WHAT IS ACNE? Part 1

A lot is known.  It is due to the interaction between the oil glands in the skin and the male hormone, testosterone.  That is why we don't get it until after puberty: our testosterone is not high enough. 

The problem is, however, not with the testosterone (except in females with polycystic ovaries or those males supplementing) but in the genetic table set in the oil glands - when stimulated by testosterone they produce excessive oils (at least deep in the pores).

These excessive oils are digested by bacteria, corynebacterium acne; the free fatty acid produced from the digestion then irritates the nearby hair follicles yielding an abnormal product, parakeratin, which clogs the pores. Blackheads and whiteheads (grade 1 acne) are composed of parakeratin. Retinoids topically help prevent parakeratin.

More about retinoids, stages 2, 3, and 4 (zits - big & small) and rationales of treatment in ACNE Part 2 - coming soon to a computer screen near you!

Skin Cancer Rates Soar In US Hispanics

New research shows the importance of wearing sunscreen/protective clothing and having regular mole checks for all skin types.  Skin Cancer Rates Soar In US Hispanics - SkinCancer.org

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What Causes Eczema And What To Do About It.

WHAT IS ECZEMA (DERMATITIS)?

Simply it is a red scaling (rarely, it is blistering) conditioning of the skin that is normally itchy but not contagious. The two most common types are contact eczema and atopic eczema.

Contact occurs only where someone is in contact with the substance to which they are allergic. Common examples are jewelry (nickel) and plant dermatitis (poison oak, etc.).

Atopic eczema is genetic, often beginning at around 18 months and continuing for decades, though it often abates in middle age. It may involve the entire body, though the classic areas are behind the elbows and knees. There are effective topical and systemic treatments for both types of eczema.

Press Announcements FDA approves Botox Cosmetic to improve the appearance of crow’s feet lines

Press Announcements FDA approves Botox Cosmetic to improve the appearance of crow’s feet lines

14 Wild Ways People Soothe Their Sunburns – An infographic by the team at ZocDoc

Screening for Cancer - Early Detection

Ms. Angelina Jolie’s recent decision to prophylactically have a double mastectomy reminds us of the high level of concern regarding breast cancer.

In part, implicit in her decision is the accurate understanding that screening mammograms may not be efficient at identifying the most virulent breast cancers when they are potentially curable.  Mammograms are best at identifying breast cancer tissue types where later diagnosis would only minimally affect prognosis.

Malignant melanomas are quite different from the above scenario; early diagnosis almost uniformly dictates long term cure.  In the case of melanomas (and also colonoscopy diagnoses which also save lives) we can identify early signs in pigmented growths which allows us to remove them in a curative stage. Yearly full cutaneous exams with your dermatologist are a smart thing to do.