Medical Review By: Rachelle Lacey, MD Everyone’s skin is different — dry versus oily, thick versus thin, light versus dark. African American skin is different from Caucasian skin in that the top layer contains more pigment, called melanin. But the differences don’t end there. Certain gene mutations more common in Blacks mean that certain
[Read More]8 Common Skin Conditions in Elderly Adults
Medical Review By: Ted Schiff, MD Like every part of the body, the skin changes with age. The teen years bring dreaded pimples. Middle age brings telltale wrinkles. In elderly adults, skin conditions may become more numerous — and more noticeable — as the skin continues to thin and lose fat, elasticity, and moisture.
[Read More]What to Know about Varicose Veins and Diabetes
Medical Review By: Luke Maj, MD, MHA Does diabetes cause varicose veins? If not, is there a connection between varicose veins and diabetes? It’s true – diabetes can affect the whole body. High blood sugar that builds up in the blood can damage organs and weaken blood vessels. The lining of the blood vessels
[Read More]Why Diabetes Can Cause Dry, Itchy Skin
Medical Review By: Richard Levine, MD If you have diabetes, you may know it can affect your heart, kidneys and nerves, particularly if the disease is poorly controlled. But did you know it can also cause dry, itchy skin? An estimated 79% of people who have diabetes mellitus, the most common form, experience skin
[Read More]Are Chemical Peels Safe?
If you’re tired of seeing fine lines, acne scars, sun spots, or dark patches every time you look in the mirror, you may be considering getting a chemical peel. In this procedure, a mixture of acids is applied to the skin to slough off the top layers and reveal the smoother, more even-toned skin beneath.
[Read More]Can You Do a Chemical Peel at Home?
Medical Review By: Shawna Sopher, LME Whether you shop for skin care products at your dermatologist’s office, a high-end beauty store or your local pharmacy, you’ve probably noticed that nearly every brand now offers a chemical peel you can do yourself at home. The promises seem almost too good to be true: Just apply as
[Read More]What’s the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis?
Medical Review By: Ted Schiff, MD If you have bothersome patches of itchy, red skin, you want relief. But first you need to know what’s causing the problem. If you’ve ruled out insect bites, poison ivy and other types of allergic contact dermatitis, then eczema or psoriasis may be likely contenders. These skin problems can look
[Read More]Is Shingles Contagious to Kids?
Medical Review By: Ted Schiff, MD Shingles is miserable. The painful, fluid-filled blisters can last weeks before they crust over and disappear, and in some people, nerve pain lasts even longer. If you have shingles, you probably wouldn’t wish it on anyone. While you’re waiting for the outbreak to end, if you have children or
[Read More]Is Sun Good for Acne?
If you’re constantly battling pimples due to acne, it’s tempting to try just about anything to get rid of them. Some people believe lying out in the sun will help. The thinking goes that sunlight will dry out the oil in the skin and/or prevent oil production, resulting in clearer skin. Sounds logical, right? After
[Read More]How to Prevent Head Lice
Fall bring cooler weather, shorter days, and something else: head lice. It’s peak season for the spread of these tiny, scalp-infesting insects. And while cases of head lice aren’t quite as universal as the common cold, American kids between the ages of 3 and 11 experience 6 million to 12 million of them per year.
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