5 REASONS TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST FOR MOLE, SKIN TAG REMOVAL
If you have a mole or skin tag that you’d like to remove, the products available online may leave you thinking that this is a DIY project. It’s not.
These online products can cause “potentially harmful side effects and serious risks,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The list of harmful side effects and risks include:
Dermatologists agree. If you use one of these products, you’re essentially performing at-home surgery, which can go seriously wrong quickly and unexpectedly. Trying to remove a mole or skin tag at home could cause a serious infection. You could have uncontrolled bleeding that requires going to an emergency room (ER) for life-saving care.
If you want to remove a mole, skin tag, or other growth from your skin, here are five benefits of seeing a dermatologist for this treatment:
Related AAD resources
These online products can cause “potentially harmful side effects and serious risks,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The list of harmful side effects and risks include:
- Skin injuries
- Infection that requires antibiotics to treat
- Scarring
- Delaying a skin cancer diagnosis and treatment
Dermatologists agree. If you use one of these products, you’re essentially performing at-home surgery, which can go seriously wrong quickly and unexpectedly. Trying to remove a mole or skin tag at home could cause a serious infection. You could have uncontrolled bleeding that requires going to an emergency room (ER) for life-saving care.
If you want to remove a mole, skin tag, or other growth from your skin, here are five benefits of seeing a dermatologist for this treatment:
- Find and treat skin cancer. Skin cancer can appear on your skin in many ways. It can look like a changing mole, new growth, or scar. When you see a dermatologist, you receive the care you need to find out whether or not you have skin cancer. If you have skin cancer, you can receive expert medical care.
If the spot you remove at home is a skin cancer, you can leave behind microscopic cancer cells. These cancer cells can multiply and spread deep into the tissue beneath your skin. If you have melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, these skin cancer cells can spread quickly throughout the body.
Caught early and treated, skin cancer is highly treatable. - Control infection risk. When doctors cut into skin, they follow guidelines that dramatically reduce the risk of infection. Without this knowledge, you risk developing a serious infection, which can require a trip to the ER.
- Minimize scarring. Any time you wound your skin, you risk developing a scar. Dermatologists have the expertise required to reduce scarring.
- Prevent loss of movement due to scarring. If you cause a scar on skin that covers a joint, such as a knuckle or elbow, the scar can limit how far you can move your finger or elbow. Dermatologists understand this risk and use their expertise to help avoid this.
- Avoid difficult-to-stop blood loss. Dermatologists have the in-depth medical expertise required to remove skin growths with the least amount of injury. Without this knowledge, it’s easy for you to nick a blood vessel or cut into a vein unexpectedly.
Your dermatologist will also talk with you before treating you, asking you questions about your medical conditions and medications that you take. This information helps your dermatologist know what could cause difficult-to-stop bleeding and take necessary precautions.
Related AAD resources
DERMATOLOGIST-RECOMMENDED SKIN CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
When you have diabetes, finding time for skin care can seem like a luxury. Monitoring your glucose level, sticking to a meal plan, finding time to exercise, and managing stress can definitely take priority.
Dermatologists caution that skin care also plays a key role in helping you manage diabetes. The right skin care can prevent a serious skin condition, such as an infection, open sores, or non-healing wound.
Skin care tips that dermatologists recommend
By taking good care of your skin, you can treat and prevent uncomfortable changes to your skin. Diabetes often causes extremely dry skin, which can itch. Cracks in your skin can develop, grow deep, and bleed. These deep cracks increase your risk of developing a serious infection.
You may also notice that your skin is easily irritated or heals slowly.
To treat and prevent these skin changes, dermatologists recommend the following:
Dermatologists caution that skin care also plays a key role in helping you manage diabetes. The right skin care can prevent a serious skin condition, such as an infection, open sores, or non-healing wound.
Skin care tips that dermatologists recommend
By taking good care of your skin, you can treat and prevent uncomfortable changes to your skin. Diabetes often causes extremely dry skin, which can itch. Cracks in your skin can develop, grow deep, and bleed. These deep cracks increase your risk of developing a serious infection.
You may also notice that your skin is easily irritated or heals slowly.
To treat and prevent these skin changes, dermatologists recommend the following:
- Moisturize every day. Keeping your skin moisturized helps to make it flexible and prevent cracks that often lead to infection.
For best results, dermatologists recommend that you:- Use a cream or ointment rather than a lotion. Creams and ointments do a better job of healing dry skin than do lotions.
- Choose a fragrance-free cream or ointment that contains ceramides. You want to avoid products labeled “unscented” because these contain fragrance that has been masked so that you cannot smell the fragrance.
- Apply your cream or ointment after bathing, swimming, and when your skin feels dry or itchy.
- Carry your moisturizer with you so that you can apply it to your hands, which often become dry due to the need to wash your hands before checking your glucose level.
- Treat dry, cracked heels. This can prevent a serious infection, non-healing sores, and other problems.
Treat dry, cracked heelsIf you have dry, cracked heels, apply a cream containing 10% to 25% urea before getting into bed. Do this every day until your skin heals. - Use a gentle cleanser when bathing. Deodorant soaps and strong body washes can irritate your already sensitive skin. A gentle cleanser or one specially formulated for people who have diabetes helps to soothe your skin and prevent complications.
- Bathe and shower using warm (not hot) water. Hot water can strip your skin of moisture, leaving it feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortable.
- Dry the folds of your skin carefully. After bathing and swimming, you want to gently dry the skin between your toes, armpits, and other places where skin touches skin. If water stays in these areas, it can lead to a skin infection.
Check your feet dailyCheck your feet every day, making sure to check between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet for rashes, sores, skin wearing away, and other problems. - Get medical care for calluses on your feet. A corn or callus on your foot may seem like nothing to worry about. However, when you have diabetes, the thick skin can break down and open up. Deep cracks can develop. If any of these occur, you can develop a serious infection, such as cellulitis.
A dermatologist or podiatrist can provide the care you need to treat corns or calluses. - Seek immediate medical care for a skin or nail infection. People who have diabetes can develop an infection more easily than people who have a healthy endocrine system. An infection can quickly become serious.
If you notice any of the following on your skin or under a nail, get immediate medical care:- Skin looks swollen and discolored
- Tenderness or pain
- Wound that is leaking pus or other fluid
- Honey-colored crusts
- Build-up beneath a fingernail or toenail or a nail is starting to lift up
- A thickening or discolored nail
- Treat all cuts, scratches, and wounds immediately. To treat wounds, wash the area with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment only if your doctor recommends this. Always cover the wound with an adhesive bandage. To help your skin heal, treat the wound every day.
If the wound fails to heal or worsens, seek immediate medical care.
Dermatologists treat diabetic related skin issuesDermatologists treat diabetics who develop slow or non-healing wounds and other complications with their skin. - Check your feet every day for redness, scratches, blisters, sores, and cuts. If you have a minor wound, treat it. Get immediate medical care for all other wounds.
- Keep your toenails short. Long, rough toenails can irritate your skin. When toenails grow long, they can lift up. This makes it easier for an infection to develop beneath a toenail. Keeping your toenails properly trimmed can prevent cuts and a possible foot infection.
To trim your toenails, cut them straight across. If you have trouble trimming or reaching your toenails, your foot doctor can keep them properly trimmed.
THINNING HAIR AND HAIR LOSS: COULD IT BE FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS?
Is your part widening? Have you noticed that your ponytail is thinner these days? You may have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a condition that affects millions of women. FPHL is actually the most-common cause of hair loss in women.
For most women, FPHL begins in midlife, when a woman is in her 40s, 50s, or 60s. It can begin earlier for some women.
FPHL is a progressive condition. This means women tend to continue losing hair. But women do not lose all of their hair, as do some men. Instead, your part often gets wider. Hair near your temples may recede. Without treatment, some women eventually develop widespread thinning.
Treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair. Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss.
How can I tell if I have female pattern hair loss?
It’s best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it’s FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it’s important to rule out these causes.
What causes female pattern hair loss?
It’s hereditary. You inherit the genes from your mother, father, or both. Because FPHL is more common after menopause, hormones may also play a role.
How do dermatologists treat female pattern hair loss?
To give women optimal results, dermatologists may use more than one hair-loss treatment. For FPHL, treatment options include the following.
Minoxidil (meh-nox-eh-dil):
Long used to treat male pattern hair loss, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this non-prescription treatment for women. Today, it is the most-recommended treatment for FPHL. Products containing either 2% or 5% minoxidil have been approved to treat FPHL.
What should I know about using minoxidil?
For the first two to eight weeks, you may notice a temporary increase in hair loss. This stops when your hair begins to regrow.
A common side effect of minoxidil is an irritated scalp, which may cause dryness, scaling, itching, and/or redness on your scalp. If this happens, it’s best to stop using minoxidil and see your dermatologist.
Another possible side effect is to see hair growing in places other than your scalp, such as on your cheeks and forehead. If this happens, you can limit it by:
Hair grows slowly, so it takes time to see results. You’ll need to use minoxidil continuously for about one year before you know how well it will work for you. If this medication works for you, you’ll need to use it every day to continue getting results. When you stop, the hairs that grew because of minoxidil will fall out within three to four months, and your hair loss can continue.
Minoxidil, pregnancy, and breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should avoid minoxidil. Studies of pregnant animals have shown minoxidil can be harmful to a developing fetus.
Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid minoxidil. Traces of minoxidil may pass into breast milk, which can be harmful to a nursing infant.
How is minoxidil used?
You apply it to your dry scalp. Some products you should apply once a day. Others you apply twice a day.
For most women, FPHL begins in midlife, when a woman is in her 40s, 50s, or 60s. It can begin earlier for some women.
FPHL is a progressive condition. This means women tend to continue losing hair. But women do not lose all of their hair, as do some men. Instead, your part often gets wider. Hair near your temples may recede. Without treatment, some women eventually develop widespread thinning.
Treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair. Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss.
How can I tell if I have female pattern hair loss?
It’s best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it’s FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it’s important to rule out these causes.
What causes female pattern hair loss?
It’s hereditary. You inherit the genes from your mother, father, or both. Because FPHL is more common after menopause, hormones may also play a role.
How do dermatologists treat female pattern hair loss?
To give women optimal results, dermatologists may use more than one hair-loss treatment. For FPHL, treatment options include the following.
Minoxidil (meh-nox-eh-dil):
Long used to treat male pattern hair loss, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this non-prescription treatment for women. Today, it is the most-recommended treatment for FPHL. Products containing either 2% or 5% minoxidil have been approved to treat FPHL.
What should I know about using minoxidil?
For the first two to eight weeks, you may notice a temporary increase in hair loss. This stops when your hair begins to regrow.
A common side effect of minoxidil is an irritated scalp, which may cause dryness, scaling, itching, and/or redness on your scalp. If this happens, it’s best to stop using minoxidil and see your dermatologist.
Another possible side effect is to see hair growing in places other than your scalp, such as on your cheeks and forehead. If this happens, you can limit it by:
- Trying to apply minoxidil only to your scalp and avoiding other areas
- Washing your face after you apply minoxidil to your scalp
Hair grows slowly, so it takes time to see results. You’ll need to use minoxidil continuously for about one year before you know how well it will work for you. If this medication works for you, you’ll need to use it every day to continue getting results. When you stop, the hairs that grew because of minoxidil will fall out within three to four months, and your hair loss can continue.
Minoxidil, pregnancy, and breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should avoid minoxidil. Studies of pregnant animals have shown minoxidil can be harmful to a developing fetus.
Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid minoxidil. Traces of minoxidil may pass into breast milk, which can be harmful to a nursing infant.
How is minoxidil used?
You apply it to your dry scalp. Some products you should apply once a day. Others you apply twice a day.
Prescription medications:
Some prescription medications have proven effective in helping women with FPHL grow hair and prevent FPHL from worsening.
To date, these medications have received FDA approval to treat other conditions, but not FPHL. Doctors often prescribe FDA-approved medications to treat medical conditions other than those for which the drug was approved.
A dermatologist may prescribe one of the following medications to treat FPHL. Each of these medications is a pill.
Spironolactone (speh-ren-no-LAK-tone):
This medication is a diuretic, which has been prescribed for decades to treat hair loss. It is a common treatment for FPHL because it can help restore hair growth and prevent hair loss from worsening.
Before taking spironolactone, be sure to tell your dermatologist about your medical conditions, including kidney and adrenal gland problems. Also, be sure that your dermatologist knows all the medications and supplements you take.
Your dermatologist may prescribe another medication to treat FPHL, such as finasteride (fi-NAS-ter-ide), flutamide(flu-TA-mide), or dutasteride (doo-TAS-ter-ide).
With any medication, side effects are possible. Ask your dermatologist about possible side effects that you might experience while taking one of these medications.
When will I see results?
If your dermatologist prescribes one of these medications, you’ll need to take it for 6 to 12 months before you’ll know if it works for you. No hair growth within 12 months means the medication won’t work for you.
Like minoxidil, once you stop taking a prescription medication, you lose the hair that grew. This happens in about three to four months.
Pregnancy and hair-loss medications:
All of these prescription medications may cause birth defects, so none of these is an option for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Hair transplant:
Long used to treat hair loss in men, a hair transplant may be an option for some women with FPHL.
The hair transplant has come a long way since the days of hair plugs. Today, most hair transplants look completely natural.
Not everyone is a good candidate for a hair transplant though. If the hair on your scalp is sparse all over, you may not have enough healthy hair to transplant. A hair transplant surgeon, many of whom are dermatologists, can tell you if a hair transplant may help restore your hair.
Are there other treatment options for FPHL? Women want innovative treatments for FPHL. To meet this need, researchers continue to look for new ways to stimulate hair growth and stop hair breakage. Other treatments that you may find for FPHL include the following.
Lasers for at-home use: The FDA has approved laser combs, helmets, and other devices, which are available without a prescription, to treat hair loss at home. These devices emit a low level of laser light that may help stimulate new hair growth. A few studies show that this can be effective for treating FPHL.
As with minoxidil and prescription medicines, you must continue using an at-home laser device to see results. We still do not know whether these devices are safe for long-term use or if they can continue to produce new hair growth.
It is believed the platelets help stimulate your cells to grow hair.
Researchers are just beginning to study this therapy as a treatment for hair loss. The early findings show promise, but more studies are needed to know whether this is a safe and effective treatment for FPHL.
Stem cells: Using stem cells to treat FPHL is still in the experimental stages. Like platelet-rich plasma therapy, more studies are needed to know whether stem cells are a safe and effective treatment for FPHL.
Supplements: Many supplements, including biotin and folic acid, are said to help grow and thicken hair. In studying these different supplements, the findings have been mixed. In most studies, the supplements had no effect on hair growth and thickness.
In one study, however, 120 healthy women had thicker hair and less hair loss after taking specific omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They took this combination for six months. If these results can be repeated in other studies, we’ll have some evidence to recommend taking these supplements.
In the meantime, you’re sure to find supplements that promise to regrow hair. Before taking any of these, it’s best to check with your dermatologist. Some supplements can interact with medications. Your dermatologist can also tell you whether we have any evidence to show that the supplement helps regrow hair.
Hair loss shampoos: These shampoos tend to do one of the following.
A dermatologist’s diagnosis is best before treating hair lossIf you think you have FPHL, it’s important to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Women develop hair loss for many reasons. Other common causes of hair loss in women can look a lot like FPHL. Each of these causes requires different treatment. Without the right treatment, hair loss often continues.
You can find a dermatologist in your area by going to Find a Dermatologist.
Key points
Some prescription medications have proven effective in helping women with FPHL grow hair and prevent FPHL from worsening.
To date, these medications have received FDA approval to treat other conditions, but not FPHL. Doctors often prescribe FDA-approved medications to treat medical conditions other than those for which the drug was approved.
A dermatologist may prescribe one of the following medications to treat FPHL. Each of these medications is a pill.
Spironolactone (speh-ren-no-LAK-tone):
This medication is a diuretic, which has been prescribed for decades to treat hair loss. It is a common treatment for FPHL because it can help restore hair growth and prevent hair loss from worsening.
Before taking spironolactone, be sure to tell your dermatologist about your medical conditions, including kidney and adrenal gland problems. Also, be sure that your dermatologist knows all the medications and supplements you take.
Your dermatologist may prescribe another medication to treat FPHL, such as finasteride (fi-NAS-ter-ide), flutamide(flu-TA-mide), or dutasteride (doo-TAS-ter-ide).
With any medication, side effects are possible. Ask your dermatologist about possible side effects that you might experience while taking one of these medications.
When will I see results?
If your dermatologist prescribes one of these medications, you’ll need to take it for 6 to 12 months before you’ll know if it works for you. No hair growth within 12 months means the medication won’t work for you.
Like minoxidil, once you stop taking a prescription medication, you lose the hair that grew. This happens in about three to four months.
Pregnancy and hair-loss medications:
All of these prescription medications may cause birth defects, so none of these is an option for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Hair transplant:
Long used to treat hair loss in men, a hair transplant may be an option for some women with FPHL.
The hair transplant has come a long way since the days of hair plugs. Today, most hair transplants look completely natural.
Not everyone is a good candidate for a hair transplant though. If the hair on your scalp is sparse all over, you may not have enough healthy hair to transplant. A hair transplant surgeon, many of whom are dermatologists, can tell you if a hair transplant may help restore your hair.
Are there other treatment options for FPHL? Women want innovative treatments for FPHL. To meet this need, researchers continue to look for new ways to stimulate hair growth and stop hair breakage. Other treatments that you may find for FPHL include the following.
Lasers for at-home use: The FDA has approved laser combs, helmets, and other devices, which are available without a prescription, to treat hair loss at home. These devices emit a low level of laser light that may help stimulate new hair growth. A few studies show that this can be effective for treating FPHL.
As with minoxidil and prescription medicines, you must continue using an at-home laser device to see results. We still do not know whether these devices are safe for long-term use or if they can continue to produce new hair growth.
It is believed the platelets help stimulate your cells to grow hair.
Researchers are just beginning to study this therapy as a treatment for hair loss. The early findings show promise, but more studies are needed to know whether this is a safe and effective treatment for FPHL.
Stem cells: Using stem cells to treat FPHL is still in the experimental stages. Like platelet-rich plasma therapy, more studies are needed to know whether stem cells are a safe and effective treatment for FPHL.
Supplements: Many supplements, including biotin and folic acid, are said to help grow and thicken hair. In studying these different supplements, the findings have been mixed. In most studies, the supplements had no effect on hair growth and thickness.
In one study, however, 120 healthy women had thicker hair and less hair loss after taking specific omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They took this combination for six months. If these results can be repeated in other studies, we’ll have some evidence to recommend taking these supplements.
In the meantime, you’re sure to find supplements that promise to regrow hair. Before taking any of these, it’s best to check with your dermatologist. Some supplements can interact with medications. Your dermatologist can also tell you whether we have any evidence to show that the supplement helps regrow hair.
Hair loss shampoos: These shampoos tend to do one of the following.
- Help your hair hold moisture, which makes hair look fuller and thicker
- Lessen breakage, which can reduce thinning
A dermatologist’s diagnosis is best before treating hair lossIf you think you have FPHL, it’s important to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Women develop hair loss for many reasons. Other common causes of hair loss in women can look a lot like FPHL. Each of these causes requires different treatment. Without the right treatment, hair loss often continues.
You can find a dermatologist in your area by going to Find a Dermatologist.
Key points
- See a dermatologist to make sure that you have FPHL, and to rule out another condition, which may be causing your hair loss
- Treatment works best when started at the first sign of hair loss
- Minoxidil is the most-recommended treatment for FPHL
IS YOUR WORKOUT CAUSING YOUR ACNE?
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HOW TO PREVENT ACNE CAUSED BY WORKOUTSWorking out can cause excessive sweating, as well as a buildup of oil, dirt, and bacteria on your skin — all of which can lead to acne. However, you don’t have to quit exercising in order to see clearer skin. The key is to maintain proper hygiene before, during, and after your workouts.
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Do you suspect that your workout is causing (or worsening) your acne? You could be right.
If your workout is the culprit, you don’t have to stop exercising. You can continue to play sports, take your favorite exercise class, or hit the gym and still see clearer skin. Here’s what dermatologists recommend.
If your workout is the culprit, you don’t have to stop exercising. You can continue to play sports, take your favorite exercise class, or hit the gym and still see clearer skin. Here’s what dermatologists recommend.
Before your workout
1. Remove your makeup. No need to wash your face. A oil-free makeup remover towelette works fine.
2. Put on clean workout clothes (washed since you last wore them. Dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils on unwashed clothes can clog your pores, leading to acne.
3. Apply oil-free sunscreen before you head outside. If you’re going to exercise outdoors during the day, you can prevent breakouts by protecting your skin from the sun.
Yes, the sun can cause breakouts because it dries your skin. When this happens, your body produces more oil, which can clog pores and cause acne.
To get the protection you need, you’ll want to apply a sunscreen that offers:
• SPF 30 or higher
• Broad spectrum (protects you from UVA and UVB rays)
• Water resistance
• Oil-free formulation (Label may say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores”)
2. Put on clean workout clothes (washed since you last wore them. Dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils on unwashed clothes can clog your pores, leading to acne.
3. Apply oil-free sunscreen before you head outside. If you’re going to exercise outdoors during the day, you can prevent breakouts by protecting your skin from the sun.
Yes, the sun can cause breakouts because it dries your skin. When this happens, your body produces more oil, which can clog pores and cause acne.
To get the protection you need, you’ll want to apply a sunscreen that offers:
• SPF 30 or higher
• Broad spectrum (protects you from UVA and UVB rays)
• Water resistance
• Oil-free formulation (Label may say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores”)
During your workout
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4. Use a clean towel to wipe off sweat. You want a towel that has been washed since you (or someone else) last used it.
When you remove sweat from your skin, gently pat it off. Rubbing your skin can cause acne to flare. 5. Avoid sharing protective equipment like helmets and shoulder pads whenever possible. These can be full of acne-causing bacteria and oil, which may cause you to breakout. 6. Wipe off shared equipment before you use it. Shared equipment can be full of acne-causing bacteria and oil. If you use the equipment and then wipe your forehead or other acne-prone skin, you can spread acne-causing bacteria and oil from the equipment to your skin |
To remove sweat during a workout, use a clean towel and gently pat the sweat from your skin.
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After your workout
7. Consider showering immediately after your work out. This may rinse away bacteria that can cause acne.
When you wash your face and other skin with acne, you’ll want to use a cleanser that is:
• Mild
• Oil free (label may say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores” instead)
A mild, oil-free cleanser can remove bacteria that can lead to acne and prevent clogged pores without irritating your skin.
When washing skin with acne, be very gentle. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and gently rinse it off with warm water. Rubbing, hot water, or anything else that irritates your skin can cause acne to flare.
If you aren’t able to shower, consider changing out of your workout clothes and wiping skin that tends to break out with pads that contain salicylic acid. This can prevent clogged pores.
If you have acne or acne-prone skin, following these recommendations from dermatologists can allow you to work out and see clearer skin. You’ll also want to continue treating your acne.
If you still have breakouts after trying these tips, your sports equipment or clothing might be to blame. Everything from football helmets to synthetic dance clothes can cause acne.
You’ll find out what dermatologists recommend for clearing acne caused by sports equipment or clothing at, Is your sports equipment causing your acne?
When you wash your face and other skin with acne, you’ll want to use a cleanser that is:
• Mild
• Oil free (label may say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores” instead)
A mild, oil-free cleanser can remove bacteria that can lead to acne and prevent clogged pores without irritating your skin.
When washing skin with acne, be very gentle. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and gently rinse it off with warm water. Rubbing, hot water, or anything else that irritates your skin can cause acne to flare.
If you aren’t able to shower, consider changing out of your workout clothes and wiping skin that tends to break out with pads that contain salicylic acid. This can prevent clogged pores.
If you have acne or acne-prone skin, following these recommendations from dermatologists can allow you to work out and see clearer skin. You’ll also want to continue treating your acne.
If you still have breakouts after trying these tips, your sports equipment or clothing might be to blame. Everything from football helmets to synthetic dance clothes can cause acne.
You’ll find out what dermatologists recommend for clearing acne caused by sports equipment or clothing at, Is your sports equipment causing your acne?
Image
Getty Images
Reference
Fulton JE, Acne Rx: What acne really is and how to eliminate its devastating effects! Self-published; 2001.
Getty Images
Reference
Fulton JE, Acne Rx: What acne really is and how to eliminate its devastating effects! Self-published; 2001.
ARE TRIGGERS CAUSING YOUR PSORIASIS FLARE-UPS?
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If your psoriasis seems to flare for no reason, one or more triggers could be to blame. Everyday things like stress, a bug bite, and cold temperatures can trigger psoriasis.
Triggers vary from person to person. By finding your triggers and learning how to manage them, you can gain better control of your psoriasis and have fewer flares. To find yours, you’ll have to do a bit of detective work. A good place to start is by looking at this chart of the common triggers, which also gives you signs that that it could be a trigger for you. |
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Common psoriasis triggers that can cause psoriasis flare-ups
Stress
Do you get flare-ups when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed? Stress is a common trigger.
Reduce risk of flare-ups from stress
Reduce risk of flare-ups from stress
- Find a way to manage your stress and practice it — even when you’re feeling okay. Common stress busters include yoga, meditation, and support groups.
- Before going to sleep, write down 3 things that you’re grateful for. Do this daily.
- When you start to feel stressed, take a deep breath, hold it, and exhale slowly.
- Check out what board-certified dermatologist Alexa Boer Kimball, MD, MPH, FAAD, tells her patients to help them cope with stress.
Can stress worsen psoriasis?
Skin injury
If this triggers your psoriasis, you’ll get a flare-up near (or in the same spot as) the injury or bite. This happens about 10 to 14 days after you injure your skin.
Flare-ups happen after getting a cut, scrape, sunburn, scratch, outbreak of poison ivy, bruise, or bug bite.
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from a skin injury
Flare-ups happen after getting a cut, scrape, sunburn, scratch, outbreak of poison ivy, bruise, or bug bite.
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from a skin injury
- If you injure your skin, treat it quickly.
- If your skin itches, calm the itch.
- Avoid scratching, which can trigger a flare.
- Try to avoid getting bug bites by using insect repellent and staying indoors when bugs are most active. Bugs are most active at dusk and dawn.
Drinking frequently or in excess
If you drink daily or have more than 2 drinks in a day frequently, your treatment for psoriasis may have little or no effect. Even treatment that could be effective for you may not work and you’ll continue to have flare-ups.
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from drinking
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from drinking
- Quit drinking.
- If you continue to drink, limit how much you drink in a day. Women should stop after 1 drink. Men should limit themselves to 2 drinks per day.
- Be sure to tell your dermatologist if you drink alcohol. Drinking can make it risky to take some psoriasis medications like methotrexate.
Smoking
Does your psoriasis flare unexpectedly? If you smoke or spend time with people who smoke, this could be the cause.
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from drinking
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from drinking
- Stop smoking. Because this can be difficult, ask your dermatologist or primary care doctor for help.
- Before trying a nicotine patch, ask your dermatologist whether using it could trigger your psoriasis.
- Avoid being around people who are smoking.
Dry, cold weather
If your psoriasis worsens when the humidity or temperature drops, such as in the winter or fall, this is likely a trigger for you.
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from dry, cold weather
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from dry, cold weather
- Treat your psoriasis.
- Limit showers and baths to 10 minutes and use warm rather than hot water.
- Immediately after bathing, slather on moisturizer, using a fragrance-free ointment or cream rather than a lotion.
- Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser instead of soap.
- Apply moisturizer throughout the day when your skin feels dry.
- Plug in a humidifier when the air in your home feels dry.
- Stay warm and protect your skin from extreme weather when outside by wearing a hat, gloves, waterproof boots, and a winter jacket.
- Sit far enough away from a fireplace, radiator, or other heat source so that you cannot feel the heat on your skin.
- Remove wet clothes and footwear when you come in from the cold.
- If your psoriasis continues to flare, see your dermatologist. Ask if phototherapy may be a treatment option for you in the winter.
Sunshine, warm weather
During warm weather, psoriasis can flare if you:
- Sunburn
- Spend time in air conditioning
- If you spend time in air conditioning, apply moisturizer immediately after showering or getting out of a bath.
- If your skin still feels dry from spending time in air conditioning, apply moisturizer throughout the day.
- Avoid sunburn by wearing sunscreen. You want to apply sunscreen to skin that clothing doesn’t cover and is free of psoriasis. To get the protection you need, use sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.
Infection
Psoriasis can flare 2 to 6 weeks after strep throat, an earache, bronchitis, or another infection. This is especially common in kids.
Reduce the risk of flare-ups due to infection
Reduce the risk of flare-ups due to infection
- Treat the infection. This can lessen or clear the psoriasis.
- Tell your dermatologist if you have an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, which can make some psoriasis treatments risky.
Medication
Some medications can cause a flare-up. If a medication is a trigger for you, you’ll flare 2 to 3 weeks after beginning a medication.
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from medication
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from medication
- If you think a medication is causing your psoriasis to flare, DON’T stop taking it. Ask the doctor who prescribed it whether the medicine could be causing your psoriasis to flare. If it could, ask if you could take another medication.
- Before taking a medicine for the first time, ask the doctor prescribing it if the medicine could cause psoriasis to flare. Medicines that commonly trigger psoriasis include lithium, drugs taken to prevent malaria, strong corticosteroids like prednisone (if you quit taking it rapidly instead of stepping down), medicine that treats high blood pressure and problems with your heartbeat, some arthritis medications.
Tattoos and piercings
When you get a tattoo or piercing, you injure your skin. Any time you injure your skin, psoriasis can flare.
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from tattoos and piercings
Reduce the risk of flare-ups from tattoos and piercings
- Avoid tattoos and other types of body art if you have psoriasis.
- If you want to get any type of body art, talk with your dermatologist first. Your dermatologist may be able to offer some tips that can reduce flare-ups.
Shaving
If you cut yourself while shaving, you may notice new psoriasis about 10 to 14 days later where you cut yourself.
Reduce your risk of flare-ups from shaving
Reduce your risk of flare-ups from shaving
- Take care to avoid cutting yourself while shaving.
- Dermatologists’ tip: To reduce cuts and nicks, try applying moisturizer and then shaving gel before you shave.
Images
Getty Images
References
Bergstrom, KG, Kimball AB. (2011) 100 questions & answers about psoriasis. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett.
Marks, B. “More than skin deep: Triggers, treatments, and you.” An educational session hosted by the National Psoriasis Foundation. Chicago: Presented June 20, 2015.
Murzaku EC, Bronsnick T, et al. “Diet in dermatology Part II. Melanoma, chronic urticaria, and psoriasis.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Aug;73(2):353.
Backlink to Original AAD Story- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/triggers/flares
Getty Images
References
Bergstrom, KG, Kimball AB. (2011) 100 questions & answers about psoriasis. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett.
Marks, B. “More than skin deep: Triggers, treatments, and you.” An educational session hosted by the National Psoriasis Foundation. Chicago: Presented June 20, 2015.
Murzaku EC, Bronsnick T, et al. “Diet in dermatology Part II. Melanoma, chronic urticaria, and psoriasis.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Aug;73(2):353.
Backlink to Original AAD Story- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/triggers/flares
Enforcing COVID-19
Facemask Policies in the Physician's Office
Recently, some medical practices have reported an increasing number of patients who are resisting or refusing to comply with the practice's COVID-19 facemask policies. As a result, many medical practices are reevaluating their COVID-19 facemask policies and how to enforce them.
What is the current CDC guidance on facemasks for medical practices?
While the CDC continues to generally recommend the implementation of COVID- 19 safety measures (e.g., facemasks, physical distancing and COVJD-19 screening measures), the CDC recommends medical practices and other healthcare settings review community transmission rates to determine which safety measures to implement.
With respect to facemasks, the CDC advises that it is generally safest to implement universal use of source control (i.e., facemasks) for everyone in a healthcare setting, including heqlthcare personnel, patients and visitors. Notwithstanding, certain allowances can be considered for individuals who are up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses in healthcare facilities located in counties with low to moderate community transmission. Such allowances may include permitting healthcare personnel who are up to date with all recommended COV/D- 19 vaccine doses to choose not to wear facemasks when they are in well-defined areas that are restricted from patient access, or to allow patients or visitors who are up to date with all recommended COVJD-19 vaccine doses and are not suspected of having COVID-19 (based on symptom and exposure history) to choose not to wear facemasks when in single-person rooms or other designated areas when others are not present.
Currently, the only Michigan county with low or moderate community transmission rates is Presque Isle County. All other Michigan counties have substantial or high COVID-19 community transmission rates. Current CDC COVID-19 guidance for medical practices is available here. Medical practices should continue to monitor for updates to the CDC’s guidance on facemasks and other COVID-19 safety measures.
Should medical practices eliminate facemask requirements for patients, visitors and staff?
No. Even if a medical practice is located in a county with low or moderate COVID-19 community transmission rates, consideration should be given to COVID-19 and other workplace safety standards enforced by OSHA. While OSHA has withdrawn its non-record keeping portions of the COVID-19 healthcare emergency temporary standard (ETS), OSHA continues to strongly encourage all healthcare employers to continue to implement the ETS’s requirements, including requiring facemasks, in order to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19. In addition, while OSHA is currently developing a final COVID-19 standard for the healthcare industry, OSHA retains the ability to enforce the General Duty Clause, which requires employers to keep a workplace free from recognized hazards known to cause death or serious injury.
Why are facemasks required at some medical practices and optional at other medical practices?
At this time, there is no state or federal law, regulation or order that expressly requires the use of facemasks in medical practices. For this reason, while some medical practices have continued to require facemasks as part of their COVID-19 safety measures, other medical practices have implemented policies which require facemasks only in certain circumstances (e.g., if a patient, visitor or staff member is unvaccinated) or which make facemasks optional regardless of vaccination status or community transmission rates.
Notwithstanding, to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19, guidance from the CDC and OSHA continue to recommend and encourage facemasks in healthcare facilities and other healthcare settings. In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to recommend wearing facemasks during surge and post-surge recovery phases of the COVID-19 cycle, particularly in high-risk congregate settings, such as healthcare facilities.
While medical practices should implement COVID-19 policies which best meets the needs of their practice, MSMS continues to recommend medical practices implement policies which provide the greatest amount of safety for patients, physicians and other healthcare personnel, as well as the least amount of risk for medical practices consistent with applicable laws, regulations and available guidance.
What if a patient or visitor refuses to wear a facemask?
If a medical practice requires facemasks as part of its COVID-19 safety measures and a patient or visitor objects to or refuses to wear a facemask when required, physicians should ensure its policies include a protocol for explaining the medical practice’s policies, including the CDC’s guidelines for health professionals, which may be different from guidelines for individuals, and that a patient must comply with the practice’s policies while inside the facility. Physicians should avoid using judgmental language against individuals with facemask concerns, which could negatively impact the patient’s trust and the overall physician-patient relationship. In addition, sharing facts about facemasks, as opposed to personal opinions, may be more effective.
Medical practices should also ensure that its policies include a protocol for addressing patients who become hostile or argumentative regarding the practice’s COVID-19 policies. Such protocols may include placing the patient in a room or waiting area away from patients, or if necessary and appropriate, the patient’s appointment may be rescheduled to a telehealth visit. Medical practices should avoid terminating a patient or referring the patient to another physician for treatment due to the patient’s noncompliance with the medical practices’ policies unless the physician-patient relationship has deteriorated, or other exceptional circumstances exist.
What if a patient or visitor requests a medical exemption from any facemask policies?
Medical practices are generally considered places of public accommodation and must comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act as well as Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, when enforcing the practice’s own COVID-19 policies. Physicians need to have a process to address requests by patients and visitors for exemptions from the practice’s facemask requirement or similar policies based on medical grounds and to assess whether or not reasonable accommodations are possible. Physicians should not assume that an unmasked patient or visitor cannot medically tolerate a facemask or comply with other COVID-19 policies, but physicians are permitted to accept the patient or visitor’s verbal representation to that effect. Best practices advise to not request medical documentation from the patient or visitor to determine whether the patient or visitor has a disability warranting a reasonable accommodation.
Are medical practices still immune from liability for COVID-19 claims?
Yes. Michigan law still provides immunity to persons, including physicians and medical practices, from tort civil actions arising from exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19 or conduct intended to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. However, in order to be eligible for such immunity, persons must have acted in accordance with all federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, executive orders, and agency orders related to COVID-19 that had not been denied legal effect at the time of the conduct or risk that allegedly caused harm. Such immunity applies retroactively to any claim or cause of action that accrues after March 1, 2020.
With respect to facemasks, the CDC advises that it is generally safest to implement universal use of source control (i.e., facemasks) for everyone in a healthcare setting, including heqlthcare personnel, patients and visitors. Notwithstanding, certain allowances can be considered for individuals who are up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses in healthcare facilities located in counties with low to moderate community transmission. Such allowances may include permitting healthcare personnel who are up to date with all recommended COV/D- 19 vaccine doses to choose not to wear facemasks when they are in well-defined areas that are restricted from patient access, or to allow patients or visitors who are up to date with all recommended COVJD-19 vaccine doses and are not suspected of having COVID-19 (based on symptom and exposure history) to choose not to wear facemasks when in single-person rooms or other designated areas when others are not present.
Currently, the only Michigan county with low or moderate community transmission rates is Presque Isle County. All other Michigan counties have substantial or high COVID-19 community transmission rates. Current CDC COVID-19 guidance for medical practices is available here. Medical practices should continue to monitor for updates to the CDC’s guidance on facemasks and other COVID-19 safety measures.
Should medical practices eliminate facemask requirements for patients, visitors and staff?
No. Even if a medical practice is located in a county with low or moderate COVID-19 community transmission rates, consideration should be given to COVID-19 and other workplace safety standards enforced by OSHA. While OSHA has withdrawn its non-record keeping portions of the COVID-19 healthcare emergency temporary standard (ETS), OSHA continues to strongly encourage all healthcare employers to continue to implement the ETS’s requirements, including requiring facemasks, in order to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19. In addition, while OSHA is currently developing a final COVID-19 standard for the healthcare industry, OSHA retains the ability to enforce the General Duty Clause, which requires employers to keep a workplace free from recognized hazards known to cause death or serious injury.
Why are facemasks required at some medical practices and optional at other medical practices?
At this time, there is no state or federal law, regulation or order that expressly requires the use of facemasks in medical practices. For this reason, while some medical practices have continued to require facemasks as part of their COVID-19 safety measures, other medical practices have implemented policies which require facemasks only in certain circumstances (e.g., if a patient, visitor or staff member is unvaccinated) or which make facemasks optional regardless of vaccination status or community transmission rates.
Notwithstanding, to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19, guidance from the CDC and OSHA continue to recommend and encourage facemasks in healthcare facilities and other healthcare settings. In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to recommend wearing facemasks during surge and post-surge recovery phases of the COVID-19 cycle, particularly in high-risk congregate settings, such as healthcare facilities.
While medical practices should implement COVID-19 policies which best meets the needs of their practice, MSMS continues to recommend medical practices implement policies which provide the greatest amount of safety for patients, physicians and other healthcare personnel, as well as the least amount of risk for medical practices consistent with applicable laws, regulations and available guidance.
What if a patient or visitor refuses to wear a facemask?
If a medical practice requires facemasks as part of its COVID-19 safety measures and a patient or visitor objects to or refuses to wear a facemask when required, physicians should ensure its policies include a protocol for explaining the medical practice’s policies, including the CDC’s guidelines for health professionals, which may be different from guidelines for individuals, and that a patient must comply with the practice’s policies while inside the facility. Physicians should avoid using judgmental language against individuals with facemask concerns, which could negatively impact the patient’s trust and the overall physician-patient relationship. In addition, sharing facts about facemasks, as opposed to personal opinions, may be more effective.
Medical practices should also ensure that its policies include a protocol for addressing patients who become hostile or argumentative regarding the practice’s COVID-19 policies. Such protocols may include placing the patient in a room or waiting area away from patients, or if necessary and appropriate, the patient’s appointment may be rescheduled to a telehealth visit. Medical practices should avoid terminating a patient or referring the patient to another physician for treatment due to the patient’s noncompliance with the medical practices’ policies unless the physician-patient relationship has deteriorated, or other exceptional circumstances exist.
What if a patient or visitor requests a medical exemption from any facemask policies?
Medical practices are generally considered places of public accommodation and must comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act as well as Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, when enforcing the practice’s own COVID-19 policies. Physicians need to have a process to address requests by patients and visitors for exemptions from the practice’s facemask requirement or similar policies based on medical grounds and to assess whether or not reasonable accommodations are possible. Physicians should not assume that an unmasked patient or visitor cannot medically tolerate a facemask or comply with other COVID-19 policies, but physicians are permitted to accept the patient or visitor’s verbal representation to that effect. Best practices advise to not request medical documentation from the patient or visitor to determine whether the patient or visitor has a disability warranting a reasonable accommodation.
Are medical practices still immune from liability for COVID-19 claims?
Yes. Michigan law still provides immunity to persons, including physicians and medical practices, from tort civil actions arising from exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19 or conduct intended to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. However, in order to be eligible for such immunity, persons must have acted in accordance with all federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, executive orders, and agency orders related to COVID-19 that had not been denied legal effect at the time of the conduct or risk that allegedly caused harm. Such immunity applies retroactively to any claim or cause of action that accrues after March 1, 2020.
CAN COVID-19 CAUSE HAIR LOSS?
People develop noticeable hair loss after recovering from COVID-19
Months after recovering from COVID-19, many people find that their hair is falling out in large clumps. If we’ve learned anything from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s to expect the unexpected. The hair loss that many people develop, however, may not be so unexpected. Here’s why.
Temporary hair loss is normal after a fever or illness
Fever is a common symptom of COVID-19. A few months after having a high fever or recovering from an illness, many people see noticeable hair loss.
While many people think of this as hair loss, it’s actually hair shedding. The medical name for this type of hair shedding is telogen effluvium. It happens when more hairs than normal enter the shedding (telogen) phase of the hair growth lifecycle at the same time. A fever or illness can force more hairs into the shedding phase. Most people see noticeable hair shedding two to three months after having a fever or illness. Handfuls of hair can come out when you shower or brush your hair. This hair shedding can last for six to nine months before it stops. Most people then see their hair start to look normal again and stop shedding. |
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Telogen effluvium causes noticeable hair shedding
Telogen effluvium causes noticeable hair shedding, but that’s all you should experience. If you have a rash, itchy scalp, or burning, something other than telogen effluvium is likely causing your hair loss, and it’s time to see a dermatologist.
Stress can cause temporary hair shedding
Even if you never developed a fever or COVID-19, you may still see hair shedding. Emotional stress can also force more hairs than normal into the shedding phase. And who isn’t feeling more stressed and anxious during the pandemic?
Again, the hair shedding begins about two to three months after the stress starts.
While seeing your hair fall out in clumps can add to your stress, it’s important to try to de-stress. Only when the stress ends will the excessive hair shedding stop.
Again, the hair shedding begins about two to three months after the stress starts.
While seeing your hair fall out in clumps can add to your stress, it’s important to try to de-stress. Only when the stress ends will the excessive hair shedding stop.
Hair tends to return to normal on its own
When the cause of your hair shedding is due to a fever, illness, or stress, hair tends to return to normal on its own. You just have to give it time. As your hair grows back, you’ll notice short hairs that are all the same length by your hairline. Most people see their hair regain its normal fullness within six to nine months.
If you suspect that your hair loss is caused by something more than telogen effluvium from stress or a fever, talk with a hair-loss expert, a dermatologist.
If you suspect that your hair loss is caused by something more than telogen effluvium from stress or a fever, talk with a hair-loss expert, a dermatologist.
Related AAD resources
Reference
Sperling LC. “Alopeica.” In: Fitzpatrick JE, Morelli JG. Dermatology Secrets Plus (fifth edition). Elsevier, China, 2016:179-84.
5 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PRECANCEROUS SKIN GROWTHS
If your dermatologist tells you that you have a precancerous skin growth, it means one thing. Your skin has been badly damaged by the sun, indoor tanning, or both. The good news is that it’s not too late to do something about this damage and protect your health.
To do this, it helps to understand these 5 facts about precancerous skin growths, which your dermatologist may refer to as actinic keratoses (AKs) or solar keratoses.
To do this, it helps to understand these 5 facts about precancerous skin growths, which your dermatologist may refer to as actinic keratoses (AKs) or solar keratoses.
- Treatment can prevent a precancerous skin growth from progressing to skin cancer. Some precancerous skin growths go on to become a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. There’s no way for your dermatologist to know which ones will progress to skin cancer.
When you get rid of an AK, it cannot go on to become skin cancer. - Treatment can relieve symptoms, such as itching or tenderness. Some AKs feel tender. An AK can also itch or bleed. When you get rid of the AKs, you get rid of the symptoms.
- Some people need multiple and repeat treatments. When you think of treating a precancerous spot on your skin, you probably envision going to your dermatologist’s office for a one-time treatment; however, some people need more involved treatment.
If you have severely sun-damaged skin, you may have many AKs. Some of these AKs, you may be able to feel on your skin but not see. These hidden AKs can feel gritty. Some people say they feel like spots of sandpaper on the skin.
To treat both the visible and hidden AKs, your dermatologist may recommend that you have more than one type of treatment.
Your treatment plan many involve going to your dermatologist’s office for a treatment, such as cryotherapy or a specialized light treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT). You may also need to apply medication at home.
By using more than one treatment, you can treat both the visible and hidden AKs. This reduces the amount of time that you need to treat the AKs and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. - Sun protection delivers big benefits. Many people who have precancerous skin growths are surprised to learn that they need to protect their skin from the sun. They often think that the damage is done, so what’s the point.
If you have a precancerous skin growth, protecting your skin from the sun offers two big benefits: 1) It helps to prevent the sun from causing further damage to your skin, which could lead to more precancerous growths or skin cancer, and 2) It gives your body a chance to repair some of the damage to your skin.
If you’re unsure about how to protect your skin, you can learn what to do at Prevent skin cancer. - Lifelong skin cancer exams can be life-saving. Having just one precancerous skin growth means that the sun, indoor tanning, or both have badly damaged your skin. As such, you have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Getting your skin examined by a board-certified dermatologist helps to find precancerous skin growths and skin cancer early when they’re highly treatable.
Your dermatologist can tell you tell you often you should come in for a skin exam and how often you should examine your skin at home.
Looks can be deceptive
Precancerous skin growths may look harmless. As you now know, their looks can be deceptive. Following your dermatologist’s recommendations can help protect your skin and your health.
Precancerous skin growths may look harmless
These arrows point to precancerous skin growths that are barely noticeable.
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Related AAD resources |
HOW TO REMOVE A TICK AND PREVENT FUTURE BITES
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Ticks are small, insect-like creatures that live in heavily-wooded or grassy areas. If you walk through these areas, they can attach to your skin and feed on your blood. Although most ticks do not carry disease, some can cause serious illness, such as Lyme disease, Powassan virus, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To prevent infection, it’s important to remove a tick from your skin as soon as you notice it.
To remove a tick that is attached to your skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
Use tweezers to remove the tick. Sterilize the tip of the tweezers using rubbing alcohol and grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting, squeezing or crushing the tick, as this can cause its head or mouth to break off and remain in your skin. If this happens, use tweezers to remove the remaining parts. If you cannot remove the rest of the tick, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Dispose of the tick. Place it in a sealed bag or container; submerse the tick in alcohol; or wrap it tightly in tape. You may also want to save the tick in a sealed jar. That way, if you develop any symptoms after the bite, the tick can be tested for disease.
Clean the bite area with soap and water.
Ticks can bite at any time, however they’re most active in April through September. Fortunately, there are many things people can do to protect themselves and their families against ticks.
To prevent tick bites, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
Walk in the center of trails. Avoid walking through heavily-wooded and brushy areas with tall grass.
If you must walk through heavily-wooded areas, wear long pants and long sleeves. Pull your socks up over your pants, and tuck your shirt into your pants to prevent ticks from crawling up your body. It’s also a good idea to wear light-colored clothes so that ticks can be spotted easily.
Use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Make sure to follow the product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, making sure to avoid the hands, eyes and mouth.
Examine your skin after spending time in heavily-wooded or brushy areas. Conduct a full-body tick check to make sure that no ticks are crawling on you. Since ticks prefer warm, moist areas, be sure to check your armpits, groin and hair. You should also check your children, pets and any gear you used outside.
If you develop any symptoms within a few weeks after a tick bite, such as a rash, fever or body aches, see a board-certified dermatologist. Make sure you tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred and where you most likely acquired the tick.
To remove a tick that is attached to your skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
Use tweezers to remove the tick. Sterilize the tip of the tweezers using rubbing alcohol and grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting, squeezing or crushing the tick, as this can cause its head or mouth to break off and remain in your skin. If this happens, use tweezers to remove the remaining parts. If you cannot remove the rest of the tick, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Dispose of the tick. Place it in a sealed bag or container; submerse the tick in alcohol; or wrap it tightly in tape. You may also want to save the tick in a sealed jar. That way, if you develop any symptoms after the bite, the tick can be tested for disease.
Clean the bite area with soap and water.
Ticks can bite at any time, however they’re most active in April through September. Fortunately, there are many things people can do to protect themselves and their families against ticks.
To prevent tick bites, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
Walk in the center of trails. Avoid walking through heavily-wooded and brushy areas with tall grass.
If you must walk through heavily-wooded areas, wear long pants and long sleeves. Pull your socks up over your pants, and tuck your shirt into your pants to prevent ticks from crawling up your body. It’s also a good idea to wear light-colored clothes so that ticks can be spotted easily.
Use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Make sure to follow the product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, making sure to avoid the hands, eyes and mouth.
Examine your skin after spending time in heavily-wooded or brushy areas. Conduct a full-body tick check to make sure that no ticks are crawling on you. Since ticks prefer warm, moist areas, be sure to check your armpits, groin and hair. You should also check your children, pets and any gear you used outside.
If you develop any symptoms within a few weeks after a tick bite, such as a rash, fever or body aches, see a board-certified dermatologist. Make sure you tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred and where you most likely acquired the tick.
HOW TO PREVENT SKIN PROBLEMS WHILE GARDENING
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HOW TO PREVENT SKIN PROBLEMS WHILE GARDENINGAlthough gardening can be an enjoyable activity for many, it can take a turn for the worse if you injure yourself, come into contact with a poisonous plant, or have an allergic reaction. To prevent skin problems from gardening or yardwork, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists.
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The grass under Tim’s hedges desperately needed trimming, so one summer day he tackled the job. He never suspected that 36 hours later he’d be in the emergency room with a painful, blistering rash.
The doctor who examined him noticed that the rash appeared only on Tim’s hands, neck, and parts of his arms. Tim said that while he was trimming his grass, he was wearing a short-sleeved shirt.
After a few more questions, Tim’s doctor gave him the diagnosis — phytophotodermatitis. While the name is anything but simple, the cause is straightforward.
Tim got plant sap on his skin. When sunlight hit the sap on Tim’s bare skin, a chemical reaction occurred. This reaction causes a painful, blistering rash. It can take hours — or even a few days — for the rash to appear.
Injuries like this are more common than you may think. By taking a few precautions, you can prevent many injuries due to gardening or yardwork.
The doctor who examined him noticed that the rash appeared only on Tim’s hands, neck, and parts of his arms. Tim said that while he was trimming his grass, he was wearing a short-sleeved shirt.
After a few more questions, Tim’s doctor gave him the diagnosis — phytophotodermatitis. While the name is anything but simple, the cause is straightforward.
Tim got plant sap on his skin. When sunlight hit the sap on Tim’s bare skin, a chemical reaction occurred. This reaction causes a painful, blistering rash. It can take hours — or even a few days — for the rash to appear.
Injuries like this are more common than you may think. By taking a few precautions, you can prevent many injuries due to gardening or yardwork.
Prevent a rash while gardeningTim could have prevented his rash by wearing gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and sunscreen while trimming the grass
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9 ways to protect your skin while gardening
Dermatologists recommend the following while gardening:
1. Cover Up When working with plants, everything from the plant’s sap to its thorns or spines can injure your skin. Touching certain plants can cause an allergic skin reaction. The best way to protect yourself is to cover your skin. When working with plants, dermatologists recommend wearing:
1. Cover Up When working with plants, everything from the plant’s sap to its thorns or spines can injure your skin. Touching certain plants can cause an allergic skin reaction. The best way to protect yourself is to cover your skin. When working with plants, dermatologists recommend wearing:
- Gloves
- Shirt with long sleeves
- Pants
- Socks
- Shoes that cover your feet, such as running shoes
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- Use sunscreen. To protect your skin from the sun, you’ll also want to apply sunscreen that offers:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 30 or higher
- Water-resistance
Covering up and using sunscreen can also help to reduce your risk of getting sunburn, skin cancer, and early signs of skin aging, including age spots and wrinkles. - Avoid gardening when the sun is strongest. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. When possible, dermatologists recommend staying indoors during these hours.
If you must garden during these hours, try to stay in the shade. This will also reduce your risk of heat stroke, heat rash, and skin cancer. - Take precautions to avoid bug bites. You can prevent many injuries and illnesses due to bugs by:
- Spraying insect repellent with DEET on your clothing once you’re outdoors
- Avoiding gardening and yardwork during dawn and dusk, which is when bugs are most active
- Flicking a bug off rather than killing it, which can prevent the bug from biting or stinging
- Checking your skin from head to toe for ticks when you finish gardening, being sure to check the skin between your toes, hairline, and underarms
- Read labels on pest control products, plant foods, and fertilizers before using them. Many gardening products that we use from insecticides to weed killers can cause injuries ranging from a mild rash to severe burns. In rare cases, people have developed life-threatening injuries.
Following all precautions on the label can help prevent these injuries. For example, when the label calls for a respirator, use one or don’t use the product.
When using fertilizer, wear gloves. After using a fertilizer, immediately and thoroughly wash your hands.
Protect your skin while gardeningGloves help prevent dirt from settling in the lines of your hands, dry skin, and peeling nails.
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- Avoid touching your face while gardening. You could get plant sap or something else on your face, which might injure you.
If you need to wipe away sweat, keep a clean washcloth handy. Use it to blot your face dry. - Treat wounds right away. If you have a minor injury, such as a puncture wound from a thorn, it can be tempting to ignore it and keep working. Don’t. Even a minor wound can become infected.
To prevent an infection, immediately treat your wound as follows:- Wash the wound with soap and water
- Apply an antibiotic ointment
- Cover the wound with a bandage
- Keep the wound clean by changing into clean gloves and clothing before you continue
- Clean the wound and change the bandage every day until the wound heals
- Skip foods and drinks that contain citrus — or follow this precaution. When citrus juice gets on your skin, it can react with sunlight and can cause a blistering rash or painful swelling. Foods that contain citrus include lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges.
Use caution around foods and drinks that contain citrusYou can prevent the swelling and pain due to citrus juice mixing with sunlight by doing one of the following:
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- Shower when you finish gardening and change into clean clothes. Sap, pollen, and other parts of plants can get on your clothes and skin. To protect your skin, shower and put on clean clothes immediately after gardening.
Make sure you also machine wash the clothes that you wore while gardening before wearing them again.
When to see a board-certified dermatologist
While many skin problems caused by gardening can be prevented, an injury can still occur. You can treat most skin injuries at home by:
- Cleaning and caring for wounds right away
- Treating itchy or irritated skin with a cortisone cream
- Alleviating allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes and sneezing, by taking an antihistamine
10 Surprising Facts About Indoor Tanning
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Skin Cancer Information
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Sunscreen Frequently asked Questions
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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac:
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Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac:
How To Treat the Rash
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How to Care for Dry, Cracked HeelsIt’s easy for the skin on your feet to become dry and cracked, especially in the winter. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to treat dry, cracked heels at home and prevent them from coming back.
To care for dry, cracked heels, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists.
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Is Your Workout Causing Your Acne?How to prevent acne caused by workouts.
Working out can cause excessive sweating, as well as a buildup of oil, dirt, and bacteria on your skin -all of which can lead to acne. However, you don't have to quit exercising in order to see clearer skin. The key is to maintain proper hygiene before, during, and after your workouts. Do you suspect that your workout is causing (or worsening) your acne? You could be right. ff your workout is the culprit, you don't have to stop exercising. You can continue to play sports, take your favorite exercise class, or hit the gym and still see clearer skin. Here's what dermatologists recommend. |
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Your Winter Skin Survival KitAs 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. |
