Earth is from the Sun – so the effects are the same all year round. What’s more, UVA penetrates light clothing and car windshields… even many hats. Over-exposure to the sun has been linked to premature aging and even deadly skin cancer.

For years, the sunblock industry has been booming with the promise their products protect you from the sun’s aging and cancerous rays. But, research now says these “truths” may not be so “true.” This brings us to the second so called truth which is limit exposure to the harmful rays of the sun by using high SPF sunscreens and sunblocks. For example, there is no consensus whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer. According to the Environmental Working Groups’ (ewg.org) finding, “The Food and Drug Administration’s 2007 draft sunscreen safety regulations say: FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer.” (FDA 2007). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) agrees. The IARC recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation and writes “sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun” (IARC 2001a). Even worse, there is evidence emerging that sunscreen may actually increase the risk of skin cancer!

In 2007, the FDA published draft regulations that would prohibit manufacturers from labeling sunscreens over 50 SPF. The FDA stated that anything over 50 SPF was “inherently misleading.” Even an SPF of 50 can be misleading because of the way most people use sunscreen. Researchers speculate the cause or causes may be lack of UVA protection by most sunscreen for over 30 years, improper usage, staying in the sun longer with sunscreens and some of the ingredients. One big problem is the SPF (sun protection factor) myth.

A person using one-fourth the amount of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 only actually gets an SPF of 2.3. The same person using a sunscreen with SPF 100 ends up with only SPF 3.2. In the real world, tests show people apply only one-half to one fifth of the amount used when testing the sunscreen.

Then there are also the potential problems with the ingredients found in sunscreens. Retinyl palmitate (a form of Vitamin A also commonly used in sunscreens) may increase the risk of skin cancer. According to Environmental Working Groups, “The publicly available data from FDA’s new study suggest that when used in sun-exposed skin care products, retinyl palmitate and related chemicals may increase skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk instead of protecting the skin.” Also for example, oxybenzone which is a common ingredient, is a known hormone disruptor.

Also, according to Environmental Working Groups, 41% of all sunscreens contain retinyl palmitate. All of this may be surprising but what’s even more shocking is that the FDA first issued draft sunscreen regulations in 1978 and last updated the draft in 2007. The regulations are still not final, despite multiple announcements of impending completion. Until the agency formally issues its rules, companies are not required to verify their sunscreens work, including testing for SPF levels, checking waterproof claims or providing UVA protection. Nearly one in eight sunscreens does not block UVA rays. Many carry the seal of “The Skin Cancer Foundation.” According to the Environmental Working Groups, “The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) lends its logo to hundreds of sun protection products. SCF approval is easy, just document that your product has an SPF of at least 15 and provide results of basic tests (for SPF, skin reactions and water and sweat resistance, if such claims are made).

Confused? If you are, then you are not alone. Here’s something that will make the most of the confusion Disappear. Since sunscreens are probably not as safe as once thought, the best thing to do is stay out of the sun during its peak hours (10:00am – 2:00pm) and whenever possible, wear protective clothing instead of chemicals. Don’t forget, some sun is absolutely necessary for Vitamin D production and proper health. The amount of sun you should get depends on your skin type but you should NEVER burn.

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