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Dermatology

All articles tagged with #dermatology

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Common Skin Cancer That Often Slips By
health10 days ago

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Common Skin Cancer That Often Slips By

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer and often looks like a pimple or dry patch, which can cause it to be missed; it's usually slow-growing but can invade nearby tissue if not treated; early detection through self-checks like the ugly duckling sign and routine dermatologic exams improves outcomes; treatment varies by lesion type and may include Mohs surgery for higher-risk cancers, with high cure rates and options like creams or light-based therapies; prevention focuses on sun protection and discussing additional measures with a doctor for high-risk individuals.

Daily Sunscreen May Help Rewind Sun-Damaged Skin
health13 days ago

Daily Sunscreen May Help Rewind Sun-Damaged Skin

Dermatologists say regular, daily sunscreen use can reduce sun damage and improve skin texture and tone over time, potentially making skin look younger by enabling its natural repair processes; it won’t undo deep wrinkles, so consistency and using it with other anti-aging products (like retinol and vitamin C) are important, along with reapplication and sun protection through shade and avoidance of peak UV.

Daily Sunscreen Could Help Turn Back Skin Aging, Say Dermatologists
health13 days ago

Daily Sunscreen Could Help Turn Back Skin Aging, Say Dermatologists

Dermatologists say that consistent, daily sunscreen use can reverse some sun damage over time and help skin look younger by improving texture and reducing dark spots, with mineral sunscreens often favored. They note UV exposure accelerates aging, so wearing SPF every day (even indoors or in cars) is key and can be combined with other anti‑aging products like retinol and vitamin C. However, sunscreen won’t erase deep wrinkles, but it can slow aging signs with regular use.

Metformin for granuloma annulare lacks proof, while a practical delirium-prevention plan guides care
health14 days ago

Metformin for granuloma annulare lacks proof, while a practical delirium-prevention plan guides care

The column explains that using metformin to treat granuloma annulare has no proven benefit yet, despite a 2026 study proposing possible mechanisms; while metformin is low-risk, it isn’t recommended without solid evidence, with standard dermatologic options including steroids, UV therapy, and, in severe cases, medicines like methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine, and emerging JAK inhibitors. The piece also outlines a comprehensive delirium-prevention plan for older patients after planned procedures, emphasizing family involvement, maintaining orientation with glasses/hearing aids and a clock, familiar objects, keeping the room well-lit during the day and dark at night, encouraging mobility, avoiding restraints, safe pain management, adequate nutrition and hydration, and careful medical monitoring to minimize delirium risk.

Cheeky Bikinis, Big Sun Risks: Dermatologists Warn UV-Naive Skin Needs Protection
health19 days ago

Cheeky Bikinis, Big Sun Risks: Dermatologists Warn UV-Naive Skin Needs Protection

Dermatologists warn that minimal-coverage bikini cuts expose skin that has rarely or never seen sun (such as the lower buttocks and posterior thighs), potentially increasing melanoma risk as intermittent, high-intensity UV exposure replaces prior patterns. Past studies linked bikini wear to higher trunk melanoma risk and show that melanoma risk tracks clothing and activity, with UV-naive skin possibly following distinct cancer pathways. Misinformation about sun safety among Gen Z and ongoing fashion trends make full-body skin checks and precautionary sunscreen or UPF coverups especially important, with case examples of melanoma arising in unexamined, sun-exposed areas.

Shield Your Skin On The Road: Easy Sun-Safety Gear For Driving
health27 days ago

Shield Your Skin On The Road: Easy Sun-Safety Gear For Driving

UV rays can reach skin through car windows and accumulate during everyday driving, contributing to skin cancer risk even with a windshield in place. The article notes side windows offer less protection and suggests simple, on-the-go protection: SPF 30 body lotion, SPF 30 lip balm, UV 400 sunglasses, UPF 50+ driving gloves or arm sleeves, a sun hoodie, a neck gaiter, a removable sunshade, a convertible visor, and a sun shawl, all presented with shopping options. It cites the American Academy of Dermatology on skin cancer being the most common US cancer and emphasizes that routine, road-time sun exposure adds up over time.

Psoriasis Flags Increased Heart Risk, Dermatologists Warn
health1 month ago

Psoriasis Flags Increased Heart Risk, Dermatologists Warn

A dermatologist explains that psoriasis is not just a skin condition but an inflammatory disease recognized as a risk-enhancing factor for heart attacks and strokes, especially when severe. The link involves metabolic syndrome and fat-tissue inflammation; not all inflammatory skin conditions carry the same risk. Doctors recommend regular blood pressure checks and lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, avoiding smoking, adequate sleep) to mitigate cardiovascular risk, while skincare basics emphasize gentle, fragrance-free products.

Beat the Heat: Quick Strategies for Heat Rash and Sun Poisoning
health1 month ago

Beat the Heat: Quick Strategies for Heat Rash and Sun Poisoning

Dermatologists explain that heat rash (miliaria) happens when sweat ducts are blocked and it’s different from a sunburn. To treat and prevent heat rash, stay cool and dry, wear breathable clothing (including UPF hats/swimwear), avoid heavy creams that can clog sweat ducts, and use a gentle antibacterial cleanser with a topical hydrocortisone if itchy. Sun poisoning isn’t a formal diagnosis but signifies a very severe sunburn with fever, chills, nausea and dehydration; prevent and treat it with SPF 30+ sunscreen reapplied every two hours, seek shade during peak sun, stay hydrated with electrolyte packets, and seek urgent medical care if symptoms worsen or blisters appear. The piece also notes helpful products like Banana Boat SPF 50, DripDrop hydration packets, Ponyflo Sunblocker hat, Jisulife handheld fan, and Cortizone 10 anti-itch cream.

Heat Rash Decoded: Quick, Safe Remedies for Summer Skin
health1 month ago

Heat Rash Decoded: Quick, Safe Remedies for Summer Skin

Heat rash (miliaria) occurs when sweat ducts are blocked, causing itchy bumps after heat or friction. Relief comes from cooling the skin and removing triggers: cool showers, breathable clothing, and keeping areas dry; OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream and calamine can ease itching, while heavy moisturizers should be avoided. For facial rash, simplify your skincare and skip heavy makeup or acids. To prevent recurrence, change out of sweaty clothes promptly, wear breathable fabrics, and consider light powders or a mild hypochlorous spray; most cases improve within a few days to a week.

Routine Pelvic Exam Uncovers Rare Vulvar Melanoma
health1 month ago

Routine Pelvic Exam Uncovers Rare Vulvar Melanoma

A routine pelvic exam revealed a gray spot near the vulva that a dermatologist biopsied, confirming an in situ vulvar melanoma. After navigating multiple departments to find a surgeon who could remove it with clear margins, the lesion was excised and the patient now has a very low recurrence risk with regular follow-ups. The story underscores the value of including vulvar skin checks in routine exams and being proactive about unusual spots in sensitive areas.

Makeup Wipes Aren't Real Cleansers, Dermatologists Say—Try Gentler Alternatives
health1 month ago

Makeup Wipes Aren't Real Cleansers, Dermatologists Say—Try Gentler Alternatives

Dermatologists say makeup wipes don’t actually cleanse the skin; they move makeup and debris around and can irritate the skin with friction, preservatives and fragrance, potentially weakening the skin barrier over time. For a proper cleanse, use a gentle makeup remover or cleansing balm/oil, then double-cleanse with a mild cleanser, and consider eye-makeup removal with a gentle lotion on a cotton pad. Alternatives include micellar water, reusable cloths, cleansing balms, and plant-based cleansers. Environmentally, wipes are single-use and often nonbiodegradable or nonrecyclable; choose alcohol-free/fragrance-free or biodegradable options when possible.

Dermatologist's Personal Vigilance for Early Skin-Cancer Detection
health1 month ago

Dermatologist's Personal Vigilance for Early Skin-Cancer Detection

Dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry stresses her own routine of monthly self-checks, scalp inspections with help from a hairstylist, and photo comparisons to spot melanoma and other skin cancers early. She watches for the ABCDE signs, ugly-duckling moles, nail streaks, and changes in new or existing spots, while advocating sunscreen use and new UVA-covering options like Bemotrizinol to improve prevention.

Watch for a New Pigment Spot: Dermatologists Warn About the Early Sign of Skin Cancer
health1 month ago

Watch for a New Pigment Spot: Dermatologists Warn About the Early Sign of Skin Cancer

Dermatologists say the most commonly missed early sign of skin cancer is a new pigmented spot that looks like a mole or freckle. Changes in existing moles matter, but a new lesion can be the first clue, so see a dermatologist if you notice one. Protect your skin from UV exposure with SPF 50+ and protective clothing, especially during peak sun hours. A family history or fair skin increases risk, so annual (or higher-risk) skin checks are advised. Early detection dramatically improves melanoma survival (about 99% five-year survival when caught early, vs. 68% after it has spread).

Beyond Minoxidil: A multi-modal guide to boosting hair growth
health2 months ago

Beyond Minoxidil: A multi-modal guide to boosting hair growth

Minoxidil remains effective but requires ongoing use and can cause scalp irritation or unwanted facial hair; experts review alternatives such as low-dose oral minoxidil, mesotherapy, rosemary oil, copper peptides, low-level laser therapy, PRP, saw palmetto, microneedling, ketoconazole shampoo, caffeine-based products, stem-cell therapies, and Regenera activa. These options often work best as part of a multi-modal plan that supports scalp health and the follicle environment rather than replacing minoxidil outright. Always consult a clinician for personalized guidance, and be aware of safety considerations like hormonal effects and pet toxicity from topical minoxidil.