Skin Conditions

FROSTBITE

Millions of Americans will take to the outdoors this winter. The health benefits of winter sports are numerous. The release of endorphins elevate mood and help ward off "cabin fever." Engaging in winter sports burns more calories than equivalent warm weather activites as it takes more energy for the body to maintain its body temperature in colder environments. But exposure to cold temperature, wind and wet weather may lead to freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, a condition called "frostbite."

ABOUT ACNE

Acne is a chronic condition caused when hair follicles become plugged with dead skin cells and oil (secreted from an attached sebaceous gland.) Although acne most commonly appears in puberty, it can be experienced in adults, as well. Acne typically appears on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, the areas with the largest number of oil glands. Acne can take several forms.

Noninflammatory lesions:

Comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) form when hair follicles become clogged and blocked by oil secretions and dead skin cells.

POISON IVY

Poison Ivy, also known as rhus dermatitis, is caused from an allergic reaction to the oil resin, urushiol, found in the leaves, stems and roots of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It is very common in the summer months. 

SPIDER VEINS

Spider veins are those small weblike networks of red, purple and blue vessels that are easily visible through the skin and found most commonly on the legs and ankles. Women are more susceptible than men to develop them and those with blood relatives with spider veins are more predisposed to developing these roadmap veins.  Heredity seems to play an important role in the development of spider veins. There is little scientific evidence that crossing the legs causes spider veins.

CRACKED HEELS

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are experienced by over 20% of US adults over age 21. More common in women than men, this condition is often nothing more than a cosmetic nuisance. Deep "heel fissures" however, can develop and be quite painful. In rare cases, heel fissures may lead to infection.

The ABCDE Melanoma Checklist

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. And although malignant melanoma only accounts for about 1% of all skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. Malignant melanoma can be found anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the backs of men and on the legs of women. Do monthly self-skin examinations and examine your entire body surface including in between your toes.

Use the ABCDE checklist to evaluate your moles:

STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks (striae distensae) are pink, red or purple indented streaks that most commonly appear on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs. They are not a significant medical problem but can cause emotional distress in those affected. Although they eventually fade to a white or gray color, it is rare that they completely dissappear. 

COVID ARM

COVID ARM: A NEWLY REPORTED DELAYED REACTION RASH

Common reactions after receiving the Moderna vaccine include injection site soreness, general fatigue and headache. These symptoms usually resolved within 2 to 3 days.

HANGNAILS

Hangnails are not nails at all, but little triangular pieces of skin at the edge of a fingernail that occassionally bleed and, are often, quite irritating. They are more common in the winter due to dry skin from the cold winter air but harsh chemicals, nail biting, and excessive hand washing can also cause the development of hangnails. If not properly cared for, hangnails can be the site at which bacteria enters the skin and causes an infection around the nail cuticle.

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